Three matches in the final run in of the last five games towards the end of season 2012 is long time in football - even after toppling the giants of Perth away.
Our season defining trio of fixtures vs Mandurah, Bayswater and ECU Joondalup were always going to be potential banana skins - if only because of the three opposition clubs respective positions that being in the mix for: survival (Mandurah), finals (Bayswater) and pride (ECU) respectively.
The simplest of football mathematicians amongst us were quietly confident - yet never totally certain that at the very least, if we could amass three more wins - finals football beckoned. This being the basic expectation not only for the fans but importantly also for the players and the coaches.
To see the side recently lack the consistency required to be a certain finals contender when it has mattered the most and when it actually became a reality has been disappointing for the fans and especially the players and coaches who have worked and fought so hard to get up off the canvas after our shock start to the season.
This beautiful game of ours that consumes our passions and emotions like nothing else in life can deal us such bone crunching brutal reality checks just like a Joey Barton elbow to the head or a Cantona kung fu flying kick to the chest in the terraces.
Being thumped 1-5 at a resurgent Bayswater City last week, was particularly difficult to accept. No doubt Bayswater have timed their run impeccably from the verge of the drop zone to finals contention. According to this blogger they were arguably our worst opponents for season - when City fronted up at Litis Stadium during the first round where they were utterly woeful and were flattered to only lose 3-0.
Coach Ante Kovacevic was looking for an improvement last Saturday vs ECU. Where we all expected the class of the senior players to turn things around and keep our faint finals hopes alive - but it wasn't to be.
An upbeat ECU manager Syd Amphlett addressed the media after the match who was full of praise in his charges in an otherwise less than impressive season for the northern club "The boys have been fantastic for me all season"
"They've trained well and been disciplined, the attitude's been great and it's just a bit disappointing to finish where we are, but it is a good end to the season."
Having missed the last two matches due to interstate travel the blogger sought players comments for some further insights into the last three results.
First of all it has been a long season and it seems that the players are feeling it a bit. It is clear that there are some tired bodies out there and in need of a rest to freshen up and add a few niggles which many appear to be carrying to the mix and you can see why we have been flat the last three weeks. Mentally we seem to missing something because these last three games in no way reflect our ability and motivation.
Regarding Mandurah - everyone seemed to have an off day. There was no intensity, no hunger. The weather was far from ideal but this can't be used as an excuse but obviously didn’t help us out either.
Regarding the Bayswater debacle - having AK out meant a restructure with Isaia coming into centre back which means we lose him in the centre of the park where he plays his best football and has his greatest impact for us.
Mark Pritchard got injured after 15mins - so losing him and not having Isaia in the midfield were big losses and their quality was seriously missing. Once again everyone seemed flat and severely lacking the intensity required to stop the rise of Bayswater.
We gave them the first goal via a mistake then held them off until the 40th and 45th minute where two more mistakes cost us goals. All in all mistakes in the last third from over playing or defensive blunders or us pushing forward to get back in the game cost us goals.
ECU: A 3-0 home loss - inexcusable. I know it sounds like we are whinging when you blame the referee but hands down he cost us this game.
Everyone seemed up for this game. We all knew how crucial it was for our finals chances.
We started well, battling hard and were probably just on top of them. The referee gave a penalty in the first half against Julian when clearly Thornley took a dive that even he was embarrassed with. Jules did not make any contact with him at all and Cheesy (linesman) said this to him after the game. Ref 1 FAFC 0.
Second half he gave another penalty against Jules which was also dubious again as he clearly won the ball from Mculloch. The score now was Ref 2 FAFC 0.
Then in bizarre scenes reminiscent of Graham Polls shambolic performance of card counting/giving in Germany 2006 Australia vs Croatia the referee proceeded to book Julian Madaschi with a yellow card and then send him off with a red as he thought he had been booked previously!
This decision was reversed once Jules consulted Cheesy because Trent (ref) wouldn’t speak to Jules about it as he just said you’re off mate, go!
Another one of many horrible mistakes made by the referee on this fateful day.
It is really quite sad to see one of the best refs in the league running the line and have a first year ref take charge of a hugely important game and have an absolute nightmare! What is this league coming to!
There is no real logic to what has transpired lately or at least over the past three matches. We've looked a different side. Three lacklustre performances that are as embarrassing to play in as they would be to watch.
We peaked fantastically early (winning night series); then hit a trough; then started to get momentum again moving away from the relegation zone; and now we've hit another trough.
Hopefully we can restore some pride in the last 2 games, but it looks like our finals chances are long gone.
And we've missed the creative Welshman the last 2 weeks. He is class above and a true asset not only to the team but WA football overall.
These last three matches has seen our overall depth and experienced seriously questioned.
Versus Mandurah we had no Boland and this was a massive loss. We are lucky he has been fit all season!
Versus Bayswater no AK and no Pritchard after 15 min - two players who in our thin squad are almost irreplaceable.
Versus Joondalup ref killed us but we looked flat besides the first 30 mins.
Finally, whilst not totally related - But in terms of depth and up coming talent from the reserves ranks and especially in an overall youthful squad - no one in the player group has any understanding on why Jamie Goodman was sacked at such a crucial stage of the season with a cup semi final coming up and sitting second in the league at the time? We have now lost a few of potential Athena WAPL players and a quality coach.
We have all read on forums and have heard comments apparently from the Board that it was a decision that was made in the best interest of the club - however many senior members of the squad have been around long enough to conclude that this was a strange move - as he was not only the reserves coach but a respected member of Saturdays coaching group. At least from where we sit this claim of best interests of the club doesn't seem to make sense and it is a great loss for the club.
Now back to the bloggers views to wrap up.
Totally gutted to be in the hole we currently find ouselves in. But also realistic with the changes seen along with the youth of the squad there are still many positioves that we can focus one.
There is no doubt that what is impressive about this playing group is it's honest assessment and courage to call it as it is and keep it real at all times. Likewise AK's leadership on and off the park has been a critical part of the teams achievements.
There is a lot to like about this outfit. The 2011 night series trophy, the mid season unbeaten run, two gripping matches vs minor premiers Etna and the perennial magic of an away win at the Gardens will remain special highlights of 2011.
As a fan the sheer number of chances being created week in week out, with opposition players being beaten, posts and bars being hit on a regualr basis says to us all that there is still something special about this crop of players banded together for this season's campaign.
Stability is now what is required with both the current players and coaches and the Clubs administration. Our players and coaches should be secured ASAP as we know that given our recent perception of being soft targets for recruitment our players and coaches will beapproached and made offers.
With some tweaking that won't break the bank as in 3-4 quality strategic additions to the squad such as one defender, a box to box scoring midfielder and one experienced striker to complement the special and still developing talents of Liam Boland - we can be confident that the squad can gel further and press for honours in 2012.
What now remains to be seen is where the Board of Management is at - regarding where it wishes the ambitions of the club to immediately lie?
Will it be to merely to fight for survival as it did this year or is to once again be the premier location for WA football both on and off the park?
With spring around the corner and a Club AGM on September 24 it should not take too long to find out!
The last three weeks have been stark reminder to us all of the narrow gap between mid table mediocrity and fighting to stave off relegation is a very fine line.
A club of our history and stature should never be contemplating such a scenario.
Paul Simon - Slip sliding away, Live at Abbey Road
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