Game Day 2012 - R22 Western Bulldogs vs Geelong

[BulldogBelle]

This is the discussion thread for our Sunday afternoon game against Geelong at Simonds Stadium.

My predictions are:

Geelong by 42 points
BOG : Ryan Griffen
Tory Dickson to kick the first goal

[SlimPickens]

Cats by 68pts

BOG- Clay Smith

First Goal- Addison

[AndrewP6]

Cats by 85
BOG for us Griff
First goal Dicko

[Greystache]

Cats by 70 pints
BOG- Smith
First goal- Dickson

[Hotdog60]

Dogs by 55
BOG Wallis
1st goal Dicko (finish with 8)

Hang on I better turn off my crytal ball, thats 2014...:o

[Remi Moses]

Dogs by 22( games played by us are in the lightning premiership cateogory)
BOG Griffen
Ist goal Gia

[Eastdog]

Dogs by 1 point
BOG: Ryan Griffen
First Goal: Tory Dickson

[Max469]

Cats - 75 pts

bog - wallis

1st goal - gia

[AndrewP6]

Cats by 70 pints
BOG- Smith
First goal- Dickson

A drinking contest? We'll need a few of the old timers back for that!

[Greystache]

A drinking contest? We'll need a few of the old timers back for that!

Steven King has elevated himself for this week, he'll also be driving the team bus :D

[bornadog]

Steven King has elevated himself for this week, he'll also be driving the team bus :D

Gold:D

[LostDoggy]

Dogs by 5 goals
BOG Cooney
First Goal Bazza

Now without my imagination.

Cats by 63
Lake BOG
First Goal Dicko

[DOG GOD]

Cats by 106
Stevie j to tear us a new one

[Pickenitup]

Lake And JJ Out
Grant And Skinner In Grant The Sub

[LostDoggy]

I am going to amend my 63pt margin to 93pts.

[F'scary]

Carton's shock loss to Gold Cost has improved my mindset for today:

Dogs by 5 points
BOG: Big Willie
1st Goal: Dicko.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Cats by 78 points
Best Dogs player: Boyd
1st Goal: Gia

[comrade]

Cats by 80+
BOG: Boyd
FG: Dicko

[GVGjr]

Johannisen and Lake out? Grant and Skinner in?

[Mantis]

We don't look like scoring at present.

[comrade]

Roughy in for a long one. The best key forward in the game vs a ruckman isn't going to turn out well for us.

[AndrewP6]

Johannisen and Lake out? Grant and Skinner in?

Indeed. A long day on the cards.

[AndrewP6]

Roughy and Marko both in the backline is frightening.

[comrade]

Jong is a maniac :D

[bornadog]

Jong is a maniac :D

Why didn't Jong get a 50 metre penalty for a belt in the head. Umpires are so frustrating

[craigsahibee]

My prediction is:

Dwayne Russell to refer to Geelong Grammar at least 5 times when Easton Wood gets a possession

Gerard Healy to call Mitch Wallis "Steve" on 4 occasions, and Spud Frawley to mispronounce Giansiracusa every time.

[Eastdog]

Geelong could be ahead by more so in that regard 14 points behind at qtr time is not too bad. Wood has been pretty good in defence. Great courage once again from Lin Jong in that first quarter.

[F'scary]

My prediction is:

Dwayne Russell to refer to Geelong Grammar at least 5 times when Easton Wood gets a possession

Gerard Healy to call Mitch Wallis "Steve" on 4 occasions, and Spud Frawley to mispronounce Giansiracusa every time.

:D:D:D Love your work

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

I can't recall seeing a side as poor at using the ball with any sense of intent or coherence as us.
If there is a plan, especially when moving the ball in the forward half, I can't see it.

[comrade]

Nice movement.

[Eastdog]

Nice goal from Howard but it seems like it is going to be a long afternoon as Geelong gradually are increasing that margin.

[comrade]

DJ's butter fingers must be a running joke within the club. Has any bloke dropped the ball as much as him?

[LostDoggy]

From what I've seen so far - a 10 goal margin will be a good day at the office

[SlimPickens]

Talia holding his own in strength contests with JPod, good too see.

[Eastdog]

DJ's butter fingers must be a running joke within the club. Has any bloke dropped the ball as much as him?

Agree comrade. It's not good at all at AFL level to make mistakes with the ball like that.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Why is Markovic playing on Chapman? Surely there is no way Markovic has the mobility to keep up with him?

[craigsahibee]

Why is Markovic playing on Chapman? Surely there is no way Markovic has the mobility to keep up with him?

Why is Markovic playing?

[Eastdog]

Why is Markovic playing?

You could add DJ as well.

[comrade]

Wood's going alright.

[Grantysghost]

I'd rather lose by 100 points taking the game on than suffer an eighty point death by a thousand cuts. Nothing to give a supporter hope watching this. Maybe Jong he looks good.

[soupman]

DJ has to be the only player who can fumble even when he already has clean possession.

And these commentators are bloody atrocious (not that I was expecting much). Ryan Griffen little dribble kick from the boundary back inboard would have had the commentators creaming their pants if it was Cyril, or Stevie J, or Chapman.
Likewise Easton Woods run through the middle dodging about 5 of their players. Turns over abd Geelong kick to a couple of blokes abd all we hear is how clever that play was by the cats.

It's like listening to one of those "Geelong season highlights package 2012" DVDs.

Oh and also the pick Geelong got from DJ wasn't used to draft Pods. Pods was a bloody rookie and they promoted him using the DJ pick.


Aaaaaargh!!!! So freaking annoying.

[Mantis]

Their backline are racking up the numbers... Enright must love playing us.

[Eastdog]

Wood's going alright.

I think he has been good as well. Will we score more than 10 goals today.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Excellent passage of play from the backline starting with Markovic's spoil through to Cooney's goal.

[AndrewP6]

I think he has been good as well. Will we score more than 10 goals today.

Will we score more than 5 goals today?

[SlimPickens]

Cooney looks to be moving quite well. Our clearance work off Big Will has been good also, just have nothing across half forward

[Mantis]

Will we score more than 10 goals today.

Going on recent performances I can't see us kicking 7 goals in the next half.

[Eastdog]

Will we score more than 5 goals today?

I think will get that one.

[comrade]

I know I'm bashing up on DJ, but that kick to Gia with 3 defenders on him was just a stupid decision.

His football smarts are below par.

[AndrewP6]

I think will get that one.

I'm not sure, for large periods we haven't looked like scoring a goal.

[AndrewP6]

Cooney looking alright. DJ does some great things, and then drops the ball with no one near him.

[Eastdog]

How do you see this 2nd half panning out?

[SlimPickens]

7 players (Not including Grant) who haven't registered a tackle. Not ideal.

[Hotdog60]

Will is doing ok in the centre and at the ballups.

[bornadog]

I'd rather lose by 100 points taking the game on than suffer an eighty point death by a thousand cuts. Nothing to give a supporter hope watching this. Maybe Jong he looks good.

You are a 100% right, no point in stacking up the back line and letting Geelong's defence run riot. Go man on man and take the game on when you have the ball.

Poor old DJ, puts himself in the right spot, looks like he is going to deliver a pearler and bang he drops it. At least he created two goals, which is something. That kick after the 50 metre penalty was woeful and gave us no chance to sneak a goal.

[bornadog]

How do you see this 2nd half panning out?

Another slaughter, but hey we are learning and being educated.

[Mantis]

7 players (Not including Grant) who haven't registered a tackle. Not ideal.

We have another 9 players who have had just 1 each.

[SlimPickens]

We have another 9 players who have had just 1 each.

When you're chasing tail most of the day, it speaks volumes.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

31 pts down at half time. going off recent performances we will lose by 100 still

[AndrewP6]

How do you see this 2nd half panning out?
Same old same old.... Geelong to wake up, flick the switch and we'll get thumped.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

I'd rather lose by 100 points taking the game on than suffer an eighty point death by a thousand cuts. Nothing to give a supporter hope watching this. Maybe Jong he looks good.

Jong is going well. His effort is maniacal, needs to learn how to kick, however unlike Clay Smith who's poor kicking is down to terrible bio-mechanics, Jong's action looks okay and I would hope that in time he can improve that area of his game considerably.

[bornadog]

We have another 9 players who have had just 1 each.

Both teams have 16 players who have either had one tackle or zero. That stat is meaningless in this game.

[AndrewP6]

Is Lake hurt or just being visited by the General?

[SlimPickens]

Both teams have 16 players who have either had one tackle or zero. That stat is meaningless in this game.

So don't tackle if the other team isn't doing it?

[Eastdog]

Griff and Boyd rack up the possessions. We are staying with them amazingly.

[soupman]

So much for Howard's "leg cannon"

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Jong is going well. His effort is maniacal, needs to learn how to kick, however unlike Clay Smith who's poor kicking is down to terrible bio-mechanics, Jong's action looks okay and I would hope that in time he can improve that area of his game considerably.

And I hope he bloody learns quickly, because that's the second dinky little kick from him in the backline that has gone straight to a Geelong player for a goal.

[craigsahibee]

Pack your bags and bugger off back to Adelaide, Christian Howard. You are totally useless. Surely we can trade him for something, even Port are bound to have a player more worthwhile than Howard.

[Greystache]

So much for Howard's "leg cannon"

There's a reason he never tries to kick it more than 20 metres.

I've seen Jong quite a bit and he's normally no too bad a kick, but his kicking has been horrendous today.

[The Underdog]

Pack your bags and bugger off back to Adelaide, Christian Howard. You are totally useless. Surely we can trade him for something, even Port are bound to have a player more worthwhile than Howard.

Yes but why would they trade that player to us for him?

[Eastdog]

Grant really should of taken that one from DJ's kick.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

And I hope he bloody learns quickly, because that's the second dinky little kick from him in the backline that has gone straight to a Geelong player for a goal.

Third poor kick from Jong straight to a Geelong player.

[Greystache]

Grant really should of taken that one from DJ's kick.

It bounced off his knee FFS.

And that's him playing in his natural position as a forward :rolleyes:

[Eastdog]

26 points at the moment actually doing not too bad. Geelong aren't at their best today.

[jazzadogs]

Here's the fightback...now the big question, can we sustain it? Past evidence says that we most definitely won't...but gee it would be nice!!

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Grant really should of taken that one from DJ's kick.

He definitely should have taken it, he needs to do more with his talent.

Great quarter for us, only 20 points down.

[Greystache]

*!*!*!*! Djerkurra is a frustrating player, he is so close to being an AFL footballer he just can't get there.

[GVGjr]

And I hope he bloody learns quickly, because that's the second dinky little kick from him in the backline that has gone straight to a Geelong player for a goal.


Jong has struggled today at times and it's mainly been the costly errors with his kicks.

[Grantysghost]

Much better this quarter taking it on and looking confident. Howard and DJ done some nice things.

[Eastdog]

First goal of his career to Lin Jong and good mark and pass by DJ. Wasn't going to say it today but we are in with a chance still.

[SlimPickens]

Very proud of the lads effort this quarter, they have stuck to their guns and are having a red hot crack.

[AndrewP6]

At least they're giving us something to watch now..

[Eastdog]

Great quarter from us. Let give the Cats a scare in this last quarter now. Much better.

[AndrewP6]

If McCartney doesn't take Jong out of the backline, I'll spew up! Love the way he goes about it, but his kicking has been woeful today, costing several goals.

[GVGjr]

If McCartney doesn't take Jong out of the backline, I'll spew up! Love the way he goes about it, but his kicking has been woeful today, costing several goals.

Take two of them back and we have a very close encounter.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Jong has struggled today at times and it's mainly been the costly errors with his kicks.

Yep, another one now to give Hawkins a shot at goal. That makes 3 like that this quarter and 4 for the game.
On the plus side, he works very hard, and his clearance in tough scramble up forward led to a goal for us.
There is something to work with, and he is exactly the type of player that typifies the rookie pick- a guy who has some excellent attributes and some that might be below standard that you think you can improve.

[AndrewP6]

Take two of them back and we have a very close encounter.

Too true. Jong is a good pick-up but please, please, put him on ball or up forward!

[bornadog]

Pack your bags and bugger off back to Adelaide, Christian Howard. You are totally useless. Surely we can trade him for something, even Port are bound to have a player more worthwhile than Howard.

I think Howard has played one of his best games for us. Yes, too bad he didn't kick that one, but I think he has held his own today

[azabob]

I think Howard has played one of his best games for us. Yes, too bad he didn't kick that one, but I think he has held his own today

Where has he mainly played today BAD?

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Very pleased overall so far. Although it looks as if Geelong may not have given us the respect that should be accorded to any AFL team, even one as poor as we have been this year.

Roughead has done a very good job so far on Hawkins and Talia on J Pod. Wood has also stood up.

DJ also has done some nice things.
Another good game by Griff, kicking not that great, however he has really improved his game immensely inside the contest and his hard work in this regard I think has added a positive dimension to his game.

[bornadog]

Too true. Jong is a good pick-up but please, please, put him on ball or up forward!

Lets cut him some slack, he was doing his VCE last year. He has had some shocking kicks, but he looks like a player of the future.

[Eastdog]

Sure Jong hasn't kicked well today but he got his first goal ever and is in our future plans.

[bornadog]

Where has he mainly played today BAD?

He seems to be running off half back/wing area. He has picked up 24 disposals so far.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Fantastic start. Very good mark by DJ and nice finish from Grant.

[GVGjr]

Lets cut him some slack, he was doing his VCE last year. He has had some shocking kicks, but he looks like a player of the future.

I don't think anyone is really taking him to task for some errors but it underlines the price you pay for playing some inexperienced youth especially ones from a non traditional back ground. He's done very well but he has cost us a couple of goals.

I think he has a decent future ahead of him.

[SlimPickens]

DJ must of had the grippo out at 3 qtr time

[Greystache]

DJ is on fire, having a hand in most of our goals.

Killing them in the centre clearances.

[GVGjr]

Murdoch is a dashing player and a thumping kick.

[AndrewP6]

Lets cut him some slack, he was doing his VCE last year. He has had some shocking kicks, but he looks like a player of the future.

Yes, that's why I said he's a good pick-up, and I love the way he goes about it.

[Mantis]

Killing them in the centre clearances.

No Selwood has certainly helped us in this area.

[Greystache]

Murphy very very lucky

[Greystache]

No Selwood has certainly helped us in this area.

Probably but no Libba hasn't.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Markovic, what a terrible kick. Just kills us, man wide open in a very attacking part of the ground and he not only misses him by 10 metres, but turns it over resulting in a goal.

[Greystache]

Another uncontested turnover and goal hurts. We must have given up 5 goals from inexperienced players turning the ball over. Cut those out and we're in front.

[LostDoggy]

The next 10 minutes are important. We cant let this turn into another big loss.

[Eastdog]

The next 10 minutes are important. We cant let this turn into another big loss.

Agree. We now have to make sure they don't kick away now. We need the next couple to still be in it.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Very good mark by Skinner, he's shown a fair bit more this week.

[Eastdog]

Bad miss from Skinner.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Very good mark by Skinner, he's shown a fair bit more this week.

Let himself down with the kick, and just then when the ball was coming in, just did not work hard enough to make a contest letting his opponent take it without any pressure.

[Greystache]

Great pressure from Addison and nice finish from Grant. They're still having a crack.

[Eastdog]

Hanging in there. 22 points Geelong with 9:30 to go.

[azabob]

Great pressure from Addison and nice finish from Grant. They're still having a crack.

How has Grant's attitude been since coming on?

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Hanging in there. 22 points Geelong with 9:30 to go.

And.....now all over with 8:45 to go

[Eastdog]

And.....now all over with 8:45 to go

The free to Geelong has sealed the game pretty much for Geelong.

[Eastdog]

Boyd close to 40 disposals. Wonder what is disposal efficiency today is.

[Greystache]

How has Grant's attitude been since coming on?

He's got on the end of some possession chains and finished well, but hasn't offered much outside of that. Basically just the usual, drifted through a lot of the game.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Boyd close to 40 disposals. Wonder what is disposal efficiency today is.

He's going at 77% overall.

[Greystache]

He's got on the end of some possession chains and finished well.

Got on the end of another for his 3rd, has played a lot like Hooper does in the VFL.

[Twodogs]

As Geelong took the ball up the ground in that chain of play Skinner turned away drom he ball and grant refued to tackle an opponent who'd just taken possession.

[soupman]

He's got on the end of some possession chains and finished well, but hasn't offered much outside of that. Basically just the usual, drifted through a lot of the game.

So in other words has done the job of a forward.

[Eastdog]

Great to see us have a great 2nd half. We have dominated the CP's and clearances.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

We've played the game out very well. Very happy with that. The first time in a long time where we have shown the required effort in the second half.
Obviously we are not on par with Geelong, but our best effort in a long, long time.

[LostDoggy]

We are a long way off being a good club but I think we have a lot of the building blocks to give us some optimism.
Roughead has answered the challenge of being a defender and the emergence of Wallis, Howard and Smith are all good signs.
Jong JJ and Talia all look capable. Liberatore and Dahlhaus will bounce back better.

If we can get some consistency from Higgins, Jones and Grant it can only help us.

[Mantis]

30 up in CP, +18 in clearances, but still 5 goals down.

Let's hope we work on our ball skills this pre-season.

[AndrewP6]

He's got on the end of some possession chains and finished well, but hasn't offered much outside of that. Basically just the usual, drifted through a lot of the game.

I think he's been alright. If he gets on the end of a few and finishes them, job well done IMO.

[Mantis]

He's got on the end of some possession chains and finished well, but hasn't offered much outside of that. Basically just the usual, drifted through a lot of the game.

As the sub I would have thought he did pretty well.

[Greystache]

So in other words has done the job of a forward.

You'd want to do more as a forward than just being the last player in the chain.

[SlimPickens]

I think he's been alright. If he gets on the end of a few and finishes them, job well done IMO.

Agree, just needs to continue to work on his defensive efforts.

[The Underdog]

I think he's been alright. If he gets on the end of a few and finishes them, job well done IMO.

Yeah, we can't bitch about our lack of finishing and then have a go when a guy actually does that job. 3 goals in a quarter is almost a bag this year for us.

[Twodogs]

How can an umpire spreadeagled on the ground with his head turned away from the contest still decide that it was Hawkin's free?

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Geelong 8.7 to 8.4 in the second half, a whisker away from winning the second half, which considering we have been slaughtered after half time for the past 12 weeks or so, is definitely a positive.

[Pickenitup]

I thought Coons was Great Today showed something to look forward too with his knee

[Mantis]

You'd want to do more as a forward than just being the last player in the chain.

Haha.... So you didn't rate Jason Dunstall?

[Greystache]

As the sub I would have thought he did pretty well.

Each to their own, he was on early and finished with 8 touched touches, just 3 of them put him in range of goal.

[firstdogonthemoon]

It's pretty depressing when getting done by 34 points is a good result. But it is still a good result.

[Eastdog]

Hopefully next week against Brisbane up at the Gabba we can go for the win after that positive performance today against a quality team. Gearld reckons we play Freo next week.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

4 goal assists today by Djerkurra, I thought his second half was quite good.
Cooney tried hard, and by recent standards was good. Obviously not at his pre-knee injury level, but given the lack of footy in recent weeks, played a useful role on the ball.

[Ghost Dog]

It's pretty depressing when getting done by 34 points is a good result. But it is still a good result.

Depends how you look at it.

[Greystache]

Haha.... So you didn't rate Jason Dunstall?

Dunstall made a career out of being on the end of a chain of handballs did he? You might want to go back and watch his games.

[GVGjr]

Haha.... So you didn't rate Jason Dunstall?

Different game now than when Dunstall played. It's like challenging someone for saying a player is slow and using Greg Williams as the contrast.

I also wonder if all the star players from a fair while back could keep pace with the current game. I still think Dunstall would still be a nightmare to play against but he was a great one position player.

[LostDoggy]

It's pretty depressing when getting done by 34 points is a good result. But it is still a good result.

Agree, but for the first time in the last 10 weeks, I actually enjoyed the second half. There were + signs against a team who are in form.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

I thought Coons was Great Today showed something to look forward too with his knee

He got a fair amount of it, but he had 6 inside 50's and came away with 0 goal assists, which isn't good enough and in years gone by if Cooney had 6 inside 50's a fair proportion of them either would've ended up in goals of his boot, or someone elses.
I guess we just have to accept that for Coon's this will be as good as it gets now given the problems he has with his knee.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Agree, but for the first time in the last 10 weeks, I actually enjoyed the second half. There were + signs against a team who are in form.

Agree, given our season to date, and the line-up we had out on the field, I actually think the guys will get a confidence boost from that. Take out a couple of costly and avoidable errors, this could've been a 2 or 3 goal loss. And when you look at the comparative skill and experience levels of both teams, is a solid result for right now.

[LostDoggy]

People who were tipping Geelong by 60+ need to take a hard look at themselves.
Well done to DJ, Howard and Jong playing their best games so far (even with a few mistakes).

[always right]

Dunstall made a career out of being on the end of a chain of handballs did he? You might want to go back and watch his games.

At the end of such a horrible year why the need to continue to wallow in misery. No-one says Grant was BOG but there were positive signs.

I saw more positives today than I've seen for the last 12 weeks.

[bornadog]

Boyd tried desperately to get the club record for disposals with 46, but just missed.

Some good performances from some of the younger players.

* Howard played well, and kicked two, but gave away a shocker in the first quarter

* Jong has lots of potential and picked up 24 disposals, but also butchered a couple that cost us two goals. Very impressive this kid the way he goes so hard at the ball.

* Roughead an ok job on a form player

* Talia kept Pods quiet, but gee another one that can't kick

* Dickson a quiet game

* Grant the opportunist, all we want from him is 3 goals a week and that's 66 goals. I can't understand why he hasn't been in the team the whole year.

* Cooney, one of his best games for the year, the commentators mentioned he hit his targets over 80% of the time with his 28 disposals.

* Picken kept Johnson relatively quiet.

* Campbell started well but faded again.

* Minson dominated the ruck

* DJ created at last 4 goals.

* Wallis played an excellent second half and instrumental in the clearances.

* Skinner is starting to learn a bit and only his 4th full game.

Overall we had our chances, but stuffed up with poor skill errors and turnovers.

[LostDoggy]

My prediction is:

Dwayne Russell to refer to Geelong Grammar at least 5 times when Easton Wood gets a possession

Gerard Healy to call Mitch Wallis "Steve" on 4 occasions, and Spud Frawley to mispronounce Giansiracusa every time.

By my maths, you were spot on.

[Mantis]

Dunstall made a career out of being on the end of a chain of handballs did he? You might want to go back and watch his games.

You said that Grant needs to do more than be the last player in the chain... Dunstall made a very good career out of being the last link in the chain.

[GVGjr]

At the end of such a horrible year why the need to continue to wallow in misery. No-one says Grant was BOG but there were positive signs.

I saw more positives today than I've seen for the last 12 weeks.

That's pretty much the way I viewed it. Grant has the talent and the challenge for the coaching team is to make sure it's not simply Josh Hill repeated.

[Twodogs]

Hopefully next week against Brisbane up at the Gabba we can go for the win after that positive performance today against a quality team. Gearld reckons we play Freo next week.



Healy? He was a big enough moron before Brad Scott scared whatver wits he had left out of him the other week.

[AndrewP6]

People who were tipping Geelong by 60+ need to take a hard look at themselves.
Well done to DJ, Howard and Jong playing their best games so far (even with a few mistakes).

No they don't. Geelong was below their best today, we played much better than we have for the last couple of months, hence the competitive loss. Picking a big loss before today's game wasn't much of a stretch. Glad it didn't eventuate.

[Mantis]

Healy? He was a big enough moron before Brad Scott scared whatver wits he had left out of him the other week.

It was Dwayne Russell who made the Freo call.

[Greystache]

You said that Grant needs to do more than be the last player in the chain... Dunstall made a very good career out of being the last link in the chain.

If you were reading the thread I said chain of handballs. Are you honestly suggesting Dunstall made a career out of being the last in a chain of handballs or are you just being argumentative?

I didn't have a problem with Grant getting on the end of some easy goals, just not getting carried away with seeing 3 goals next to his name.

[Twodogs]

It was Dwayne Russell who made the Freo call.


Oh OK. A poster earlier in the thread said it was 'Gerald' Even though Healy's name is Gerard I assumed they were talking about healy. I was watching with the sound turned down-the Foxtel commentaters give me the shits.

[Bulldog Joe]

Certainly a much better performance and some really positive signs.

Djerrkura - best game EVER
Jong - courage and has a real dip. Hopefully he can learn to kick.
Cooney - best game of the year.
Howard - best game EVER, despite giving away the first goal to Geelong and shanking a set shot. Did redeem with the goal from 50 into the wind in the last.
Grant played less than a half but probably his best game of the year.

Boyd, Griffen and Minson all good performers and others that contributed well.

Commentators atrocious with Dwayne Russell again proving that he knows nothing about what is going on. Liam Pickering absolute dismissal of any chance for Minson in B&F also showing they haven't really bothered with any understanding of our team.

[Greystache]

At the end of such a horrible year why the need to continue to wallow in misery. No-one says Grant was BOG but there were positive signs.

I saw more positives today than I've seen for the last 12 weeks.

Thanks for your assessment of my assessment, very enlightening.

Someone asked what we made of Grant's game and I commented. Feel free to contribute what you thought at some stage.

[Twodogs]

If you were reading the thread I said chain of handballs. Are you honestly suggesting Dunstall made a career out of being the last in a chain of handballs or are you just being argumentative?

I didn't have a problem with Grant getting on the end of some easy goals, just not getting carried away with seeing 3 goals next to his name.


No you didnt. You said possession chains.


He's got on the end of some possession chains and finished well, but hasn't offered much outside of that. Basically just the usual, drifted through a lot of the game.

[Mantis]

If you were reading the thread I said chain of handballs. Are you honestly suggesting Dunstall made a career out of being the last in a chain of handballs or are you just being argumentative?



When did possessions mean the same as handballs?


He's got on the end of some possession chains and finished well, but hasn't offered much outside of that. Basically just the usual, drifted through a lot of the game.

[LostDoggy]

No they don't. Geelong was below their best today, we played much better than we have for the last couple of months, hence the competitive loss. Picking a big loss before today's game wasn't much of a stretch. Glad it didn't eventuate.

Of course they were below their best, they were coming of a tough month where they put everything on the table to keep their season alive, they were always gonna be down today, especially with Selwood out.
We have blokes coming back from injury and young guys who are improving very week. I worry some supporters dont even pay any attention in the lead up to a game.

[neddie]

Pack your bags and bugger off back to Adelaide, Christian Howard. You are totally useless. Surely we can trade him for something, even Port are bound to have a player more worthwhile than Howard.

Nasty comment

[Greystache]

When did possessions mean the same as handballs?

Fine I meant handball chains, you happy yet? His goals were Hooper like in the VFL

[always right]

Thanks for your assessment of my assessment, very enlightening.

Someone asked what we made of Grant's game and I commented. Feel free to contribute what you thought at some stage.

Too lazy to read any other threads I see.

As I said:rolleyes: I saw more positives today than I've seen the last 12 weeks. Here's a litlte more to keep you happy. Today I even saw a brave, creative and effective Shaun Higgins. A lot of encouraging performances today including Grant. And I loved Big Will's second half. Thought he was a little subdued in the first half with all the media attention he has been receiving but he monstered the Geelong rucks after halftime.

[AndrewP6]

Boyd close to 40 disposals. Wonder what is disposal efficiency today is.

Boyd finished at 80% disp. efficiency.

[Twodogs]

Different game now than when Dunstall played. It's like challenging someone for saying a player is slow and using Greg Williams as the contrast.

I also wonder if all the star players from a fair while back could keep pace with the current game. I still think Dunstall would still be a nightmare to play against but he was a great one position player.


IMO Dunstall would have kicked more goals these days than he did in the past with the way kicking to position has improved. Dunstall would have thrived with his lead, mark, goal gamestyle in modern footy. He also worked hard to keep the ball in the forward line.


Lockett would have struggled with today's game. He was already struggling toward the end of his career with defenders running off him because he refused to chase and his thuggery would have seen him sitting half the season on the sidelines

[GVGjr]

IMO Dunstall would have kicked more goals these days than he did in the past with the way kicking to position has improved. Dunstall would have thrived with his lead, mark, goal gamestyle in modern footy. He also worked hard to keep the ball in the forward line.



No chopping of the arms would have helped him no end as well.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

People who were tipping Geelong by 60+ need to take a hard look at themselves.
Well done to DJ, Howard and Jong playing their best games so far (even with a few mistakes).

Why? That's pretty much been our average losing margin this season. Of our last 11 losses, 8 have been above 50 points.

It's not as if I'm wanting it to be the margin, but on form that was the likely outcome.
As you can see from my posts during the game. I'm quite pleased with the outcome, considering our season to date.
So please do not preach.

[Eastdog]

Boyd finished at 80% disp. efficiency.

That's a very good game. What was Griffen's he had a lot of the pill as well.

[AndrewP6]

Of course they were below their best, they were coming of a tough month where they put everything on the table to keep their season alive, they were always gonna be down today, especially with Selwood out.
We have blokes coming back from injury and young guys who are improving very week. I worry some supporters dont even pay any attention in the lead up to a game.

Your comment was that people predicting a loss by 60+ need to 'take a hard look at themselves'.

My point is that a prediction of a result like that wasn't improbable.

[always right]

That's a very good game. What was Griffen's we had a lot of the pill as well.

Not sure but he played another strong game where a lot of his posessions were contested and under presure so I don't expect he would have been as high as Boyd. Nice to see him break through the tackles like the Griff of old....and did I see a couple of trademark shimmys?:D

[AndrewP6]

That's a very good game. What was Griffen's he had a lot of the pill as well.

37 possessions at 76%, 4 'clangers' (as did Boyd)... he was down early, but did well.

[bornadog]

37 possessions at 76%, 4 'clangers' (as did Boyd)... he was down early, but did well.

That's a great return for Griff

[Twodogs]

No chopping of the arms would have helped him no end as well.


Yep. He would have easily kicked 100 a season these days. Maybe even close to 200 the way that Hawthorn kick the ball.

[LostDoggy]

Your comment was that people predicting a loss by 60+ need to 'take a hard look at themselves'.

My point is that a prediction of a result like that wasn't improbable.

Perhaps I was a tad harsh but all the signs were that we were going to be really competitive this week.

[always right]

Perhaps I was a tad harsh but all the signs were that we were going to be really competitive this week.

What were those signs exactly? I was very pessimistic...even moreso when I saw the late changes.

[LostDoggy]

Why? That's pretty much been our average losing margin this season. Of our last 11 losses, 8 have been above 50 points.

It's not as if I'm wanting it to be the margin, but on form that was the likely outcome.
As you can see from my posts during the game. I'm quite pleased with the outcome, considering our season to date.
So please do not preach.

Addressed this in a few posts above.

[LostDoggy]

What were those signs exactly? I was very pessimistic...even moreso when I saw the late changes.

Geelong coming off a really tough month of football, their captain and best player out. Our youngsters like jong and skinner and guys back from injury like wood and cooney improving week by week. Macca's knowledge of Geelong's structure.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

I thought Grant was good, he did a hell of a lot more than Gia did prior to his injury. If anything, it re-affirmed to me why I like Grant as a player, and why I think he has the ability to be 'A' grade. As I said on another thread, McCartney needs to make Grant his number one subject. But, of course, ultimately it will be up to Grant and how hard he works over the pre-season.

Jong has a great ability to make a contest and win the ball. Puts himself int he right positions and has crazy courage. His disposal, however, is awful. We can't have the likes of Talia, Jong, Smith, Boyd, Wallis etc. all in the one side -- so hopefully some of these younger types can really improve. Talia should study every possible tape of Morris, for example. If Jong can improve his foot skills, he will become a very good player.

Roughy was good on Hawkins. Tom got a lucky free kick and one goal from a horrendous Markovic turnover.

Gia really needs to/should have retired. Unless the ball falls in his lap, he's completely ineffective.

[BulldogBelle]

Geelong coming off a really tough month of football, their captain and best player out. Our youngsters like jong and skinner and guys back from injury like wood and cooney improving week by week. Macca's knowledge of Geelong's structure.

Sorry but no.

We have been belted down at Geelong (like the majority of teams) with the utmost regularity in previous games.

You have absolutely no form to base that opinion on. We have been getting utterly slaughtered in the 2nd halves this year.

The boys pulled off a fantastic effort to remain competitive for so long, despite having an inexperienced team. But it was in no ways a predictable result.

(I had us down for -70+)

Just enjoy it and don't doubt the faith in the supporters. We can only assume what is directly in front of us.

[Twodogs]

Gia really needs to/should have retired. Unless the ball falls in his lap, he's completely ineffective.


Serious question. Was Gia playing today?

[Eastdog]

Serious question. Was Gia playing today?

Yes up until he got that injury.

[bornadog]

Serious question. Was Gia playing today?

Yes he was and he was more effective than Addison and Dickson in the forward line and he only played half a game.

[azabob]

Serious question. Was Gia playing today?

Yes, he kicked our first goal and was subbed either just before or after half time with an injury - he had 13 touches.

[The Underdog]

Serious question. Was Gia playing today?

Yep hurt his knee and was subbed off in the 2nd (or maybe 3rd quarter).

[Eastdog]

How long would you say Gia would be out of action. He may think about retirement.

[SlimPickens]

How long would you say Gia would be out of action. He may think about retirement.

Think he'll miss finals unfortunately.:p

[LostDoggy]

Finally, competitive in the second half. And lots to like from a cobbled-together side.When was the last time all three emergencies were used? There were flashes of what we can look forward to from a number of players today. There were some notable step-ups... 3 goals from Grant, DJ firing (at times), Lin Jong showing his ticker again, Roughie working hard all day on one of the toughest assignments in footy, Addison (again), MItch Wallis (again), and we're going to see more next year after a big pre-season and some list tweaking.

[Greystache]

Yes he was and he was more effective than Addison and Dickson in the forward line and he only played half a game.

Addison didn't have any impact in the second half but I thought in the first half he was our only viable option in the forward line. His marking has improved dramatically this year.

[Eastdog]

Addison didn't have any impact in the second half but I thought in the first half he was our only viable option in the forward line. His marking has improved dramatically this year.

Been impressed with Addison in the forward line in certain games over the last few weeks. What we need is a key forward up there to get some reward on the scoreboard. Our clearance work today was great.

[LostDoggy]

Sorry but no.

We have been belted down at Geelong (like the majority of teams) with the utmost regularity in previous games.

You have absolutely no form to base that opinion on. We have been getting utterly slaughtered in the 2nd halves this year.

The boys pulled off a fantastic effort to remain competitive for so long, despite having an inexperienced team. But it was in no ways a predictable result.

(I had us down for -70+)

Just enjoy it and don't doubt the faith in the supporters. We can only assume what is directly in front of us.

Geelong put everything in their last few weeks of football and were involved in some of the hardest toughest matches of the year. They were always going to be more underdone than us. Hence we didnt get obliterated in the second half. You cant just look at the recent history, that they have belted us in the past and we've been smashed in second halves in recent weeks, how about actually paying attention to the details rather than just numbers, look at the type of games that the two clubs have been involved in, and the amount of travel they've done compared to us in recent weeks. As much as our team is inexperienced, we injected some experience last week, and this week they were not underdone like last week.

[SonofScray]

Just in from Sleepy Hollow. A handful of Dog's fans down there. Love going to the footy and standing on the terrace.

The fight over 4 quarters was good. Compared to much of the season the boys were "up for it" over 4 quarters, played with some moxie and didn't allow the opposition to take the piss too easily (see Scarlett last year). I can't knock that at all. And wouldn't.

There was nothing especially heartening about the game. A few individual efforts stood out from the likes of Howard and Jong and some of the usual suspects but not especially so. Zeph was better. Our sub kicked multiple goals, good sign.

Roll on Brisbane and the end of the season. It has been rough going.

[LostDoggy]

People who were tipping Geelong by 60+ need to take a hard look at themselves.
Well done to DJ, Howard and Jong playing their best games so far (even with a few mistakes).
I was one. Happy to admit I was wrong. Some good signs.
Still lost. :(

[immortalmike]

Addison didn't have any impact in the second half but I thought in the first half he was our only viable option in the forward line. His marking has improved dramatically this year.

No it hasn't Dylan has always been a great mark for his size.

[SonofScray]

No it hasn't Dylan has always been a great mark for his size.

Very true. He has been hard at it and a very strong overhead mark, the improvement this season has been in his finishing and decision making.

[bornadog]

Very true. He has been hard at it and a very strong overhead mark, the improvement this season has been in his finishing and decision making.

He has had a good season. I was one that wrote him off in the past. I hope he remains in the forward line, as he gives us something down there including some aggression.

[Greystache]

No it hasn't Dylan has always been a great mark for his size.

Really?

He has taken more contested marks this season than the rest of his career combined, and has taken more marks this year than any other year in his career despite only playing 15 games so far this year.

[The Underdog]

Really?

He has taken more contested marks this season than the rest of his career combined, and has taken more marks this year than any other year in his career despite only playing 15 games so far this year.

He certainly seems stronger this year. He's always been brave but has a a physicality this year that is particularly evident.

[Greystache]

He certainly seems stronger this year. He's always been brave but has a a physicality this year that is particularly evident.

He seems to have improved his positioning significantly which allows him to hold his ground better in a contest, but the main difference is where he'd get hands on the ball previously and bring it to ground, this yearhe is holding the mark.

A bit like Cross his marking is improving as he's maturing.

[F'scary]

Supported: maintain Addison in the forward line next year.

[EasternWest]

He has had a good season. I was one that wrote him off in the past. I hope he remains in the forward line, as he gives us something down there including some aggression.


He certainly seems stronger this year. He's always been brave but has a a physicality this year that is particularly evident.


Supported: maintain Addison in the forward line next year.

Well this should come as no surprise to anyone that I'm commenting on this, but I'd argue that Addison is the same player he's always been, just that this year he's been given a consistent run at it.

It's easy to forget how well he was developing before he hurt his knee in 2008. As a young guy, he played 17 games in a strong side that played in a prelim final.

It looked to me like Eade's lack of confidence in him affected his form, but with McCartney's backing he's grown a bit. He'll never win us a premiership, but he's a good solid player that's always worked hard on his deficiencies. I'll agree that he does seem to be smashing in even harder this year.

He's a good role player, harder than a cats head. My favourite current Dogs player by a mile.

[LostDoggy]

13 disposals for 1 point is not enough from a permanent forward.
No idea who he was on, I doubt Geelong cared as they won fairly convincingly.
If we are playing a defensive forward,just to stop a opposition hb runner, that doesn't kick goals weekly then we will continue not to win many games.
I understand he kicked 4 last week and needs to keep this up with a weekly goal or two.

[bornadog]

It looked to me like Eade's lack of confidence in him affected his form, but with McCartney's backing he's grown a bit.

Agree with most of your post but this is where you are not correct, Rocket loved Addison and his hardness at the ball.

[EasternWest]

Agree with most of your post but this is where you are not correct, Rocket loved Addison and his hardness at the ball.

Yeah you're probably right, but he barely played him last year, so I guess that's where that comment came from.

[bornadog]

Yeah you're probably right, but he barely played him last year, so I guess that's where that comment came from.

Last year Addison was really out of form. At Willi they tried him in a variety of positions including the midfield. Personally I like him forward rather than back.

[Bulldog Joe]

Last year Addison was really out of form. At Willi they tried him in a variety of positions including the midfield. Personally I like him forward rather than back.

Actually Addison's main issue over the last 3 years has been continuity. He tended to get promoted and immediately cop an injury that cost him his spot.

In 2010 he performed very well at Willi in the midfield even to the extent that he was copping a tag on occasions. He was also vying for positions where we were well served.

[Scraggers]

Well this should come as no surprise to anyone that I'm commenting on this, but I'd argue that Addison is the same player he's always been, just that this year he's been given a consistent run at it.

It's easy to forget how well he was developing before he hurt his knee in 2008. As a young guy, he played 17 games in a strong side that played in a prelim final.

It looked to me like Eade's lack of confidence in him affected his form, but with McCartney's backing he's grown a bit. He'll never win us a premiership, but he's a good solid player that's always worked hard on his deficiencies. I'll agree that he does seem to be smashing in even harder this year.

He's a good role player, harder than a cats head. My favourite current Dogs player by a mile.

Might have to change your user name back to its origin. ;):D

[Desipura]

So does this mean we were not boring to watch today? I had other commitments so I could not watch the game.

[bornadog]

So does this mean we were not boring to watch today? I had other commitments so I could not watch the game.

We only lost the second half by 3 points, so worth watching for some good passages of play.

[immortalmike]

Really?

He has taken more contested marks this season than the rest of his career combined, and has taken more marks this year than any other year in his career despite only playing 15 games so far this year.

You mean he has taken more marks as a backman/forward than as a mid/tagger? Funny that. Also taking 73 marks in 2008 as a 20 year old in his last good run of uninterrupted games isn't to be downplayed.

He has also finally had a consistent run with injuries and games. I'm actually surprised you are of this opinion Stache as I know you watch plenty of VFL and it's been a strength of his for years.