Round 1 - Non Bulldog Games

[Eastdog]

Great to see footy back at the MCG for what has been the last few years the opening match of the season course this year GWS v Sydney was the first match.

[LostDoggy]

I wish they could both lose. With all the hype if Richmond lose, the microwaves will be cooking.

[Eastdog]

I wish they could both lose. With all the hype if Richmond lose, the microwaves will be cooking.

When Richmond win its like they have won the premiership when they lose it's like the have lost it. Always Round 1 the Tigers fans are like this.

[Maddog37]

Carlton with three number one picks and Judd. Have to say they are massive under achievers wouldn't you?

[Eastdog]

Carlton with three number one picks and Judd. Have to say they are massive under achievers wouldn't you?

Yeah Carlton probably should have done more than they have with who they have.

[bornadog]

Why do get round 1 at the G every year?

[Eastdog]

Why do get round 1 at the G every year?

Did you mean why don't we get to play first up in Round 1. I reckon it should be different teams very year playing in that first match. Maybe have the first match between last year's grand finalists. But they will have a match that will we draw a big crowd.

[LostDoggy]

Geez there are some Gucci hair cuts in the Carlton side. Where did they do their preseason.... the salon?

[hujsh]

Why do get round 1 at the G every year?

Didn't some AFL article on the draw say that it was the 'traditional' season opener between Richmond and Carlton?

[Maddog37]

Wasn't Jordan Russell a number two pick as well? Andrew Walker a number two pick?


Gee they really have underperformed.

[Eastdog]

Looks like its going to be close with Carlton leading at 3/4 time by not very much.

[Eastdog]

Wasn't Jordan Russell a number two pick as well? Andrew Walker a number two pick?


Gee they really have underperformed.

Jordan Russell was pick #9 overall and Andrew Walker was pick #2 overall in the national draft.

[Desipura]

Jordan Russell was pick #9 overall and Andrew Walker was pick #2 overall in the national draft.

Who got picked up after them and how have they performed?
Walker had his best season last year kicking over.
Tim Walsh was taken at pick 2

[Mantis]

Who got picked up after them and how have they performed?
Walker had his best season last year kicking over.
Tim Walsh was taken at pick 2

Pick 4.

[Desipura]

Pick 4.

Oops

[Desipura]

Pick 4.

Correction

[Eastdog]

Looks like Carlton are going to win.

[LostDoggy]

Richmond are still crap. Hype is all it was.
Although i don't think Carlton are top 4 either. Fantastic midfield and pace but they have deficiencies back and forward.

[bornadog]

Didn't some AFL article on the draw say that it was the 'traditional' season opener between Richmond and Carlton?

Yeah a tradition since 2007 - Joke.

BTW why are we starting threads about every game. We normally just have one thread for all non-bulldog games.

Mods please change the heading.

[LostDoggy]

As good as Couchin, Deledio, Riewodt and Martin are, you can't pretend to go far with players like the 2 Maric's, Post, Grigg, Houli, Tuck, Newman, Rance, Morris and Jackson.

[The Coon Dog]

Are we going to have a thread about every game? Surely a Round 1 thread to discuss all 8 other games would suffice. Mods?

[GVGjr]

BTW why are we starting threads about every game. We normally just have one thread for all non-bulldog games.

Mods please change the heading.


Are we going to have a thread about every game? Surely a Round 1 thread to discuss all 8 other games would suffice. Mods?

Done.

[Remi Moses]

Well as per usual Richmond have hyped this game within an inch of it's life.
The president wanting Hardwick to be the next Tom Hafey.
That's a club that needs to find a lid urgently.Kevin Bartlett in particular, he hasn't shut up all summer. Carlton were well ahead of Richmond last season, so no great shock in the result.
Sidenote. Megan Gale rivaling Liz Hurley in the camera pan to stakes

[The Coon Dog]

Done.

Thanks Gary, that was super quick.

[bornadog]

Done.

Thank you.

I think one of Richmond's problems is their backline is too short and they lack a quality Ruckman. Maric is a band aide solution, but may come good as the season progresses.

[GVGjr]

I think one of Richmond's problems is their backline is too short and they lack a quality Ruckman. Maric is a band aide solution, but may come good as the season progresses.

And way too young with little to no experience.


As for their ruckman, Maric and Vickery can develop into a good combination but it will take time.

[Remi Moses]

Ivan Maric is better than they have. Addam Maric doesn't work hard enough, Post isn't up to it.
They just aren't big or good enough coming off the back 50, way to many poor kicks

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Post is terrible. I can't understand why they persist with him. No point playing a bloke who's tall for the sake of it.

Richmond looked similar to last year. Good in parts, really bad in other parts. Still going to take them at least another 2 years IMO.

Yarran is awesome to watch. He could become a genuine top 10 player. That goal was something few could do.

[Eastdog]

Done.

Thanks for that. Each round if I make a thread about a game Ill make only one thread to talk about the other games with that game.

[Desipura]

The tigers of old, every year we hear they are flying only to come crashing down, gotta love it!!!!

[The Coon Dog]

The tigers of old, every year we hear they are flying only to come crashing down, gotta love it!!!!

Bloody annoying tho that they get the big stage every year, regardless of whether they stuff it up or not, its a massive free kick for them & their sponsors.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Bloody annoying tho that they get the big stage every year, regardless of whether they stuff it up or not, its a massive free kick for them & their sponsors.

Agreed.

Not sure why they continually get the rights, when they continually get hammered.

Still think the Grand Final 'rematch' should happen in round one, on a Friday Night, to kick off the season.

[Hotdog60]

I think the draw should be out of a hat and come what may, but that another story.

[Happy Days]

I wish they could both lose. With all the hype if Richmond lose, the microwaves will be cooking.

Was at the game last night, saw a disgruntled Richmond fan throw his guernsey off of the top deck of the Ponsford stand.

[Eastdog]

A serious story I just heard about from last night game was a bashing of a Richmond supporter by 10 Carlton supporters.

[Go_Dogs]

Big game on tonight, Hawks or Pies?

[Eastdog]

Im tipping the Hawks but not very confident.

[Maddog37]

If the Hawks pump them Bucks will be straight under pressure.

[Eastdog]

If the Hawks pump them Bucks will be straight under pressure.

Definitely. If the Hawks win they won't win comfortably which is what I'm expecting.

[Eastdog]

Tipping the pies now. Late tip change. :D

[The Underdog]

I tipped Hawthorn but I just found out that Jarrad Boumann was playing AFL football in their senior side, of AFL football. For realsies.
Although apparently he might pick up something called Jackson Paine. These teams are premiership contenders yeah?

[Eastdog]

The Hawks and Pies are tipped to be there at the business end of the season. Who knows early grand final preview.

[LostDoggy]

I tipped Hawthorn but I just found out that Jarrad Boumann was playing AFL football in their senior side, of AFL football. For realsies.
Although apparently he might pick up something called Jackson Paine. These teams are premiership contenders yeah?

The biggest surprise re: Boumann playing for the dawks is that Clarko built his system on precise disposal in the back half, and Jarrad,s kicking is as iffy as they come.

[comrade]

The biggest surprise re: Boumann playing for the dawks is that Clarko built his system on precise disposal in the back half, and Jarrad,s kicking is as iffy as they come.

I'd rather Boumann clogging our list than Mulligan :D

[azabob]

I'd rather Boumann clogging our list than Mulligan :D

But aren't you bias? We're you not a member of the Boumann fan club?

[GVGjr]

I'd rather Boumann clogging our list than Mulligan :D

I don't think many doubted Boumanns ability or athleticism but there was a lot of doubt about his maturity. Perhaps he has matured to a point where he can get the most out of his ability.

[comrade]

But aren't you bias? We're you not a member of the Boumann fan club?

I was the Boumann fan club.

:o

[Eastdog]

There are just some players that don't make it. What do you think of Everitt at Sydney and Ray at St Kilda.

[azabob]

I was the Boumann fan club.

:o

Thought as much, but wasn't sure! ;)

[comrade]

There are just some players that don't make it. What do you think of Everitt at Sydney and Ray at St Kilda.

We got reasonable compensation for both, so I'm ok with them.

Maybe it was Boumann's maturity level that held him back at the Dogs? Maybe we didn't do enough to extract the most out of him?

All I know is that we could do with some key defensive depth right now and having Mulligan waiting in the wings terrifies me.

[azabob]

I don't think many doubted Boumanns ability or athleticism but there was a lot of doubt about his maturity. Perhaps he has matured to a point where he can get the most out of his ability.

Was an article in today's AGE saying the very thing. They mentioned when he arrived at the club he may have been 18, but more like a maturity of a 15 year old, and yes they went onto to say how he has matured.

[Desipura]

Bloody annoying tho that they get the big stage every year, regardless of whether they stuff it up or not, its a massive free kick for them & their sponsors.

The have a very strong supporter base and if they ever get it together, the AFL know they'll have potentially another powerhouse to match the likes of Collingwood and Carlton when they are flying.

[Eastdog]

Collingwood have missed a lot of chances. There kicking has let them down. Someone I reckon Liam Jones should aspire to is Travis Cloke. Hopefully Jones improves his kicking because Cloke is not a good kick at all.

[Mantis]

Collingwood have missed a lot of chances. There kicking has let them down. Someone I reckon Liam Jones should aspire to is Travis Cloke. Hopefully Jones improves his kicking because Cloke is not a good kick at all.

Jones's kicking is shitful so it's a good fit.

[Eastdog]

I hope changing my tip from Hawthorn to Collingwood is worth it. Right now it is a flip of the coin on who will get over the line.

[Eastdog]

Hawthorn are home now.

[Ghost Dog]

What a game. Can't wait for the Lake / Franklin match up. Some amazing goals. Buddy just can't jag them from straight in front can he?

[LostDoggy]

Yep fantastic game, fast paced end to end footy, all the skills on show. That mark that Cyril took was a cracker. Hawks are looking strong, with Roughhead and Hodge to come back in.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Boumann's still crap.

Pendlebury is an absolute superstar, and Cyril -- injury free -- is ridiculously good. My favourite player to watch, alongside Bud.

[Remi Moses]

Strange to see the pies give up 20 goals.
Boumann was average, he gets pushed off the ball still to easily.
Thought McCauley was good for the Dorks( strange he got the chop yet they pick up the Beard)
Both teams seemed to beat the press with ease( reckon Round 1 fatigue was a factor)

[Mantis]

Boumann's still crap.

Pendlebury is an absolute superstar, and Cyril -- injury free -- is ridiculously good. My favourite player to watch, alongside Bud.

You expected something different?

Agree with all the rest...

[Greystache]

Boumann's still crap.

Pendlebury is an absolute superstar, and Cyril -- injury free -- is ridiculously good. My favourite player to watch, alongside Bud.

Indeed, and I never thought anything else.

He's a Scott Clayton key position player, he's tall and athletic, but he's far too skinny to ever hold down a key position in the AFL, and he doesn't have any real natural football ability.

Add in Boumann's case that his skills are poor and he's scared and I think we've missed nothing in delisting him. I predict he'll spend the the second half of the season languishing in the reserves and will be delisted not too long after.

[westdog54]

Indeed, and I never thought anything else.

He's a Scott Clayton key position player, he's tall and athletic, but he's far too skinny to ever hold down a key position in the AFL, and he doesn't have any real natural football ability.

Add in Boumann's case that his skills are poor and he's scared and I think we've missed nothing in delisting him. I predict he'll spend the the second half of the season languishing in the reserves and will be delisted not too long after.

Is he on their senior list or the rookie list?

[Desipura]

I'd rather Boumann clogging our list than Mulligan :D

Are you still defending him? Cmon, you made an early/brave call and thought he would be a very good player for us and you were unfortunately incorrect. Time to move on. :D

[Greystache]

Is he on their senior list or the rookie list?

Senior list.

Traded by GWS as a previously listed player to Hawthorn for pick 56.

[chef]

Agreed.

Not sure why they continually get the rights, when they continually get hammered.

Still think the Grand Final 'rematch' should happen in round one, on a Friday Night, to kick off the season.

Might have something to do with having more supporters and so making the AFL more money.

[Desipura]

Might have something to do with having more supporters and so making the AFL more money.

It's pretty simple really, isn't it?
If I was running the AFL, I would do the same.

[Sedat]

Are you still defending him? Cmon, you made an early/brave call and thought he would be a very good player for us and you were unfortunately incorrect. Time to move on. :D
Keep fighting the good fight Comrade. My Ed Barlow fan club has shrunk dramatically over the off-sesaon, although I have gained a few new Jay Schulz and Matt Spangher converts in that time :)

[LostDoggy]

It's pretty simple really, isn't it?
If I was running the AFL, I would do the same.
Since the afl shareholders are the clubs then making fair for every club should be the priority over just making profits to the league.

Anyway, If I was running the afl I think I'd give all the concessions possible to the bulldogs.

[Sockeye Salmon]

It's pretty simple really, isn't it?
If I was running the AFL, I would do the same.

That depends on what your main priority is.

If your aim is to make as much money as possible, then yes. If your aim is to run a fair and equitable competition, then no.

[chef]

That depends on what your main priority is.

If your aim is to make as much money as possible, then yes. If your aim is to run a fair and equitable competition, then no.

When has it ever been fair and equitable though?

I think the AFL have proven that this will never be the case.

[Desipura]

Since the afl shareholders are the clubs then making fair for every club should be the priority over just making profits to the league.

Anyway, If I was running the afl I think I'd give all the concessions possible to the bulldogs.

As a dogs supporter I would do the same as you, as a job where my responsibility is to make the AFL as successful financially as possible, I would run a similar ship to the AFL.

[Desipura]

That depends on what your main priority is.

If your aim is to make as much money as possible, then yes. If your aim is to run a fair and equitable competition, then no.

That's exactly right, totally agree. If my job is on the line, guess what I would do?

[Sockeye Salmon]

That's exactly right, totally agree. If my job is on the line, guess what I would do?

My issue is why is it so important for the AFL to make 10's of millions of dollars profit each year? Certainly they have to be fiscally responsible, but there is no real reason for them to have 100's of millions in cash in the bank (unless you need it to prop up a couple of expansion teams for the next 20-30 years that is).

IMO, the AFL would be much better of running a fair competition and have a few million left over ean year than makes 10's of millions and have the game at the highest level hopelessly compromised.

[LostDoggy]

As a dogs supporter I would do the same as you, as a job where my responsibility is to make the AFL as successful financially as possible, I would run a similar ship to the AFL.

If you want it to be as financial as possible. Wouldnt it be easier if you just rid the comp of the concession sides.

It's a league competition and running that should be no.1 priority.

[bornadog]

It's pretty simple really, isn't it?
If I was running the AFL, I would do the same.


When has it ever been fair and equitable though?

I think the AFL have proven that this will never be the case.


That's exactly right, totally agree. If my job is on the line, guess what I would do?

Do we want the competition to end up like the EPL ie only four teams can ever win the premiership, because that's what is going to happen as the bigger clubs get more and more supporters and grow and become so powerful with the minnows languishing and making up the numbers.

[Eastdog]

Melbourne 6.4.40 Brisbane 5.7.37 current score 2nd 20:18

[LostDoggy]

When has it ever been fair and equitable though?

I think the AFL have proven that this will never be the case.

So why are we stupid mug Bulldogs punters propping up a competition we'll never have a hope of winning and financially supporting a system designed to disadvantage us? I have plenty of other places to put my money.

These unfair decisions are ripping/have ripped the heart out of the game, and sure, it's making money at the top but it's hollowing out in the middle. If it's just a commercial transaction with no heart, I'll just move my money to the next interest that catches my eye, and maybe other punters will too. Of course, it'll survive anyway because we are in the most insular domestic market in the world serving the richest yet least discerning customers (thus why ridiculously uncompetitive oligarchies like Telstra, DJ/Myer and banks that charge us the privilege of taking our money can even exist -- in any other market they would have gone bust decades ago). Heck, AFL HQ probably doesn't care if stupid Dogs punters continue to pay up or not -- the faster North and Footscray can hurry up and die the faster they can make franchise teams of us to move around to the next Gold Coast or Vanuatu or something for political and commercial purposes.

If this were a competitive environment, fans can take a club back and force it to behave in a way that represents their interests (as often happens in other, non-American sports). As it is, we are all giving our money directly to AFL HQ, just through 18 different coloured tills. It makes no difference what colour you wear to a game -- your money is all the same to AD.

[Greystache]

Can we get this thread back onto the round of footy?

Huddo with 17 possessions in Brisbane's win. Good on him.

[bornadog]

Can we get this thread back onto the round of footy?

Huddo with 17 possessions in Brisbane's win. Good on him.

Gee Melbourne are week.

[Greystache]

Gee Melbourne are week.

Yep, you'd have to wonder as a supporter what they stand for.

The way they cleared out virtually every player on their list over 23 was rediculous. We're seeing the fruits of that now, a team full of kids who are so used to losing they have no competitive spirit. It's going to take a monumental effort to turn their culture around.

[Eastdog]

Gold Coast v Adelaide
Fremantle v Geelong
North Melbourne v Essendon
are coming up

North v Essendon was a hard one to tip

[Remi Moses]

Hope they don't throw up the Jimmy Stynes excuse.
If a footy club requires that sort of lift they are stuffed.
Brissie just smashed them in effort and contested ball and throw in clearance work.
Early days but The Beard was good. Frawley having a chuckle with his opponent when you're getting pantsed is an awful look. Mitch Clark 600 large ( what a waste of money)

[Ghost Dog]

No-one has really talked bout Brisbane in the pre-season. They have a few handy players to come back into the side as well. Might be dark horses.

[LostDoggy]

No-one has really talked bout Brisbane in the pre-season. They have a few handy players to come back into the side as well. Might be dark horses.

A Dark horse to finish 10th. They are both crap just Melbourne are worse.

[Greystache]

K.Hunt showing a bit early, looks a vastly improved player. He looks a lot more comfortable with the speed of the game.

Signs not good for the Suns however.

[LostDoggy]

I think Melbourne are tanking.
Gold coast look horrible.

[Eastdog]

Gold Coast are in for another bad year.

[Maddog37]

I think Melbourne are tanking.
Gold coast look horrible.



How do you reckon they are tanking Chops?

[Eastdog]

I just don't believe that for a 1st round game a team will tank. Very team wants to get of too a good start.

[LostDoggy]

I just don't believe that for a 1st round game a team will tank. Very team wants to get of too a good start.


How do you reckon they are tanking Chops?

:) hehe, I hope you know I was joking.

[Sockeye Salmon]

:) hehe, I hope you know I was joking.

With an extra first round pick for Scully ....

[Eastdog]

With an extra first round pick for Scully ....

Anything is possible

[The Underdog]

Wow, Scarlett just punched Ballantyne in the face. Not much behind it but he'll miss a few. Ballantyne sucked him right in and then couldn't hit the ground quick enough.

On that, I'm already sick of guys giving guys lip and then diving to the ground when the retaliation comes.

[Eastdog]

Is the scoreboard on the screen showing up on the Fox Footy coverage?

[AndrewP6]

Is the scoreboard on the screen showing up on the Fox Footy coverage?

Yes it is

[Eastdog]

Two nail biters.

[Eastdog]

All over. North Melbourne and Fremantle win thrillers. I almost thought Geelong were going to snatch it in the end. C'mon Doggies tomorrow.

[Hotdog60]

All over. North Melbourne and Fremantle win thrillers. I almost thought Geelong were going to snatch it in the end. C'mon Doggies tomorrow.

Essendon won

[Eastdog]

Essendon won

My mistake. Essendon and Fremantle. Thanks for correcting me Hotdog60.

[Remi Moses]

Don't know if this is going to be a trend but teams are kicking goals with open 50's.
Bombres nearly gave a game up, that they should have won comfortably.
Norf are honest but just don't know whether they can take that next step.
Essendon will be in that category that will be around the eight.

[mjp]

Went to the Cats/Dockers.

Fyfe is a helluva player.

[G-Mo77]

I went to the game last night. I wasn't all that impressed with either team to be honest. It is a Round 1 clash though so there is room for improvement but I didn't see the same defence that I saw from Essendon in 2011 which I think would be a worry for them if it doesn't improve.

[LostDoggy]

Yep, you'd have to wonder as a supporter what they stand for.

The way they cleared out virtually every player on their list over 23 was rediculous. We're seeing the fruits of that now, a team full of kids who are so used to losing they have no competitive spirit. It's going to take a monumental effort to turn their culture around.

Exactly. This is why people who say "sack 'em all, and play the kids" are dill holes.
You still need a happy medium.

[Ghost Dog]

Exactly. This is why people who say "sack 'em all, and play the kids" are dill holes.
You still need a happy medium.

Was it largely a play to the supporters in doing this? Younger players look flashy, and give one a sense of hope for the future, but they can have real problems running out games. Think we saw that in the Collingwood V Hawthorn game. Some great flashy kids, but a hardened team can go the 4 quarters. Re Melbourne, Their Coach came out and said only 4 of his players got a pass mark for 4 quarters. That's pretty abysmal.

[The Underdog]

Went to the Cats/Dockers.

Fyfe is a helluva player.

To be honest that was the first time I've had a real good look at him and I was hugely impressed. Smooth, one touch player. He looks like one of those "how the hell did he last to pick 20?" kind of guys. The sidestep in traffic on the wing was sublime.
On the other hand, did Stephen Hill do reverse kicking drills this offseason? His foot skills were appalling.
Your boy Ballantyne is certainly getting himself a reputation for sucking guys in.

[chef]

To be honest that was the first time I've had a real good look at him and I was hugely impressed. Smooth, one touch player. He looks like one of those "how the hell did he last to pick 20?" kind of guys. The sidestep in traffic on the wing was sublime.
On the other hand, did Stephen Hill do reverse kicking drills this offseason? His foot skills were appalling.
Your boy Ballantyne is certainly getting himself a reputation for sucking guys in.

Not only that, he is also becoming quite a good player. One of my favourites that watch.