We are desperate to get back onto the winners’ list after a disappointing loss at home last weekend against a strong Richmond team. Our performance was littered with simple errors, in particular, overhead marking and inconsistency in front of goal. We needed to convert our half chances better when we were in our forward 50, so the girls will be looking to make amends this afternoon when we face Essendon.
We know our home games are few and far between, so it is crucial we learn from our mistakes and get the job done in front of our family and friends.
It is essential to reflect after every game we play, but I believe that the most learning happens after a loss. You learn about yourself and your teammates, and I have been really pleased to see players willing to challenge and be challenged on reflection and display a real desire to want to better themselves and their peers for the greater good of the team.
Our focus this week has not been on what we are about or how we can demonstrate this but more so ‘our why’. Why do we come to training, and what motivates us? This then drives a real intent and purpose for each training session and game. We are seven rounds into a 16 round home and away season, which is a perfect juncture to reflect on these sort of questions.
We have made a solid start to the season; however we need to display more consistency week to week and increase our scoring percentage to make finals this year.
We have played some quality opposition with our two losses for the season coming against Collingwood, who sit on top of the ladder and Richmond who are second only on percentage. In saying this, we have come away with handy wins against the Saints, who are sitting in fourth and Hawthorn who are the reigning premiers from last season. It’s great that we have been challenged by highly skilled teams linked to AFLW clubs as this is the best way to improve and develop as a group.
Today is our opportunity to rectify our deficiencies from last weekend and put on a strong performance in front of our loyal and supportive home crowd. I hope to see you all at the game. Go Thunder!