Struggling WA focus on team
Exciting draft prospect Jarrod Pickett has blamed too much individualism for Western Australia's dire under-18 national titles and promised to be more team orientated in today's match against Vic Country.
WA went into the titles with high hopes after winning the under-16 national championships two years ago. But the team is yet to win a game and has a percentage of just 48.94.
Vic Country beat WA by 62 points when they played last month. Pickett said WA had focused on teamwork this week in a bid to avoid finishing the six-match competition without a win.
"I think a few of us have been individual," Pickett said.
"I think if we all played as a team, and our style of play, we'd definitely come up with a win.
"If we block all that individuality out, focus on the team things and play our role, we could come up with a win against Country.
"We don't want to be the team to not have a win. We don't want to be known as that team."
Pickett said WA had developed a series of trademarks which players would be judged on in today's game at Etihad Stadium.
The midfielder admitted he was too focused on himself in last week's loss to Vic Metro when he managed just five disposals while being tagged. Pickett said he couldn't accept having such a limited impact on any match.
"We were getting beaten and when the ball's not coming down, you've just got to get yourself involved," Pickett said.
"That's one of the focuses I have to do - get more involved when I am getting tagged. Maybe do more team stuff like shepherds, tackles and maybe get myself into the game in that way.
"I just want to play my role for the team. If I do that, I'll play consistent and I'll play four quarters of footy."
Pickett has struggled since amassing 22 possessions and kicking three goals against South Australia on June 7.
He will take inspiration from a recent conversation with former West Coast star Daniel Kerr.
They discussed ways to play well when being tagged.
"He gave me tips on diets and how to play consistently and what his routines were," Pickett said.
"Even if he wasn't involved in the game he had ways to get involved. I was a bit starstruck but he was a good bloke and easy to talk to."
