Ross is an astute tactician of the game albeit contrary in part, to the style adopted by most teams making a strong push for finals. His game-day frustration generally emanates from strategy and tactical errors by the players, who seem to be heavily burdened with "fear of failure" when things are not working out too well. It's in this instance that you need the players to be completely unburdened and confident to act against the tide. I found it interesting that Sydney relied on their culture and leadership to get through a lengthy time delay whilst a player was carried from the ground yet Ross bolted downstairs to address his charges from the boundary which could show a lack of trust or a lack of leadership or both? Irrespective the Swans dominated the remainder of the game and the Saints succumbed to the pressure. Having said that he has reinvented himself and moved a degree away from the shutdown, defensive style he has been renowned for in the past. Not sure he values his talent as much as he is afraid of the opposition? I think his management style is not necessarily conducive to modern day teams, who respond to a more collaborative, inclusive, engaging, connecting style. Over-control flies in the face of empowerment and encouragement to make decisions - and mistakes - which can be detrimental to team spirit and morale. In summary if Ross ignores the successful management trends being displayed by other clubs along with commensurate team performances I think his team will continue to have its ups and downs. Leadership development is another area of concern.... there are not many examples of his leadership program culminating in tangible evidence of elite leadership performance. This may be due to the lack of environment opportunities to develop their leadership or the complete reliance on Ross to lead. Who are the best leaders that he has developed during his entire coaching reign? If footy was just about strategy, tactics, discipline, standards management and control I think Ross would be a 1 or 2 time premiership coach by now - but alas it's not. Those last critical components warrant attention if he is to take the next step and deliver the Saints their much needed Premiership.