In Conversation with Mike Neild

Over the weekend we invited Mike Nield, Australian Dingo and captain of the always-hardcore MBB: Messy team to join us for some unagi-don and sake, followed by a stroll around the Dojo's bamboo grove and a chat about the clash between our two great teams last week. Here's what we discussed:

DojoMojo Blog: Thanks for dropping by Mike. Another rout for DojoMojo last week, despite a cracking start. We pulled out a 4-point lead over Messy at the start of the game, but the momentum quickly and massively swung to Messy from then on. Did we get lazy, or did your guys ramp it up, or a bit of both?

Mike Neild: Thanks for having me on board. Yeah we pride ourselves on playing with high intensity and we didn't do that at the start of the game. I feel like we increased the defensive pressure after the first few points and that helped us out. It is also quite a challenge to stay focussed and desperate when you are winning with ease and I expect that some overconfidence or casualness from the DOJO team contributed to the reversal. In fact it is rare that the DOJO team gets up to a high level of intensity or desperation during our games. I always talk about getting on top of you blokes early and letting you fold like an origami panda, because if it gets close at the end then you become difficult to put away, like a long samurai sword.

DMB: Yep - can't argue with any of that. So, just how easy would you say the Dojo made it for Messy Bugs by repeatedly and generously throwing the disc away?

MN: Well I reckon there was some mutual throw away behaviour going on during the night. I wouldn't want to take anything away from the great blocks generated by The Vicar and Wet Nose during key points. It never felt easy during the game, and I would be more concerned about defensive pressure than throw aways from the DOJO perspective.

DMB: Very interesting, Mike. Of course playing defence has never been a strong component of the traditional Dojo Way of "sweep the leg", made famous by John Kreese himself. Anyway, we digress. The Messy offence looked anything but messy on Thursday night. Sure, there were the usual end-to-end completions, but there was some very tidy work up the field as well. What would you say are the crucial factors in developing such a reliable offence?

MN: When a team gets away with a few big throws for goal the reaction of the defense to cover more deep cuts which opens up a more smooth short game. We are fortunate to have Jason who can threaten that long goal and therefore create space under for the cutters. To answer your questions more generally - simplicity. The hallmark of the Moreton Bay Buggers club over the last 8 seasons has been simplicity and uniformity of message. We only have a few ideas and we keep saying them over and over again. In that way everyone knows what the plan is and we all do it. Not a complicated plan, just a plan. Reliable and successful offence is all about people doing their job and letting everyone else do theirs.

DMB: Well, obviously those "few ideas" are working, and even though we all certainly know what to expect from the Messy outfit it's still a tough ask to deal with. How about when you know you'll be playing against Dojo in an upcoming game - what's the one thing above all else you know you can expect to see?

MN: For one a different group of players than you saw last time. The vintage ring ins that you manage to produce are diverse and at times spectacular. Dan Walls for crying out loud. Sensational weapon to produce out of frisbee antiquity. Dan lead by example at my first nationals in Canberra, 2003. An inspiration to any young downfield running type player. He was a very promising young Moreton Bay Bugger, as where you and I if I remember correctly. We all have to make choices Steve, I wouldn't beat yourself up too much.

You can also expect to see some indiscriminate down field throwing from the DOJO, and typically a difficult to handle zone defense.

DMB: Indiscriminate indeed. I hope my fellow kenshi are paying attention. Okay - lastly here's a hypothetical situation: It's 7pm Thursday night, all the Dojo guys are ready for a pre-game warmup (highly unlikely as that may indeed be). Say for a moment you're in charge - how would you spend this critical half hour?

MN: Reinforcing the simple team message (3 or 4 key team rules). Especially for a team of experienced and competent players like the DOJO, you have to get those boys onto the same page on a few things. Then I'd get everyone together for a run as a group, followed by a throwing, catching and running activity that would build some enthusiasm for the coming event. Got to generate that intensity.

DMB: Very wise words, Nield-san. Thanks a lot for sharing your insights into the game and giving stick where stick's due.

MN: No worries. Thanks for the opportunity to be part of the growing BPL club culture here on the DOJO blog. I love this competition, and I love having lasting rivalry and camaraderie with other clubs including the Frisbee DOJO. Thanks again.