Was ten days’ rest too long? Too much time to think about the prospect of going 0-2?

I was eagerly anticipating penning a piece on how there’s far too much emphasis on Round One and that some teams – good teams – just take a bit longer finding their feet. Might have to save that spiel for Round Three at best.

I was supremely confident going into this match, believing that we would come out a much-rejuvenated and improved side, ready to bounce back after last week’s humiliation.

Was I wrong to think that our big guns would outnumber Hawthorn’s, who are tipped to be a formidable strength in a couple of years, but not now, not against us?

Maybe I should have followed my brother’s lead. He surprisingly, was true to his word and stayed home. And considering the result, this was definitely a good thing, because he would have been toxic to spend the day with.

Exasperated by our second quarter efforts, I headed to the TAB (something I’ve never done before at the footy) at half-time, in an attempt to lift my spirits on what I thought was a sure thing. But even that was a letdown.

I’m struggling to understand how we can come out firing in the first, dominate most areas of play, look like we might take them to the cleaners, then fall to pieces for the second and third, seemingly dropping the bundle the minute pressure mounts. What happened?

I guess that’s for the coach to find out.

I think we’re all staggered by our position: 2-0 was a realistic possibility two weeks ago, not the opposite. Maybe we should take some solace in the fact that Freo, who are a premiership fancy for many, are there too. Whereas the Lions and Bombers, who are not, are on top – who would have thought? I’m clutching.

Next week we take on an improved Cats outfit. I’m going to go out on a limb and say four solid quarters are on the Demon cards.

Although - no Neitz, no Robbo, no Bartram and no Brock makes things pretty tough. And the Cats have that 105-kilo man-child, (who despite having the weight of a town on his big, broad shoulders is rather fearsome) and two, in-form Ablett brothers as well.

Yet you wouldn’t think they could muster another 24-goal haul - surely not.

Right, some positives then – we’re due to bounce back, we’re due to play four solid quarters, sides with their backs against the wall often do the unthinkable, we showed a bit of fight in the last yesterday to get within reach, and Travis Johnstone and Aaron Davey need to stand up.

Other than this, I can’t think of much. My confidence has taken a battering; I’ve been hit with a harsh stick called reality. I was expecting so much this year, but from what I’ve witnessed so far, I just can’t see us mixing it with the likes of West Coast, Sydney or any team with speed for that matter.

Prove me wrong Demons. Please.