"Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so." Douglas Adams.

The author of 'Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy' and other absurd fantasies was also deeply astute when it came to peering into the core of what it means to be human. In this case he might have been talking about Adelaide's (once) esteemed coach, Aurelio Vidmar.

Something is sick at the heart of Hindmarsh. Last Friday's dismal and all too predictable capitulation to Victory was the last straw for this blogger and plenty of other Adelaide fans. We were woeful . Worse, we didn't seem to care. And when change was needed, Viddie got it wrong or simply didn't do it.

Ernie Merrick, Australia's most successful (and some would say, dull) manager, sent out a formation designed to win the game. Viddie sent out the same old same old, albeit with a few laughable changes.

Viddie, Kristian Sarkies is not very good. He's not tough and he doesn't work hard. Add to that he's not fit enough to start and maybe you're starting to see why the fans don't rate him. Alamao, on the other hand, is exciting, attacking, skilful and fit. Great idea to leave him on the bench for 90 mins. If his nose was too sore then why was he on the bench? Even better idea to start Fyfe in the spot that Alamao was brought to the club to play.

Viddie, Hughes isn't very good. I know Reid isn't fit and you don't have many options but there comes a time when the team and the fans start to get demoralised by a player who misses every opportunity that comes his way, can't pass and won't hold his defensive midfield position. Victory's second goal was eventually down to Hughes not tracking his man. It's not the first time. You know it. We know it.

Hey, why not play Alamao in position at right back and play Fyfe in defensive midfield? At least we know Fyfe would stay there.

Viddie, here's a hint, Owusu and Cristiano both need to play in a two-up formation. Not for one week or for twenty minutes. For weeks in a row. They've said so. The fans are screaming for it. It might help them both score goals (remember goals?). Neither can do the job on their own. Why can't you see it?

We're seven games into this season and unless you start to listen and learn we're stuffed. It's a dreadful sign when players go public to air their concerns (as Owusu, Cristiano and Cassio have). It shows that there is a lack of discipline - but also that they're feeling like no-one's listening. And they're right.

By the time the last of 500 long balls bounced off Owusu's head last Friday, with no-one in support, it was fairly clear that that tactic wasn't working. If Dodd's asleep and Cassio's off his game then it's useless. Worked a bit last week. Not this week. Change! And not by bringing on a kid who's never played first team before - against the Victory!

Cassio might be right about going into the back line. Jamo surely wouldn't mind moving into a more attacking role. He's our only sign of light at the moment.
Listen to them, Viddie. They're pros, just like you. Not kids. Sometimes they might be right. Listen to the fans. We don't mind losing in a fight where we try to win but we can't stand giving games up by starting on the back foot. Especially at home.

Your tactics worked last year, Viddie, but everyone gets worked out. If you don't change you die. We're dying. Of boredom. Of a weak heart.

Stop being so reasonable and stop being so stubborn. Yes, you can be - and are - both. If you can't knock the wall down then dig under it or climb over it or go around it. It's not a matter of just hitting harder and harder. You just might be trying the wrong thing. Consider it.

Here's the good news. It's early days and most of us still really like you. I'm sure the players all want to work for you. But you're losing us with the way you're leading this team.  You're not alone in this.

It's happened to many others and you don't have to dig yourself out of it all by yourself. Trust your players, identify their strengths and play to them - not despite them. Read and watch widely. You can do it.
We'll be waiting. And while you're thinking about it you might muse on this: "There is only one thing more painful than learning from experience and that is not learning from experience." Archibald MacLeish  

P.S. There will be a legion of fans out there calling for Viddie's head. I won't be joining them. Last year wasn't an illusion and it wasn't dumb luck. Viddie has the potential to be a good manager for years to come. Whether he will be or not is in his hands.