-
AuthorPosts
-
I agree Tully.
TBH I’m surprised this has caused quite the stir. A coach, no matter what level you play at, has the right to run things they way they seem fit.
There was always going to be some sort of uncertainty around the captain, as the Diamonds setup has never encountered this situation before. This is the first time a Diamonds captain has elected to play overseas. In the past, the player already retired before making the move.
It would have been silly for SM to cancel out CBass straight away. I feel like the way she announced their plan around the captaincy, really safeguarded themselves.
I think it’s pretty safe to say that Liz Watson could potentially be officially the next captain.The communication all round was terrible. Marinkovich totally failed to explain what she was doing. They never said there would be four different captains in the series. They said they would pick a captain before each test. They didn’t say it would be a different one each time. That was just people jumping to conclusions based on what she said. And then, how it played out looked awful with Bassett being captain at the start and then Watson doing the next 3. It just looked like Watson replaced Bassett and they could have just done that at the start. So really, I think the communication and the way things worked out just didn’t sit right with many people.
And one thing that was really noticeable to me. Marinkovich is just so passive and unemotional. Compare that to Taurua who is the complete opposite. Is it any wonder the kiwis are enjoying things so much and playing for their coach when she is seemingly so invested in them doing well. There just doesn’t seem to be the same passion and enthusiasm there with Marinkovich. Now, that may not be the case at all, but that’s just how it looks from afar. The contrast between the two coaches was very noticeable. Dare I say it, but Simone McKinnis and Briony Akle seem to be the Australian coaches most similar to Taurua.
Marinkovich reminds me of Jainine (shudder). Whether it’s her normal stance or not but she just looked dissociated to the Diamonds team. Even during the winning Diamond games. As for CBass, as you know her perfect shots and smiling face for so many years have taunted us Kiwis and probably other countries. But I feel what’s happened with Caitlin during not only the SSN comp but the Diamonds series is terrible. Remember for yrs Maria Folau was a solo player, never shared etc. It took time but under Noelene she changed her playing style and look what happened at World Cup. Same with Laura Langman. Was kicking Catlin to the curb worth it? Considering the Diamonds lost this series? Guess only Australian supporters can decide. It’s a big thing in Aus at the moment about Women’s Mental Health, they seemed to have missed that with CBass. Sad after all the years of success she’s given. As for Captain of game, it was indicated a new captain for each game so one assumes a different player? Anyways games were so close they couldve gone either way. Great to see the competitiveness. I didn’t like seeing the physical aggro from both teams as NZ has never really had ‘the mongrol’ in them. But hey if it helped us win, then so be it :good:
I don’t think that’s fair calling out SM for being unemotional. Ummmm hello Jill McIntosh was definitely the epitome of that. Ruth was very similar too. And both coaches had great success.
Minkie I kind of had that concern too, hoping there wasn’t a repeat of the Southby situation in regards to SM. But this story is very familiar to what happened in NZ. Eg the obvious choice (McKinnis)being overlooked by someone who has way less success. I’m sure SM will come through strong as her time as coach continues. She’d have a lot of support around her, something I don’t think Southby had.
SM is still feeling things out I think, including her own approach to the team dynamic and how she reacts on the sideline. It actually reminds me a lot of when Lisa took over the Diamonds and for the first series we had no idea what her plan was and it appeared she was going to play a couple of favourites in place of who we thought were certain starters. Chatfield springs to mind (I’m pretty sure in Lisa’s first test V NZ, she started with Chatfield at GK and Geitz at GD and then because it wasn’t working, Geitz was benched :scratch: ).
But slowly Lisa came into her own and showed a lot more energy, and you could start to see the game plan come together. I’d like to give Stacey a bit longer to prove herself before I start comparing her to Janine Southby or saying others may have done a better job.
The line up wouldn’t have been much different with Simone coaching. She surely would have backed Watson and Moloney in. And there has been a lot of calls that Jo Weston should have played more at GD, but can we just take a second to consider that Weston in GD has not got us over the line in the two big matches in recent history and the players she was against have been influential in those games. Particularly Ekenasio.
Being at the game on Sunday, the 1st thing I noticed was when the 2 teams came out to the court, to do their warm up.
The Diamonds walked out slowly looking like the world was on their shoulders, next the Ferns came out, running, smiling, looking like they were having the time of their life.The other thing very noticeable seeing them close up, and not so much on TV, is how small the Ferns are compared to the Diamonds. The Diamonds are taller, bigger, and just all around a different shape.
Ferns just look little, esp Maia she has totally changed her body shape. Such a strong looking player.
And lastly, Ferns ran all over a very tiring Diamonds side, maybe having a coach who was up on her feet early in the 3rd Q, yelling, smiling, Dame Noels just looks so invested in her players. STacey M, well I don’t think she moved of her seat.
Interesting you noticed the girls emotions McLeod, my only advice prior a game to B is ‘get out there and have fun, smile and play hard’. Think the whole team have these thoughts as it showed. But then Noels has faith in them.
Also have to say, IMO this is the most united I have ever seen the Ferns.
No Princess, no drama Queens, no player who’s husband causes friction, with his social media comments.
There was always the concern, how would they cope without Langman, Folau, Rore.
Well they are doing just fine, Ekenasio is a very good captain, Meels is very humble, very caring.
But also won’t put up with any crap.Don’t want to be a Debbie downer but I’m getting Janine Southby vibes from Marinkovich…
-
AuthorPosts
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
