Tuesday, June 08, 2004
Match Analysis: Parra with passion
The most pleasing aspect of Saturday night for 1Eyed Eel was not the superb job Wade McKinnon did at fullback, the second consecutive half century of tackles for Daniel Wagon or the impressive form of Michael Vella. Rather it was the scenes in the dressing shed after the game with all players singing, clapping and showing genuine passion after their return to the winner’s circle.
Fact is passion and enthusiasm is very hard to beat. It’s also very difficult to engender, especially when a team is in the midst of a losing streak.
Ironically, one has to suggest that the intense pressure that Parramatta was under leading up to that game was a major factor fueling the motivation that secured Parramatta that win. Brian Smith also gave a big wrap to Daniel Wagon, Nathan Hindmarsh and Corey Pearson who got the players together for a mid-week soul-searching session. He also thanked the “supporters” who got behind the players with phone calls, faxes and e-mails.
Whatever the formula that contributed to the attitude of the players, it worked. Certainly the team clicked last night at least at an emotional level. They will be a much closer outfit after this week and that’s as good a basis for a form turnaround as any.
Their actually match play wasn’t terrific, particularly in the first half, but it got better as the match went on. They still gave away too many penalties, still made silly mistakes and their goal-line defence, after holding solid for most of the match, gave way when it really mattered.
That said, the Eels defence was much, much better than it has been all year. It was enthusiastic, tough and committed for most parts of the game and although at times a couple of players got lost in the line, it was a very promising sign.
Wade McKinnon keeps getting better. He plays every game with heart and his kick return was the best it’s been all year, continually beating the first tackle. McKinnon's positional play in defending against kicks was also immaculate, perhaps the only part of his game that might have been subject to criticism over the past few weeks.
When Mick Vella decides to step up he really can be an inspirational player. Vella has added an offload to his array of tricks and until the Eels get Nathan Cayless back, we need a forward who is going to worry the defence with his offloading capabilities.
None of the Eels players were bad, but few were really good, either. The fact that Parra still got away with the game shows that the Eels can be a contender if the players keep believing in themselves and in each other and keep up the improvement. Bring on the Eagles!
Fact is passion and enthusiasm is very hard to beat. It’s also very difficult to engender, especially when a team is in the midst of a losing streak.
Ironically, one has to suggest that the intense pressure that Parramatta was under leading up to that game was a major factor fueling the motivation that secured Parramatta that win. Brian Smith also gave a big wrap to Daniel Wagon, Nathan Hindmarsh and Corey Pearson who got the players together for a mid-week soul-searching session. He also thanked the “supporters” who got behind the players with phone calls, faxes and e-mails.
Whatever the formula that contributed to the attitude of the players, it worked. Certainly the team clicked last night at least at an emotional level. They will be a much closer outfit after this week and that’s as good a basis for a form turnaround as any.
Their actually match play wasn’t terrific, particularly in the first half, but it got better as the match went on. They still gave away too many penalties, still made silly mistakes and their goal-line defence, after holding solid for most of the match, gave way when it really mattered.
That said, the Eels defence was much, much better than it has been all year. It was enthusiastic, tough and committed for most parts of the game and although at times a couple of players got lost in the line, it was a very promising sign.
Wade McKinnon keeps getting better. He plays every game with heart and his kick return was the best it’s been all year, continually beating the first tackle. McKinnon's positional play in defending against kicks was also immaculate, perhaps the only part of his game that might have been subject to criticism over the past few weeks.
When Mick Vella decides to step up he really can be an inspirational player. Vella has added an offload to his array of tricks and until the Eels get Nathan Cayless back, we need a forward who is going to worry the defence with his offloading capabilities.
None of the Eels players were bad, but few were really good, either. The fact that Parra still got away with the game shows that the Eels can be a contender if the players keep believing in themselves and in each other and keep up the improvement. Bring on the Eagles!
