Now let’s be honest, because if there is one thing I am not, it’s naïve. Ruggedly handsome, yes. But not naïve. The majority of you guys are not pumped to see some great footy. Most of you are actually pretty disappointed in the boys this season. You’re not happy with them. You’re a bit angry, about their goal-kicking in particular. We’ve noticed the comments and the frustration. On Twitter, on Facebook, on the Gram (yeah, I’m a social-media savvy bird. Deal with it.)
But let me tell you something! Yes, the boys have had a rough start. But do you know who else had a rough start? The West Coast Eagles circa 1996. The team that ended up finishing fourth on the ladder. Yes, that’s right. In 1996, we beat Fremantle in round one and then lost our next four games. People wrote us off. People said we were useless. Much in the same way people are writing us off now. But do you what happened? We went on to win our next 11 games. And we finished fourth and played finals. We ended up bowing out to the Bombers in a semi-final at the MCG.
So, let’s not get disheartened yet, little ones. I know it’s frustrating. I know it’s tough to watch your boys struggle. But have faith in them, and have faith in ol’ Woosh, because he is a great man who knows what he’s doing and is building towards something spesh.
And I don't know if you all got the memo, but word on the street is that a certain man by the name of Nic Naitanui may be making his return to the field this weekend. Actually, we have a number of stellar boys due to make their comeback very soon, including Rosa, Wellingham and Embley. They're not names to shrug at.
And if you still can’t manage to look at the bright side, then I urge each and every one of you to go in to enemy territory, find a Fremantle supporter, and ask them how they deal with disappointment. Because after almost 20 years of zero premiership hopes, they would be experts at handling disillusionment and frustration.
Chins up, kids. Let’s not sound the siren just yet. We’ve still got 17 rounds to go.
Love, Rick.
