Game Day - R7 Western Bulldogs V North Melbourne

[Eastdog]

Dogs by 7 points
BOG: Cooney
First Goal: Dahlhaus

[SlimPickens]

Dogs 3 pts
BOG: Cooney
Goal: Addison

[Greystache]

Dogs by 8 points
BOG- Libba
First goal- Gia

[bornadog]

North by 42

BOG: Cooney

First Goal: Dahl

[Twodogs]

Dogs by 19

BOG. Smith

First goal. Guido

[The Bulldogs Bite]

North by 27

BOG: Libba

First Goal: Jones

[chef]

North by 10 goals

BOG Minson

First Goal Gia

[Remi Moses]

Them by 50 PTs
BOG Harvey:mad:( can't stand him)
First Goal Dahlhaus

[AndrewP6]

Norf by 47
BOG Coons
First goal Jones

[Doggy]

Dogs by 31 points
First goal Morris
BOG Markovitch

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

North by 23 points
BOG Dogs: Libba
1st Goal: Gia

[The Underdog]

North by 44 points
BOG: Cooney
First Goal: Dahlhaus

[bornadog]

Any updates on changes etc?

[wimberga]

Any updates on changes etc?

There were rumours on Herald Sun website yesterday that Koby is on standby and one of the in's was in doubt but Western Bulldogs twitter feed said Griffen is playing.

[firstdogonthemoon]

Dogs By 11
BOG Cooney
FG Gia

[DOG GOD]

North by 56 pts
Bog: wells
1st goal for us : griffen

[LostDoggy]

Dogs by 2 points
First goal - Dahlhous
BOG - Minson

[bornadog]

No Changes, Cross is Sub - Wells for Nth

[DOG GOD]

North by 56 pts
Bog: wells
1st goal for us : griffen


Hmm now that wells is sub, I'll change to harvey (he will be hungry)

[comrade]

Is there a less agile defender than Marko?

[Mantis]

Is there a less agile defender than Marko?

Ummm.. No.

Proving to be a liability at present.

[AndrewP6]

Marko was getting pantsed at FB, goes up forward, kicks two goals!

[comrade]

Macca made a move that worked. :D

Shocking dropped mark from Gia.

[Greystache]

Macca made a move that worked. :D

Shocking dropped mark from Gia.

Marko ruck/forward, genius coaching :D

[Evel]

11 scoring shots from 15 inside 50's for North. Thought it seemed like they were scoring every time they went forward.

[MrMahatma]

We should rush more behinds.

[LostDoggy]

Kicking efficiency currently 56 percent.....
Message in that for training?
Wallis wants to captain - needs to remember to play afl quality football first.

[AndrewP6]

Norf by 14pts at the half. Good intensity, some silly mistakes. Luke D. has really lifted, some of his tackles have been terrific. Lower doing a great job shutting Swallow out.

[chef]

Enjoyable game so far apart from the umpiring

[The Pie Man]

Dale Morris protecting Austin from the verbal BS from that squib Thomas at the end of the 3rd. Absolute class

[MrMahatma]

Fumbles and bad turn overs kill us.

[Greystache]

That last effort from Cooney was extremely poor, 2 on 2 and we allow them to overlap for a goal. Not good enough from a Senior player, not the first either. They should be leading the way not leaving it to the kids.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Another poor effort from Cooney, this time his effort in attempting to tackle, or lack thereof on Ziebel allowing him to waltz through.

[AndrewP6]

Minno had been a beast, having to pretty much ruck by himself the whole game.

[comrade]

Majak will never have the luxury of playing on defenders like Austin and Markovic ever again. He should enjoy it while it lasts.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

It's games like the last couple where you realise just how many holes we have in our team. We really need the addition of least one skilful player on every line.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Minno had been a beast, having to pretty much ruck by himself the whole game.

We're going to run him into the ground. Our lack of a second ruck with any level of competency is a massive problem.
Ideally I'd love to see Roughy play the role, but the fact that Austin and Markovic are in our defense, says plenty about our key defender stocks.

[DOG GOD]

We need players with skill
Need players with pace
And a functional fwd line.

[Mantis]

Embarrassing... Up and down on the spot.

[comrade]

It's games like the last couple where you realise just how many holes we have in our team. We really need the addition of least one skilful player on every line.

Stringer and Macrae are two.

This year's draft is absolutely critical. When our mids get beaten, the likes of Marko and Austin just aren't good enough to withstand the pressure.

[DOG GOD]

We will have to play 4 solid quarters to beat gold coast next week.

[DOG GOD]

I think the attendance for this match tells us a lot of where our team is right now.

[kruder]

Majak will never have the luxury of playing on defenders like Austin and Markovic ever again. He should enjoy it while it lasts.

Amazing that they took so long to bring him in. He has more talent in his fingernail than Cordy no disrespect to him yet went in the preseason draft.

The decision making and execution of our players is just awful...

[comrade]

Only 1 tackle each for Cooney and Gia. Not good enough for senior players.

[AndrewP6]

Terribly disappointing finish to what had been a very good effort.

[Mantis]

Terribly disappointing finish to what had been a very good effort.

Norf's bad kicking kept us in it... 41 scoring shots to 22 tells the story.

[AndrewP6]

Norf's bad kicking kept us in it... 41 scoring shots to 22 tells the story.

Yes but we had no fight left in the last.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Cancel. Accidently double posted.

[Mantis]

Yes but we had no fight left in the last.

And there was thinking we had had a bumper pre-season... It's rd 7 and we are already out of petrol.. Going to be a long season.

[Scorlibo]

Did anyone else think that the umpires played a big part in this one? I don't usually come away from a game decided by 40+ points with that feeling, but it just seemed like decision after decision went against us and directly cost us goals. Not happy.

[Hotdog60]

I can see tackling going out off the game, when there is no reward for the effort. Players now just drop the ball when tackled and no free kick for incorrect disposal. It will come a time when it will be basketball and player will guard space.

[AndrewP6]

Did anyone else think that the umpires played a big part in this one? I don't usually come away from a game decided by 40+ points with that feeling, but it just seemed like decision after decision went against us and directly cost us goals. Not happy.

Maybe some important decisions but we were well ahead in the frees count, and it finished 26-21 in our favour.

[Eastdog]

I think the attendance for this match tells us a lot of where our team is right now.

For sure. Going to our matches this year the crowds have certainly been down. In my reserved seat either side of my seat it was vacant.

Official crowd attendance was 23,690

[Eastdog]

And there was thinking we had had a bumper pre-season... It's rd 7 and we are already out of petrol.. Going to be a long season.

That last quarter from us was a real let down and was certainly not a reflection of the contest.

[G-Mo77]

Just got back. We were there and abouts but the flood gates did eventually open. I felt North kept giving us a sniff and stomped on us when needed.

Gotta question our sub decision with Cross.

Brent Harvey is a germ.

[Mantis]

Gotta question our sub decision with Cross.



What would you like to question about it?

[Eastdog]

Majak Daw had a good night for them.

[bulldogtragic]

Makes our decision to recruit Thorne (I think) even worse. And it's shite irregardless...

[soupman]

Makes our decision to recruit Thorne (I think) even worse. And it's shite irregardless...

Hate to nitpick but not a word. You've just combined regardless and irrespective.

But I certainly agree with your sentiment. At least under the new regime I don't feel like we will be making speculative or hail Mary type selections.

[G-Mo77]

What would you like to question about it?

He's either a starter or not playing at all. Not having a shot at Cross, I thought he played well when he got out there. But then who else gets the vest?

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

He's either a starter or not playing at all. Not having a shot at Cross, I thought he played well when he got out there. But then who else gets the vest?

Austin, Tutt, Addison and Wallis for starters .

[AndrewP6]

Gotta question our sub decision with Cross.
.

Agreed, I think it should've been Wallis or Tutt.

[Greystache]

Austin, Tutt, Addison and Wallis for starters .

His stats didn't show it but I thought Addison wasn't too bad tonight.

[Mantis]

He's either a starter or not playing at all. Not having a shot at Cross, I thought he played well when he got out there. But then who else gets the vest?

So I guess we don't play him at the moment... Been a great servant, but I'm not sure what he offers us anymore.

[G-Mo77]

So I guess we don't play him at the moment... Been a great servant, but I'm not sure what he offers us anymore.

I was more disappointed with Boyd. Thought he was dreadful today

[Greystache]

I was more disappointed with Boyd. Thought he was dreadful today

2 in a row from Boyd, when he's not racking up touches (and Supercoach points) it really highlights the things he won't do.

[Mantis]

I was more disappointed with Boyd. Thought he was dreadful today

I've been pretty consistent with my comments about these 2 for a fair while... They need to adapt their roles to the position we face, but continue to play the game on their terms.

[G-Mo77]

I've been pretty consistent with my comments about these 2 for a fair while... They need to adapt their roles to the position we face, but continue to play the game on their terms.

Can't argue. Tough decisions are ahead.

[GVGjr]

Can't argue. Tough decisions are ahead.

I think we have been good the last couple of years at making tough calls including letting Lake go. More tough decisions need to be made though.
I'm confident that Jason McCartney has a good handle on managing the list and can work with B-Mac by moving the right guys on at the end of the season.

[Ghost Dog]

I've been pretty consistent with my comments about these 2 for a fair while... They need to adapt their roles to the position we face, but continue to play the game on their terms.

You can't question their endeavor. But it's not enough in this comp. We lack finish.

[Remi Moses]

I've been pretty consistent with my comments about these 2 for a fair while... They need to adapt their roles to the position we face, but continue to play the game on their terms.

Bingo. Thought exactly the same thing on the way home.
Boyd plays on his own terms.

[Greystache]

You can't question their endeavor. But it's not enough in this comp. We lack finish.

I think that's exactly what Mantis is questioning. Endeavor is more than giving a couple of areas of the game everything you've got. I agree completely.

[Ghost Dog]

I think that's exactly what Mantis is questioning. Endeavor is more than giving a couple of areas of the game everything you've got. I agree completely.

I question their ability. They can burst, but not chase at speed for any length and accelerate, to harry and tackle.
Boyd especially, is a player who gains us very little effective distance, his disposal rarely damages. But he tries.

Would have much rather gone with Pearce as a sub, or someone to give us some run.
I was up in the 3rd level today, in general admission. Babysitting a bunch of Afghans. The lack of spread was painfully obvious, more so than when I sit behind the goals.

[Greystache]

I question their ability. They can burst, but not chase at speed for any length and accelerate, to harry and tackle.
Boyd especially, lacks confidence in his kicking skills, and it shows. But he tries.

Would have much rather gone with Pearce as a sub, or someone to give us some run.

They go at 100% in the aspects they enjoy and 10% in the areas they don't. I would say Boyd has far more confidence than his kicking skills warrant.

[Ghost Dog]

I'm not sure about this Greystache, but point taken. They just don't have the legs for the repeated, accelerated chasing, but can crash into blokes and dig balls out all day using upper body muscle strength and grit.
Their cardio is of course, elite, so they jog around looking like an option. I'm not about to criticise either for it, because all players have limits. If they could run around like Dane Swan does, they would.
it's up to the MC to acknowledge our lack of pace and inject some.

[Scorlibo]

It's all good and well to criticise the efforts of Cross and Boyd with ball in hand, but you couldn't suggest that their replacements through the middle would have nearly as much influence as they do.

According to the AFL ratings, Boyd has given us 15.2 points per game over the last 40 games, while Cross has given us 11.5. Ranked 18th and 95th in the league respectively. At some point, when Wallis, Smith et al. are ready for a full time midfield role, we make the transition, but not before.

[G-Mo77]

What do those stats mean?

[always right]

I've been pretty consistent with my comments about these 2 for a fair while... They need to adapt their roles to the position we face, but continue to play the game on their terms.

Understand about Boyd...but what are Cross's terms?

[Ghost Dog]

Actually, I was surprised we were so close to the Roos at 3qtr time.
Jogging onto the field, it looked like a VFL v AFL competition in terms of body strength, height and athleticism.

Nick Lower is a better tagger than Liam Picken. Watching him behind play is heaps of fun.
Doesn't fall over as much and has better disposal. Not as good in the air, but an absolute asset for us.

[GVGjr]

It's all good and well to criticise the efforts of Cross and Boyd with ball in hand, but you couldn't suggest that their replacements through the middle would have nearly as much influence as they do.



Agreed, both players have been terrific performers but I'm not sure we have the other players who can perform at a higher level.

[Mantis]

Understand about Boyd...but what are Cross's terms?

I guess I'm just as frustrated with the way we use the both of them.... neither defend well enough or made to.

[LostDoggy]

Pathetic. I cant see where there has been any improvement from last year.

I think we may need to start a rebuild on the current rebuild.

[MrMahatma]

I guess I'm just as frustrated with the way we use the both of them.... neither defend well enough or made to.
And how can the team culture change if the leaders don't do it?

[SlimPickens]

And how can the team culture change if the leaders don't do it?

Spot on its very difficult to put a team first mentality across the whole side in place if your leaders are not driving it.

[SlimPickens]

Pathetic. I cant see where there has been any improvement from last year.

I think we may need to start a rebuild on the current rebuild.

Describing yesterday's performance as pathetic seems a little harsh. The last qtr yes but for 3 quarters we had a dead set crack.

Really disappointing we couldnt have anyone stand up to stem the flow.

[Twodogs]

Nick Lower is a better tagger than Liam Picken. Watching him behind play is heaps of fun.
Doesn't fall over as much and has better disposal. Not as good in the air, but an absolute asset for us.

It is fun to watch just Nick Lower for five minutes.


And how can the team culture change if the leaders don't do it?

One of the younger guys have to step forward and take it upon themselves to do it. If it involves putting some noses out of joint then so be it. The right thing to do will always be the right thing to do.

[Mantis]

Describing yesterday's performance as pathetic seems a little harsh. The last qtr yes but for 3 quarters we had a dead set crack.

Really disappointing we couldnt have anyone stand up to stem the flow.

Do the scoring shots (41 to 22) tell more of a story than the margin?

Through the game I thought the only thing that kept us in it on the scoreboard was our good finsishing and North's inaccuracy... It always felt like the dam wall was about to bust and I guess it did in the end.

[The Underdog]

One of the younger guys have to step forward and take it upon themselves to do it. If it involves putting some noses out of joint then so be it. The right thing to do will always be the right thing to do.

It feels to me like Jake Stringer has that kind of personality. Obviously not going to pull that in his first year, but once he's a regular I can see it.

[SlimPickens]

Do the scoring shots (41 to 22) tell more of a story than the margin?

Through the game I thought the only thing that kept us in it on the scoreboard was our good finsishing and North's inaccuracy... It always felt like the dam wall was about to bust and I guess it did in the end.

Possibly there were a truck load of rushed behinds, North put to the top of the goal square on a number of occassion for Roughead to punch it through.

I agree but it thought we fought hard for a good 80 mins of the game.

[Eastdog]

Possibly there were a truck load of rushed behinds, North put to the top of the goal square on a number of occassion for Roughead to punch it through.

I agree but it thought we fought hard for a good 80 mins of the game.

I thought at one stage last night it could have been our game but the last qtr for me was the big let down.

[Ghost Dog]

Lindsay Thomas kicked about 5 behinds. North fans were spewing around us.
They should have killed us by about 60+ points last night.

[Ghost Dog]

Describing yesterday's performance as pathetic seems a little harsh. The last qtr yes but for 3 quarters we had a dead set crack.

Really disappointing we couldnt have anyone stand up to stem the flow.

When you're an underdog, you take your opportunities when they come. Dropped marks from Gia, shanked kicks from Griffen ( despite his stats, I don't think it was his best game, especially early on ), Some laconic work from number 5 down back. Our senior players are falling a bit short. Dahlhaus is a Bulldog. Clay smith is a Bulldog. Our young brigade are carrying us, but at what harm to their development?

Last night I was in the studio room with Greenwood and Grant. Wonder what Grant's fortunes will be come 2014.

[EasternWest]

It is fun to watch just Nick Lower for five minutes.

What do you mean by this?

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Do the scoring shots (41 to 22) tell more of a story than the margin?

Through the game I thought the only thing that kept us in it on the scoreboard was our good finsishing and North's inaccuracy... It always felt like the dam wall was about to bust and I guess it did in the end.

It does for mine.

I thought we were ordinary yet again. Nothing to do with effort (for three quarters), we are just a very poor side. Aside from Griffen, Murphy, Gia and maybe Dahlhaus there is simply no polish. Our midfield is pathetic defensively, pathetic on the spread, ordinary by foot and slow.

This is the worst Dogs side I have seen in my time by a long way.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Wonder what Grant's fortunes will be come 2014.

Just on Grant, I know he has his flaws, but how can the coaching staff actually believe that Austin (and to lesser extents Vez, Tutt and Markovic) are better options than Grant? It astounds me that we can't find a spot for Grant, but can play the mentioned above. At least Grant has consistently scored, is quick and has the ability to use his pace defensively and offensively.

More than that, why didn't Roberts play? I don't buy 'fitness' being an issue. We played Stringer who clearly isn't/wasn't anywhere near fit enough. Going back before that, Talia was second to Markovic/Austin all pre-season.

There are enormous question marks over our coaching panel, to say the least, let alone our playing list.

[bulldogtragic]

Just on Grant, I know he has his flaws, but how can the coaching staff actually believe that Austin (and to lesser extents Vez, Tutt and Markovic) are better options than Grant? It astounds me that we can't find a spot for Grant, but can play the mentioned above. At least Grant has consistently scored, is quick and has the ability to use his pace defensively and offensively.

More than that, why didn't Roberts play? I don't buy 'fitness' being an issue. We played Stringer who clearly isn't/wasn't anywhere near fit enough. Going back before that, Talia was second to Markovic/Austin all pre-season.

There are enormous question marks over our coaching panel, to say the least, let alone our playing list.
Was a strong fan of the BMac appointment. But decisions like you've mentioned as making me feel like its cheap as chips all over again.

[jeemak]

Just on Grant, I know he has his flaws, but how can the coaching staff actually believe that Austin (and to lesser extents Vez, Tutt and Markovic) are better options than Grant? It astounds me that we can't find a spot for Grant, but can play the mentioned above. At least Grant has consistently scored, is quick and has the ability to use his pace defensively and offensively.

More than that, why didn't Roberts play? I don't buy 'fitness' being an issue. We played Stringer who clearly isn't/wasn't anywhere near fit enough. Going back before that, Talia was second to Markovic/Austin all pre-season.

There are enormous question marks over our coaching panel, to say the least, let alone our playing list.

I don't think there's a single coach in the game currently, or ever in the game's history that has been completely unbiased towards selection and the type of players they like.

Grant should be playing AFL senior football for our club over Austin any day of the week. Unfortunately his papers have been stamped, and whether that's because of Grant's attitude, his haircut, the coach's dislike of certain player types or whatever I don't know.

[Ghost Dog]

What do you mean by this?

If you thought Picken was good at scragging the opposition behind play, at a game, watch Lower. Is a massive pest. Love it.
When you are losing, you have to entertain yourself somehow!

[Dry Rot]

If you thought Picken was good at scragging the opposition behind play, at a game, watch Lower. Is a massive pest. Love it.
When you are losing, you have to entertain yourself somehow!

Should we be playing Picken and Lower in the same side these days? Does Picken need to re-invent himself as a forward?

[Scorlibo]

What do those stats mean?

The new player ratings that the AFL have launched this week, run by Champion Data, measure players in terms of scoreboard impact. As a stats man, I find it very cool. You can read about it here (http://www.afl.com.au/staticfile/AFL%20Tenant/AFL/PlayerRatings/PlayerRatings_HOW.pdf).


Do the scoring shots (41 to 22) tell more of a story than the margin?

Through the game I thought the only thing that kept us in it on the scoreboard was our good finsishing and North's inaccuracy... It always felt like the dam wall was about to bust and I guess it did in the end.


Lindsay Thomas kicked about 5 behinds. North fans were spewing around us.
They should have killed us by about 60+ points last night.

Interesting. At the game I myself felt as though the only thing which stopped us running away with it was the umpiring. North missed some shots but there were a lot of rushed behinds and I can't recall them missing many shots that they clearly should have kicked.

The inside 50 count in the end was 59-45, so not nearly as damning as the scoring shot ratio.

What I find most alarming is that for the second week in a row we were smashed in the marks inside 50. This week it was 19-8, last week it was something ridiculous like 18-3. A quick bit of research shows that we've been belted in this stat in nearly every game. The first 2 rounds we just about broke even, but since then it's been an annihilation. Could Shaun Higgins/Tory Dickson be more important to our forward structure than we realise? Is Jones working hard enough to push back into the space?

[Ghost Dog]

The new player ratings that the AFL have launched this week, run by Champion Data, measure players in terms of scoreboard impact. As a stats man, I find it very cool. You can read about it here (http://www.afl.com.au/staticfile/AFL%20Tenant/AFL/PlayerRatings/PlayerRatings_HOW.pdf).





Interesting. At the game I myself felt as though the only thing which stopped us running away with it was the umpiring. North missed some shots but there were a lot of rushed behinds and I can't recall them missing many shots that they clearly should have kicked.

The inside 50 count in the end was 59-45, so not nearly as damning as the scoring shot ratio.

What I find most alarming is that for the second week in a row we were smashed in the marks inside 50. This week it was 19-8, last week it was something ridiculous like 18-3. A quick bit of research shows that we've been belted in this stat in nearly every game. The first 2 rounds we just about broke even, but since then it's been an annihilation. Could Shaun Higgins/Tory Dickson be more important to our forward structure than we realise? Is Jones working hard enough to push back into the space?

I thought we had the better of the umpiring??

[Scorlibo]

I thought we had the better of the umpiring??

Not how I saw it.

[Ghost Dog]

when I looked at the scoreboard, it was about 20 to 12 with decisions our way....

[Scorlibo]

when I looked at the scoreboard, it was about 20 to 12 with decisions our way....

And the end count was in our favour too, but do you really think that an equal count means good umpiring?

[Dry Rot]

Do the last couple of weeks show that father time is catching up with Morris?

[Scorlibo]

Do the last couple of weeks show that father time is catching up with Morris?

Good call, he was fairly ordinary until taking a couple of good grabs in the last.

His desperation has always seemed to out-do his awkward style, but I must say the balance has been rocked the last couple of weeks and is looking a bit clumsy.

[Dry Rot]

How did Wallis play? I've read comments elsewhere suggesting he is not travelling well.

[Scorlibo]

How did Wallis play? I've read comments elsewhere suggesting he is not travelling well.

Yeah he's been down lately. Not sure whether giving him the sub's vest a couple of weeks back was the right call and seems down on confidence since. Should be getting regular runs around the stoppages as that's where he does his best work.

[Dry Rot]

Yeah he's been down lately. Not sure whether giving him the sub's vest a couple of weeks back was the right call and seems down on confidence since. Should be getting regular runs around the stoppages as that's where he does his best work.

Thanks.

I remember someone here some time ago questioning Wallis, saying that while he wasn't a bad player, he wasn't particularly good at anything. Maybe this is beginning to show?

[bulldogtragic]

Thanks.

I remember someone here some time ago questioning Wallis, saying that while he wasn't a bad player, he wasn't particularly good at anything. Maybe this is beginning to show?
I reckon you could label much of the team with that label.

[Eastdog]

I thought we had the better of the umpiring??

The umpiring once again was frustrating. You like things they know the rules inside and out but at times you wonder what they are doing.

[LostDoggy]

Describing yesterday's performance as pathetic seems a little harsh. The last qtr yes but for 3 quarters we had a dead set crack.

Really disappointing we couldnt have anyone stand up to stem the flow.

This was pretty much what I was getting at, de ja vu from last year.

[bornadog]

Just on Grant, I know he has his flaws, but how can the coaching staff actually believe that Austin (and to lesser extents Vez, Tutt and Markovic) are better options than Grant? It astounds me that we can't find a spot for Grant, but can play the mentioned above. At least Grant has consistently scored, is quick and has the ability to use his pace defensively and offensively.

More than that, why didn't Roberts play? I don't buy 'fitness' being an issue. We played Stringer who clearly isn't/wasn't anywhere near fit enough. Going back before that, Talia was second to Markovic/Austin all pre-season.

There are enormous question marks over our coaching panel, to say the least, let alone our playing list.

THis^^ I just don't get it. Also, after 6 rounds in the VFL, he has probably only played three times because of the alignment with Willi. Its incredible that Austin can get a game but this bloke can't.

[bornadog]

How did Wallis play? I've read comments elsewhere suggesting he is not travelling well.

His field kicking is pathetic. At least three of his passes which should have been straight forward went to the opposition and they then scored. He should be dropped this week to hone his skills.

[Dancin' Douggy]

I don't think there's a single coach in the game currently, or ever in the game's history that has been completely unbiased towards selection and the type of players they like.

Grant should be playing AFL senior football for our club over Austin any day of the week. Unfortunately his papers have been stamped, and whether that's because of Grant's attitude, his haircut, the coach's dislike of certain player types or whatever I don't know.

Maybe it's his sideburns?

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

I don't think there's a single coach in the game currently, or ever in the game's history that has been completely unbiased towards selection and the type of players they like.

Grant should be playing AFL senior football for our club over Austin any day of the week. Unfortunately his papers have been stamped, and whether that's because of Grant's attitude, his haircut, the coach's dislike of certain player types or whatever I don't know.

You are clutching at straws really. Neither Grant or Austin would make a top 8 team. If Grant had been good enough he would be in the side by now given our poor attack. IMO he he was lucky not to be chopped from the list at the end of 2012.

[bulldogtragic]

You are clutching at straws really. Neither Grant or Austin should make a top 18 team. If Grant had been good enough he would be in the side by now given our poor attack. IMO he he was lucky not to be chopped from the list at the end of 2012.

Edited for accuracy.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Yeah he's been down lately. Not sure whether giving him the sub's vest a couple of weeks back was the right call and seems down on confidence since. Should be getting regular runs around the stoppages as that's where he does his best work.

Wallis would now be rated a long way behind Liberatore. Smith, Lower and Stevens have all performed better. Poor disposal appears to be his biggest weakness. Needs to improve if we are to get better.

[Topdog]

You are clutching at straws really. Neither Grant or Austin would make a top 8 team. If Grant had been good enough he would be in the side by now given our poor attack. IMO he he was lucky not to be chopped from the list at the end of 2012.

A lot of our team wouldn't make a team in the top 8. Grant is certainly good enough for the 16th best team in the league.

[Dancin' Douggy]

It's just like ground hog day for me.
Bulldogs have a tough midfield who don't hurt you on the scoreboard and are dodgy by foot.

Again..............

[Ghost Dog]

It's just like ground hog day for me.
Bulldogs have a tough midfield who don't hurt you on the scoreboard and are dodgy by foot.

Again..............

There were two teams out there. Not much respect shown for North here, but they did very well. I thought we scragged some goals, scraps off the table. Minson goal, Wallis, etc.
Kept scoring at least. Just the leak turned into a flood. Too many tall targets down back. Too many entries.

Our spread is ordinary in fourth quarters. From senior players!

[jeemak]

You are clutching at straws really. Neither Grant or Austin would make a top 8 team. If Grant had been good enough he would be in the side by now given our poor attack. IMO he he was lucky not to be chopped from the list at the end of 2012.

Grant showed he is capable of contributing in a top four team, if you recall.

It's not far fetched to suggest the coach simply doesn't rate him. If that is the case (I really don't know if it is, or not) then it would certainly impact Grant's performance. How could it not?

[SlimPickens]

It's not far fetched to suggest the coach simply doesn't rate him. If that is the case (I really don't know if it is, or not) then it would certainly impact Grant's performance. How could it not?

Not just the coach. His team mates don't rate him too highly either.

[Greystache]

His team mates don't rate him too highly either.

Some of them think he's not a particularly good footballer either.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Not just the coach. His team mates don't rate him too highly either.


Some of them think he's not a particularly good footballer either.

Stevie Wonder wouldn't rate 85% of our list and he'd be right, so I wouldn't take into account whether Grant's team mates rate him or not, because the majority of them are ordinary anyway ;)

[Ghost Dog]

Stevie Wonder wouldn't rate 85% of our list and he'd be right, so I wouldn't take into account whether Grant's team mates rate him or not, because the majority of them are ordinary anyway ;)


I rate our team in general. but we need a lot of development, minimum 4 more depth players to fill holes, and some confidence.

[Greystache]

Stevie Wonder wouldn't rate 85% of our list and he'd be right, so I wouldn't take into account whether Grant's team mates rate him or not, because the majority of them are ordinary anyway ;)

You might need to read between the lines there TBB ;)

[Ghost Dog]

Some of them think he's not a particularly good footballer either.

Yes, but some of them do. I met Grant the other night, and Greenwood. He's a really nice guy - much taller than I expected. Grant is a player, for sure. We need skills, and he has them. Just needs to apply himself and if anyone can help him, it's the team we have now.

[Mantis]

You might need to read between the lines there TBB ;)

So reading between the lines he's a shit bloke...

[jeemak]

Not just the coach. His team mates don't rate him too highly either.

Well there you go.

[bornadog]

Well there you go.

Jeemak, between you me, I don't believe it.

[jeemak]

Jeemak, between you me, I don't believe it.

I'd believe anything. Footy clubs are strange places, full of strange people who really don't like people who are a little strange.

[bornadog]

I'd believe anything. Footy clubs are strange places, full of strange people who really don't like people who are a little strange.

That's the whole world:D