Quote ="SaintsFan"I think there's just one thing out of step in your article, Ski. We are now the other side of three extremely successful years. That makes being kicked out of the cup more difficult to adjust to in some ways because we are looking at a downward slope rather than an upward swing, as we were doing in the days of Millward and especially Anderson. We were indeed kicked out of the cup and didn't make it to the Grand Final in 2005 but we were on the cusp of being a success. The feeling was one of being on the edge of something good. That is very different to looking back over our shoulders at what has been, which is what we are now having to do. It's sad to see the good times go, whether or not they are gone for good or for just a little while. Over the last 10 years we have had a core team who have been fantastic, with others coming in and going away again, most of whom have enhanced that core. We've had some great coaches - not perfect, but each building on the other's positive influence. It's a very, very different perspective from this side of the doorway. I'm sure it was at least as difficult for the Pies when it all came to an end for them and I'm sure the Bulls are feeling it even worse just now!
I don't think any fan truly believes we could continue with our success forever. I hope we are merely transitioning into another period of success, even if it has to be harder fought for. But while people are adjusting to the change it may be kinder to give them some slack, huh? Rather than simply writing them off as trolls or stupid. That isn't sporting and I don't think it's really fair.'"
I feel the loss in the play offs in 2005 didn't have some fans in uproar because they were too busy blaming Newton for injuring Long.
Without having that pantomime villain to vent at they've started looking inwards.
