When Ross Lyon spoke last week after the loss versus Hirds Bombers, he may well have had the Blacks Clubbies in mind:
 

Harsh words, but success on the sporting field is almost always measured in terms of wins, losses and premierships. Yet while coaches may be loath to admit it, there are definitely times when certain losses are more acceptable than others. Essendon’s loss to Sydney in round 2 was widely regarded as an honourable defeat. A young side, on the back of a tough draw and interstate travel, they pushed their seasoned opponents to within a goal. While the loss may have been heart-breaking for those concerned, we would wager Essendon supporters were a much bubblier bunch than St Kilda supporters after drawing with the rabbled Tigers.
 

The flipside of this of course, is when a defeat truly is galling. When a team has everything to play for and no excuses, yet rolls over without a whimper. These are the defeats that sting. And while it pains us to say it, this was exactly what happened on the Crawf against De La Salle.
 

In perfect conditions, Blacks had done almost everything right. We had played some good football, and apart from a lapse in the second quarter, we'd had De La's measure. Entering into the second quarter, Blacks enjoyed a 2 goal lead and had plenty to play for. But unfortunately for us, 1/4 time is not the same as full time. With a top 4 spot beckoning and the birthday celebrations of one of our favourite sons in James Green; this should have been one of the easiest orange break speeches the coaches would ever have to make. What happened however was unexpected and unacceptable to say the least.
 

Forget firing a shot, Blacks didn't even load the canon. Instead, De La run amok, kicking 5 unanswered goals in the second quarter. Teaching us a thing or two about team orientated and selfless football, they powered away and ensured there were plenty of Black jumpers with red faces. Perhaps this loss was a case of too many people thinking about the destination rather than focusing on the journey. Whatever the reason, hopefully it is the wakeup call that we needed.
 

Now, far from letting things get too dour and serious, let's move on and focus on the more positive aspects to come out of the game. Cords played with flare as he continued his purple patch of late. Taking numerous marks and sweeping up along the half-back line he generally added a touch of class, unlike the pant type he shares his name with. Another player to impress was Eddie Armpit whose four quarter effort showed what it is expected of those in black. House of Prowse continues to just do his thing and do it better than his unfortunate opponent. While one of St Hilda's more impressive alumni in James Green also made heads turn with his electrifying goals from outside 50. De Fag was another player who impressed with his sharp work at the fall of the ball - Time and time again he broke tackles and released to grateful runners and his efforts were pivotal. Up forward Merls and Pest were welcome inclusions presenting all day and giving us some structure.
 

After being smeared by the opposing CHF charging off the square, Buster dusted himself off, coughed up his pancreas and proceeded to show that any 100 kg behemoth can hit a man, but it takes a certain individual to tear apart a football match after losing his digestive enzyme producing organ. Down back, the Blacks showed some true grit similar to what is being bred into the new generation of baby bombers. While holding off a number of forward 50 entries the new breed of Blacks ‘linkmen’ worked the ball between themselves to release some hard running from Brooksy and Paris. They say premierships are won from defence and once this current unit gets some game time together and starts to gel anything will be possible.
 

However a loss is still a loss in our book and much like our St Kilda counterparts last week, we have two weeks to go away and assess whether we are content with a winless start to the year.