Assistant coach Ashley Prescott has admitted that the Bombers' current form doesn’t warrant finals football action.
Speaking on Weekend Rewind, Prescott said that his side needs to focus on playing their own brand of football to regain the winning form that was seen earlier this season.
“Our current form certainly suggests we don’t deserve to play finals football. Our form three weeks ago might have suggested otherwise, but the last two weeks have been particularly disappointing,” he said.
“From the football department, coaching and player group there is certainly no mention of finals - we are focusing on getting back to playing spirited football and doing the hard work that might potentially get us there if we prove to be good enough.
“I think the dramatic drop off in our work rate is where our problems start, there are too many players in our side waiting for someone else to do it, and we are playing extremely reactive football.
“We missed that zip through the midfield and when did get our hands on it and got some run, our football skills were terrible and it really hurt us.”
In a game with very few positives, Prescott thought the form of veteran Dustin Fletcher was something the side can take from the game.
“Dustin Fletcher has really led the way, he has been playing like it’s finals football,” he said.
“The desperation he has showed is a tribute to him, when he plays footy he plays like someone who is saying 'yes' I want this young group to play finals footy this year.
“I think down back they weren’t that bad, they are still developing with Pears and Hooker. Hurley showed some real courage too.
“I thought Sammy Lonergan when he put that chase on Embley late in the game was great - that is the sort of attitude and desperation we need to play with. We need more players doing that, there were probably only six guys on the weekend who showed that intensity.”
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