Earlier this week we asked our followers if South has improved since Estaban Quintas left. Of the 25 votes received (yes, growth!) 72% responded yes, the green shoots are there and 28% responded no, we’ve gone backwards. We thought we’d take some time to assess the change in the squad ourselves.

Where did Estaban leave us?

Results wise, 9 points in 11 games and near the bottom of the table. Although a couple of positive early results, we would come to find out these were against struggling opposition, both of whom (Port Melbourne and Melbourne Knights) have since parted ways with their coaches.

In terms of playing style South persisted with a direct style of football that ignored any sort of midfield play. However without a Sawyer-like talisman the team struggled to score goals or look threatening at all.

In terms of playing stock things were also bleak. There were rumours of discontent in the dressing room, Moller left the club and injuries to Archibald and Bonada left our already depleted forward stocks further impacted.

The bottom line? Things weren’t good… but surely they’re better now?

No, we’ve gone backwards

Not so fast, let’s take a look at the negative. Three games into the post-Estaban era and the club has not won a game in the league and conceded 7 goals. In that time we’ve only scored one goal in the league and that was against a 10 man Oakleigh. The squad issues are actually worse now with Brennan, Marshal, and Mesorouni joining Bonada and Archibald on the injury list. The new play style has resulted in midfield turnovers and goals conceded, showing that the team is struggling to adjust at a time when the club needs instant results.

How will we shape up against weaker opposition in the next few weeks? With poor form, a new playing style which hasn’t clicked, limited routes to scoring and a depleted squad.

Yes, the green shoots are there

League form alone ignores a few key facts. Firstly the losses have been against in form, or top teams. We were unlucky against a Green Gully that has turned a corner. The Avondale loss flatters Avondale and was largely driven by a 5 minute brain snap which saw the team cop 3 goals.  Oakleigh only beat us with two penalties and their park the bus tactics made any sort of forward play challenging. We have also won two games in the cup, which although against lower league opposition produced 5 goals from open play.

In terms of playing style, yes there have been adjustment pains but the team looks much easier on the eye and has already improved in key areas since Cohadzic took on the coaching role. Improvements even early on include fewer midfield turnovers and more variety in build-up play.

Most hearteningly though has been signs of improved morale in the playing route has been visible. Little things like acknowledgment of the fans after losses and larger things like the resilience to comeback late against Bentleigh are good signs. Cohadzic has also been using Under 23 players, showing that the squad may have more depth then we think.

How will we shape up against weaker opposition in the next few weeks? The optimist sees improved performances, a more resilient play style, greater playing depth, and a squad with higher morale. Add a few key players back from injury in the next few weeks and we will be able to give the League a red hot go in the next couple of months.

Our thoughts?

We think the squad is in a better place than were Estaban left us, but we’re not sure that will be enough. The next few weeks are key. Wins will do wonders for player and fan morale and could really launch the season. The alternative… will be not good to say the least.