Game Day 2012 - R4 Western Bulldogs vs Melbourne

[BulldogBelle]

This is the discussion thread for our Sunday afternoon twilight game against Melbourne at the MCG.

My predictions are:

The Dogs by 28 points
BOG : Matthew Boyd
Shaun Higgins to kick the first goal

[Eastdog]

Doggies by 33 points
BOG: Matthew Boyd
First Goal: Daniel Giansircursa

[bornadog]

Dogs by one point

BOG; Griffen

First Goal: Jones

[Greystache]

Dogs by 40 points
BOG- Griffen
First Goal- Dahlhaus

[Ozza]

Dogs by 15 points

BOG Matthew Boyd - alwyas kills Melbourne.

First Goal - Ayce Cordy.

[Daughter of the West]

Dogs by 28
BOG - Boyd
First goal - Jones

[SlimPickens]

Dogs 19pts

BOG Vez

First Goal Sherman

[AndrewP6]

Dogs by 14pts
BOG Boyd
First goal Griff

[LostDoggy]

Dogs by fifteen points
Bog= Griffen
First goal = Jones

[Go_Dogs]

Dogs by 37
First goal Sherman
BOG Dahlhaus

Really looking forward to seeing Sherman, Vez and Austin have a run around today. Hopefully all 3 can show a bit. Also hoping Wallis has a full game, but hard to see who we will use as the sub.

[LostDoggy]

Dogs by 13 Points.
First goal Dahl.
BOG Boyd

[Doggy]

Demons by 5 Points.
First goal Cordy
BOG for us Addison

[G-Mo77]

Melbourne by 20 points
First goal for us. Dahlhaus
BOG for us Boyd.

[LostDoggy]

Dogs by 21
First Goal - Djerrkura
BOG - Griffen

.

[Ghost Dog]

Bulldogs by a kick
First goal: A rampaging, strutting Sherman
BOG: Boyd

[Bumper Bulldogs]

Dogs by 36 points
BOG - Lake
1st Goal - Gia

[LostDoggy]

Dogs by 36 points
BOG - Lake
1st Goal - Gia

I,m assuming thats for next week ;)

.

[LostDoggy]

Late Withdrawl: Markovic...
Our backline is going to be under enormous pressure this evening...
Also, which sections are General Admission at the 'G for today's game?

[Greystache]

Austin confirmed as playing today, Makovic should be back next week.

[Greystache]

Higgins to start as sub

[bornadog]

Higgins to start as sub

Good move, hasn't found form at this stage

[Maddog37]

It's like being dropped without being dropped. The next step is obvious if he doesn't contribute you would think.

[Greystache]

Good move, hasn't found form at this stage

It'll be intereresting to see if he can come on and have some kind of impact.

[LostDoggy]

Our backline is almost unrecognisable!

[Topdog]

Our backline is almost unrecognisable!

Hargrave and Murphy. Mitch Clark is going to have a field day.

[MrMahatma]

More Stynes stuff.

Just switched on. Why is it a Stynes day again?

[Greystache]

More Stynes stuff.

Just switched on. Why is it a Stynes day again?

This is the official Jim Stynes tribute match, it was organised the week he died.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Higgins to start as sub

Very interesting.

Melbourne by 7 points
BOG: Picken
First goal: Grant

[Sedat]

Great to be at the MCG - I love this ground so much more than that sterile, vanilla 'dome'

[MrMahatma]

We gotta win this. Midfield will be key (as always) - our defence is undermaned so can't have it flying in there all the time.

[LostDoggy]

Tough day to get the demons but I like the look of the forward line.. On paper anyway.

[AndrewP6]

Great to be at the MCG - I love this ground so much more than that sterile, vanilla 'dome'

Funnily enough, I feel the opposite. Don't mind the G, but apart from finals, Id rather be at Etihad.

[azabob]

Hargrave and Murphy. Mitch Clark is going to have a field day.

Weather looks like it could turn, so hopefully he won't get too many chances.

[LostDoggy]

Nice work by DJ , only doing semi circles this year.

[LostDoggy]

Let off , Watts straight in front , nice miss

Undersized defense is just going have to commit to body work

.

[jazzadogs]

Roughead on Clark, Wood on Watts.

Those match-ups scare me.

[MrMahatma]

Turnover central.

[LostDoggy]

Turnover central.

It's an amazing skill to find opposition players chests so often.

[LostDoggy]

Still bombing the forward line , just a waste of possession

.

[LostDoggy]

Goal to Grant

[Greystache]

I don't understand Roughead on Clark, surely he's more dangerous than Sellar. Why wouldn't we have our makeshift defender on the second string forward?

[LostDoggy]

Lukey D!!

[Greystache]

Dees goal kicking flattering us, Dahlhaus makes them pat from outisde 50m

[LostDoggy]

Lukey D!!

Is there anything he can't do?

[Ghost Dog]

Need a much more more mobileplayr than roughy on clarke.

[jazzadogs]

I don't understand Roughead on Clark, surely he's more dangerous than Sellar. Why wouldn't we have our makeshift defender on the second string forward?
Agree. Would have thought Austin would be first option for Clark?

And wouldn't Cordy go back before Roughy?

[Greystache]

Our skill level is appalling, or maybe it's our decision making, by hand and foot we put the ball to where the player is rather than where they should be receiving it, EVERYTIME.

It's under 10 stuff.

[MrMahatma]

If Griff slotted that it'd have been a very flattering scoreboard!

[bornadog]

Good first quarter, Cross, Griffen, DJ, Murph and Dahl all playing well. Yes Dees missed some, but too bad, thats just bad footy.

[LostDoggy]

My opinion on DJ has changed completely in a short amount of time. Definitely in our best 22 currently.

[LostDoggy]

If Griff slotted that it'd have been a very flattering scoreboard!

I can't say that I saw where it hit the post. Referral system?

[LostDoggy]

Agree. Would have thought Austin would be first option for Clark?

And wouldn't Cordy go back before Roughy?

Markovich would have struggled on Clark as well.

[comrade]

So far, one of the worst displays of combined skill level I've seen.

And Boyd has barely touched it.

[comrade]

Has Gia aged 5 years? He gets less separation than ever and can't hold it when he does get the ball.

Treading water right now.

[LostDoggy]

That's why Sherman is back.

[Greystache]

DJ has been very very good so far.

[comrade]

DJ has been very very good so far.

Best for us, great intensity.

Dahl very creative, too. What a gun kid.

[comrade]

Minson is dominating the Russian. Really obvious at ground level.

[MrMahatma]

DJ, Sherm & Dahl showing a bit of zip. Nice.

[MrMahatma]

GIa can't keep his feet - ever!

[kruder]

Has Gia aged 5 years? He gets less separation than ever and can't hold it when he does get the ball.

Treading water right now.

Carrying an injury apparently

[jazzadogs]

DJ, Sherm & Dahl showing a bit of zip. Nice.
Great to see some speed around the contest, quick ball movement.

Courage from Sherman just there, not something you necessarily expect from him. Lucky not to get cleaned up.

[comrade]

Carrying an injury apparently

Sub him. He's cooked.

[Greystache]

Carrying an injury apparently

We're carrying him, we're playing with 20 men with him playing like this.

[LostDoggy]

Coons with his 2nd

[Greystache]

Lovely kick out from Vez to open up the hole in the zone, Dahlhaus puts it out in front of Cooney and we get a goal. Some smart use of the ball for a change.

[LostDoggy]

Go dogs, I was worried about a late demon goal. Our young guys are showing a lot. Cordy needs to stay at ff, I think Jones is enjoying the company.

[Ghost Dog]

Grant..just not at it enough..to much appealing for frees

[LostDoggy]

Why did we go back then?

[Greystache]

Cross is another that looks like a really old man these days, costs us a goal with a poor fumble.

Some of our senior players have been pretty poor this year.

[comrade]

Why Crossy?

[Bulldog4life]

Roughy has done well on Clarke. For a ruckman to play at full back wouldn't be easy. Well done.

[ledge]

What has worried me in these 3 games is we are going across goal in defence, why not along boundary?

[LostDoggy]

Cross is another that looks like a really old man these days, costs us a goal with a poor fumble.

Some of our senior players have been pretty poor this year.


Why Crossy?

Yeah, we let the pressure off with a number of players going backwards and sideways when we should have kept pressing, Crossys fumble was always going to be costly.

Murphy and the kids have been pretty exciting, our ball use seems better today. Vez can sure kick well, I would like to see the ball in his hands a bit more.

I'm enjoying the game. Great tackling by the majority of our boys.

Gia off for Higgins soon? Doesn't look himself today.

[ledge]

I am salivating looking at ACE at FF

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Cross is another that looks like a really old man these days, costs us a goal with a poor fumble.

Some of our senior players have been pretty poor this year.

No doubt Crossy was poor on that occasion, but i think he has been our second best player today so far behind Murphy.

[LostDoggy]

No doubt Crossy was poor on that occasion, but i think he has been our second best player today so far behind Murphy.

Barely saw Sherman in the first, but he was close to best on that last quarter

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

I am salivating looking at ACE at FF
I'm salivating at the thought that one day we might draft a tall forward who isn't a suspect shot for goal, like Grant, Jones and Ayce appear to be.

[LostDoggy]

I am salivating looking at ACE at FF

I hope we back him in that position for the next 5 games at least.

[immortalmike]

I'm salivating at the thought that one day we might draft a tall forward who isn't a suspect shot for goal, like Grant, Jones and Ayce appear to be.

Yeah his name is Matthew Panos but we like to play him in the backline...:(

[kruder]

We're carrying him, we're playing with 20 men with him playing like this.

Agree he shouldnt be playing then

[comrade]

Since when has Jack Watts ragdolled anyone?

[ledge]

we are terrible

[kruder]

15th V 16th

[LostDoggy]

Wallis or Gia off?

[LostDoggy]

Gee that was ugly Clark smashed himself.

[Go_Dogs]

Wallis or Gia off?

Gia for mine, like for like.

[comrade]

Gee that was ugly Clark smashed himself.

Almost buried his head in the ground.

[Bulldog4life]

The unashamed barracking for Melbourne By Eddie & Dunstall is obscene

[bornadog]

wallis or gia off?

gia off he has been terrible

[LostDoggy]

Gia for Higgins should have happened 10 minutes ago.
Gia looks slow and has barely gotten near it.

[LostDoggy]

Gia for Higgins should have happened 10 minutes ago.
Gia looks slow and has barely gotten near it.

Good call - like for like as someone said

[LostDoggy]

gia off he has been terrible

Yeah Wallis stepped up the intensity late that qtr.

Exciting game!

[Topdog]

we are terrible

yep really really bad.

[LostDoggy]

But they took Ayce off...

[Topdog]

its tough conditions for a tall, Ayce had not done much, see nothing wrong with that decision.

[Topdog]

and decision justified.

[Bulldog Joe]

But they took Ayce off...

The right move as they lost Clark and we need the ground level players.

PS
Gia goals as well as Roughy to show it was right.

[comrade]

At least you can count on Gia to finish off the good work of others.

[LostDoggy]

The right move as they lost Clark and we need the ground level players.

PS
Gia goals as well as Roughy to show it was right.

Yep makes some sense with Clark off.

[comrade]

It's VFL skill level out there.

[Topdog]

Wow that was such a poor kick Cross.

[Topdog]

a win is a win is a win. The boys worked hard today.

[ledge]

It is wet and slippery, would like to say Wallis had a good game, maybe his career starter.

[LostDoggy]

Just one of those games where you had to bite off more than you can chew and chew like hell , damn ugly game and the stats will look ugly as well , first win of 2012 wasn,t a memorable one other than our backline was not in any ones script pre-season


.

[LostDoggy]

It is wet and slippery, would like to say Wallis had a good game, maybe his career starter.

Hopefully so ..... maybe he can take the place of one of the senior players whose time is running out. No need to mention names.

[LostDoggy]

It's VFL skill level out there.

Plenty of positives out there too comrade.

Go dogs, first win of the year. The dees came at us a number of times but we held them off.

[LostDoggy]

Haha apologies for the excessive posts but it's the first time in a long time I've been able to watch the game myself without kids, animals, missuses and mates with my iPad on my lap!

[Ghost Dog]

Just one of those games where you had to bite off more than you can chew and chew like hell , damn ugly game and the stats will look ugly as well , first win of 2012 wasn,t a memorable one other than our backline was not in any ones script pre-season


.

Disagree. I enjoyed it and will remember it. I thought we did well and despite the condition's there were some good skills and real courage shown. Well done lads. Melbourne annoyed all night with their argy bargy in their forward line. We didn't get sucked in and left them hanging their heads.

[Sedat]

Dahlhaus effort in the 3rd qtr was brilliant - he got flattened by a hip and shoulder in our forward 50, got straight back up and affected a smother to keep the ball in our forward 50, then made another repeat effort and kicked it to the goal square where DJ kicked a goal. He is a gem.

Wallis was alright in the 2nd half. You can see he has a good feel for where the ball will go.

Addison very good again down back tonight. Kudos to him.

[Ghost Dog]

How good was Murphy tonight? 55 meter kick ins on to the chest. Vezpremi was great, DJ. Dahlhaus.

[MrMahatma]

Well - it wasn't the senior blokes who won that for us.

Gia, Shaggy, Boyd all didn't really do much - in Shaggy's case, most of what he did was turn it over.

Some good patches from Sherm, DJ, Dahl, Wallis.

Jones leads pretty well. Our delivery to him is horrendous. If our midfield skills improve he'll get many more goals.

[Sedat]

Vesz kicking skills are very good but he does not like body contact - made quite a few half-hearted efforts to get first to the contest. I can see why he hasn't played many senior games in his career despite his obvious talents.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Vesz kicking skills are very good but he does not like body contact - made quite a few half-hearted efforts to get first to the contest. I can see why he hasn't played many senior games in his career despite his obvious talents.

Agree with this -- pretty much the only disappointing thing about his game. it will need to improve for him to carve out an AFL career, but he did provide some skills out there today.

I thought Wallis was pretty impressive. Few errors, but by and large, he had a solid impact around the contest.

Dahl was good, despite a few fumbles. Cooney was pretty impressive and Sherman's intensity & run was extremely important. I also thought DJ was pretty effective and provided quite a lot out there today.

Roughy did really well at FB and then kicked that nice goal in the last -- good job.

Gia was absolutely woeful and should be dropped, whilst Cross' decision making and skill continues to amaze me.

[comrade]

I doubt it will happen but both Gia and Shaggy should be given a spell in the magoos. In a bad team, Shaggy's lack of poise is just so blatant and Gia can't get near it unless it's put on a platter with a cherry on top.

Maybe give Talia a crack and bring back Libba.

[Mofra]

Wallis was alright in the 2nd half. You can see he has a good feel for where the ball will go.
I liked his game - he's clearly a work in progress but he took great steps today, obviously a very smart player who knows where to find the football in congestion.

[azabob]

How did the back line and Austin perform?

[bornadog]

- in Shaggy's case, most of what he did was turn it over.

I thought it was Shaggy's best game and very little turnovers.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

I though Austin looked very good out there and despite being severely undermanned both in experience and in height, I thought as a unit they battled hard. Apart from getting ragdolled by Watts on one occasion, I thought Addison performed very well.

[bornadog]

whilst Cross' decision making and skill continues to amaze me.

Clearly you are not a Cross fan and only look at the times he makes an error and judge his whole game on that. I thought he played a very good game and almost best on the ground.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

I thought it was Shaggy's best game and very little turnovers.

Maybe numbers wise, but there were still a few occasions where under very little or no pressure he has kicked it 40-50 metres straight to a Melbourne player. His disposal efficiency was so high due to the fact that on a couple of times late in quarters he got some back and forth cheapies as we tried to waste time.
If we had a full and fit complement down back I could foresee Shaggy being in the frame to get the chop.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Clearly you are not a Cross fan and only look at the times he makes an error and judge his whole game on that. I thought he played a very good game and almost best on the ground.

Agree, I thought Cross battled well tonight, in conditions that suit him. He did make a couple of errors, but by and large I thought he did very well.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Clearly you are not a Cross fan and only look at the times he makes an error and judge his whole game on that. I thought he played a very good game and almost best on the ground.

When the heat was on in that last quarter, Cross basically turned it over every time he got it.

You're right I am not a fan of Cross -- he is finished.

[bornadog]

His disposal efficiency was so high due to the fact that on a couple of times late in quarters he got some back and forth cheapies as we tried to waste time. .

He had 9 marks and 26 disposals. They didn't mainly come from the chipping around in the last three minutes.:confused:

[bornadog]

When the heat was on in that last quarter, Cross basically turned it over every time he got it.

You're right I am not a fan of Cross -- he is finished.

Well your wrong he is not finished.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Well your wrong he is not finished.

Obviously he's going to play games given his 2 year contract, but he shouldn't.

A young player (eg. Libba, Wallis, Smith) offer us more than Cross do and clearly have 8-10 years of footy in them.

I'm tired of seeing Cross using his left foot. Why does he bother? He can't even kick on his right, but he uses his left!? It's absurd.

[Bulldog Joe]

Obviously he's going to play games given his 2 year contract, but he shouldn't.

A young player (eg. Libba, Wallis, Smith) offer us more than Cross do and clearly have 8-10 years of footy in them.

I'm tired of seeing Cross using his left foot. Why does he bother? He can't even kick on his right, but he uses his left!? It's absurd.

Crossy is required until players like Libba, Smith and Wallis can back up week after week. They are not at his level, although they show signs they can be as good or better than his best.

Don't see the problem with kickng on his left as it is no worse han his right.

[LostDoggy]

Obviously he's going to play games given his 2 year contract, but he shouldn't.

A young player (eg. Libba, Wallis, Smith) offer us more than Cross do and clearly have 8-10 years of footy in them.

I'm tired of seeing Cross using his left foot. Why does he bother? He can't even kick on his right, but he uses his left!? It's absurd.

I'm with you on this issue. The bloke has been a good warrior but he is too slow and doesnt hurt the opposition with his disposals. Cost us a shocker earlier in the game when he decided to go backwards.

Minds you, the history of our club is we will keep playing these blokes ...... I remember going through the same scenario with Scotty West and Doug Hawkins.

[Eastdog]

Just got home from the game. Relieved with the win. Dahlhaus was great and in the end out experience won it I believe. Both sides were sloppy and you can tell we and Melbourne are gonna struggle this season.

[always right]

Some posters get fixated on certain players and their deficiencies to the extent it doesen't matter what they do. Shaggy and Cross have their shortcomings but tonight Cross was important particularly in the first half. As for turnovers there was one by Crossy that cost us a goal and Shaggy kicked to the opposition once tonight. Otherwise they were both solid.

[1eyedog]

Clearly you are not a Cross fan and only look at the times he makes an error and judge his whole game on that. I thought he played a very good game and almost best on the ground.

We were watching a different game. Spilt chest marks and backwards kicking and turnovers do not equal BOG.

I thought Sherman was very good, he went in hard today and his backing back into that pack was very courageous. Great left foot snap off one step and completely unbalanced was a brilliant and timely goal. Well done Shermo.

[Desipura]

He had 9 marks and 26 disposals. They didn't mainly come from the chipping around in the last three minutes.:confused:
Cmon Bornadog, you can throw me all the stats you like, Cross was finished 12 months ago as a footballer yet we give him 2 more years, this is a joke! We are a charity that give loyal servants a few extra years. Its not as if we have money to burn!

[Bumper Bulldogs]

Obviously he's going to play games given his 2 year contract, but he shouldn't.

A young player (eg. Libba, Wallis, Smith) offer us more than Cross do and clearly have 8-10 years of footy in them.

I'm not sure a two year contract was warranted for Cross, but I would have been pleased with 12 months. We need him as he gets in and under, blocks, talks and leads the way on the training track.

If the 3 above are better then him they will get games, but its a long season and these kids will need protection and Cross is the man for the job.

Yes they are more than likely going to be better than him (skill wise) but non of them have any consistency yet and plenty of WOOFERS had been asking you the young guys heads over the last few weeks.

[LostDoggy]

If i recall correctly, when we got DJ, word was he had all the abilities but just didn't know what to and often ran in circles. Basically how he played last year
Looks significantly better this year and hopefully he can go on and become a real player

Grant playing essentially as a small is great to see, using his speed rather than trying to be the key. His pressure is a mile up now as well


Watching Melbourne, they could be in some serious trouble. Weren't they very close to full strength? They went against one of the league's weaker team, missing 4 players from the back line turning nearly our only strength into a weakness and were just terrible. They don't even have great young talent, Watts is a spud. I would put them just in front of GWS, GC may have already passed them

[SonofScray]

Really enjoyed the game of Grant, Wallis and DJ from the POV that they all have clear ability but haven't shown much of what they've got at this level. Tonight they put in some real solid performances, effective at almost every contest they got involved in.

Cordy, he is young but we need him to make a stronger contest at times. Its like he hasn't got that ability to grit his teeth and just exert that extra bit of energy to ensure he beats his opponent. It will come, I'm sure and he worked hard but without that bit of extra effort he will struggle.

Gia. Must be injured, finished his opportunities well but mostly he was a liability tonight. I thought even Higgins would have given us more. Speaking of, off the bench he had a better outing than I expected. Got involved and showed some courage which is rare but but well received and appreciated by the fans. Keep up the good work.

Roughhead played a very complete big man's game I felt. Just performed well above expectations and did a really good job in unfamiliar territory as a FB/CHB. He assisted really well by the bullish work of Addison, who is much maligned but true to his best qualities just went in harder and harder each contest and bested his man when the heat was on.

We've got a mountain of work to do, but I liked a few positional changes Mac made i.e. Cooney fwd and Jones higher up the field. We won't be getting too many wins, so while it was only the Dees we may as well enjoy it.

[The Doctor]

When the heat was on in that last quarter, Cross basically turned it over every time he got it.

You're right I am not a fan of Cross -- he is finished.

I agree. Thought this last year.

[Maddog37]

Cross whilst making a couple of glaring errors that deflate the whole team still keeps his spot. He is brave and far from our worst week in week out.

The problem is that we have too many plodders in Cross, Gia etc and someone has to go. The balance is not right just yet.

Higgins is a good sub IMO.

[hujsh]

Very harsh on Cross here today flowing a pretty good game with the exception of that dropped mark before half time. To say Cross was finished 12 months ago stands out as the strangest statement.

Whether or not he should have got a 2 year contract is debatable and whether he will be worth playing as Wallis, Libba and Smith (hopefully) improve is questionable, but Cross gives us pretty much the same output now as he did in 2006. He was always slow and never a great kick but his desperation, courage, overhead marking and endurance have not fallen away one bit.

I thought Ayce seemed to play behind too often, especially on a day like today.

[Eastdog]

Really enjoyed the game of Grant, Wallis and DJ from the POV that they all have clear ability but haven't shown much of what they've got at this level. Tonight they put in some real solid performances, effective at almost every contest they got involved in.

Cordy, he is young but we need him to make a stronger contest at times. Its like he hasn't got that ability to grit his teeth and just exert that extra bit of energy to ensure he beats his opponent. It will come, I'm sure and he worked hard but without that bit of extra effort he will struggle.

Gia. Must be injured, finished his opportunities well but mostly he was a liability tonight. I thought even Higgins would have given us more. Speaking of, off the bench he had a better outing than I expected. Got involved and showed some courage which is rare but but well received and appreciated by the fans. Keep up the good work.

Roughhead played a very complete big man's game I felt. Just performed well above expectations and did a really good job in unfamiliar territory as a FB/CHB. He assisted really well by the bullish work of Addison, who is much maligned but true to his best qualities just went in harder and harder each contest and bested his man when the heat was on.

We've got a mountain of work to do, but I liked a few positional changes Mac made i.e. Cooney fwd and Jones higher up the field. We won't be getting too many wins, so while it was only the Dees we may as well enjoy it.

Well said SonsofScray. This year when we win we have to savour it as we won't get too many of them this year.

[SonofScray]

Cross was close to our best I thought. I also think he is close to finished in terms of his role in the team and what we need to be looking at in terms of development. Not a reflection on him, or his ability but rather where the Club is at.

[Eastdog]

Cross was close to our best I thought. I also think he is close to finished in terms of his role in the team and what we need to be looking at in terms of development. Not a reflection on him, or his ability but rather where the Club is at.

I thought Dahlhaus and DJ were quite good as well tonight. How did you rate Wood's match.

[SonofScray]

I thought Dahlhaus and DJ were quite good as well tonight. How did you rate Wood's match.

Dahl was very solid. He received BOG honours on the radio, just provides a real spark. A minor knock on him was his conversion, I'd have liked to see him nail a few more chances.

Wood turned the ball over less I felt, when he did we didn't get burned too badly. Battled well without playing particularly well.

[AndrewP6]

It's a much better feeling going home on the train after a win. Not earth-shattering stuff, to me it was a true indication of two battling teams. Our skill level really worries me, we fail to do the basics even remotely well at times. I thought DFA battled well, he puts himself in harm's way so readily. Dahl was great, lots of spark and persistence. I'm in Crossy's corner - whilst he has obvious deficiencies (I could've thrown my drink when he cost us that goal), we need that person who is hard at it, courageous in contests etc. THere are others of a similar ilk, but they need time to be able to do it week in week out. Murph was great - in a decimated back line, when he has the ball I feel comfortable. Coons I thought did quite well, slotted a couple and seemed to move fairly well.

A win is a win is a win.

[EasternWest]

He assisted really well by the bullish work of Addison, who is much maligned but true to his best qualities just went in harder and harder each contest and bested his man when the heat was on.

I absolutely love the way you've worded this.

Good to see a bit of DFA love going around.

[Sedat]

Good to see a bit of DFA love going around.It is well deserved on exposed 2012 form to date.

[Ghost Dog]

I absolutely love the way you've worded this.

Good to see a bit of DFA love going around.

What I loved was they kept belting him ( Who is that tool with the mustache? What a flop ) when in close and he showed great discipline. No expression on his face at all, just into it.

[G-Mo77]

What I loved was they kept belting him ( Who is that tool with the mustache? What a flop ) when in close and he showed great discipline. No expression on his face at all, just into it.

That's Lyndon Dunn.

I've been flying almost blind in the last 2 weeks so it was good to see the boys first hand. Some in here worry about Jones and I have at times also but after watching him tonight I'm not worried at all, he's going to make it and be a very good KPP for us for many years to come. He clunked a few tonight which were really impressive. Still got to learn to kick but he'll get there.

Walked away pretty worried about the development of Cordy. I think it's clear all 3 rucks can't play together and he's probably going to just have to wait his turn in the VFL. He's not a forward and it does him no good playing there.

Someone said in here I'm underestimating how bad Melbourne is, well I did. They are terrible and 3 - 4 years into a rebuild and it looks like they need to start again.

It was an ugly game but it was good to get a win.

[Hotdog60]

Is it just me or has Dahlhaus kicking improved on last year, he seems to have gained some distance in his kicking.

[Bulldog4life]

If i recall correctly, when we got DJ, word was he had all the abilities but just didn't know what to and often ran in circles. Basically how he played last year
Looks significantly better this year and hopefully he can go on and become a real player

Grant playing essentially as a small is great to see, using his speed rather than trying to be the key. His pressure is a mile up now as well


Watching Melbourne, they could be in some serious trouble. Weren't they very close to full strength? They went against one of the league's weaker team, missing 4 players from the back line turning nearly our only strength into a weakness and were just terrible. They don't even have great young talent, Watts is a spud. I would put them just in front of GWS, GC may have already passed them

And they have 11 first round picks. :eek:

[LostDoggy]

I did a double header last week and went to both Rich/Melb and our game. I happily did $10 backing Melbourne who last week were competitive for most of their game, while we weren't. The addition of Vez seemed to improve our kicking. Good to see Wallis get a bit of it too, and even Djerkurra do some good work.

On Cross, we know what we are getting, he probably needs to keep playing as it allows us to protect the younger blokes, whether we will need him next year will be interesting, hope his contract next year is based on games played. But lets face it, keeping Cross on the list for the next two years isn't going to cost us a premiership.

[Topdog]

we need that person who is hard at it, courageous in contests etc. THere are others of a similar ilk,.

my concern is that we are turning into a team that is just that.

[AndrewP6]

my concern is that we are turning into a team that is just that.

I know what you're saying. We certainly are in dire need of some silk.

[Ghost Dog]

That's Lyndon Dunn.


Someone said in here I'm underestimating how bad Melbourne is, well I did. They are terrible and 3 - 4 years into a rebuild and it looks like they need to start again.

It was an ugly game but it was good to get a win.

Lyndon Dumb more like it.
That would be me :D

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Agree on Addison. He is in terrific form and his competitiveness is a real credit to him. Obviously not the most gifted player, but he's found a spot in the back pocket and is really putting in 110%.

I thought Addison was one of the best on the ground, particularly when the game got tight and other players were either fumbling, going to the ground or just generally struggling with the added pressure.

Hopefully he keeps this up.

[G-Mo77]

Lyndon Dumb more like it.
That would be me :D

Well I apologise then. You were absolutely right. :D

[Topdog]

I thought Addison was one of the best on the ground, .

yep how good was that mark he took in the 3rd?

[G-Mo77]

yep how good was that mark he took in the 3rd?

The juggler?

[Topdog]

yep, loved it just out bodied and out worked his opponent and then kept his composure brilliantly.

[LostDoggy]

Is it just me or has Dahlhaus kicking improved on last year, he seems to have gained some distance in his kicking.

Yes , he had a technical fault with his ball drop and his follow through , he is confident with the ball in his hands now at 50m , no need to look for a pass just relax prepare and kick

.

[bornadog]

Crossy is required until players like Libba, Smith and Wallis can back up week after week. They are not at his level, although they show signs they can be as good or better than his best.

Don't see the problem with kickng on his left as it is no worse han his right.

This ^^^^


We were watching a different game. Spilt chest marks and backwards kicking and turnovers do not equal BOG. .

So out of 26 disposals he split one chest mark and kicked one backwards - gee he played badly then. BTW his Disposal Efficiency was 82% And for the Hargrave baggers his disposal effeciency was 85%


Cmon Bornadog, you can throw me all the stats you like, Cross was finished 12 months ago as a footballer yet we give him 2 more years, this is a joke! We are a charity that give loyal servants a few extra years. Its not as if we have money to burn!


Thats utter rubbish - when the Wallis's, Libba's Smiths start getting the ball regularly then we can retire Cross. That aint gunna happen for a few years yet.

[Throughandthrough]

Watched this live on TV. A win is a win....

and my worst on ground goes to Eddie McGuire who was blatantly and openly barracking for Melbourne, presumably as some sort of support for Stynes. Two teams out there Ed. Best team won.

[LostDoggy]

Thats utter rubbish - when the Wallis's, Libba's Smiths start getting the ball regularly then we can retire Cross. That aint gunna happen for a few years yet.

A few more?
Cross is needed now, but to be honest i think this is it for him, next year those three should have it covered.

The obvious whole this team is lacking going forward is the outside mid, but really, for a team going into rebuilding, that isn't disastrous. Snaring Jones and Roughy with picks 29-30 may have sped up the rebuilding quite a lot. Getting young talls is never easy, but with a bit of luck, we may already have all of them we need for our generation between those two, Cordy, Hill, Campbell and Panos. Can't forget that Williams and Marko are only 25 as well

[Raw Toast]

Good game. The Dees had it all to play for, but we met every challenge and got a win we really needed. That said, their goal-kicking helped us a lot, nevertheless, it was a very slippery night and we acquitted ourselves better in it.

I thought Melbourne changed their game-plan a bit tonight. They'd been following the Malthouse-Collingood plan of playing around the boundary, but looked to bring it through the middle much more. It caught us out a few times in the first quarter, but then we adjusted and crowded the middle of the ground much better.

I also thought that BMac held his nerve more in terms of trusting his game-plan, and the Dees looked less sure of themselves which I suspect contributed to some of their frequently appalling disposal. Melbourne came out very hard and we were a bit lucky to be ahead early. Then we got on top in the 2nd and should have started putting some nails in but were a bit loose up forward. The Dees were harder at it for much of the 3rd, but we rallied (led by Wallis in part) and held our nerve well in the 4th quarter.

I was pretty worried about Roughead on Mitch Clark, especially after Roughead showed very little awareness on a couple of long balls coming in, and then was left way behind him on a nice lead inside the 50 by Clark. But Roughead held his own very well after that, and showed he might be able to offer something as a versatile tall who can play back, ruck and forwards. His snap for a goal early in the last quarter was very well done.

Austin was pretty impressive for his first game (for us). Had lots of composure, was rarely beaten and tended to be in the right places. I'd like to see him given a bit of a run now that he has been elevated.

Cordy didn't have a great night, but he still showed a bit and I'd like to see him get an extended go as well. He contested pretty well, and showed good body work again, with some nice touches once the ball hit the ground. I don't mind about his dodgy kick - he'll show he can be better than that. The big issue I had with him was that he was led to the ball too many times. When it is wet, you need to play in front and we're still lacking that lead-up player at the moment. The problem for Cordy is that with Lake coming back into the side we need to drop a tall for the sake of team balance. Maybe it is time to play try Lake forward against GWS, with Austin and Roughead down back again.

Jones started the night with little confidence, but worked his way into the game well. He's very good when the ball hits the ground, and had a great moment early in the second quarter when he trapped a ball skimming into the fifty, shimmied to create space where none had been, and dished off a handball that should have resulted in a goal (I think it lead to a poster). He took some good grabs, but should have nailed the goal in the last when he snapped prematurely on the left instead of steadying. Still, he made good of Grant's faulty-pass in the 3rd to slot a nice goal.

Djerrkura had his best game for the club in my opinion. He was in everything early, and put his body on the line very well, and showed good burst and skills. He still has some issues with his first touch, but looks to have improved it with increased confidence. Two of his shepards were inspirational and both should have lead to goals (I think one was followed by the strange poster in the first quarter). And he got some well deserved frees. Still room for improvement because he did fade out a bit before becoming important in the last quarter. And he should have run further with the ball in hand during third quarter and waited for Grant to have a clear gap on his opponent before passing to him in the fifty.

Wallis had his best game for the club as well. His desperation was great and he showed he could hurt opponents by getting the ball out of packs, and also by hand-passing quickly onto team-mates running by. He positioned himself very nicely out of the back of packs. His goal was well deserved and I'd had a feeling mid-way through the last that he might kick the sealer. He looked buggered by the end of it, and I think he's learning what it takes to be play at the elite level. He deserves credit for taking his demotion on the chin, working his way back into the side and then really working himself down into the ground to make sure he seized the opportunity this time and impacted the game. And how important was that goal-saving tackle that he made deep into the last quarter?

I can't believe all the hate Crossy and Shaggy are getting, though I guess this tends to repeat itself so much that I should be immune to it. Both had very impressive stat-lines, and while Crossy had some bad clangers, he more than made up for them, and is still an important part of the side. Indeed, I think BMac is working to make his great over-head marking into more of a weapon, and the goal that resulted from Vezpremi kicking it in to Crossy, who gave it to Dahlhaus who then found Cooney, was a thing of beauty.

Shaggy's composure in the clinches was vital, and coupled with four tackles. Yes, he sometimes kicked it long to no-one in particular (or worse), but he also made some valuable pinpoint passes, and he was very good at putting himself in the right position.

Dylan Addison was frequently inspirational and also didn't try do too much (in the main) which is important for him, because he can't take on the game like some others. His last quarter was immense, and he truly earned his middle name tonight and lots of love.

Grant also had a gruntling game. He ran very hard, had five tackles and used the ball well (apart from that pass to Jones which was the correct option, and luckily Jones made it look ok). Hopefully he can keep building his tank and can become the lead-up link forward we need which will then make his marking, crumbing and defensive skills all the more valuable.

Sherman had a better game than I expected. He had 9 contested possessions, and showed he could crumb well. He'll always be a bit infuriating, but clearly added value to the team at least in this game.

Vezpremi also added value. He did look spent at times late in the game, but also made some key Gilbee-like interventions when he left his player to break up the play. His kicking is a treat to see (especially at the moment!), apart from his first kick. And I think there's a place for him to make his own, so here's hoping he grasps it.

Cooney started coming into his own again tonight. I liked the use of him forward early, and then through the middle once he had a bit more of a feel for it. Nevertheless, he can play much better, even if he's never the Cooney of old. We saw a few times that he trusted himself and burst away a bit, but he still had lots of moments when he got rid of the ball with little composure when he had a bit more time, or could have worked to create a bit more space. For all the affection Cooney received for this game, and antipathy directed to Cross and Hargrave, Cooney's efficiency was equal lowest (with Boyd who did some nice defensive things and still contributed even though he didn't provide his usual drive).

[BulldogBelle]

Great Post Raw Toast and would agree with most of your analysis of the game.
Would like to get others' opinions of Griff's game tonight? In my estimation that's two games in a row where he has been quiet and I can't put my finger on it. Has his role changed? Is he not working hard enough to drop the tag? It seems he is still battling with consistency that has been so elusive to him in his career thus far...

[Desipura]

Thats utter rubbish - when the Wallis's, Libba's Smiths start getting the ball regularly then we can retire Cross. That aint gunna happen for a few years yet.
So lets keep playing Cross and wait for Libba, Wallis and Smith to play regularly at Williamstown whilst we gain some wins against crap opposition.
Our youngsters do not gain any valuable senior experience because Cross is in the side instead of them.

[1eyedog]

Very harsh on Cross here today flowing a pretty good game with the exception of that dropped mark before half time. To say Cross was finished 12 months ago stands out as the strangest statement.

Whether or not he should have got a 2 year contract is debatable and whether he will be worth playing as Wallis, Libba and Smith (hopefully) improve is questionable, but Cross gives us pretty much the same output now as he did in 2006. He was always slow and never a great kick but his desperation, courage, overhead marking and endurance have not fallen away one bit.

I thought Ayce seemed to play behind too often, especially on a day like today.

And therein lies the problem. The game has changed so much in six years and Cross has been left behind as far as some people's understanding of where he is at. The game is quicker again than 2006 and instinctive decision making has become even more of a mandatory requirement for players in the midfield. This was never Cross' strong point. Cross played okay in the wet yesterday, he made some clangers and battled hard but he wasn't BOG. I thought Maloney played better than him. My issue with Cross is under the roof at Etihad, I think he is getting shown up there.

Cross is one of my favourite players, always has been, but Wallis/Libba need to take his spot every week now.

[bornadog]

So lets keep playing Cross and wait for Libba, Wallis and Smith to play regularly at Williamstown whilst we gain some wins against crap opposition.
Our youngsters do not gain any valuable senior experience because Cross is in the side instead of them.

I didn't say that, those players will play as they have been, but at this stage they are not consistent. Name the player that should have played instead of Cross?

No matter what I say you won't stop bagging him, so there is no point in argueing. You and a bunch of other supporters cannot see any value in Cross and you are blinkered, yet his two coaches keep playing him and he keeps raking up 30 disposals every week, runs harder than anyone, trains harder than anyone. Yes he has his limitations, but at this stage, he won't be replaced by an 18 year old.

[LostDoggy]

I must have gone to another game.
Cross was very good on the day. Stuffed up with a chest mark and should have got a free anyway for it.
Murphy was also very good but his man kicked 2 including one he went ball chasing.
Even Gia kicked 2 after looking terrible.
Ayce was awful. Dropped marks, missed easy shots and his man ran off him continually him yet some of us are salivating????? Id give him 1 more game then try Hill.

We would have wrapped up this game early if we had a forward line.
I can't wait for the day players like Grant and Jones take responsible and trust there skills to kick goals, instead of passing.
I thought our skills were bad but we have Melbourne beat. Their run from the backline was horrible especially linking up.
I would play Austin again, no worse than Markovic.
Roughead on the backline is better than him on the forward line.
Good to see more run with the inclusion of Vez, Sherman and DJ starting.

[Bulldog Revolution]

No matter what I say you won't stop bagging him, so there is no point in argueing. You and a bunch of other supporters cannot see any value in Cross and you are blinkered, yet his two coaches keep playing him and he keeps raking up 30 disposals every week, runs harder than anyone, trains harder than anyone. Yes he has his limitations, but at this stage, he won't be replaced by an 18 year old.

Good on you BaD for balancing out the discussion,

Not only do his coaches keep playing him but they rate what he does
B&F - 2nd 2005, 3rd in 2006, 1st in 2008, 2nd in 2009, 2010, 2011

Cross is clearly not perfect, but he works harder at it than most, and that sets a powerful example to young teammates.

I like that we are using Cross in a variety of ways in 2012. Could we really have played a kid on Goddard last week? Goddard already got the better of Cross, what would he have done to a kid?

I've only seen the first half but I thought his aerial courage was impressive on a number of occasions yesterday, and his hands were pretty good.

If the kids come on quickly then Cross will have to adjust to an adjusted role in the team, but that will be a good problem to have.

[BulldogBelle]

Good on you BaD for balancing out the discussion,

Not only do his coaches keep playing him but they rate what he does
B&F - 2nd 2005, 3rd in 2006, 1st in 2008, 2nd in 2009, 2010, 2011

Cross is clearly not perfect, but he works harder at it than most, and that sets a powerful example to young teammates.

I like that we are using Cross in a variety of ways in 2012. Could we really have played a kid on Goddard last week? Goddard already got the better of Cross, what would he have done to a kid?

I've only seen the first half but I thought his aerial courage was impressive on a number of occasions yesterday, and his hands were pretty good.

If the kids come on quickly then Cross will have to adjust to an adjusted role in the team, but that will be a good problem to have.




Given we arent challenging for finals of the flag this season if a better prospect that Cross is available they will be played - i'm sure the coaching staff wouldnt baulk at the propsect if Smith and Wallis and Libba will all individually provide more to the side than Cross

We should play to win and simply select the best available players we have available - look at what tanking and simply 'playing the kids' did to Melbourne

Our kid's need to earn a game through good form at Williamstown

Forcing their way into the side will be better for their development than simply playing them to get games into them - they need to 'earn' a game and not have it handed to them on a silver platter - only when we have a glut of inside midfielders knocking on the door to get into the side this talk of dropping Cross will become relevant

[Bulldog4life]

I am in Crossy and Shaggy's corner too. I thought that they bold played well yesterday. Wanting to move players on just because they are late 20's to 30 is crazy if they still have the form. These 2 players still do.
Unfortunately a lot of posters have both these players in the gun when they should be looking at their games more objectively. I know that might be asking a lot for some.:)

[Mofra]

Given we arent challenging for finals of the flag this season if a better prospect that Cross is available they will be played - i'm sure the coaching staff wouldnt baulk at the propsect if Smith and Wallis and Libba will all individually provide more to the side than Cross

We should play to win and simply select the best available players we have available - look at what tanking and simply 'playing the kids' did to Melbourne
I'd question the logic in playing kids simply because they are young - I'd much rather our kids having to work hard to get a game so that hard work is rewarded, not just some outside perception of "potential". No free rides I say.

We do tend to focus on older players' shortcomings much more than their attributes.

[Ghost Dog]

I am in Crossy and Shaggy's corner too. I thought that they bold played well yesterday. Wanting to move players on just because they are late 20's to 30 is crazy if they still have the form. These 2 players still do.
Unfortunately a lot of posters have both these players in the gun when they should be looking at their games more objectively. I know that might be asking a lot for some.:)

Here here. Hey how was that end to end play, Vezpa to Cross straight down the guts then a Cooney goal. Sublime.
I just felt happy for Adam, to see him be so involved. Bit of claret on the jumper as a red badge of courage.

[Maddog37]

Great Post Raw Toast and would agree with most of your analysis of the game.
Would like to get others' opinions of Griff's game tonight? In my estimation that's two games in a row where he has been quiet and I can't put my finger on it. Has his role changed? Is he not working hard enough to drop the tag? It seems he is still battling with consistency that has been so elusive to him in his career thus far...

I think he is a touch protective of his hand and it is hindering his attack on the ball.

[LostDoggy]

Any thought of playing Lake forward because Roughy etc can now do the job is way off the mark. We will not get away with Roughead and Austin playing key roles in the backline again; even against GWS.

The idea of playing the best full back in the club's history away from that position is madness.

Similarly, dropping either of Cross or Hargrave given the quality of our playing group is not on. Hargrave is just about the toughest bloke in the side and it was interesting to see Dunne shat himself when Hargrave merely chested him yesterday.

The big positives for me were Cooney, Sherman, DJ and despite what many Posters have claimed here, Addison and Wood.

[bornadog]

I am in Crossy and Shaggy's corner too. I thought that they bold played well yesterday. Wanting to move players on just because they are late 20's to 30 is crazy if they still have the form. These 2 players still do.
Unfortunately a lot of posters have both these players in the gun when they should be looking at their games more objectively. I know that might be asking a lot for some.:)

Melbourne made some shocking decisions to move on their senior players and now they are left with a bunch of kids with no leadership and direction on the field. This shows the extent of it and they will struggle till they get more games into their kids.


Total Players By Games
Melbourne Games Western Bulldogs
9 Less than 50 10
7 50 to 99 3
5 100 to 149 3
1 150 or more 6

[bornadog]

Any thought of playing Lake forward because Roughy etc can now do the job is way off the mark. We will not get away with Roughead and Austin playing key roles in the backline again; even against GWS.

The idea of playing the best full back in the club's history away from that position is madness.

Similarly, dropping either of Cross or Hargrave given the quality of our playing group is not on. Hargrave is just about the toughest bloke in the side and it was interesting to see Dunne shat himself when Hargrave merely chested him yesterday.

The big positives for me were Cooney, Sherman, DJ and despite what many Posters have claimed here, Addison and Wood.

Agreed EJ, and I thought Wood played is best game for this year. He has been shocking in the first three games, but I thought he held his own yesterday. I have not been an Addison fan, but he is playing his most consistent football with us this year and doing the job the coach is asking him.

[immortalmike]

Just a few stats for those who think Cross and Shaggy are finished.

Cross: 28 disposals at 82% efficiency, 14 contested, and 6 clearances.
Hargrave: 26 disposals at 85% efficiency, and 9 marks.

Old doesn't mean bad and young doesn't mean good. A mix of both is what we should be aiming for. If the oldies can still perform shut the hell up about them.

On another note, Damn Liam Picken had 13 tackles and Mitch Wallis had 7. Well done boys.

[Mofra]

On another note, Damn Liam Picken had 13 tackles and Mitch Wallis had 7. Well done boys.
That is an insane number! I know the conditions demand a more contested style of football, but that would just about be the best individual tackling tally in the past few years.

[Sedat]

That is an insane number! I know the conditions demand a more contested style of football, but that would just about be the best individual tackling tally in the past few years.From memory, didn't Jude Bolton get something like 18 or 19 tackles in a game a couple of years ago? From memory it might have been in Perth early in the season. EDIT - Bolton got 19 tackles against West Coke early last year. Actually 20 times in a match, 14 or more tackles have been recorded - no surprise to see the names Bartel, Hayes (twice), Priddis (three times) and Cassisi make the list.

Liam has been very good this year - he has consistently been in our best half-dozen players every week thus far.

[Mofra]

It would be close to the best effort by a Bulldog?
No need to check the global stats, just Cross's history ;)

[Raw Toast]

I'd question the logic in playing kids simply because they are young - I'd much rather our kids having to work hard to get a game so that hard work is rewarded, not just some outside perception of "potential". No free rides I say.

We do tend to focus on older players' shortcomings much more than their attributes.

Agreed. Melbourne is a perfect example of what not to do. That said, once a player has worked his way into the team based on form, we need to give them a month or so rather than drop them at the first opportunity.

[azabob]

It would be close to the best effort by a Bulldog?
No need to check the global stats, just Cross's history ;)

Current day Bulldog! Surely Tony Liberatore would've come close to 14 tackles!

[azabob]

Good game.

RT, thank you for such a great write up. Wasn't able to get to the game and once I discovered that ABC were not calling the game, radio coverage was also not an option.

A question for you or any other posters, who did Austin pick up if Roughead was mostly on Clark?

[AndrewP6]

Current day Bulldog! Surely Tony Liberatore would've come close to 14 tackles!

From what I can find, his highest was 11, which he did 4 times.

[G-Mo77]

RT, thank you for such a great write up. Wasn't able to get to the game and once I discovered that ABC were not calling the game, radio coverage was also not an option.

A question for you or any other posters, who did Austin pick up if Roughead was mostly on Clark?

Sellar I believe