Match Committee- Round 3 vs Richmond

[Greystache]

If you were on the match committee what changes would you make for Saturday's game against Richmond at Etihad?

As always a brief explanation for your changes would add to discussion.

[GVGjr]

Hard to get this right.

Off the top of my head

Talia in for Jong (who was decent today)
Young in for Johannisen

A few others should be on notice.

[bulldogtragic]

Wholesale, but not desperate:

Bontempelli for Boyd (surely pride will be a motivator)
Hrovat for Gia (15 minutes of Gia seems a limited use of a player and subs spot)
Talia for JJ (make him kick 25 metres out straight in front 100 times every training session)
Jong to the Subs, or Smith for Jong (not sure on this one)

Possibly Griffen, it was so obvious he shouldn't have played.
If Grant is fit, he's back in for Stringer.

[Pickenitup]

In Talia Young Campbell
Out Stringer JJ Jones

[The Bulldogs Bite]

OUT:
Wallis - 8 disposals, no hurt factor, one paced. Cannot play all of Wallis/Jong/Boyd.
JJ - Absolutely terrible, shouldn't have played, should have been subbed. Bad coaching.
Jong - Not fit enough. Good first half, terrible second half. Disposal is a killer.
Stringer - Tried hard but needs to find more of it.

IN:
Bontempelli - Desperately need some class in this side. Bonti gives our midfield another point of difference.
Hrovat - See above. Bonti/Hrovat > Wallis/Jong for so many reasons.
Young - Replaces JJ.
Campbell - Must play for structural reasons.

[Go_Dogs]

Out:
JJ, Jong, Stringer and Wallis

In:
Bontempelli, Young, Campbell and Tutt.

I'm keen to add Hrovat too, but I'm content to give Bonty a taste next week and try to generate some more running power by adding in Tutt.

Young is needed down back to add some composure and flexibility.

Campbell can help us out in the ruck and provide another deep target up forward. He wasn't great against WCE but I think he can rebound and we need to persist with him for development reasons.

[always right]

Need some better ball users so in comes Hrovat for Jong (unlucky).
Young in for JJ who was simply horrible.

[Stevo]

Out
Jong, JJ and Wood

Ins
Hrovat, Williams and Talia

We need Williams into the side as it will release Morris onto some of the Tigers mid sized forwards.

[SlimPickens]

There is no way Williams deserves a game. He is so far from playing senior football it is not funny.

Ins: Talia, Bontempelli, Young

Out: JJ, Wood, Jong

[Greystache]

In- Campbell, Bontempelli, Young, Hrovat

Out- Stringer, Wallis, JJ, Gia

Need more run and better users. Gia is barely playing and only offers more of what we already get from Dahl and Hunter. Campbell is better for our structure than Stringer.

[G-Mo77]

Surprised the call for Jong. First game in a while and did a pretty good job on Bastinac IMHO.

Out:

JJ played one of the worst games I've seen from anyone, that shot on goal summed up his entire game. Pathetic!

I don't like our Stringer/Crameri forward line. One could make way, neither were influential so either or both could go as far as I'm concerned.

Not sure on the Ins yet. Haven't read any VFL reports today.

Am I alone thinking Griffen was rushed back? Really struggled, maybe he's better for the hit out.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

In- Campbell, Bontempelli, Young, Hrovat

Out- Stringer, Wallis, JJ, Gia

Need more run and better users. Gia is barely playing and only offers more of what we already get from Dahl and Hunter. Campbell is better for our structure than Stringer.

I agree with your 4 outs but would include Talia for Bontempelli at this stage. We lacked someone to take a mark on the forward line and Campbell would be a better option than Stringer as well as being a capable second ruckman. The return of Talia and Young would free up Picken to replace Wallis as the tag who has been ineffective in our two defeats. There is too much sameness about the forward line with Stringer Crameri and Jones poor today.We could do worse than play Murphy at half forward in a bid to add some skill class and experience.JJ hasn't recaptured the form he showed prior to his injury last year and needs to return to the VFL to regain confidence.

[bulldogtragic]

Surprised the call for Jong. First game in a while and did a pretty good job on Bastinac IMHO.

I think it depends on the use of the sub. I could feel his pain as he was trying to run and tackle in a full body cramp. Maybe the sub next week?

[G-Mo77]

I think it depends on the use of the sub. I could feel his pain as he was trying to run and tackle in a full body cramp. Maybe the sub next week?

Our boys blew up big late in the 4th. It'll hurt them, Jong looked buggered but they'll be better for it in the long run. Unless he has a niggle he's in the starting lineup, just my opinion.

[Bulldog4life]

There is no way Williams deserves a game. He is so far from playing senior football it is not funny.

Ins: Talia, Bontempelli, Young

Out: JJ, Wood, Jong


Same as me Slim. At the moment Wood and JJ are out of form and Jong's skills are very poor.

[always right]

I agree with your 4 outs but would include Talia for Bontempelli at this stage. We lacked someone to take a mark on the forward line and Campbell would be a better option than Stringer as well as being a capable second ruckman. The return of Talia and Young would free up Picken to replace Wallis as the tag who has been ineffective in our two defeats. There is too much sameness about the forward line with Stringer Crameri and Jones poor today.We could do worse than play Murphy at half forward in a bid to add some skill class and experience.JJ hasn't recaptured the form he showed prior to his injury last year and needs to return to the VFL to regain confidence.

Harsh on Wallis. Kept Wells to modest numbers which is hardly ineffective.

[bulldogtragic]

Our boys blew up big late in the 4th. It'll hurt them, Jong looked buggered but they'll be better for it in the long run. Unless he has a niggle he's in the starting lineup, just my opinion.

I think I mentioned in the game day thread that he was playing like he really wanted his spot next week. I'm sure they all do, I'm not sure what it was about him tonight in particular but I liked that 'something' about his application. There are others needing a spell in the VFL before Lin unless Smith tore it up in the VFL as I think they're after the same spot potentially.

[boydogs]

OUT:Wallis - 8 disposals, no hurt factor, one paced. Cannot play all of Wallis/Jong/Boyd.

Wallis did an excellent shutdown job on Wells, deserves his spot.

Out: Jones, Stringer, Johannisen, Jong
In: Campbell, Bontempelli, Talia, Hrovat

Bringing in some genuine key position height and good users of the ball. Full game for Gia & Stevens up forward, he's doing a better job of leading at the ball carrier than Stringer at the moment. Jones is flying for the ball but has forgotten how to mark, he's become a pack crashing specialist instead of a goal square target for the mids to kick to

[MrMahatma]

Never been big on bringing guys in for 1 week then dropping them, so I'd keep Jong and Jones in.

Gia should play the full game.

In: Hrovat, Young, Talia, Bonti
Out: JJ, Boyd, Stevens, Wood,

Skills are killing us but guys like Hrovat and (hopefully) Bonti can help turn that around. Dropping Boyd won't happen, but with Boyd, Stevens, Jong, Wallis all in the midfield we're not going to get enough quality F50 entries.

Where's Tutt at?

[bornadog]

Harsh on Wallis. Kept Wells to modest numbers which is hardly ineffective.

This ^^^ Wallis had a run with role and did the job. He still needs to also get his own ball to become a real tagger, that hurt the opposition, but at this stage he is doing what he is asked. He will take on one of the Richmond mids next week.

[jeemak]

In:

Young, Campbell

Out:

JJ, Wood


Calls for Gia to be given the chop are beyond reasonable for mine. I have no idea what anyone expected from him today when our team had already shown it was tired and not able to step into another gear to remain competitive.

If anything, I'd start Gia on the ground against Richmond and give him the chance to play some minutes and influence the game from the outset. It takes a lot mentally to come in with only one and a half quarters each week to go at it. He's easily good enough to play at the highest level.

[Remi Moses]

Tend to agree and he should have come on earlier.
Have a feeling listening to the coach after the game he is not happy with a few of the key backs at the lower level.
In/ bontempelli Young
Out/ JJ stringer

[chef]

In Campbell Young Talia
Out Jones JJ Wood

[soupman]

Haven't seen the full game yet so don't have my full changes yet, but I'd like to see Tutt brought in.

As it stands he is so different to all our other midfielders and his form at VFL level while not exemplary has been solid by all reports. Brings pace, run and a long kick that is generally pretty good.

[azabob]

Interesting snipit from BMACs press conference.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-03-30/mccartney-postmatch

But McCartney said while the Bulldogs lost some of Wood's drive, other options in the VFL were not standing up.

"If people really deserved a game, they'd be out there. And we could play some people, who aren't playing the way we want in the VFL, and they'll serve it up at AFL," McCartney said.

"Easton Wood might actually be growing up in front of our eyes because we've put more on his plate, too, that he's having to deal with a taller opponent. We think we've got a pretty good defender in the making there."

[Mantis]

"Easton Wood might actually be growing up in front of our eyes because we've put more on his plate, too, that he's having to deal with a taller opponent. We think we've got a pretty good defender in the making there."

Well *!*!*!*! me sideways!

Not only did Wood get beaten by his opponent in crucial contests ( not his fault given height difference) he also wasted the ball when he got it.. It wouldn't have been a stretch to see Black kick 4 goals which would have a great return in a game that forwards struggled.

[azabob]

Well *!*!*!*! me sideways!

Not only did Wood get beaten by his opponent in crucial contests ( not his fault given height difference) he also wasted the ball when he got it.. It wouldn't have been a stretch to see Black kick 4 goals which would have a great return in a game that forwards struggled.

Agree, Black kicked poorly early on. Obviously Talia isn't doing what they want but not sure that justify's the decision to play Wood on taller oppenents.

[bornadog]

Calls for Gia to be given the chop are beyond reasonable for mine. I have no idea what anyone expected from him today when our team had already shown it was tired and not able to step into another gear to remain competitive.

If anything, I'd start Gia on the ground against Richmond and give him the chance to play some minutes and influence the game from the outset. It takes a lot mentally to come in with only one and a half quarters each week to go at it. He's easily good enough to play at the highest level.

The trouble is at 32 years of age, he is taking up the spot of a young bloke who can't get a game.

[bornadog]

Agree, Black kicked poorly early on. Obviously Talia isn't doing what they want but not sure that justify's the decision to play Wood on taller oppenents.

I am not a big fan of Wood, but playing him on Darling and Black is just a joke and not giving him much of a chance. Why not stick Talia in there, at least he can compete with height and learn something about defence.

[Ozza]

Outs: JJ, Gia (two weeks of minimal ground time); Stringer
In: Young, Dickson; Bontempelli

[Maddog37]

Out JJ, Boyd and Stringer. Poor form and not really impacting the game.

Young for JJ, Bonti for Boyd and Campbell for Stringer.

We need Clay, Hrovat, Talia and Williams to find form as well as Grant to come to fitness.

[Mofra]

Out: JJ
In: Young or Talia

Libba looked sore, if he's out I'd like to see Bonti in.
Stringer stays as we simply need to get games into him, smart around goals.

[LostDoggy]

I think Macca is saying that if you have some habits that need rectifying, we drop you to the seconds, then you get the coaching and skill work that is necessary to improve your game. So what the MC then does is watch the outcomes. How much do you really want to get back to the seniors? Are you capable of making the changes we want in the role designated for you. If you are not, then you stay in the seconds. Clearly this is why Talia is still there and why Jong was promoted.

There seems to be no point in players going back if they all they do is gain confidence at that level but return to display the same faults they had before at senior level.

I think this is an excellent way to go and it will show what Talia is made of if he is to get back.

Clearly the ultimate goal is that we will end up with a team that has been taught to play the right way and with the right attitude to self improvement to win a premiership. There are no shortcuts to this. But it does mean that along the way we may look unbalanced, and for example, go in shorter than posters would like.

[Mofra]

The trouble is at 32 years of age, he is taking up the spot of a young bloke who can't get a game.
Yep.
He is supposed to be some sort of playing coach isn't he?

If he's meant to be a playing coach, he can't do that if he's only playing for 15 minutes.
If he is coaching from the sidelines, why not let him coach from the sidelines and get a kid in to give them senior gametime?

I am perplexed.
I was comfortable with his 2 year contract at the end of 2011 when many wanted 1, but I am
not sure what the point of bringing him on so late was yesterday - especially in an absolute scrum of a match with no outside run when a guy who is slow as treacle but is a brilliant ball user in traffic would have been extremely useful in that style of game.

[Mantis]

I think Macca is saying that if you have some habits that need rectifying, we drop you to the seconds, then you get the coaching and skill work that is necessary to improve your game.

We wouldn't field a side if this was the case.

I can only think there is an issue with Talia's attitude... there can be no other reason not to play him.

[1eyedog]

The trouble is at 32 years of age, he is taking up the spot of a young bloke who can't get a game.

...or doesn't deserve a game?

Ins: Young

Outs: JJ

Barring injuries.

We can't change the team up too much although if Grant was available I'd just about bring him straight in. Bont just does not seem ready to me.

[DISHLICKERS]

What is the opinion of other with the selection of only 1 Ruck?

Campbell/Ayce one of the two must be played.

Jones in the ruck is a joke for one you are killing him and secondly you are killing the side.

[Cyberdoggie]

I wouldn't make many changes.
In:
Campbell was dropped for a reason due to his poor effort in the west, but we do need him at his best as he's our best contested mark in the forward line.

Last year we started playing better footy when he came into the side for the simple reason that he provides a target that the mids have confidence with, which has many flow-on effects.

Out:
JJ has been out of sorts since his comeback from injury and I think his confidence has been affected from it. He needs a spell.

Any other changes would be simply for match up reasons.

[1eyedog]

I wouldn't make many changes.
In:
Campbell was dropped for a reason due to his poor effort in the west, but we do need him at his best as he's our best contested mark in the forward line.

Last year we started playing better footy when he came into the side for the simple reason that he provides a target that the mids have confidence with, which has many flow-on effects.

Out:
JJ has been out of sorts since his comeback from injury and I think his confidence has been affected from it. He needs a spell.

Any other changes would be simply for match up reasons.

Campbell is a better pack mark than Jones? I've seen Campbell take some nice one on one marks but never really a big pack mark. I've seen Jones take plenty of these... If we're gifting a game based on pack marking ability Jones wins hands down there.

[LostDoggy]

We wouldn't field a side if this was the case.

I can only think there is an issue with Talia's attitude... there can be no other reason not to play him.

For me, it's about what your role is and what you do to execute that role in line with expectations of those around you in any given situation. Now, if you make mistakes in trying to adhere to your role, that is quite different to not adhering to your assigned role. Each player will have a set of complex instructions under which they have practised for some time. Now if they ignore / forget parts of those instructions repeatedly, should they get keep getting a game?

As a principle, I think it's vitally important that young players are given extra coaching time to increase their understanding and acceptance of what is required of them in a myriad of different situations, not as a measure by themselves but as measured by how they are helping the group according to what is expected.

This is to toughen them up for the future so that we don't buckle at the knees and we don't revert to weaknesses under the fiercest pressure. Short term pain for long term gain.

I know nothing about Talia's attitude so cannot comment.

[Scorlibo]

Well *!*!*!*! me sideways!

Not only did Wood get beaten by his opponent in crucial contests ( not his fault given height difference) he also wasted the ball when he got it.. It wouldn't have been a stretch to see Black kick 4 goals which would have a great return in a game that forwards struggled.

Can't agree with you there. I was with Macca - thought Wood played the best game he's played in a long time. Was well on top of Black in the first half while providing some forward run himself. He looked tired in the second half and had one instance that I saw where he was poor letting Black lead to the pocket but another three instances that seemed just unfortunate: slipped over, JJ's poor awareness and a joke free kick for I'm not sure what. Good game from Easton for mine.


We wouldn't field a side if this was the case.

I can only think there is an issue with Talia's attitude... there can be no other reason not to play him.

Talia's a good kid from all that I've heard. It's more likely that they're working on his kicking or at least teaching him how to play without kicking the ball (because it's that bad).

[GVGjr]

Interesting snipit from BMACs press conference.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-03-30/mccartney-postmatch

But McCartney said while the Bulldogs lost some of Wood's drive, other options in the VFL were not standing up.

"If people really deserved a game, they'd be out there. And we could play some people, who aren't playing the way we want in the VFL, and they'll serve it up at AFL," McCartney said.



This is a good explanation on the current team selection questions many have been asking. We have our own VFL side which is aligned to the playing style of the senior side now so we can't blame anyone else but the players. If they aren't performing as expected then they shouldn't be gifted games.

Fully agree with Macca's stance. The onus in on the players to eliminate reasons for not being selected.

[bulldogsman]

In Bontempelli, Campbell, Young
Out JJ, Stringer, Jong

[Axe Man]

Surely we have to bring in either Young or Talia this week?

I think Wood has been OK on Darling and Black the last 2 weeks but he can't possibly play on the 200cm Griffiths (assuming Morris to Riewoldt and Roughy to Vickery).

[Happy Days]

They need to play Talia, but if they aren't going to, then they need to play one of Young or Goodes (both of who, are actually quite good at intercepting the ball) with the strict instruction for them to guard space and prevent the big guy we don't match up on (most likely Griffiths) from getting a clean look on the ball. If we do this then could we match Higgins up on him like we used to with Gilbee? In theory it would certainly help the nightmarish disposal from the back half we had last week.

Just a thought. Seriously though play Talia. And not JJ.

In: Talia, Bont

Out: JJ, Jong

[Remi Moses]

Happy with those changes ^^

[Mantis]

In: Talia, Bont, Honeychurch, Campbell
Out: JJ, Jong, Gia, Stringer

Gia is behind Hunter & Dahlhaus at present and isn't the type of player we need as the sub... Honeychurch can fill that role.

Talia needs to play due to the amount of talls that Richmond have up forward, will also be required for GWS next week... JJ needs a spell.

Too many turn over merchants in the team, out Jong, in Bont.

Stringer hasn't done enough, in Campbell.

Jones, Crameri & Boyd all need a lift or are in line for removal next week.

[bornadog]

In: Talia, Bont, Honeychurch, Campbell
Out: JJ, Jong, Gia, Stringer

Gia is behind Hunter & Dahlhaus at present and isn't the type of player we need as the sub... Honeychurch can fill that role.

Talia needs to play due to the amount of talls that Richmond have up forward, will also be required for GWS next week... JJ needs a spell.

Too many turn over merchants in the team, out Jong, in Bont.

Stringer hasn't done enough, in Campbell.

Jones, Crameri & Boyd all need a lift or are in line for removal next week.

Agree

[always right]

In: Talia, Bont, Honeychurch, Campbell
Out: JJ, Jong, Gia, Stringer

Gia is behind Hunter & Dahlhaus at present and isn't the type of player we need as the sub... Honeychurch can fill that role.
Talia needs to play due to the amount of talls that Richmond have up forward, will also be required for GWS next week... JJ needs a spell.

Too many turn over merchants in the team, out Jong, in Bont.

Stringer hasn't done enough, in Campbell.

Jones, Crameri & Boyd all need a lift or are in line for removal next week.

On what basis do you think Honeychurch can fill the sub role. You certainly can't be basing this on exposed form. What makes you believe he will get the ball as often as Gia and use it as well? Just curious.

[Mantis]

On what basis do you think Honeychurch can fill the sub role. You certainly can't be basing this on exposed form. What makes you believe he will get the ball as often as Gia and use it as well? Just curious.

I just think he is more suited to that role than Gia this week.. adds a bit more pace & flexibility.

However I do believe Gia was poorly managed on the weekend and should have been introduced into the game early in the 3rd qtr (as per the gameday thread).. I think his 'smarts' would have been handy in that game.

[bornadog]

Deledio in some doubt

[Cyberdoggie]

Deledio in some doubt

Some doubt is good!

Deledio has killed us recently.

[azabob]

Deledio in some doubt

Apparently he is out.

[ratsmac]

Deledio in some doubt

Sore ankle. This could give us an edge through the midfield.

[G-Mo77]

Unchanged? Wha......?

[soupman]

No change.

Emergencies Bontempelli, Williams and Dickson.

[GVGjr]

No change.

Emergencies Bontempelli, Williams and Dickson.

Interesting that Williams who is struggling with form and fitness is in the frame and Talia and Young aren't.

[bulldogtragic]

Interesting that Williams who is struggling with form and fitness is in the frame and Talia and Young aren't.

Talia is under the blow torch, seems clear to me now. Not necessarily in a negative way, but he's getting the JGrant treatment for sure.

[GVGjr]

Talia is under the blow torch, seems clear to me now. Not necessarily in a negative way, but he's getting the JGrant treatment for sure.

Yep, I hope when he gets selected and can display a similar run of form like Grant did.

[Remi Moses]

Would have been nice to see Bontempelli get a gig .
Who gets Griffiths if they throw him forward?

[jeemak]

Would have been nice to see Bontempelli get a gig .
Who gets Griffiths if they throw him forward?

Wouldn't be surprised to see Williams get the nod, not sure for who at this stage (why else would they have him as an emergency?) but he'd be likely if Griffiths goes forward.

[LostDoggy]

Not sure its a torch. Its been 3 weeks in what we hope will be a 10 year career. Think they have just said "f-it". We have to teach these kids the right way so that in 5 years, in a premiership sh!tfight, it will be instinctive behaviour. We are all calling for Talia because our match ups are aweful. Agree with the short term pain as we get 1 chance to get a rebuild right every 8 years or so it seems. Let's get these kids trained to where we need them and if it gives wood a chance to be stretched in a game that's pretty meaningless (who thinks we'll win the flag this year??) then so be it. FYI I've been screaming on the inside for Talia as well but if you think it through......

[ratsmac]

Would have been nice to see Bontempelli get a gig .
Who gets Griffiths if they throw him forward?

Obviously Wood, they love playing him on players twice his size:p Jokes aside, good question. Like Jeemak suggests, it was have to be a late change and Williams comes in for that exact senario. Stephenson will be no match for Minson so hopefully Griffiths will be too busy rotating with him resting on the bench.
No change is quite puzzling

[Mantis]

Keeping the faith.. Hope it gets repaid.

Big outs for the Tiges.. with our recent record being terrible we need all the help we can get.

[Greystache]

Cam Mooney alluded on league teams that Bontempelli is playing only to see the team sheet and realise he's been named an emergency. Seemed like his was sheepish he'd said something he wasn't supposed to.

[Greystache]

Obviously Wood, they love playing him on players twice his size:p Jokes aside, good question. Like Jeemak suggests, it was have to be a late change and Williams comes in for that exact senario. Stephenson will be no match for Minson so hopefully Griffiths will be too busy rotating with him resting on the bench.
No change is quite puzzling


It's a bit of a balancing act. Do you change your structure just to match up on an average player just because he's tall? Or is a shit tall player still shit?

[jeemak]

It's a bit of a balancing act. Do you change your structure just to match up on an average player just because he's tall? Or is a shit tall player still shit?

Such an obviously answered question, but one never answered quickly or confidently!

[ReLoad]

Given the extreme fatigue the team had at the end of last week it would be crazy not to bring in fresh legs.

[1eyedog]

Keeping the faith.. Hope it gets repaid.

Big outs for the Tiges.. with our recent record being terrible we need all the help we can get.

Yep if we make no changes and we get a hiding the board will go into meltdown and our membership numbers may actually start going backwards.

[LostDoggy]

Wood is learning the tricks of the trade on players bigger than himself...growing up before our eyes (coach and Wood himself have said this). So he will have a much improved appreciation of how to play the game when he goes back to trying to negate / run off a lesser player.

I'm happy for the education of Wood to continue as long as he's up for the challenge (and he says he is). Thus we must be patient and expect that he will be beaten at times and will make mistakes. But he must also be doing a lot right to have kept his position.

Great for his development, I say.

[boydogs]

Great for his development, I say.

Possibly but it's starting to look like BMac is a terminal development coach ala Dean Bailey. He was playing players out of position long after their rebuild should have gotten off the ground. The question mark on BMac has always been his ability to win games on game day, he was the right sort of coach to develop our young group but can he now get the selections, positioning and tactics right to win games, or are we going to have to settle for Grant/Talia/Wood improving and dumb footy on the weekends

[bulldogtragic]

Possibly but it's starting to look like BMac is a terminal development coach ala Dean Bailey. He was playing players out of position long after their rebuild should have gotten off the ground. The question mark on BMac has always been his ability to win games on game day, he was the right sort of coach to develop our young group but can he now get the selections, positioning and tactics right to win games, or are we going to have to settle for Grant/Talia/Wood improving and dumb footy on the weekends

It's a fair question. Over the journey when good things happen it seems it's because of BMac and when bad things happen it's not BMac's fault. I've not understood that a call for genuine senior assistant / senior tactician to assist on game day was a bad thing. To be honest, I'm a little confused by a few things at the minute but I'm hoping it becomes clearer to me soon.

[bornadog]

All I can think of for the no changes is the VFL doesn't start till this week so the MC will wait and see how players perform under real match situations, before deciding o any changes.

[jeemak]

Possibly but it's starting to look like BMac is a terminal development coach ala Dean Bailey. He was playing players out of position long after their rebuild should have gotten off the ground. The question mark on BMac has always been his ability to win games on game day, he was the right sort of coach to develop our young group but can he now get the selections, positioning and tactics right to win games, or are we going to have to settle for Grant/Talia/Wood improving and dumb footy on the weekends

In some respects it's a fair question, though surely from what he's said about the way we're managing Talia and Wood it's clear he thinks one of those players is able to account for themselves at senior level and one isn't irrespective of match ups. Nothing about our two losses to this point makes me think going with Talia would have improved our skills and not made us turn the ball over or lapse in our method of moving the ball forward. Perhaps you could argue having Talia covering a tall would have released Wood to a more attacking role but given the knock on Talia seems to be his defensive game (or preparation etc. we don't really know) how can anyone say he wouldn't have been cut up these past two weeks and performed worse than Wood has?



It's a fair question. Over the journey when good things happen it seems it's because of BMac and when bad things happen it's not BMac's fault. I've not understood that a call for genuine senior assistant / senior tactician to assist on game day was a bad thing. To be honest, I'm a little confused by a few things at the minute but I'm hoping it becomes clearer to me soon.

BT, not meaning to be pedantic or attacking on what you've posted, but when has Bmac given the impression it's anything other than development one way or another? For mine, he's always acknowledged we have gaps in our game that need fixing and holes on our list that need replenishing. Win or lose.

Given the justifications he has used in terms of development of players, can you think of specific instances when a senior assistant would have made a difference on game days or provided overall or holistic benefit to what the club is seemingly trying to achieve? I can't.

What I do know is that when we were told we would start turning a corner last year in terms of performance we did. The turnaround was matched on game day by our player development.

I look at our two games this year and I see us getting flogged in mid thirty temperatures at a ground where better sides than what we presented this year have been belted by more than what we did two weeks ago, and a side that came off a shorter break than our opponents (who are a better football side in talent and structure right now) that executed skills poorly and ran out of legs late when the heat was really on.

For the life of me I don't know how leaving Campbell in to help Will out, or bringing in another tall defender would have made a difference to either scenario.

We don't have the mature cattle just yet, which is not to say we don't have the cattle to be developed. We just need to be patient and understand that games where we're $4+ to lose are likely to be lost and it's not really the result of one or two selections or nuances in game day strategy that cause it.

Edit - Sorry BT, but if I could actually think of an objective argument against putting a senior assistant in to assist on game day it would be on the basis of it being too expensive and counter productive to our development ambitions. Can we afford to pay a senior assistant coach $250K and keep our development coaches on the payroll? Maybe once the list has matured we can, but the way I think about it, that $250K could be spread more evenly at this point in our development.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Very surprised by the no change line-up. I am absolutely amazed that JJ earns another game. He will be a good player in time, but his performances over pre-season and the early rounds have been atrocious.

I'm also strongly against playing so many slow unskilled mids (Boyd, Wallis, Jong) in the one side, particularly when these traits are what's killing us at the moment. We are desperate for some speed and skill.

With Richmond's outs, it could have been an opportunity to stretch them with Campbell at FF.

It's a big call to go in unchanged.

[Remi Moses]

We're in a development mode still, and would have been nice to see Bonts get a gig.
But I will say we just have to many of the same types running around.
One or two might be on their last chance and depending on how the VFL lads go we will see a few bang the door down.

[Mofra]

I'm also strongly against playing so many slow unskilled mids (Boyd, Wallis, Jong) in the one side, particularly when these traits are what's killing us at the moment. We are desperate for some speed and skill.
Jong is the fastest player on our list.
Speed is the least of his worries.

[Scorlibo]

Very surprised by the no change line-up. I am absolutely amazed that JJ earns another game. He will be a good player in time, but his performances over pre-season and the early rounds have been atrocious.

I'm also strongly against playing so many slow unskilled mids (Boyd, Wallis, Jong) in the one side, particularly when these traits are what's killing us at the moment. We are desperate for some speed and skill.

With Richmond's outs, it could have been an opportunity to stretch them with Campbell at FF.

It's a big call to go in unchanged.

I'm with you on JJ, really surprised not to see him out of the side, but at the same time I've come to have a trust in Brendan and the MC to make the right choice. They must have faith that JJ has the character to turn his form around on the big stage.

In regards to Boyd, Wallis and Jong being similar types... Jong is quite quick I think you'll find. Boyd and Wallis might be slow with only average skills but they didn't contribute to these same team problems against the Roos in my opinion.

[Scorlibo]

Jong is the fastest player on our list.
Speed is the least of his worries.

Speaking of who is quick and who isn't - I was watching an episode of Inside the Pack and the team records were shown in the background (ie. best bench press, best 2km etc.). I paused to identify who held which records.

There were some obvious ones, BBB Barry Hall with the bench press and Crossy with the 2km. However on the speed tests (20m sprint and repeat sprints) I was shocked to see Dylan Addison with the quickest 20 metre sprint and Tim Callan with the best repeat sprints. Go figure.

[Mofra]

There were some obvious ones, BBB Barry Hall with the bench press and Crossy with the 2km. However on the speed tests (20m sprint and repeat sprints) I was shocked to see Dylan Addison with the quickest 20 metre sprint and Tim Callan with the best repeat sprints. Go figure.
I rememeber DFA's first couple of games and thinking "we've found ourselves a running half back here"!

Jong has the fastest 20m sprint times at the club which is a fair effort for someone who is 6'3"

[Hot_Doggies]

Speaking of who is quick and who isn't - I was watching an episode of Inside the Pack and the team records were shown in the background (ie. best bench press, best 2km etc.). I paused to identify who held which records.

There were some obvious ones, BBB Barry Hall with the bench press and Crossy with the 2km. However on the speed tests (20m sprint and repeat sprints) I was shocked to see Dylan Addison with the quickest 20 metre sprint and Tim Callan with the best repeat sprints. Go figure.

Only time Tim Callan kept his feet!!

[1eyedog]

Possibly but it's starting to look like BMac is a terminal development coach ala Dean Bailey. He was playing players out of position long after their rebuild should have gotten off the ground. The question mark on BMac has always been his ability to win games on game day, he was the right sort of coach to develop our young group but can he now get the selections, positioning and tactics right to win games, or are we going to have to settle for Grant/Talia/Wood improving and dumb footy on the weekends

Big concern. My concern is how much of a say did Macca have on the game plan / tactics at Geelong? I would be astounded if he was gifted the gig with us based solely on his ability to develop players - he would have obviously sold his vision and convinced the rest of the panel that he understood game day strategy. While I'm confident he has a game plan that he is confident can win a premiership it does remain to be seen whether he has the ability to win pitched game day battles; and if those game day battles aren't going his way what can be done about it ad hoc. He has a good way with words and can sell his vision no doubt about that but you need to be able to win a number of battles before you can win the war.

[Mantis]

Big concern. My concern is how much of a say did Macca have on the game plan / tactics at Geelong? I would be astounded if he was gifted the gig with us based solely on his ability to develop players - he would have obviously sold his vision and convinced the rest of the panel that he understood game day strategy. While I'm confident he has a game plan that he is confident can win a premiership it does remain to be seen whether he has the ability to win pitched game day battles; and if those game day battles aren't going his way what can be done about it ad hoc. He has a good way with words and can sell his vision no doubt about that but you need to be able to win a number of battles before you can win the war.

He did move (was moved?) from a line coach to a development role in his time at Geelong so you would think that his influence on match day matters would have been reduced.

[Axe Man]

Stevens out, Williams a late inclusion (http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/2014-04-04/williams-a-late-inclusion)

Tom Williams has replaced Koby Stevens in the Western Bulldogs’ named side for Saturday’s round three match against Richmond, after paperwork was lodged with the AFL on Friday lunchtime.

Originally named as an emergency, swingman Williams has been added to the Bulldogs’ 22-man team after club medical staff ruled Stevens out for the Etihad Stadium clash, taking a no-risk policy.

Stevens came from the field late in the Bulldogs’ round two loss to North Melbourne, after landing heavily in a tackle.

Bulldogs medical staff earlier in the week revealed Stevens had incurred whiplash from the incident and would be monitored in the lead-up to the Richmond match.

Williams comes into the side for his first game of the 2014 home and away season, after playing a key-forward role in the Bulldogs’ pre-season NAB Challenge match against Fremantle at Etihad Stadium.

Saturday’s game will be Williams’ first home and away match since round nine last year, where a dislocated shoulder prematurely ended the 27 year-old’s season.

With Williams’ elevation to the playing side, Brett Goodes has be added as an emergency alongside Marcus Bontempelli and Tory Dickson for Saturday’s match.

[soupman]

Feels a bit contradictory omitting Stevens under a no risk policy and bringing Williams in as the replacement.

I guess it helps address the height issues we have been facing but Williams has been the player who has received the worst reviews from his VFL matches and when I saw him a couple of weeks ago against Richmond he looked a long way away. Not sure if I'm happy with his inclusion, even if it does address a weakness.

[bornadog]

Have you seen Williams play this year? You were complaining about playing guys who are out of form, he looks further away than anyone on our list.

I'm not convinced we'll see him in a Bulldog jumper again.


Williams says hello:D

[bulldogsman]

Williams looked like he was getting back to some form in the VFL last week, still a bit of a surprise he comes in to me. Bontempelli very unlucky.

[Cyberdoggie]

I guess they are looking for that big bodied tall which we need.

Still not convinced he is coming in with any form behind him.

[bornadog]

Williams looked like he was getting back to some form in the VFL last week, still a bit of a surprise he comes in to me. Bontempelli very unlucky.

Vickery - 200cm
Griffiths 198 cm
Riewoldt - 195cm

Roughead - 200 cm
Morris - 190 cm
Wood - 186cm

[Greystache]

Williams says hello:D

Ridiculous selection.

I assume you'll lambast the MC when he's awful.

[bornadog]

Ridiculous selection.

I assume you'll lambast the MC when he's awful.

Any reason for remarks like this?

[Greystache]

Any reason for remarks like this?

Because it's a stupid selection and you've bagged the MC the last 2 weeks for picking bad teams.

[bornadog]

Because it's a stupid selection and you've bagged the MC the last 2 weeks for picking bad teams.

and that is what you are doing now. I will continue to be critical until we start winning games.

Still not necessary to continually make these remarks..

[SlimPickens]

Williams first half was atrocious against Geelong last week. He looked very timid when engaging in the contest. Yes he was better in the second half but nothing IMO to warrant selection for tomorrows match.

Hope he plays well and can string some games together but I fear he is one serious injury away from walking away from the game.

[bulldogsman]

Williams first half was atrocious against Geelong last week. He looked very timid when engaging in the contest. Yes he was better in the second half but nothing IMO to warrant selection for tomorrows match.

Hope he plays well and can string some games together but I fear he is one serious injury away from walking away from the game.

Agreed, I would not be recalling anyone on Williams' form.

[GVGjr]

Jong is the fastest player on our list.
Speed is the least of his worries.

I didn't realise this. I thought he might be middle of the pack. With his size and toughness he just needs to develop his footy sense and obviously improve his skills. He needs a lot of work but he is worth another season on our list.

[GVGjr]

How surprised is everyone by the inclusion of Williams as last week was seen as underdone with his form, fitness and possibly desire.

Any idea if he will be played as a forward or as a defender or could he be the sub?

[Greystache]

I didn't realise this. I thought he might be middle of the pack. With his size and toughness he just needs to develop his footy sense and obviously improve his skills. He needs a lot of work but he is worth another season on our list.

He ran 2.76 for 20m in the preseason

to put that in perspective that would make him the quickest player at the draft camp nearly every year.

[AndrewP6]

How surprised is everyone by the inclusion of Williams as last week was seen as underdone with his form, fitness and possibly desire.

Any idea if he will be played as a forward or as a defender or could he be the sub?

Staggered. Interested to hear the rationale from someone on the MC. I reckon he'll play back, but who knows.

[Greystache]

How surprised is everyone by the inclusion of Williams as last week was seen as underdone with his form, fitness and possibly desire.

Any idea if he will be played as a forward or as a defender or could he be the sub?

It's staggering. If he's been picked to play in defence Griffiths is the only player ordinary enough for him to match up on, Vickery or Riewoldt would take him to the cleaners. If he's playing forward why is Stringer playing and how could we possibly select him in front of Campbell?

I suspect he's been promoted to give him some incentive to keep persisting with football. It's the only explanation.

[Cyberdoggie]

Not sure what message it sends to other talls on the list.

They get told they have to work on their game and then Williams gets picked without any form.

I'm not sure about a football club but if that was in a workplace employees would not be happy.

[Remi Moses]

Bit of a Mexican stand off
Pick Williams play him forward, so Griffiths plays back.
Griffiths goes forward , Tom plays back .
We'll see.

[GVGjr]

Bit of a Mexican stand off
Pick Williams play him forward, so Griffiths plays back.
Griffiths goes forward , Tom plays back .
We'll see.

Williams goes back and Roughead gets a run in the ruck for a few minutes?

[Remi Moses]

Possibly GV. Certainly feel more at ease with Roughy there than Jones.
Time for a few of our players to deliver

[always right]

It's staggering. If he's been picked to play in defence Griffiths is the only player ordinary enough for him to match up on, Vickery or Riewoldt would take him to the cleaners. If he's playing forward why is Stringer playing and how could we possibly select him in front of Campbell?

I suspect he's been promoted to give him some incentive to keep persisting with football. It's the only explanation.

Yes it's the only explanation....except for your first explanation.

[Scorlibo]

Whilst I also see it as a surprise selection, it's not that unrealistic is it? Tom Williams is a senior member of the playing group now, seen as an automatic inclusion in the best 22 when fit. Sure he's underdone and even lacking form but I recall him coming back in a similar manner with reasonable results previously.

[Greystache]

Yes it's the only explanation....except for your first explanation.

Know about Williams' situation do you? Please share it with us all.

If we're bringing in a guy who looked out of his depth in a VFL practice match simply to match up on a tall spud because he's tall we should pack the season in now.

[LostDoggy]

I hate Richmond....With all my heart and soul....I hate Richmond.

[jeemak]

FFS. Williams has been brought into the side because as far as the MC is concerned he has better defensive attributes learned over time than anyone else.

It makes sense because he's been in the system longer than any other KPD/F's on our list and is likely to do better than they might at this point in their careers.

Is it really that hard to grasp?

Our KPD/F stocks aren't good enough for Williams not to play if he's fit.

Let's get over the BS fellas. Enough's enough.

[G-Mo77]

I've got no issues with Williams included. Makes sense and gives us a bit more flexibility with the option of moving him or swinging Roughead forward or even some pinch rucking.

[Hotdog60]

If Tom goes forward he may give us a lead up option which seemed to be missing last week. The only concern will be fitness.
I think he will sub with Gia, with Gia starting this time so Tom comes in when the heat is off a bit.

[always right]

Know about Williams' situation do you? Please share it with us all.

If we're bringing in a guy who looked out of his depth in a VFL practice match simply to match up on a tall spud because he's tall we should pack the season in now.

Lighten up a little. I shouldn't have to put a smilie icon next to every post.

[1eyedog]

Of all our talls he at least has the most experience at AFL level. I can think of no other reason to select him in front of others.

[GVGjr]

I've got no issues with Williams included. Makes sense and gives us a bit more flexibility with the option of moving him or swinging Roughead forward or even some pinch rucking.

I want Williams in the side every week so I'd hope he is fit enough and the MC feel as though he genuinely deserves it. I still think he is best suited to a defenders role because he could free up Morris for some different opponents.

[chef]

Yep, happy with Tommy being back in the side. Hopefully his body can hold up as when fit he's a very good CHB.

[bornadog]

I want Williams in the side every week so I'd hope he is fit enough and the MC feel as though he genuinely deserves it. I still think he is best suited to a defenders role because he could free up Morris for some different opponents.

Yes I prefer him down back. Has only played 5 games in two years. Wishing him best if luck.

[Greystache]

Lighten up a little. I shouldn't have to put a smilie icon next to every post.

No. Just incorrectly contradicting is people is par for the course.

[Greystache]

I want Williams in the side every week so I'd hope he is fit enough and the MC feel as though he genuinely deserves it. I still think he is best suited to a defenders role because he could free up Morris for some different opponents.

He directly contributed to 5 Richmond goals today. Lukas Markovic must be wondering who Tom's publicity manager is.

[AndrewP6]

FFS. Williams has been brought into the side because as far as the MC is concerned he has better defensive attributes learned over time than anyone else.
And that was reflected in today's game? He looked dreadfully underdone.




Let's get over the BS fellas. Enough's enough.
People are allowed to express their views, that's what a forum is.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

I want Williams in the side every week so I'd hope he is fit enough and the MC feel as though he genuinely deserves it. I still think he is best suited to a defenders role because he could free up Morris for some different opponents.

I thought Williams made too many errors today and would prefer Talia or Young. We looked very shaky on the last line of defence when Roughead went down. Apparently Young was very good today with Footscray VFL.

[Greystache]

I thought Williams made too many errors today and would prefer Talia or Young. We looked very shaky on the last line of defence when Roughead went down. Apparently Young was very good today with Footscray VFL.

Young looked like the player we saw last year, it was good to see him return to form.

[GVGjr]

I thought Williams made too many errors today and would prefer Talia or Young. We looked very shaky on the last line of defence when Roughead went down. Apparently Young was very good today with Footscray VFL.

I'm not giving up on Williams as I think we need him this year. Young, Talia and even Austin would all be considerations either now or in the coming weeks. I hope Williams is a lot better for the run today despite a less than satisfactory performance.

[azabob]

I'm not giving up on Williams as I think we need him this year. Young, Talia and even Austin would all be considerations either now or in the coming weeks. I hope Williams is a lot better for the run today despite a less than satisfactory performance.

For what it's worth BMaC mentioned Talia, Roberts & Redpath as possible replacements.

[GVGjr]

For what it's worth BMaC mentioned Talia, Roberts & Redpath as possible replacements.

Thanks Aza, it's probably worth a bit when the coaches says it. Young should hopefully be a consideration as well

[Greystache]

For what it's worth BMaC mentioned Talia, Roberts & Redpath as possible replacements.

Redpath looked good today. Despite playing on much smaller opponents, I liked his attack on the contest and the intensity with which he spoiled.

[azabob]

Redpath looked good today. Despite playing on much smaller opponents, I liked his attack on the contest and the intensity with which he spoiled.

So that is his second game in a row he has impressed. Interesting.

BT might get his second big gorilla after all.

[Greystache]

So that is his second game in a row he has impressed. Interesting.

BT might get his second big gorilla after all.

He had pretty good preseason playing in defence from all reports. If Roughead is going to be out for some time I'd be happy to try him in support of Morris.