Game Day 2012 - R2 Western Bulldogs vs Adelaide

[BulldogBelle]

This is the discussion thread for our Saturday evening game against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.

My predictions are:

The Dogs by 10 points
BOG : Daniel Cross
Daniel Giansiracusa to kick the first goal

[bornadog]

The Dogs by 25 points
BOG : Griffen
First goal - Dahlhaus

[Dazza]

Adelaide by 29
BOG : Libba
First goal - Higgins

[Doggy]

Crows by 40

Best Murphy

First goal Griffin

[Ghost Dog]

Dogs by 10

Best - Boyd

First major - Smith

[LostDoggy]

Dogs by 5 points - Keep the Faith!
Best - Boyd
First goal - Jones

[SlimPickens]

Crows-8 pts

Best- Libba

First Goal- Gia

[DragzLS1]

Dogs by 17 points

Best - Boyd (cleans up his disposal by foot)

First Goal - Grant

Rising star nomination - SMITH

[Daughter of the West]

Dogs by 7 in a scrappy affair
BOG - Libba
First goal - Gia

[Eastdog]

Doggies by 10 points - we can turn it around but I think I'm just being an optimist here as the Crows are going in favourites especially as its on their home turf.

BOG: Boyd

First Goal: Gia

[AndrewP6]

Crows by 44
BOG for us: Dahlhaus
First goal Gia

[Cyberdoggie]

crows by 38 points

Bulldog Best: Griffen

First Goal: Griffen

[the banker]

Dogs 13

BOG. Boyd

First goal. Griffen

[LostDoggy]

DRAW. In a fiercely contested match of the round.

BOG: Liam Jones with 4 goals and 5 contested marks.

First Goal: Taylor Walker after copping a head high tackle form Will Minson.

[DOG GOD]

Crows by 38

Bog for us- Boyd

Tippett and walker to take us to the cleaners :(

[Bumper Bulldogs]

Crows by 37 points
BOG - Lake
1st Goal - Gia

[Greystache]

Crows by 30 points
BOG- Libba
First goal- Dahlhaus

[LostDoggy]

Dogs by 14 ( Will kick start the season big time )
BOG-Ryan Griffen
First Goal- Jones
Rising Star- Clay

[LostDoggy]

DOGS by 5
BOG - Andy Otten
First Goal - Adam Cooney

.

[Max469]

Crows by 22

BOG: Griff

1st Goal: Gia

[G-Mo77]

Crows by 45.

BOG for us: Libba

First Goal for us: Jones

[LostDoggy]

Dogs by 1. Stick it up your jumper.

[westdog54]

I'd love to be able to pick us but I can't. Having said that, our recent form in Adelaide is reasonable so I don't think it'll blow out.

Crows by 20, Griffen both BOG and First goal

[The Adelaide Connection]

I know preseason "counts for nothing" but I think Adelaide have looked the goods and will be a club heading drastically North on the Ladder.

Adelaide by 24
Jones First Goal (*crosses fingers*)
Boyd Best for us

Is anyone heading to the game?

[Ghost Dog]

All comes down to the middle of the ground.
If the two midfields break even, becomes forward line battle of midgets V monsters.
Going for a back to the wall upset with our midfield to pull out all stops.
They'll try and isolate Marko in a 1on1 battle after watching last week. Just can't afford to make the same mistakes again.


Us by 10
Dahlhaus first goal
Boyd BOG

[azabob]

All comes down to the middle of the ground.
If the two midfields break even, becomes forward line battle of midgets V monsters.
Going for a back to the wall upset with our midfield to pull out all stops.

Us by 10
Dahlhaus first goal
Boyd BOG

Besides Tippett what monsters do the crows have? I wouldn't class Walker as a monster.

[bornadog]

I know preseason "counts for nothing" but I think Adelaide have looked the goods and will be a club heading drastically North on the Ladder.


How are they any different from last year? They lost a few players and I don't remember any major draft picks?

I think it will be a close game.

[Ghost Dog]

Besides Tippett what monsters do the crows have? I wouldn't class Walker as a monster.

Purely comparing our forward lines.
Lynch is not small, 1t 192cm. Walker is taller than both Murphy and Addison.
Hoping the weather is bad to give our smaller forwards an advantage.

[Pickenitup]

Dogs By 14
Griffen 1st Goal
Lake BOG

[Mantis]

Purely comparing our forward lines.
Lynch is not small, 1t 192cm. Walker is taller than both Murphy and Addison.
Hoping the weather is bad to give our smaller forwards an advantage.

Walker and Tippett match up pretty well height wise with Lake & Markovic, Lynch is similar to Hargrave.

Why you have included Murphy and Addison in your examples is anyones guess.

[Ghost Dog]

Walker and Tippett match up pretty well height wise with Lake & Markovic, Lynch is similar to Hargrave.

Why you have included Murphy and Addison in your examples is anyones guess.

Who do you expect will play on Walker?

[LostDoggy]

Dogs by 3 points
First goal - Griffen
BOG - Boyd

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Crows by 33 points.
BOG Griffen.
First goal Higgins.

[Mantis]

Who do you expect will play on Walker?

Markovic.

Crows by 30+

[AndrewP6]

Announced on Facebook, Tory Dickson is the sub.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

Has anyone got a live feed, stuck at home with the kids and cant get down to the pub.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

Marco not off to a good start giving away an early free

[KT31]

Crows by 27pts
Bogs for us Boyd
First goal Gia

[The Underdog]

Announced on Facebook, Tory Dickson is the sub.

Is it just me or is our sub strategy so far this season somewhat mystifying?

[Eastdog]

Has anyone got a live feed, stuck at home with the kids and cant get down to the pub.

The Western Bulldogs Twitter has a live feed or the radio will have the game. Do you have Foxtel Bumper Bulldogs.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

Eaton wood hand pass turnover cost us the first Goal.

Sounds like last week all over.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

The Western Bulldogs Twitter has a live feed or the radio will have the game. Do you have Foxtel Bumper Bulldogs.

No Foxtell, just the radio.

[ledge]

I try not to say much bad about our players but Easton Wood drove me nuts last week and is doing the same stupid stuff already.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

I try not to say much bad about our players but Easton Wood drove me nuts last week and is doing the same stupid stuff already.

I like him too, and hope that he settles downs and with Lake, Hargrave playing better should allow him a bit for freedom.

[Eastdog]

No Foxtell, just the radio.

I'm guessing SEN 1116 will have our match. Triple M will most likely have the Pies v Tigers.

[Eastdog]

Any concerns for Griff?

[AndrewP6]

Any concerns for Griff?

They're saying a rib, but from appearances he looks to be OK.

[Eastdog]

They're saying a rib, but from appearances he looks to be OK.

Let's hope he comes through tonight. Crows look to be on top atm.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

We need a Bob Murphy in the forward line.

[MrMahatma]

Our fwd line is a major worry. Across half forward we've got nothing.

[Eastdog]

Need to get a goal before quarter time.

[AndrewP6]

Too many passive, particularly in the back 50. Conversely, DJ has a kick smothered on the line. We're not desperate enough.

[LostDoggy]

Sorry but Markovic is crap

[LostDoggy]

Faaaark. Not ideal, hope things pick up A-freaking-SAP.

[ledge]

We have absolutely no structure in our foward line, this could be a hiding unless Macca starts making some changes of sorts down there.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

It's sounding like we are in trouble in the first quarter with no forward line options. Across the centre and back lines we are OK, just need to kick a goal to release the pressure.

[Eastdog]

Goal DJ. We are on the board.

[AndrewP6]

DJ backs himself with a great snap from about 50!

[ledge]

Sorry but Markovic is crap

Gee your hard on this bloke, look at Easton Wood or Minson.

[AndrewP6]

It's sounding like we are in trouble in the first quarter with no forward line options. Across the centre and back lines we are OK, just need to kick a goal to release the pressure.

I reckon apart from Lake and Murph our backs aren't flash. Too much standing around for mine.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

Goal DJ. We are on the board.

It should have been his second, the first wasn't touched according the the radio boys.

Come on Dogs get in!

[Eastdog]

How are we going in the ruck?

[Eastdog]

It should have been his second, the first wasn't touched according the the radio boys.

Come on Dogs get in!

Thats umpires for you.

[ledge]

How are we going in the ruck?

Do we have one?

[Bumper Bulldogs]

How are we going in the ruck?

From Andrews comments will is struggling, Roughy has one kick, one handball and one hit out.

I'm thinking that Cordy may be a chance next week if Roughy keeps going like this for the night.

[Eastdog]

Do we have one?

Minson.

[LostDoggy]

Gee your hard on this bloke, look at Easton Wood or Minson.

Hard? What games have you been watching. I was a fan but trying hard is not good enough. If we need him to take the second best tall every week we won't win many.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

DJ backs himself with a great snap from about 50!

A very lucky accidental barrel off one step.
I'll take it though, we need all the luck and help we can get if we're to avoid a pasting here.

[Eastdog]

A very lucky accidental barrel off one step.
I'll take it though, we need all the luck and help we can get if we're to avoid a pasting here.

They are on top in the midfield with Boyd the only one being dominant for us.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Our forward play is pathetic, both going into our forward 50, and also our forwards ability or lack thereof to make themselves a commanding target.

[Eastdog]

Our forward play is pathetic, both going into our forward 50, and also our forwards ability or lack thereof to make themselves a commanding target.

That's a real concern for us. We need to go back to the 2009 style of footy we played where we spread the goals because we didnt have a key forward.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

We are just hanging in, someone needs to stand up and make the difference to our forward line.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

A nice passage of play there, with a good finish from Jones, who must've been feeling the pressure too.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

A nice passage of play there, with a good finish from Jones, who must've been feeling the pressure too.

Lets hope that gives him some confidence, good to see that it started with murphy and Gia getting involved.

Here we come!

[LostDoggy]

Addison is so slow and has the turning circle of the queen Mary.

[Eastdog]

Murphy has been good.

[AndrewP6]

Griff working hard for us. Glad to have him back.

[Eastdog]

Griff working hard for us. Glad to have him back.

Dahlhaus also at times in the midfield has been exciting.

[ledge]

FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR OUUUT how bad is our delivery in to our forward line?? Griffen had 30 min to decide where to put it and kicks it straight to a crow FFS!

[Bumper Bulldogs]

FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR OUUUT how bad is our delivery in to our forward line?? Griffen had 30 min to decide where to put it and kicks it straight to a crow FFS!

Coach Killers!

I cant understand why ore skills have dropped off so much last year and this, are we doing to much running or planning rather than skill based training?

[Eastdog]

FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR OUUUT how bad is our delivery in to our forward line?? Griffen had 30 min to decide where to put it and kicks it straight to a crow FFS!

Would a move for Murphy at half forward help us?

[Bumper Bulldogs]

Would a move for Murphy at half forward help us?

I would prefer to try something rather than just sit on our hands and do nothing. By the sounds our back line are going OK so it could be the right time to make the move.

[MrMahatma]

Higgins.... *sigh*

[Eastdog]

If we keep the margin around the 20 point mark we are always a chance.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

Well done Pickers,

Come on dogs lets go back to back.

[Eastdog]

Great chance from Gia and missed.

[MrMahatma]

Hard to see us kicking a score.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Our lack of poise is so frustrating. We have worked very hard in the past 10 minutes and are well in control but for constantly either missing the last in a chain of passes, or missing a gettable shot.
And as I type undo all the hard work for none or little return, by virtue of Adelaide making the most of the very few chances they make.
This is going to be a very, very frustrating team to watch, until we address the dearth of skills across each of our lines.

[ledge]

I am going to be sick, we cant find one player in our forward line yet they have two on their own in their forward line??

[G-Mo77]

Did everyone think it was going to be easy in our life after Barry? Surprised so many seem to think it would be an easy transition.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

1/2 time and I feel another flogging coming on......Membership is also just about shot for the year too.

[angelopetraglia]

Terrible last few mins. Gia doesn't hit the post and we are only 7 pts down and now collapse to go in down by more than 4 goals. Those lapses just kill you.

[ledge]

We put two extra in our back line and still they have 2 players on their own??

[AndrewP6]

Down by 25 at halftime.

I think this is as close as we'll get.

[AndrewP6]

Did everyone think it was going to be easy in our life after Barry? Surprised so many seem to think it would be an easy transition.

Not at all, I have always thought it'd be hard. I didn't think we'd be doing the same stupid kicks to FF, one-on-two.

[MrMahatma]

If it's a rebuild, then let's think about it that way.

Who's playing well of the younger brigade?

[the banker]

Murphy has to go forward. While he looks good coming out of he back half he is not creating goals and isleaking goals. But who to go back?

We are busting gut for no return.

[always right]

If it's a rebuild, then let's think about it that way.

Who's playing well of the younger brigade?

Murphy.

[bornadog]

At the end of both quarters we allowed Adelaide to kick goals which makes all the difference.

Foward line is a worry and so is the delivery into the forward line.

[Eastdog]

Not giving up just yet but I do feel if we are any chance the margin at 3/4 time has to be under 20 points. It is so important we take our opportunities.

[GVGjr]

Did everyone think it was going to be easy in our life after Barry? Surprised so many seem to think it would be an easy transition.

I didn't underestimate it but I don't think we did enough planning and development to cover it either. We put a lot of hope on Jones and Grant but they aren't there yet.

[Remi Moses]

Words Dog fans wil be uttering often.
It's going to be a long season
When's The draft?

[AndrewP6]

If it's a rebuild, then let's think about it that way.

Who's playing well of the younger brigade?

Dahlhaus not bad, doing a few nice things. I reckon Grant is a bit better tonight, got cleaned up by Johncock (I think) and bounced back up.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

So much for the club saying we are just going to need a 'refresh' not a rebuild. That is obviously just spin. I think we're positioned a heck of a lot closer to requiring a full blown rebuild.

[The Underdog]

Did everyone think it was going to be easy in our life after Barry? Surprised so many seem to think it would be an easy transition.

I have to say at the moment, we're pretty much exactly what I thought we'd be. We're back to building again and it'll be a couple of years before we're a finals side again if we do it right.

[always right]

It would help if Minson could tap it to our blokes instead of theirs. It would help if he made a contest. It would help if could actually hold a mark.

Yes I'm frustrated by his performance tonight. I'm also frustrated by Griffen. Fricken take the game on and go for goal.

[bornadog]

If it's a rebuild, then let's think about it that way.

Who's playing well of the younger brigade?

Dahlhaus and Libba are playing well, the rest can't get the ball in their hands.

[GVGjr]

So much for the club saying we are just going to need a 'refresh' not a rebuild. That is obviously just spin. I think we're positioned a heck of a lot closer to requiring a full blown rebuild.

This season and the list we have really was in the making from about about 3 years back. Minimal changes to the list and a very much short term focus. We just haven't drafted, recruited, developed and managed the list well enough over the last few years and we are paying for it now. McCartney has a lot of work ahead of him.

[Hotdog60]

We need someone who can take a mark, I would like to give Panos a try at FF and instruct him to lead, lead and lead.

Then have players up field instructed to look for him.

What's with our players just bombing it out of defense when under little pressure?

[Pickenitup]

Its Time for Bob to go Forward as Johnno said on Fox it will help players Like Grant play better up forward just Go For Macca.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

I have to say at the moment, we're pretty much exactly what I thought we'd be. We're back to building again and it'll be a couple of years before we're a finals side again if we do it right.

Yep. Same here. My worry is that our two 'great hopes' for the the key forward posts for the next 10 years, are poor shots for goal. And we're yet to really address two other key areas of need, pace and ball use around the ground.

[GVGjr]

Dahlhaus and Libba are playing well, the rest can't get the ball in their hands.

This is so true. Liberatore was gift wrapped for us as a father son pick and it was very fortunate for us that Dahlhaus was still available as a rookie. We just aren't getting enough from our drafts picks over the last few years.

[Eastdog]

We need someone who can take a mark, I would like to give Panos a try at FF and instruct him to lead, lead and lead.

Then have players up field instructed to look for him.

What's with our players just bombing it out of defense when under little pressure?

We need a constant FF go to man. Hall was that man for a few years but that is history now.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

Ok we need to win this game and the Crows will slow up as the are a Sub down.

Who do we sub off for Dickson, Do we remove Jones or Grant? Or do we remove a Minson or Roughy?

I would also through Cooney into the forward line and try to et him to play out of the square.

[AndrewP6]

It would help if Minson could tap it to our blokes instead of theirs. It would help if he made a contest. It would help if could actually hold a mark.

Yes I'm frustrated by his performance tonight. I'm also frustrated by Griffen. Fricken take the game on and go for goal.

Very harsh, IMO. He's done a lot of good, and he can't shoulder the load for everyone else. And he's playing with a broken finger.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

This season and the list we have really was in the making from about about 3 years back. Minimal changes to the list and a very much short term focus. We just haven't drafted, recruited, developed and managed the list well enough over the last few years and we are paying for it now. McCartney has a lot of work ahead of him.

Oh no doubt. I just would've preferred the club to admit it, instead of pushing a line that is clearly false, and which will in turn only lead to greater eventual disenchantment from those who swallow the club's line.
I feel for McCartney, he's got alot of work to do, I just hope we make a better fist of our probably high draft picks this year and next, than we have in recent years.

[GVGjr]

We need someone who can take a mark, I would like to give Panos a try at FF and instruct him to lead, lead and lead.

Then have players up field instructed to look for him.

What's with our players just bombing it out of defense when under little pressure?

That's not really his go though. He's a different style of forward to the lead, mark and kick guys.

[MrMahatma]

This is so true. Liberatore was gift wrapped for us as a father son pick and it was very fortunate for us that Dahlhaus was still available as a rookie. We just aren't getting enough from our drafts picks over the last few years.
We've not been great with first rounders for a while.

Walsh, Ray, Power, Higgins, Williams, Everitt, Grant.

Would be nice to have a couple of superstars in there.

[Eastdog]

Good start to the 3rd quarter.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

Cooney two clearances and the result is two Goals.

Come on Dogs!

[jazzadogs]

Ok we need to win this game and the Crows will slow up as the are a Sub down.

Who do we sub off for Dickson, Do we remove Jones or Grant? Or do we remove a Minson or Roughy?

I would also through Cooney into the forward line and try to et him to play out of the square.
Not a hope in hell that Jones will be subbed out. Wouldn't be surprised if it was Grant or Roughy. Maybe Smith again depending on how he's going.

Goals to Gia and Grant get us back in it.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Loving the effort so far, still a bit to be desired on the final bit of execution. It will all be undone if Adelaide can kick 1.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

Don't we need to just kick straight and the game is ours.

[Eastdog]

Loving the effort so far, still a bit to be desired on the final bit of execution. It will all be undone if Adelaide can kick 1.

Almost did.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

I tell you what.. more than the frustration of watching the Dogs miss chances, I am absolutely sick of hearing Brereton's voice in the Foxtel commentary. What a moron, who just loves hearing the sound of his own voice.

[GVGjr]

Loving the effort so far, still a bit to be desired on the final bit of execution. It will all be undone if Adelaide can kick 1.

There was times last week as well where the football we played was fantastic. We edge a bit closer and are in the mix.

[Eastdog]

7 points behind now and right in it.

[GVGjr]

Nice goal

[AndrewP6]

Boyd with two captain's kicks!!! Point the difference!

[LostDoggy]

BOYDY!!!! 2 goals

[The Underdog]

Matthew Boyd...goal kicker?

[Eastdog]

Boyd fantastic. Point the diff.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Wow. Amazing what happens when we take our chances. Boyd really leading from the front this quarter.

[AndrewP6]

I tell you what.. more than the frustration of watching the Dogs miss chances, I am absolutely sick of hearing Brereton's voice in the Foxtel commentary. What a moron, who just loves hearing the sound of his own voice.

And Russell, who sounds like someone who has won a radio competition to become announcer for a game.

[jazzadogs]

82% disposal efficiency so far this quarter. There's the difference.

[Eastdog]

And Russell, who sounds like someone who has won a radio competition to become announcer for a game.

Did you like when Clinton Grybas commentated.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

Wow. Amazing what happens when we take our chances. Boyd really leading from the front this quarter.

As another WOOFER stated he is a proud person and wouldn't have two bad weeks in a row

[AndrewP6]

Did you like when Clinton Grybas commentated.

Can't remember to be honest. I remember him as a basketball commentator.

[Ghost Dog]

There was times last week as well where the football we played was fantastic. We edge a bit closer and are in the mix.

Yes there were.

What sort of supporters heap so much negativity after a single half of footy? Draft is past history, let's get behind the lads. Who we have is who we have on the park today.

[The Underdog]

Yes there were.

What sort of supporters heap so much negativity after a single half of footy? Draft is past history and this is the game day thread, let's get behind the lads.

Realists?

If you think that's negativity, head over the Punt Rd End about now.

[GVGjr]

Yes there were.

What sort of supporters heap so much negativity after a single half of footy? Draft is past history and this is the game day thread, let's get behind the lads.

It was just comments during the half time break.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

What sort of supporters heap so much negativity after a single half of footy? Draft is past history and this is the game day thread, let's get behind the lads.

Ones that have seen it all before and keep coming back for more, I cant see the game but from listening to it the skill level is poor from a few and this is what I find hard to understand.

Yes we are back in the game but only due to the midfield, we need the forward line to do something and lift.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Two great seperate pieces of defense from Markovic, well done.

[GVGjr]

Two great seperate pieces of defense from Markovic, well done.

Must be doing wonders for his confidence.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Make that 3 great efforts from Markovic.

Clay Smith, I don't care how hard he is, his kicking is majorly faulty.

[LostDoggy]

Maybe I was harsh on Markovic. Sorry

[AndrewP6]

Make that 3 great efforts from Markovic.

Clay Smith, I don't care how hard he is, his kicking is majorly faulty.

I think it's more his decision making, he's just blazed away a couple of times.

[Ghost Dog]

It was just comments during the half time break.

Well I thought they were unfair. Players can improve and suggesting they are a bunch of duds because they lose a half of footy seems a bit rich. We are only 3 points behind, no matter what you think of the skills. 3 points. Get on up dogs.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

Two great seperate pieces of defense from Markovic, well done.

The 3rd piece of good work and the boys on the Radio pumping him up at this point. I hope he keeps going for another quarter.

Wait Higgins lining up to put us in front.

Missed why am I not surprised.

[ledge]

I have a lot of time for Markovic he is having a break out quarter, did we see a psychiatrist at half time?

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Must be doing wonders for his confidence.

I really admire his ability to keep trying and find a way to make an influence.

[GVGjr]

Maybe I was harsh on Markovic. Sorry

I think you might have been and it's been a good quarter for him.

[The Underdog]

Well I thought they were unfair. Players can improve and suggesting they are a bunch of duds because they lose a half of footy seems a bit rich. We are only 3 points behind, no matter what you think of the skills. 3 points. Get on up dogs.

Who suggeted they were a bunch of duds?

[Ghost Dog]

Who suggeted they were a bunch of duds?

Draft post, ' Markovic is crap' etc etc

[Bumper Bulldogs]

Isn't that miss from Higgins a costly one now leading into three quarter time. It was only 2 to 3 years ago and he never missed a goal playing as a forward. Since he has talked up a midfield position I feel his skills have dropped off.

[MrMahatma]

Yes there were.

What sort of supporters heap so much negativity after a single half of footy? Draft is past history, let's get behind the lads. Who we have is who we have on the park today.
Our goals are being kicked by mids.

You win a game here and there with that, the frustration is our fwd line isn't really functioning.

Fantastic quarter though. Looked like we actually had a structure to stop their run and we really hard at it. So good to see - we just lack a bit of class at the moment.

[Eastdog]

Isn't that miss from Higgins a costly one now leading into three quarter time. It was only 2 to 3 years ago and he never missed a goal playing as a forward. Since he has talked up a midfield position I feel his skills have dropped off.

Hopefully that decision early on in the game does not come back to haunt us.

[MrMahatma]

Well I thought they were unfair. Players can improve and suggesting they are a bunch of duds because they lose a half of footy seems a bit rich. We are only 3 points behind, no matter what you think of the skills. 3 points. Get on up dogs.
So you're happy with the return from our 1st rounders in the past 6 years?

[bornadog]

Isn't that miss from Higgins a costly one now leading into three quarter time. It was only 2 to 3 years ago and he never missed a goal playing as a forward. Since he has talked up a midfield position I feel his skills have dropped off.

They missed some easy ones too so , its even stevens at this moment.

I would sub out Smith and bring Dickson on in the last quarter.

[Hotdog60]

I'll give Grant a wrap here, I think he has had a serviceable game today.

[ledge]

If we can win this its going to do a lot for our confidence.

[Bulldog4life]

Oh no doubt. I just would've preferred the club to admit it, instead of pushing a line that is clearly false, and which will in turn only lead to greater eventual disenchantment from those who swallow the club's line.
I feel for McCartney, he's got alot of work to do, I just hope we make a better fist of our probably high draft picks this year and next, than we have in recent years.

All of this talk about our list has been done to death in other threads let's concentrate on this game on this thread.

[GVGjr]

Well I thought they were unfair. Players can improve and suggesting they are a bunch of duds because they lose a half of footy seems a bit rich. We are only 3 points behind, no matter what you think of the skills. 3 points. Get on up dogs.

So someone expecting more from early draft picks translates in your mind to referring to the players as duds? Its not an expression I can recall using but I certainly wasn't in that instance. You are reading way more into those comments than you should be. By the way, I'm unlikely to get all rah rah if we are winning or losing either.

[The Underdog]

I would sub out Smith and bring Dickson on in the last quarter.

Consider it done:D

[LostDoggy]

Dickson Subbed on for Smith

.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

They missed some easy ones too so , its even stevens at this moment.

I would sub out Smith and bring Dickson on in the last quarter.

You are a good judge as this has now happened, it will be interesting to see if Dickson can have an impact.

[G-Mo77]

I didn't underestimate it but I don't think we did enough planning and development to cover it either. We put a lot of hope on Jones and Grant but they aren't there yet.

No they're not ready to hold it down yet and it's unfair that supporters think they should be.

I get tired of hearing the whining of supporters saying our forward line sucks, no one can take a mark etc etc. We are developing our younger players in a rebuilding season. Some supporters expectations are far so far up in the clouds it's ridiculous.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

If we can win this its going to do a lot for our confidence.

When we win, surly we cant lose this now as the Crows have stopped.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Well done Liam Jones, clutch mark in the square to put us in front!

[G-Mo77]

Is there a replay of this on FTA at all?

[The Underdog]

No they're not ready to hold it down yet and it's unfair that supporters think they should be.

I get tired of hearing the whining of supporters saying our forward line sucks, no one can take a mark etc etc. We are developing our younger players in a rebuilding season. Some supporters expectations are far so far up in the clouds it's ridiculous.

I think Grant's development has been a bit disappointing and he's regressed from where he was a season or so ago. Jones however is right on track to where he should be. He's a season or two away from being really good but needs to play consistently. (So he can mark and goal like that...)

[The Underdog]

Is there a replay of this on FTA at all?

You'll be able to watch it online from tomorrow morning on the AFL site

[Eastdog]

We are in front but the Crows have a chance to get it back.

[ledge]

When we win, surly we cant lose this now as the Crows have stopped.

They have the crowd behind them , have we spent all our energy catching up? time will tell

[G-Mo77]

I think Grant's development has been a bit disappointing and he's regressed from where he was a season or so ago. Jones however is right on track to where he should be. He's a season or two away from being really good but needs to play consistently. (So he can mark and goal like that...)

He certainly can clunk them.

[AndrewP6]

Lapses really hurt. Dangerfield just slides in for a gimme.

[AndrewP6]

When we win, surly we cant lose this now as the Crows have stopped.

You're kidding, surely.

[GVGjr]

Bad kick in by Wood and it ultimately cost us a goal and the lead.

[ledge]

Dare I say it.. a Tom Campbell or Panos might hve been good for us up forward tonight

[G-Mo77]

You'll be able to watch it online from tomorrow morning on the AFL site

That's the problem mate. I'm still on wireless internet so it's hard to get a solid connection for a long period of time. :mad:

[Eastdog]

That's the problem mate. I'm still on wireless internet so it's hard to get a solid connection for a long period of time. :mad:

I'm sure G-Mo77 if you have Fox Footy that they will have a replay.

[ledge]

Anyone noticed Markovic is running off a lot and Lake is staying back, reversed roles?

[G-Mo77]

I'm sure if you have Fox Footy that they will have a replay.

Which I don't have otherwise I'd be watching it right now. ;)

[The Underdog]

That's the problem mate. I'm still on wireless internet so it's hard to get a solid connection for a long period of time. :mad:

Bugger

[Eastdog]

Bad miss Jones. Good mark, bad kick.

[Eastdog]

Which I don't have otherwise I'd be watching it right now. ;)

A dilemma as you said your connection isn't great.

[G-Mo77]

Bugger

Fingers crossed the 5 month wait will be over this week sometime.

[ledge]

Minson hasnt been sighted tonight, Cordy a big chance next week I would think.

[AndrewP6]

We're done now I reckon - Marko has to play 1 on 3 in the back 50???

[Eastdog]

That hurts. Walker gets a goal.

[The Underdog]

For a new beginning, it sure feels a lot like last year

[Eastdog]

That might be it. Very good 2nd half from the Dogs.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

3 Goals down and another disappointing result, we lost this game they didn't win it.

[Eastdog]

Great goal Roughy. Hanging in.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

Great goal Roughy. Hanging in.

You mean teasing us!

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Game over.
There is going to be a lot of this all year I suspect, work hard and just lack the polish to finish. Can't be faulted with the level of spirit and effort from all players.

[Eastdog]

All over.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

3 Goals down and another disappointing result, we lost this game they didn't win it.

Not sure I agree, The Crows lifted markedly at and around the contest in the last 15 minutes.

[ledge]

Spent the energy coming back.

[GVGjr]

Both weeks we have rallied in the 3rd quarter but the encouraging thing tonight is we also performed strongly in the last quarter. Those two goals at the end of the 2nd quarter hurt us.

[Eastdog]

Both weeks we have rallied in the 3rd quarter but the encouraging thing tonight is we also performed strongly in the last quarter. Those two goals at the end of the 2nd quarter hurt us.

Big positive there GVG but as you said those goals make a big difference.

[angelopetraglia]

That lapse before half time against the trend of normal play just killed us. Also our domination in the 3rd Q was worth more than 4 goals.

[The Underdog]

Game over.
There is going to be a lot of this all year I suspect, work hard and just lack the polish to finish. Can't be faulted with the level of spirit and effort from all players.

I reckon we'll be able to count on one hand the number of times we score more than 100 points this season. Can't fault the effort though.

[Raw Toast]

Is Shaggy ok?

Some decent signs for me (from the radio at least) - we just need a win, but seem like we have some moments where we're putting it all together, and the foundations aren't too bad.

I'm not expecting much, but we're showing some character which is good.

[Eastdog]

Is Shaggy ok?

Some decent signs for me (from the radio at least) - we just need a win, but seem like we have some moments where we're putting it all together, and the foundations aren't too bad.

I'm not expecting much, but we're showing some character which is good.

Hopefully next week against the Saints we can get the first win.

[always right]

Is Shaggy ok?

Some decent signs for me (from the radio at least) - we just need a win, but seem like we have some moments where we're putting it all together, and the foundations aren't too bad.

I'm not expecting much, but we're showing some character which is good.

Shaggy didn't look good...can ill afford to lose him:(

[GVGjr]

I reckon we'll be able to count on one hand the number of times we score more than 100 points this season. Can't fault the effort though.

I wont be upset if we aren't a high scoring team because I think McCartney can get a lot of the players doing more of the defensive work and limit the opposition a bit more than previous seasons. The trick is to also keep the scoreboard steadily ticking over and I guess without a dominating key forward we will need the midfield to chip in.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

Shaggy didn't look good...can ill afford to lose him:(

For those of us without TV coverage what happened?

[ledge]

How is Dickson going to get his tank up playing half games, think we need to play him in the VFL and give him full games.
Cassius is great but his bull at a gate destroys him physically by halftime.
Cant wait for him to have another preseason.

[bornadog]

Those two goals at the end of the 2nd quarter hurt us.

same in the first quarter, right at the end of the quarter they kicked a couple. That was the difference in the end. I like the way we fought this one out.

I really think our backline is still very fragile. Lake is still finding form which is putting pressure on Markovic, Wood can't hit a target if it was two feet in front him. Has he hit any one with a hand ball in the past two weeks? Murphy is good when he gets to run and carry, but defending on some little blokes is a worry, Addison is just serviceable and looks like Hargrave has done his knee. He seemed to bend it back as he fell, lets hope he is ok.

[LostDoggy]

It was just the lack of impact on the scoreboard in the first quarter , the momentum would have been different if it had of been 4 goals 1 instead of the other way around

Bwian and Markovic were solid and worked hard , 19 marks between them was good

Overall our defense was better but we did,nt make enough tackles

It will be interesting to read the detailed stats

.

[LostDoggy]

For those of us without TV coverage what happened?

He collided with Grant - who was outmarked by Walker. Landed in the goal square and got caught his leg caught up and twisted. Hopefully it is just a jar but I have seen less nasty collisions or falls end up as ACL. Hopefully he's ok but it didn't look great

[LostDoggy]

How is Dickson going to get his tank up playing half games, think we need to play him in the VFL and give him full games.
Cassius is great but his bull at a gate destroys him physically by halftime.
Cant wait for him to have another preseason.
?
He played a full game last week

[LostDoggy]

If Hargrave has done a knee then it's the end for him.

[bornadog]

It was just the lack of impact on the scoreboard in the first quarter , the momentum would have been different if it had of been 4 goals 1 instead of the other way around

Bwian and Markovic were solid and worked hard , 19 marks between them was good

Overall our defense was better but we did,nt make enough tackles

It will be interesting to read the detailed stats

.

The stats show we had 49 more possessions, we won the contested footy, we won the tackles and clearances and inside 50's but the most important stat we lost, ie kicking goals.:(

[Raw Toast]

If Hargrave has done a knee then it's the end for him.

Probably - could be a candidate for LARS surgery, as he doesn't have much to lose and is so important to us.

[Raw Toast]

The stats show we had 49 more possessions, we won the contested footy, we won the tackles and clearances and inside 50's but the most important stat we lost, ie kicking goals.:(

Yes, good effort but also a *&%$#^ lost opportunity as well! (Cue the Terry Wallat spew speech)

[GVGjr]

How is Dickson going to get his tank up playing half games, think we need to play him in the VFL and give him full games.
Cassius is great but his bull at a gate destroys him physically by halftime.
Cant wait for him to have another preseason.

Dickson does need a couple of games at Williamstown to not only get his fitness level up but also to get a bit of the football. We are asking a lot of a player like Dickson to come into an inexperienced forward set-up but we will get a better gauge of where he is around the middle of the year.

Smith is like a lot of juniors who need to be carefully managed in their first season.

[LostDoggy]

I think the sub spot was ideal for Dickson today. He got 8 possession in 1 qtr of football and made some positive influence.

[jazzadogs]

He collided with Grant - who was outmarked by Walker. Landed in the goal square and got caught his leg caught up and twisted. Hopefully it is just a jar but I have seen less nasty collisions or falls end up as ACL. Hopefully he's ok but it didn't look great
They didn't really show a great angle of it, but I thought it looked more ankle/shin related than knee related. Still not great (especially given his ankle problems), but not as bad as an ACL.

[Ghost Dog]

Yes, good effort but also a *&%$#^ lost opportunity as well! (Cue the Terry Wallat spew speech)

I hate that speech. That's not how you get players to improve and learn. By telling them all that effort was a total waste. No point being soft. We lost. BUT posters said we would get buried tonight. They said to within 26 was as far as we would get. They had the crowd advantage and the home ground advantage yet we still showed heart and showed courage. Keep it up Dogs.

[bornadog]

I hate that speech. That's not how you get players to improve and learn. By telling them all that effort was a total waste. No point being soft. We lost. BUT posters said we would get buried tonight. They said to within 26 was as far as we would get. They had the crowd advantage and the home ground advantage yet we still showed heart and showed courage. Keep it up Dogs.
I love that speech, because it relates to being happy with an honoruble loss and Terry didn't want to continue the culture of accepting mediocrity in the club where supporters pat the players on the back and say good effort when we lost by a goal or two.

Whatever way you look at it, we lost tonight and that is just not good enough.

[Eastdog]

I love that speech, because it relates to being happy with an honoruble loss and Terry didn't want to continue the culture of accepting mediocrity in the club where supporters pat the players on the back and say good effort when we lost by a goal or two.

Whatever way you look at it, we lost tonight and that is just not good enough.

Sure it was much better effort in the 2nd half but you need a 4 quarter effort. That is what will win us games.

[MrMahatma]

Sure it was much better effort in the 2nd half but you need a 4 quarter effort. That is what will win us games.
Was it effort or execution? We put in, in the 1st half but missed our chances and broke down across half fwd.

[Eastdog]

Was it effort or execution? We put in, in the 1st half but missed our chances and broke down across half fwd.

Execution more like it.

[Remi Moses]

Just started watching a replay and Dwayne Russell is already irritating me!
Clear free to Hargrave ( callinan goals) moron says nothing in it!:rolleyes:

[The Bulldogs Bite]

We'll be bottom four, and aside from GWS, I can't say with any certainty we will beat any other side. I think we'll struggle against the Gold Coast.

Having said that, at least our players have spirit -- unlike Melbourne.

[Sedat]

Was it effort or execution? We put in, in the 1st half but missed our chances and broke down across half fwd.
Execution. Our final ball into forward 50 (aside from Coons and Gia) was dreadful pretty much all night. Jones has a hard enough time being a young up and coming key forward, let alone getting 2-3 players on him. Factor in the shoddy delivery and he has one of th hardest gigs in the AFL in 2012.

Effort almost to a man was outstanding. Cannot fault any aspect of it apart from a couple of isolated incidents. Doesn't guarantee we will get the chocolates most weeks.

[Rocco Jones]

I love that speech, because it relates to being happy with an honoruble loss and Terry didn't want to continue the culture of accepting mediocrity in the club where supporters pat the players on the back and say good effort when we lost by a goal or two.

Whatever way you look at it, we lost tonight and that is just not good enough.

That speech wasn't just about 'being happy with an honourable loss' it was about not being in a consistent effort throughout the game. In that game against Collingwood we started woefully and needed to make a big comeback to get into it. I remember Plough talking (or screaming) about how poor that stage was.

Tonight was different as I believe we put in throughout the game. Sure we were down by 4 goals at HT but IMO that wasn't through a lack of effort.

I HATE being content/proud/pleased with an honourable loss however tonight was one of those ocassions.

[LostDoggy]

We'll be bottom four, and aside from GWS, I can't say with any certainty we will beat any other side. I think we'll struggle against the Gold Coast.

Having said that, at least our players have spirit -- unlike Melbourne.

Not sure how you can say that when play with more endevour than a few sides.
We might not be able to match it a top 8 side but if we put in like we have we will win more than 4 sides.

[AndrewP6]

Disappointing to lose a game, but I thought we'd get done by much more than that. I'm getting myself accustomed to our rebuilding...er, refreshing phase.

[Mantis]

Not sure how you can say that when play with more endevour than a few sides.
We might not be able to match it a top 8 side but if we put in like we have we will win more than 4 sides.

Had a few beevies Chops?

[the banker]

We have played two teams who are up and about having played off for the NAB cup. We have shown good spirit. Brian and Cooney have got through two games well. We were frenetic in the first half tonight but looked good when we slowed down. We are playing a solid contested game with some good signs.

[AndrewP6]

Had a few beevies Chops?

Or bevvies? :)

[LostDoggy]

Had a few beevies Chops?

Na sorry. Just difficult on the iPhone and add my laziness checking over what I wrote.

Still think we are better than at least 4 sides. Melb are a rabble, Brisbane not much better and GCS are coming from way back.

[Mantis]

Or bevvies? :)

Yeah.. I've had a heap.

[ledge]

We'll be bottom four, and aside from GWS, I can't say with any certainty we will beat any other side. I think we'll struggle against the Gold Coast.

Having said that, at least our players have spirit -- unlike Melbourne.

So your saying we wont even beat Melbourne but we have better spirit?

Melbourne has played 2 games and lost by near on 170 points we have lost 2 by 70 odd points but they are better than us?

[AndrewP6]

Yeah.. I've had a heap.

Hahah I've had a few too.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

So your saying we wont even beat Melbourne but we have better spirit?

Melbourne has played 2 games and lost by near on 170 points we have lost 2 by 70 odd points but they are better than us?

Where did I say they were better than us?

I said aside from GWS, I can't say with any certainty that we will beat another side. That obviously doesn't mean we won't. It means I wouldn't really 'tip' us with confidence against many sides at all.

[Go_Dogs]

The stats show we had 49 more possessions, we won the contested footy, we won the tackles and clearances and inside 50's but the most important stat we lost, ie kicking goals.:(

I think the official stats have the Crows +8 contested possessions, +1 clearances. We did have more possessions and inside 50's, and a better disposal efficiency.

We did better than I had expected, particularly after halftime. Quite a few positives for me tonight. We have 3 winnable games in a row now to get a bit of a run on.

[Eastdog]

I reckon we will finish somewhere between 9th-13th. We are not the worst team but we are not a top 8 team either. We are in a rebuilding phase now.

[bornadog]

I HATE being content/proud/pleased with an honourable loss however tonight was one of those ocassions.

I think I will spew up:D

[firstdogonthemoon]

ditto




I HATE being content/proud/pleased with an honourable loss however tonight was one of those ocassions.

[Remi Moses]

Reasonable good performance tonight, but not having that hit up forward is hurting us big time.
We're better than 5 or 6 teams and on a level with a few.
Adelaide with a nice draw are in that 8 spot range nothing better, the next three are winnable.
We must not get content with effort and still losing.
Losing is habitual, just ask Melbourne.

[Greystache]

I love that speech, because it relates to being happy with an honoruble loss and Terry didn't want to continue the culture of accepting mediocrity in the club where supporters pat the players on the back and say good effort when we lost by a goal or two.

Whatever way you look at it, we lost tonight and that is just not good enough.

I couldn't agree with you more. That speech encompassed everything that's wrong with the club, yet we still hear supporters using the accepting mediocrity line as a punch line.


Execution. Our final ball into forward 50 (aside from Coons and Gia) was dreadful pretty much all night. Jones has a hard enough time being a young up and coming key forward, let alone getting 2-3 players on him. Factor in the shoddy delivery and he has one of th hardest gigs in the AFL in 2012.

Effort almost to a man was outstanding. Cannot fault any aspect of it apart from a couple of isolated incidents. Doesn't guarantee we will get the chocolates most weeks.

Bang on. Who would want to be Jones right now. We bang the ball blindly on the foot constantly, and opposition team line up waiting to pick it off. Our senior players desperately need to show more composure with the ball and our less talented players need to make better decisions.

[Ghost Dog]

I love that speech, because it relates to being happy with an honoruble loss and Terry didn't want to continue the culture of accepting mediocrity in the club where supporters pat the players on the back and say good effort when we lost by a goal or two.

Whatever way you look at it, we lost tonight and that is just not good enough.

It's not about accepting mediocrity. It's about Careful analysis of what goes right and trying to get more of it. Careful analysis of what goes wrong and minimizing it. At the end of the day, they are humans, our players and they need encouragement and acknowledgement, in balance to criticism and critical feedback. If you play three quarters of good footy, do you want someone leaning over the fence telling you how totally useless you are? Did Terry Wallace ever get us to the big one? And look at how he left us. Great endorsement for his philosophy of psychology:rolleyes: Nobody is accepting a loss. But when one does right, that deserves to be highlighted so it can be re-enforced. A culture of losing can become habitual, true. So can a culture of macho chest beating that masks a deep desperation caused by failure to deliver results. Cause?not building confidence and skills with care.

[craigsahibee]

Just started watching a replay and Dwayne Russell is already irritating me!
Clear free to Hargrave ( callinan goals) moron says nothing in it!:rolleyes:

And the reference to Liam Picken as Marcus.

During the last quarter he talks about ladder positions of each team before the game. What relevance is your position on the ladder heading into round 2. The man is a complete and utter tool. It's amazing he is still on air. If I stuffed up in my job as much as he does, I would have been history years ago.

[AndrewP6]

And the reference to Liam Picken as Marcus.

During the last quarter he talks about ladder positions of each team before the game. What relevance is your position on the ladder heading into round 2. The man is a complete and utter tool. It's amazing he is still on air. If I stuffed up in my job as much as he does, I would have been history years ago.

Similar to last week, when, in the pre-game discussion, as the camera cut to our players, he said "Tory Dickson, yet to play a senior game!" - right before the first game.:o

[ledge]

As much as I crack it sometimes during a game I do see a huge light shining at the end of the tunnel, our endeavour is there which is the thing Macca has been addressing first up this pre season, next is actual ball use, coming along nicely if he is doing one thing at a time, we cant fault what Macca has said he would do and what we are doing in that department.

Some coaches I think try to fix everything at once, Macca said he was taking our game back to bare bones I like it so far.. remember Geelongs last year before resurgence and we are nowhere near that bad.

[craigsahibee]

As much as I crack it sometimes during a game I do see a huge light shining at the end of the tunnel, our endeavour is there which is the thing Macca has been addressing first up this pre season, next is actual ball use, coming along nicely if he is doing one thing at a time, we cant fault what Macca has said he would do and what we are doing in that department.

Some coaches I think try to fix everything at once, Macca said he was taking our game back to bare bones I like it so far.. remember Geelongs last year before resurgence and we are nowhere near that bad.

Agree. Committment and Endeavour are foundations that our game plan can be structured around. Not much point having fabulous skills if you are unable to get your hands on the footy (Jordan McMahon). Always said it will take us 6 - 8 weeks to be comfortable with what Macca wants. Looking for huge improvement in the latter half of the year and 2013.