Players cop blame
SUNS forward Callum Ah Chee said the players abandoning the game plan and not a lack of fitness was to blame for their shocking loss to St Kilda.
The Suns did not offer a yelp as the Saints clawed back a 39-point deficit to snatch an unlikely two-point win at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night.
Ah Chee conceded it was an uncomfortable video review yesterday but believed the players had confidence if they stuck to coach Stuart Dew’s game plan they could cause a boilover against Hawthorn in Launceston this weekend.
“That was difficult to watch, but it is something we needed to do,’’ he said.
“We had a look, we’ve regrouped and there was definitely a lot of leaning there we can take into next week.’’
Frustrated coach Dew said after the game his players had “physically and mentally” froze.
It was the fourth consecutive match the club had not kicked a goal in the final quarter but Ah Chee said fitness was not to blame.
“We’re definitely fit enough – we wouldn’t put a team out there that’s not fit,’’ the thirdyear player said.
“We train hard during the week, we had a really good week on the track and we will continue to bring those training standards this week.
“Yes, we are definitely fit enough to play AFL footy.’’
He said the players were hurting after the loss and were desperate to avoid a repeat this weekend.
There was no kneejerk reaction from the coaching department and the players had not lost confidence.
“I think we just need to stick to our game plan,’’ Ah Chee said.