To enter an observation here:
I think what tends to happen in this particular argument is this.
a) Hutch plays games and has on games and off games like many players. being captain it's true he may get a little more leeway for his poorer games than others might.
b) sometimes due to the tactical role he HAS to play in certain games he looks like he's had a poor game when in truth he's had a very good game* (see below)
c) resulting in people seeing him as having a disproportionate number of poor performances when in reality it's a perception and not a reality thing
d) Hutch cops a hard wrap for doing the dirty work and Dibo tries to put the perception right, then it's framed as being Hutch-biased
* on Hutch's role. in a number of games, especially against certain opposition or when we're playing in a particular way, it is Hutch's specific tactical role to 'steady the ship'. he recovers or receives the ball with the team out of shape and decides whether to attack or stall. attacking out of shape could lead to a wasted attack or lead to a turnover and goal.
keep in mind our coaches of the past four years have had one doctrine - structure and shape before all else!
this is where his side or backward passes occur. if the team isn't in shape it's Hutch's job, and I'd put a lot of money on it being DRILLED into him by the coach, that he is to hold and pass in a way to allow the team to recover its famous Mariners discipline in shape.
he does this, steadies the ship before the next attack, but has to pass sideways or backwards to do so (you see him put out his hands to the players in front when he does so telling them to get into position). to the Joe in the crowd it looks like this "we're not on top of the game and there goes Hutch passing the ball backwards or sideways AGAIN" then he gets reviewed poorly for playing negatively.
in a LOT of these games it was his specific job to do that and he's done it quite well with no credit for it (apart from Dibo who has recognised it)
if you don't like Hutch's role in the team take it up with the coach - but be prepared to have finishing in the top 2 or 3, 4 years in a row, a championship and a premiership thrown back in your face.
please re-read points a) - d)
I understand his role in the team, and I love how he plays, but calling a spade a spade he isn't up to his usual form this year. He gives the ball away too many times and puts our defence under more pressure than necessary.
As a leader in a young team he needs to be playing at his best, and show the way forward. We've seen him drop form previously and get it back, and I expect him to do so again.
Believe me I'm scared about agreeing with Wombat, but I feel he is correct at the moment - no offence intended Wombat .