2014 Game Day Round 3 - Western Bulldogs V Richmond

[Eastdog]

Dogs by 8 points
Crameri to get the first goal
Libba to be best on ground

[bornadog]

Richmond 45 points

First Goal: Jones
BOG: Griffen

[chef]

Tigers by 24
BOG Morris
First Goal Hunter

[Doggy]

Dogs 18 points
BOG Liberatore
First Goal Jones

[ratsmac]

Tiges by 13 points
First goal - Cooney
BOG - Griffen to bounce back

[Greystache]

I'm not convinced we're trying to win this game based on selection.

Richmond by 55
BOG- Morris
First goal- Hunter

[bulldogtragic]

Ditto. I'm a little confused. Our recent average losing margin is 70 points, I don't think were too far ahead.

Richmond by 50 points+
BOG Libba
1st Goal Minson

[AndrewP6]

Richmond by 57
First goal Dahl
BOG for us Libba

[Remi Moses]

Gotta feeling there is going to be egg on faces .
Dogs by 7 pts
BOG libba ( return to form)
1st goal Williams

[Scorlibo]

What's the point in going against the Dogs in these threads? I've never quite understood...

Dogs by 11 points.
First goal Hunter.
BOG Macrae.

[LostDoggy]

I hate Richmond....more than anything....I hate Richmond.

[Eastdog]

I hate Richmond....more than anything....I hate Richmond.

Yeah me too rooner17. I hope we can win so we don't have to put up with their supporters rubbing into us like they did last year when they thrashed us twice.

[LostDoggy]

I bet all we here is about how Richmond are undermanned...they truly make me sick...lol.

I'm expecting a much better Bulldog side than the last two weeks..

We aren't as bad as we've shown so far.

[wimberga]

I hate Richmond....more than anything....I hate Richmond.

Your not alone there

Richmond by 19 points
First goal Crameri
BOG Libba

[AndrewP6]

What's the point in going against the Dogs in these threads? I've never quite understood...


Honesty?

[bornadog]

Honesty?

Reality:D

[bornadog]

GIA sub again

[The Underdog]

GIA sub again

What do they say is the definition of insanity?

[bulldogsman]

First Goal Dahlhaus
BOG Minson
Richmond by 13 points

[G-Mo77]

Reality:D

Insanity.

Dogs by 65 points
First Goal Jones (1 of 6)
BOG Crameri (10 goals)

[The Underdog]

Tigers by 15
BOG: Minson
First Goal: Hunter

Like the Richmond outs for us but can't see how we kick enough goals to win

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Tigers by 25 points
First goal: Hunter
BOG: Macrae

Unfortunately I'm having to record the game as I'm on parental duties whilst my wife works. So I'll have to stay away from here til I've watched the game.

[1eyedog]

What do they say is the definition of insanity?

There is a fine line between insanity and genius and it is only differentiated by success.

[The Underdog]

There is a fine line between insanity and genius and it is only differentiated by success.

I was thinking more of doing the same thing over & over & expecting a different result, but sure, I guess that works too.

[Mantis]

I was thinking more of doing the same thing over & over & expecting a different result, but sure, I guess that works too.

If Gia was going to play this week they had to start him... Crazy!

[The Underdog]

I know there is 20 minutes to the start but the crowd numbers look thin so far.

[bulldogtragic]

If Gia was going to play this week they had to start him... Crazy!

Makes our subbing so predictable. At 3 qtr time the opposition coach will take off a tall defender, move a half spent mid type player on Gia and get extra pace in the midfield.

[G-Mo77]

I know there is 20 minutes to the start but the crowd numbers look thin so far.

Might be some stragglers coming over from Whitten Oval from both clubs. Although I doubt Tiges supporters would have hung around that long after a 100 point drubbing.

I couldn't make it personally, really under the weather today.

[The Underdog]

More surprised considering Tiges big following. Thought they'd be out in force.

[bulldogtragic]

Crameri showing glimpses of why we got him.

[bulldogtragic]

This is why I was upset last week. We can play hard, attractive and good scoring footy. Carn boys!

[AndrewP6]

Really positive start. Crameri showing something, Jones and Stringer having an impact. Macrae could be a beauty.

[LostDoggy]

Cracking in!

[bulldogtragic]

I'm saying Macrae with 35+ today, he looks great.

[wimberga]

we look good!

My god, does Cotchin milk a free kick! 4 inside the first 10 minutes, thats just crap!

Griffen and Cooney look encouraging today which is good to see!

[Mantis]

Now I know why a few posters didn't want Williams in the team.. Everything he touches turns to shit.

[LostDoggy]

What was Crameri doing there??

[Mantis]

Happy days are here again when Jong pops one through.

[LostDoggy]

Jong!!!!!

[chef]

Keep the scores coming for us at work. The AFL app is not working.

[comrade]

Williams looks miles off. Given he has barely played you can understand. Shouldn't be out there.

[G-Mo77]

Great start. Looking to be moving the ball quick and catching Richmond cheating. Hope we can keep this up.

Umpires really looking out for the Richmond players. Cotchin can't be touched.

[AndrewP6]

Playing some great footy. Umpires doing very well for Richmond.

[bulldogtragic]

That quarter was what I was hoping for all preseason. Add Grant, Hrovat and Bonts too.

[GVGjr]

What's the point in going against the Dogs in these threads? I've never quite understood...



Me either but obviously the Tigers were the favourites

[AndrewP6]

16-34 lead at quarter time.

[GVGjr]

Williams looks miles off. Given he has barely played you can understand. Shouldn't be out there.

I'll judge him at the end of the game. No surprise that he has some rust but he could improve

[The Underdog]

Some great stuff by Crameri that quarter.
Bit disappointed with Will so far.

[GVGjr]

Some great stuff by Crameri that quarter.
Bit disappointed with Will so far.

Will needs to lift.

Crameri and Jones added something. 2nd quarter is the key for us today

[bulldogtragic]

I hope Talia is a quick learner, Tom's playing a shocker to date.

[comrade]

That Richmond superstar Griffiths completely outpoints Williams. He's a liability out there, 2 goals directly against him.

[AndrewP6]

Vlastuin an early sub.
Williams not surprisingly looks ordinary. Hope he improves.

[bulldogtragic]

Is he still 'Missy' or has that name gone the same way as her career?

[LostDoggy]

Macrae is so clever, go murph and higgo

[LostDoggy]

Is he still 'Missy' or has that name gone the same way as her career?

Boson. We've found him.

[bulldogtragic]

I hope Morris can be cloned, or have 22 sons. I love him.

[LostDoggy]

Lukey!

[1eyedog]

Forward line looks like it has structure. That's what you get when you move the ball in there with precision. Crameri's 9 touches were outstanding. We were beaten in clearances and contested ball but are spreading and executing much better than Richmond.

[Mantis]

Different team today... Good signs.

[GVGjr]

Different team today... Good signs.

Playing better football. The forward line looks capable of kicking a score.

[bulldogtragic]

I'm saying Macrae with 35+ today, he looks great.

Looking good for this!

[LostDoggy]

Fantastic play!!!!!!!

[Ghost Dog]

Looking very hungry, laying some big tackles with intent. Stringer carried one bloke right into the dugout.
We are at least seeing what a fully fit list looks like, not having a travel hangover. Also think the Tigers are not playing that well.
Giving us plenty of time and space - Valustin and Delidio are big outs.

[The Underdog]

Different team today... Good signs.

Richmond are helping by being *!*!*!*!ing awful. Still, much better movement. Working hard not to give them any free men when they get the ball. Kudos to Jones, Crameri & Jong for their first half work. Lot better than last week.

[F'scary]

Go Western

[LostDoggy]

I'm very excited!

[LostDoggy]

Jong has been going hard, and going very well but I think he may blow up again. I'd like to see gia on for him half way through the third and hunter into the midfield rotation.

[G-Mo77]

Couldn't have asked for a better start. Expecting a Richmond come back and hope we've got enough to hold on.

I'd love to put them to the sword and put their heads on spikes outside Whitten Oval. ;)

[comrade]

Macrae :o

[LostDoggy]

Ling Jong has speed to burn. Has surprised me looks the goods.

Cooney is warming up. His speed is back. Gives me Shivers.

[Happy Days]

I'm at work this is bullshit; how's Jones looking? Statistically seems to be going alright.

[Ghost Dog]

The commentary goes: "And the Bulldogs haven't even brought on Giansiracusa." That's right Richmond....fear the Guido.

[GVGjr]

Jong has been going hard, and going very well but I think he may blow up again. I'd like to see gia on for him half way through the third and hunter into the midfield rotation.

Jong might be the Addison replacement.

[Ghost Dog]

Yeah but he has his hands on his head, or doubled over. Early days yet, but those goals are good for confidence.

[Mantis]

Richmond are helping by being *!*!*!*!ing awful. Still, much better movement. Working hard not to give them any free men when they get the ball. Kudos to Jones, Crameri & Jong for their first half work. Lot better than last week.

Yeah, they have been pathetic.. allowing us too much room to work in, but it's good to see we are making the most of it.

[The Underdog]

I'm at work this is bullshit; how's Jones looking? Statistically seems to be going alright.

Definitely one of his best games. Much more involved, good at ground level.

[GVGjr]

I'm hoping we get off to a good start again in the 3rd quarter. We need to convince the Tigers players that they can't win.

How good has Morris been?

[bulldogtragic]

Jong apart from the OOF, is going pretty close to 100%. It might be just me, but a few kicks reminded me of Akermanis's ball place on the foot rather than a long drop.

[Mantis]

Jong might be the Addison replacement.

Nothing like him.. Jong is playing in the midfield and following the play to to get on the end of a few. Addison was purely a forward.

[The Underdog]

Also our tackling has been outstanding. Plus we've had 50 of them.

[MrMahatma]

Totally different to last week. Hitting targets. Making good decisions. Taking (most of) our chances up forward.

Forward line still feels makeshift to me but the goals are coming!

[Ghost Dog]

Sling tackle on Griff. Filthy

[GVGjr]

Classic error by a young player. As exciting as Hunter is, misses like that are very poor. It's cost us huge

[bulldogtragic]

Picken to Cotchin maybe??

[GVGjr]

Nothing like him.. Jong is playing in the midfield and following the play to to get on the end of a few. Addison was purely a forward.

I wasn't as focused on the positional differences between the two but more about that physical style with inconsistent skills.
You could probably point out that one has has good pace and the other more on the average side if we really want to drill down with the comparison. Addison wasn't always a forward and did a few shut down or run with roles in his earlier years.

[Ghost Dog]

Richmond don't have a particularly tall backline and it's allowing our undersized forwards into the game. Macrae takes a contested mark to goal. Nobody punching from behind for Richmond.

[LostDoggy]

Can I say how clever Macrae is again? Still so young.

[LostDoggy]

Tackling by the dogs is very pleasing.

[LostDoggy]

Boyds ferocious

[chef]

Score please

[bulldogtragic]

Score please

68-41 our way.

[LostDoggy]

68 to 41

[chef]

Thanks guys

[LostDoggy]

Morris.

[bulldogtragic]

Awesome. Crameri, to Jack to Stringer. Goal.

Stuff dreams are made of.

[LostDoggy]

Excellent arrogance from stringer, all Macrae

[LostDoggy]

75 to 41

[LostDoggy]

Goal to Richmond back to 28 pts

[AndrewP6]

Excellent arrogance from stringer, all Macrae

Don't think Boyd thought so. He should have gone back to the guys that really made it happen.

[LostDoggy]

Another to jack 22 points...

[AndrewP6]

22 now, Richmond coming. Don't bugger this up Dogs.

[chef]

Work sucks.

[LostDoggy]

Tigers with the momentum.

[GVGjr]

Tigers with the momentum.

Great test for our young side coming up in the 4th quarter

[Ghost Dog]

Some poor misses have let them back in the door. Tiring and a little sloppy, giving away a few frees. Hope to refresh in the last and hold them out. GO DOGS

[LostDoggy]

Dumb by jones and wood. 15 points

[bulldogtragic]

Not sure what Gia is going to do to the set ups today...

[LostDoggy]

Great test for our young side coming up in the 4th quarter

And for Macca.

[The Underdog]

I'm scared...

[bornadog]

Roughead off

[bulldogtragic]

Roughead off

Full back for a forward pocket. Let's see how this goes.

[LostDoggy]

Roughy off for gia. Been sore most of the day. I hope we can run this out. Wallis and Pickens have big jobs.

[Ghost Dog]

Minson keeps winning the tap, but they get the clearance. Most frustrating.
Liam Jones an important player for us in the last 10 minutes. Some excellent, leaping marks and a goal after a great pass from Boyd I think.

[LostDoggy]

Can I swear please. Gia takes it back to 9

[bulldogtragic]

Jones can mark, and he kicks straight. Good man Liam.

[LostDoggy]

Some great marks by jones.

[LostDoggy]

And he converts! 16 pts 12 minutes left

[chef]

Nervous as f*ck.

[Ghost Dog]

We needed a punch there. Vickery takes an easy mark.
It's unfair we have to have the game on the line after dominating most of it.

[Ghost Dog]

Well done lads. Unbelievable. Huge effort from this club to beat a very well resourced, top 8 side, who finished 10 places above us on the ladder last year.

[LostDoggy]

You f....... Beauty! Gutsy win. Gia, Minson and Libba great last qtr.

[LostDoggy]

Great job running it out. Can I please breathe now.

[G-Mo77]

Geez I sat their calmly thinking I was a changed supporter but jumped through the roof when the siren went.

Makes it more special to take it from them as well. We could have easily just rolled over but had the will to get us over the line.

[LostDoggy]

Breath? I was ready for tears. Love the dogs!

[wimberga]

Well done dogs

we almost let them take it but fought back, and thats the most pleasing thing about today IMO.

Libba and Macrae huge in the clinches, and Crameri massive in getting the game on our terms early.

I also thought Morris and Wood were great for us all game too

[GVGjr]

And for Macca.

How did you rate Macca's effort? Can we rate it?

[Hotdog60]

Jones was very good for 5 mins during crunch time. I hope it spurs him on to turn the corner.

[GVGjr]

Geez I sat their calmly thinking I was a changed supporter but jumped through the roof when the siren went.

Makes it more special to take it from them as well. We could have easily just rolled over but had the will to get us over the line.

The faces on the supporters I saw after the game was priceless. Pumped but relieved.
While some people have lost their love for the club and the game maybe a win like today drags them back.

[G-Mo77]

The faces on the supporters I saw after the game was priceless. Pumped but relieved.
While some people have lost their love for the club and the game maybe a win like today drags them back.

Wish I could have been there for both games. Feel a heap better after seeing a win though. Gotta resist having a few celebratory ales tonight.

[mjp]

Thank god for that. The win was great obviously but it was the sustained competitiveness that won me...well, that and all the goals!

Sucks to be Richmond.

[firstdogonthemoon]

How good was that! I thought I was going to die. We never gave up even when we gave up. I found I had all the justifications ready to explain it away but I didn't need them.

[Go_Dogs]

Great result, go Dogs!

[bulldogtragic]

How good was that! I thought I was going to die. We never gave up even when we gave up. I found I had all the justifications ready to explain it away but I didn't need them.

The club has already sent a 'when we win, you win' email. A certain someone's 2013 calendar might be the item this weeks win. :)

[LostDoggy]

Jones huge in the end!

Whatever happens with Jake, we have an out and out gun with Jack.

Massive win for the club

Massive win for the Supporters

We have so much scope for improvement, so many out of touch or underdone, a few to come in.

Huge win....Stuff Richmond....Stuff Em.

[bornadog]

I am so happy after that win. Didn't care about the stupid trains stuffing up I have walked down to the teams in Swanston with a happy face

[GVGjr]

Thank god for that. The win was great obviously but it was the sustained competitiveness that won me...well, that and all the goals!



All over the ground and a lot of the young guys lifted when they had to. We are a long way off being a great team but if the younger guys embrace the competitiveness required they will be in for long careers.

[FrediKanoute]

Woke up this morning at half 4, we were well up, so went back to sleep. Check scores 45 mins later and the Tigers had made a comeback......that was sleep done for the night. Ended dozing and periodically checking scores on my app. Very pleased with the final result!

[GVGjr]

Minson only took one mark for the game. We need him to be more than a tap ruckman.

[bulldogtragic]

Minson only took one mark for the game. We need him to be more than a tap ruckman.

I though Will was good today.

[Remi Moses]

Woke up this morning at half 4, we were well up, so went back to sleep. Check scores 45 mins later and the Tigers had made a comeback......that was sleep done for the night. Ended dozing and periodically checking scores on my app. Very pleased with the final result!

Lot better than calling home and finding out the score.

[Remi Moses]

I though Will was good today.

Bit better than some bodies predictions BT?

[GVGjr]

I though Will was good today.

He was but given his game time and his size I think we need him to also adding a few marks to the match stats.

[chef]

Thanks for the scores guys.

[bulldogtragic]

He was but given his game time and his size I think we need him to also adding a few marks to the match stats.

I don't think Will is ever going to be that. Much like Grant never being a KPF, we just need them to execute the skills they do have to the best of their ability. Jarrad and Will showed last year their best is outstanding. Far be it from me to say we should be focusing on their positives, but that's where it's at for me. We don't have too many superstars, but we don't need to, that first half was as good as footy as late last year.

[Ghost Dog]

I have a new method of watching us. I don't even look at the other players. I just watch the boys in the tri-strip. I watch our goals and when they kick for goal I look away. Just look at our score and don't care about theirs. It's easier on the nerves. As long as we keep goals ticking over fairly regularly I'm happy.

Just on match ups, ( as the commentators noted ) Easton Wood really did well against a taller, heavier opponent. I can see why the MC have so much faith in him. What he lacks in height, he has in strength, kind of in the Morris mold.
They had Delidio and Valustin out, but what the heck- a win is a win.

[Sedat]

All over the ground and a lot of the young guys lifted when they had to. We are a long way off being a great team but if the younger guys embrace the competitiveness required they will be in for long careers.
Well said GVGjr. I missed both the opening 2 games so I came to the ground today with no scars from our performances in the last fortnight. To me it just looked like an extension of our improved competitiveness and purposeful forward entries from late in season 2013. Richmond are a good team (though not as good as they think they are) and really should have toyed with us based on talent but we were very good today at forcing the game to be played on our terms. Kudos to the match committee for out-coaching their Richmond counterparts.

[bornadog]

Even though Williams made a few errors today, having another tall in the backline really helped our structures.

[Greystache]

He was but given his game time and his size I think we need him to also adding a few marks to the match stats.

He took 1 mark which is about his average. He's taken 3 in 3 games so he's about par. From memory I think he averaged 1 mark a game in his last 15 games last season too.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

I just finished watching the game which I recorded on Foxtel.I had to avoid my phone during the game, as I had mates sending me messages all afternoon.
What a game!
I must admit I thought taking an unchanged side into this game on the back of consecutive 6 day breaks was a recipe for a certain loss.
Glad to be proved wrong. Gia's smarts ensured the game went from a major morale killer to a morale lifter.
Morris was on track for more votes after the first 2 and a half Qtrs. Reiwoldt eventually evened the contest.
Macrae os just growing in maturity before our eyes and Libba was back to his best.

[Remi Moses]

Still staggered some on here thought we'd lose by 40 plus points.
Spatchelor required for a few on here

[AndrewP6]

Still staggered some on here thought we'd lose by 40 plus points.
Spatchelor required for a few on here

We had a fantastic crack (:D), but for a long while, Richmond were well below par.

[soupman]

We had a fantastic crack (:D), but for a long while, Richmond were well below par.

I would argue a big reason for that was that our pressure was very good in the first half and made sure they never had the freedom to look as good as they think they are.

When our gamestyle I working we are awesome to watch because he are aggressive and attacking and hunt the opponent with the ball, who often ends up looking panicked or scared.

There's a reason why some of the "good" sides like Richmond and North and the like play poorly against us, and it's not because we caught them on an off week.

[AndrewP6]

There's a reason why some of the "good" sides like Richmond and North and the like play poorly against us, and it's not because we caught them on an off week.

You did see last week, didn't you?

[soupman]

You did see last week, didn't you?

Yeah. Both sides played like shit but it was our style of shit, not theirs.

[Greystache]

We had a fantastic crack (:D), but for a long while, Richmond were well below par.

I think Richmond's par is just a lot lower than most people think, same as Norf.

[AndrewP6]

Yeah. Both sides played like shit but it was our style of shit, not theirs.

So we got beaten at our own style, by a team that 'play poorly against us'?

[Eastdog]

I'm just relieved to get the win in the end because if we let it slip it would of been bad. We were great in the 1st half but in the 2nd half we let them back in nearly losing it (need to make sure we play 4 quarters) but to our credit we didn't give in and held on for the win. Great day for our 2nds and 1sts.

[soupman]

So we got beaten at our own style, by a team that 'play poorly against us'?

They took their chances and outran us in the second half.

We didn't play well either, but at least we made sure it was a scrap, which was the reason they played poorly against us.

[Twodogs]

Does that make Guido the Money Man of the AFL now?

[GVGjr]

I'm just relieved to get the win in the end because if we let it slip it would of been bad. We were great in the 1st half but in the 2nd half we let them back in nearly losing it (need to make sure we play 4 quarters) but to our credit we didn't give in and held on for the win. Great day for our 2nds and 1sts.

Tour de France type finish and we rallied when we had to.

[GVGjr]

They took their chances and outran us in the second half.

We didn't play well either, but at least we made sure it was a scrap, which was the reason they played poorly against us.

The easy thing would have been to fold and just blame it on missed opportunities and our young list but we dug as deep as we could and gutted it out. There will better wins during the season but this one was quite impressive for a few reasons.

[bornadog]

The easy thing would have been to fold and just blame it on missed opportunities and our young list but we dug as deep as we could and gutted it out. There will better wins during the season but this one was quite impressive for a few reasons.
Richmond were younger than us.

[Bulldog Revolution]

Brilliant first half, chances to kill the game in the third quarter - costly misses by Hunter, Boyd, Stringer and Griffen and they come roaring back and put us under the pump

Its important our team learns how to win - and it would have been a shame to lose because we outplayed them for so much of it

Terrific we held on, and super classy by Gia to ice it

[Eastdog]

The easy thing would have been to fold and just blame it on missed opportunities and our young list but we dug as deep as we could and gutted it out. There will better wins during the season but this one was quite impressive for a few reasons.

Yeah agree GVG.

[azabob]

Richmond were younger than us.
But as GVG pointed out we also had young players out there and they stood up.

[soupman]

The easy thing would have been to fold and just blame it on missed opportunities and our young list but we dug as deep as we could and gutted it out. There will better wins during the season but this one was quite impressive for a few reasons.

My comment was related to the North game.

Believe me I was very impressed and excited by todays win. I was fearing losing after seeing Heart lose in the last minute last night, so I'm extra glad we held on for the win today.

[Twodogs]

The easy thing would have been to fold and just blame it on missed opportunities and our young list but we dug as deep as we could and gutted it out. There will better wins during the season but this one was quite impressive for a few reasons.


It would be a while since we were headed like that and took the lead back.

We had 2 goes at Richmond last year and we were miles away them both times. To beat them shows we are improving.

[Remi Moses]

We had a fantastic crack (:D), but for a long while, Richmond were well below par.

Give it a spell. They put Richmond under pressure and they we're fortunate we didn't put them away.
They knocked us over by 13 goals twice last season .
Do you think you could just for once in your bloody life offer some praise instead of putting s*** on McCartney and the side.

[soupman]

Do we have a like button yet?

[Eastdog]

Do we have a like button yet?

Yep we do soupaman.

[soupman]

where is it? I would like to use it.

[always right]

We had a fantastic crack (:D), but for a long while, Richmond were well below par.

Do we get any credit or was it all self inflicted?

[GVGjr]

Do we have a like button yet?


Yep we do soupaman.


where is it? I would like to use it.

I've got it switched off for a few more days. I still have some behind the scenes admin things to fix before adding.

Baby steps ;)

[Eastdog]

where is it? I would like to use it.

Give GVGjr a private message about it soupaman.

[azabob]

Give it a spell. They put Richmond under pressure and they we're fortunate we didn't put them away.
They knocked us over by 13 goals twice last season .
Do you think you could just for once in your bloody life offer some praise instead of putting s*** on McCartney and the side.

I praise your post Remi.

[always right]

Give it a spell. They put Richmond under pressure and they we're fortunate we didn't put them away.
They knocked us over by 13 goals twice last season .
Do you think you could just for once in your bloody life offer some praise instead of putting s*** on McCartney and the side.

Like

[soupman]

Give it a spell. They put Richmond under pressure and they we're fortunate we didn't put them away.
They knocked us over by 13 goals twice last season .
Do you think you could just for once in your bloody life offer some praise instead of putting s*** on McCartney and the side.

I owe you a like

[AndrewP6]

Do we get any credit or was it all self inflicted?

Of course, we played some exciting footy, used the ball well, hit some targets and put the scores on the board.

[AndrewP6]

Give it a spell. They put Richmond under pressure and they we're fortunate we didn't put them away.
They knocked us over by 13 goals twice last season .
Do you think you could just for once in your bloody life offer some praise instead of putting s*** on McCartney and the side.

Pardon? Where did I put s*** on McCartney or the side for today's game?
This is the sort of unnecessarily vitriolic post that turns people off this forum. If I potted every post I disagreed with, I would be very busy. Oh, and if it's any of your business (which it isn't)my life is fine, thanks. :mad:

[bulldogtragic]

From the sidelines, there are hopefully more things that we have in common, than not. We all love this club, we all want to taste real success. If we focus on this, then it's a good thing.

[bornadog]

Just re watched the last quarter. Have a look at the sequence of play that lead to the last goal. Crameri is in the backline, dishes off a hand pass and then runs almost the full length of the ground to receive the ball again and kick it to Gia. It was fantastic gut running and I think the play of the day.

[Remi Moses]

Pardon? Where did I put s*** on McCartney or the side for today's game?
This is the sort of unnecessarily vitriolic post that turns people off this forum. If I potted every post I disagreed with, I would be very busy. Oh, and if it's any of your business (which it isn't)my life is fine, thanks. :mad:
Can't handle the truth can we?
You put your flag in the sand on McCartney Beeing a failure, and any positive result isn't good for your initial stand

[Remi Moses]

I owe you a like

Obviously I'm not the only one

[Sedat]

They took their chances and outran us in the second half.
They did have any extra 3 days' break between matches compared to us so our fade-out was understandable. Even so I thought it was errors from us late in the 3rd that gave them some belief. And they are a better team and ahead of their development compared to us, so they were always going to have their moment in the sun today. Our ability to steady, halt the momentum, dig deep and eke out a positive result was very pleasing for many reasons.

[AndrewP6]

Can't handle the truth can we?
You put your flag in the sand on McCartney Beeing a failure, and any positive result isn't good for your initial stand

As I said, posters like you make this forum unpalatable (and I'm not the only one). I didn't think much of McCartney as coach, and today's great result doesn't change that. You don't have to agree, no one has to agree, but I have every right to post it. I love the Western Bulldogs, I don't have to love the coach.

[Eastdog]

As I said, posters like you make this forum unpalatable (and I'm not the only one). I didn't think much of McCartney as coach, and today's great result doesn't change that. You don't have to agree, no one has to agree, but I have every right to post it. I love the Western Bulldogs, I don't have to love the coach.

I agree with you Andrew on freedom of speech whether we agree or not with it is another issue.

[Ghost Dog]

Still staggered some on here thought we'd lose by 40 plus points.
Spatchelor required for a few on here

I didn't pick us. Happy to be proven wrong.

[ledge]

Macraeeeeeeee!!!

[SonofScray]

Stringer celebrated before kicking a goal at one point. I liked the enthusiasm but then my mind wandered back to a day, against Richmond, I think, where Nathan Brown did something similar. We were up but afterwards they came back and rolled us. It was almost a repeat of that day!

Save it for once the goal umpire has given the two fingered salute IMO, the footy gods don't like it.

[bulldogtragic]

I didn't pick us. Happy to be proven wrong.

Exactly, being wrong sometimes is good. But guessing a winner based on actual historical recent data and a very poor skilled game and a 33% shorter break from the week before doesn't mean I don't love the club or am any less or more better than anyone else. I just means I guessed wrong, I guessed we'd beat GCS and Melbourne mid season last year. Sometimes I'm right, sometimes I'm wrong, that's because it's a guess.

Today, I was absolutely bitch smacked, pants pulled down wrong in my guess. And how sweet it was.

And as JFK famously postured, 'those who make peaceful revolution impossible, make violent revolution inevitable'. My interpretation on that comment is people have many different views, beliefs and opinions and people should be free to revolt if only to prove they are or are not in minority.

[Ghost Dog]

They did have any extra 3 days' break between matches compared to us so our fade-out was understandable. Even so I thought it was errors from us late in the 3rd that gave them some belief. And they are a better team and ahead of their development compared to us, so they were always going to have their moment in the sun today. Our ability to steady, halt the momentum, dig deep and eke out a positive result was very pleasing for many reasons.

I'm not sure sure about that categorically. The footy community might think they are a better team, but that seems to be a generalization.
Factor in the 6 day break, another preseason behind us, lack of four quarter effort, and one could only say ' better in some areas'. Certainly more mature, but hardly something they can hang their hats on. Foremost, they lack respect for the opposition. Note Jack Riewoldt's tongue wagging and showing off as they closed in. To him, because Richmond are far superior, being ten points down meant in his mind a natural turn of events that would result in a win. They were having the momentum, and as he jogged proudly back to his position after booting his final goal, he hummed the tune of 'Yellow and Black' to himself, while he visualized himself in the winning circle, finger thrust into the air, all cameras upon him.
Instead a bunch of hard running kids sank their teeth in and would not let go.

I certainly didn't pick us today, but one extra pre-season is a long time for a young team. The Giants are an example of the surprises to be had early in the season.

And let's face it, I am very glad we don't have to put up with the antics of Jack the Sulk, 'Jakey' King ( God I hate how the commentators call him that ) and 'Dusty' Martin ( see previous comment).

[Topdog]

They are a better team than us at the moment.

They are also cocky and seemed to come in thinking they could stroll it in.

Missing Maric and Lids hurt them too.

But we got 4 points so I'm Big Kev style excited

[Ghost Dog]

They are a better team than us at the moment.

They are also cocky and seemed to come in thinking they could stroll it in.

Missing Maric and Lids hurt them too.

But we got 4 points so I'm Big Kev style excited

One interesting question for pundits is, who looks more certain to win a flag in the next ten years? Our people development and list balance seems to have something over theirs. Perhaps its Macrae, Hunter and Stringer, also the fact Libba is so young, but such a monster ball magnet. Who do they have doing that kind of work, at the same age?

Sure they have Martin, but judging by his contract negotiations last year, who knows what his future will be.

[Twodogs]

You did see last week, didn't you?


I'm not sure sure about that categorically. The footy community might think they are a better team, but that seems to be a generalization.
Factor in the 6 day break, another preseason behind us, lack of four quarter effort, and one could only say ' better in some areas'. Certainly more mature, but hardly something they can hang their hats on. Foremost, they lack respect for the opposition. Note Jack Riewoldt's tongue wagging and showing off as they closed in. To him, because Richmond are far superior, being ten points down meant in his mind a natural turn of events that would result in a win. They were having the momentum, and as he jogged proudly back to his position after booting his final goal, he hummed the tune of 'Yellow and Black' to himself, while he visualized himself in the winning circle, finger thrust into the air, all cameras upon him.
Instead a bunch of hard running kids sank their teeth in and would not let go.

I certainly didn't pick us today, but one extra pre-season is a long time for a young team. The Giants are an example of the surprises to be had early in the season.

And let's face it, I am very glad we don't have to put up with the antics of Jack the Sulk, 'Jakey' King ( God I hate how the commentators call him that ) and 'Dusty' Martin ( see previous comment).



Great post GD. I couldn't have said it better myself. Especially the "Jakey" thing, adding an ey to grown man"s name is stupid.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

We're a broad church on WOOF, viva la difference.
What a ride that game was. Macrae is great, skill and efficiency galvanised by powerful work rate. Already one of our lynch pins. Bob Murphy is having a great start to the season and long may he play football. Gotta love the intensity of our attack on the contest, evident last week and unrelenting again against Richmond. I'd like to think there is faith distilling in the team that each player can rely on the support at the contest of his teammates, it's a given. Speaking of faith, I'd like to extend that to Tom Williams, and keep him in so he can get his confidence back because he offers us height and athleticism at either end. Faith is something McCartney clearly has and it is a precious resource because without it in a developing team without the resources of a Collingwood, some great player development would be lost.
It was great as Sedat has said that the team kept the faith after they had worked so hard and played so well to dominate Richmond only to lose the lead and seemingly the game with the siren about to sound yet believed in their process and each other to wrest the lead back and win.
And so the faith is repaid.

[LostDoggy]

How did you rate Macca's effort? Can we rate it?

Hard to say in the end. The match ups were good as were the structures.

What I can say was that every time the camera went to the coach I saw a reflection of my own emotions, the guy is full bulldog.

[ledge]

Heard jack Riewoldt talk after the game and he mentioned how clubs know we are very tough on the hard ball, great sign being young, the Maccas certainly know how to recruit football hungry players.
On the note of us finding a big forward, I thought stringer, jones,crameri started to show a bit today-and with Hunter floating around we are coming.
Noticed Cooney at full forward and also Griffen at one stage, obviously a resting position now so we combat the new interchange rule.

[Hotdog60]

As I said, posters like you make this forum unpalatable (and I'm not the only one). I didn't think much of McCartney as coach, and today's great result doesn't change that. You don't have to agree, no one has to agree, but I have every right to post it. I love the Western Bulldogs, I don't have to love the coach.
Andrew, sorry to the OP for going a bit off topic. I was a died in the wool Rocket fan and I was not happy with him going.
But since Macca has come on board I have appreciated what has brought to the club. I am a believer in what he is trying to achieve.
What in your eyes what would see him as the right choice by the board, just a GF appearance or a GF win. Or you just don't care for him as a person which is fine and nothing will change that.

[EasternWest]

Heard jack Riewoldt talk after the game and he mentioned how clubs know we are very tough on the hard ball, great sign being young, the Maccas certainly know how to recruit football hungry players.
On the note of us finding a big forward, I thought stringer, jones,crameri started to show a bit today-and with Hunter floating around we are coming.
Noticed Cooney at full forward and also Griffen at one stage, obviously a resting position now so we combat the new interchange rule.

It's a good point you make re Jones. Yesterday he played as complete a game as I've seen him play. He worked hard, got to good spots, and didn't look lost up the ground.

[soupman]

What I can say was that every time the camera went to the coach I saw a reflection of my own emotions, the guy is full bulldog.

Crazy. Everytime it showed him he either drinking water or looking incredibly calm. You must be the coolest customer to go for the Bulldogs if you can keep your emotions in check like McCartney.

I would suggest Brad Scott would be more representative of most supporters emotions in a match.

[Ghost Dog]

Brendan had a big clap at the end, which was good to see.
Anyone else watch the Hardwick presser?
When asked about the Ellis / Gia free kick in our attacking fifty, after which Gia goaled, Hardwick replied " Smart player Gia", and went on to insinuate that the free wasn't there.
Even if I wasn't a Bulldogs supporter and one-eyed as I am, I thought it was a pretty clear free. Am I wrong?

[EasternWest]

Brendan had a big clap at the end, which was good to see.
Anyone else watch the Hardwick presser?
When asked about the Ellis / Gia free kick in our attacking fifty, after which Gia goaled, Hardwick replied " Smart player Gia", and went on to insinuate that the free wasn't there.
Even if I wasn't a Bulldogs supporter and one-eyed as I am, I thought it was a pretty clear free. Am I wrong?

No you're not. That was a free ten times out of ten.

Doesn't make Gia any less smart, he played it beautifully, but Ellis wrapped the arm around him and dragged it down.

I'd suggest it's sour grapes by Hardwick.

[ReLoad]

Brendan had a big clap at the end, which was good to see.
Anyone else watch the Hardwick presser?
When asked about the Ellis / Gia free kick in our attacking fifty, after which Gia goaled, Hardwick replied " Smart player Gia", and went on to insinuate that the free wasn't there.
Even if I wasn't a Bulldogs supporter and one-eyed as I am, I thought it was a pretty clear free. Am I wrong?

Of course it was a free kick, hardwick is just looking to try and deflect away from his own teams ineptitude.
They have been coming for 4 years now and are not any closer so the heat will be on them.

They have serious team balance issues, mostly around thier forward line and thier severely mentally incapable full forward who I could psych out in seconds.

Nothing better than beating Richmond twice in one day.

[azabob]

Longer term for the playing group (not short term for the fans) the two point win is better than the seven goal win purely from the fact that Richmond hit the front and we stuck to the task and got the reward.

Or would have we benefited more from a 7 plus goal win?

Thoughts?

[G-Mo77]

Longer term for the playing group (not short term for the fans) the two point win is better than the seven goal win purely from the fact that Richmond hit the front and we stuck to the task and got the reward.

Or would have we benefited more from a 7 plus goal win?

Thoughts?

Either.

From a coaching perspective you'd probably find out more about players when the game is on the line. Who stands up, who wilts. We had some players really put it into another gear when it counted. I heard Macca talk about a contest in Richmond's forward 50 and how he felt safe knowing Libba was back there. He didn't let him down.

For me personally I'll enjoy this more because I'll get to hear every excuse possible from whiny Richmond supporters. If we hit them up by 7 goals there would have been excuses but not as many.

[MrMahatma]

No you're not. That was a free ten times out of ten.

Doesn't make Gia any less smart, he played it beautifully, but Ellis wrapped the arm around him and dragged it down.

I'd suggest it's sour grapes by Hardwick.

Surely a poor year puts Hardwick on the chopping block? They don't seem anywhere near the Hawks, Eagles, Cats, Bombers at this stage. There's a lot of talent on that list, they should be better.

[bulldogtragic]

Surely a poor year puts Hardwick on the chopping block? They don't seem anywhere near the Hawks, Eagles, Cats, Bombers at this stage. There's a lot of talent on that list, they should be better.

Hadn't thought to much about Hardwick. But I think you're dead on.

[Ghost Dog]

Of course it was a free kick, hardwick is just looking to try and deflect away from his own teams ineptitude.
They have been coming for 4 years now and are not any closer so the heat will be on them.

They have serious team balance issues, mostly around thier forward line and thier severely mentally incapable full forward who I could psych out in seconds.

Nothing better than beating Richmond twice in one day.

Man, I laughed at that last line. So funny. I heard Ayce Cordy did a Kelvin Templeton impersonation down there.

[F'scary]

crazy. Everytime it showed him he either drinking water or looking incredibly calm. You must be the coolest customer to go for the bulldogs if you can keep your emotions in check like mccartney.

i would suggest brad scott would be more representative of most supporters emotions in a match.

:d:d:d

[bornadog]

Of course it was a free kick, hardwick is just looking to try and deflect away from his own teams ineptitude.
They have been coming for 4 years now and are not any closer so the heat will be on them.

They have serious team balance issues, mostly around thier forward line and thier severely mentally incapable full forward who I could psych out in seconds.

Nothing better than beating Richmond twice in one day.

Did Hardwick mention the 4 free kicks in front of goal Richmond had?

[AndrewP6]

Andrew, sorry to the OP for going a bit off topic. I was a died in the wool Rocket fan and I was not happy with him going.
But since Macca has come on board I have appreciated what has brought to the club. I am a believer in what he is trying to achieve.
What in your eyes what would see him as the right choice by the board, just a GF appearance or a GF win. Or you just don't care for him as a person which is fine and nothing will change that.

He'd have to bring us to the GF. As a person I don't have an issue, I'm sure he's a nice bloke. I just don't find him that amazing as a coach, nor do I find his demeanour to be that inspiring. If I'm proven wrong then so be it.

[wimberga]

Surely a poor year puts Hardwick on the chopping block? They don't seem anywhere near the Hawks, Eagles, Cats, Bombers at this stage. There's a lot of talent on that list, they should be better.

Richmond do have some quality talent...but besides Cotchin and a small few others, they simply just wilt and are downhill skiers (I'm looking largely at guys like Grigg and Houli).

I am 100% convinced their list is 5 downhill skiers too heavy.

[bornadog]

Richmond do have some quality talent...but besides Cotchin and a small few others, they simply just wilt and are downhill skiers (I'm looking largely at guys like Grigg and Houli).

I am 100% convinced their list is 5 downhill skiers too heavy.

They lack a quality big man down back, and Vickery is hit and miss at CHF.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Brendan had a big clap at the end, which was good to see.
Anyone else watch the Hardwick presser?
When asked about the Ellis / Gia free kick in our attacking fifty, after which Gia goaled, Hardwick replied " Smart player Gia", and went on to insinuate that the free wasn't there.
Even if I wasn't a Bulldogs supporter and one-eyed as I am, I thought it was a pretty clear free. Am I wrong?


Maybe they should have also asked Hardwick about Riewolt's push on Morris a little earlier which gifted the Tigers a goal. That was as blantant as the obvious free to Gia.

[LostDoggy]

I didn't interpret sour grapes. Given the situation it was a poor kick to disadvantage. Fell short of both players, Gia panicked his man (Ellis) into dragging him down. To be fair he milked the fall; arms wise as he could get them, legs at 45 degree angles and a half glance at the ump on the way down. It was a 10 out of 10 free. He just underlined it a little and panicked Ellis into the overcommit. Untoward? nope. Smart as Hell footy? O yes indeedy.

I read Hardwick as just acknowledging Gia's smart reactions. Sour grapes would be complaining about the umpiring at which point I'd storm punt road with a burning effigy of Trent "umpires just love my hair" Cotchin.

[Topdog]

Only an idiot would say that wasn't a free kick. Gia did play it smart and Ellis played it absolutely terribly.

[mjp]

Even if I wasn't a Bulldogs supporter and one-eyed as I am, I thought it was a pretty clear free. Am I wrong?

It was absolutely a Free Kick...but I don't think Hardwick was saying it wasn't. Gia completely suckered Ellis in - and by the time Ellis grabbed him he basically had the contest won - all he would have had to do is turn around and grab hold of the ball. I think he is implying that Gia outsmarted Ellis to win a kick, not that Gia outsmarted the umpire to win a free-kick.

[Twodogs]

Nothing better than beating Richmond twice in one day.



Bolded because its true!

[Eastdog]

Nothing better than beating Richmond twice in one day.

Ditto :)

[G-Mo77]

He'd have to bring us to the GF. As a person I don't have an issue, I'm sure he's a nice bloke. I just don't find him that amazing as a coach, nor do I find his demeanour to be that inspiring. If I'm proven wrong then so be it.

Who was the last coach to get us to a GF? Who coached in 61? By those expectations anyone post 1961 would be a wrong choice of coach.

Sorry Andrew that is ridiculously high expectations.

[Happy Days]

He'd have to bring us to the GF. As a person I don't have an issue, I'm sure he's a nice bloke. I just don't find him that amazing as a coach, nor do I find his demeanour to be that inspiring. If I'm proven wrong then so be it.

But we were wrong to sack Rocket right?

So so dumb.

[EasternWest]

Can we move on from this? We've established Andrew's stance (and those opposed), can't we just enjoy our gutsy win, regardless of opinion on coach?

[bulldogtragic]

Can we move on from this? We've established Andrew's stance (and those opposed), can't we just enjoy our gutsy win, regardless of opinion on coach?

Yep. I taped the reply this morning so i'm looking forward to the first half slaughter, but then especially looking out for some of the second half efforts, structures and play to see how they got on top and then how we came back in the face of tidal wave to record a great win. By the by, 26.9 in the VFL, Cam Mooney will be getting high fives all week.

[AndrewP6]

Can we move on from this? We've established Andrew's stance (and those opposed), can't we just enjoy our gutsy win, regardless of opinion on coach?

Happy to do that.

[Twodogs]

Happy to do that.


That's worth a like I reckon. Consider this post liked.

[Twodogs]

Man, I laughed at that last line. So funny. I heard Ayce Cordy did a Kelvin Templeton impersonation down there.

It was great. And to win by 100 points iced the cake.

Ayce was running at the ball carrier burning his opponent on the lead or taking contested marks with his opponent right on his hammer. It did look a bit like the great KT was back a couple of times.

[Mantis]

It was absolutely a Free Kick...but I don't think Hardwick was saying it wasn't. Gia completely suckered Ellis in - and by the time Ellis grabbed him he basically had the contest won - all he would have had to do is turn around and grab hold of the ball. I think he is implying that Gia outsmarted Ellis to win a kick, not that Gia outsmarted the umpire to win a free-kick.

Agree with that.. It was 'smart' play by Gia, which is what Hardwick was getting at.

[LostDoggy]

Longer term for the playing group (not short term for the fans) the two point win is better than the seven goal win purely from the fact that Richmond hit the front and we stuck to the task and got the reward.

Or would have we benefited more from a 7 plus goal win?

Thoughts?
I think when the players can step on the throat and burn a team to the ground, it's going to do wonders for their confidence and belief and will be the sure fire sign we are on our way back to finals.

But I'm happy to accept the result we got. Either way worked in the end.

It was great. And to win by 100 points iced the cake.

Ayce was running at the ball carrier burning his opponent on the lead or taking contested marks with his opponent right on his hammer. It did look a bit like the great KT was back a couple of times.

I remarked to my cousin that all we had to do was play Ayce in the AFL and lie to him, tell him it's VFL and he'd play out of his skin again. He took every mark he usually drops in the seniors, and looked every bit the player we've wanted him to be. Just needs to do it in the seniors, hope he gets another shot in the weeks ahead.

[bornadog]

I remarked to my cousin that all we had to do was play Ayce in the AFL and lie to him, tell him it's VFL and he'd play out of his skin again. He took every mark he usually drops in the seniors, and looked every bit the player we've wanted him to be. Just needs to do it in the seniors, hope he gets another shot in the weeks ahead.

Hopefully his confidence will grow.

[bornadog]

http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/video/2014-04-07/winning-move-gias-sealing-goal

Watch the last goal - Crameri explosive and Picken also running with him to put himself in a great position.

[azabob]

http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/video/2014-04-07/winning-move-gias-sealing-goal

Watch the last goal - Crameri explosive and Picken also running with him to put himself in a great position.

Thanks for posting BAD.

All blokes were so desperate to tackle, bump, harras the Richmond players.

When I saw it live I thought Higgins fingers were going to be ripped off, as he just lunged at the Richmond player as he ran through the 60m mark and was just hanging on by his fingers.

So how quick and fit must Crameri be? He covered about 45-50 in under ten seconds - not taking into account the running he did before hand?

[LostDoggy]

I think Saturdays game clearly proves that Crameri, despite looking like he's slow and unfit at times, is very quick and has a very big tank.

It's clearly a mindset thing with him.

[always right]

Thanks for posting BAD.

All blokes were so desperate to tackle, bump, harras the Richmond players.

When I saw it live I thought Higgins fingers were going to be ripped off, as he just lunged at the Richmond player as he ran through the 60m mark and was just hanging on by his fingers.

So how quick and fit must Crameri be? He covered about 45-50 in under ten seconds - not taking into account the running he did before hand?

Check out Newman trying to run with Crameri and being burned off so badly that he simply gives up. That was a hell of a gut busting effort by Crameri after some great desperate tackling by several dogs.

[bornadog]

Thanks for posting BAD.

All blokes were so desperate to tackle, bump, harras the Richmond players.

When I saw it live I thought Higgins fingers were going to be ripped off, as he just lunged at the Richmond player as he ran through the 60m mark and was just hanging on by his fingers.

So how quick and fit must Crameri be? He covered about 45-50 in under ten seconds - not taking into account the running he did before hand?


Check out Newman trying to run with Crameri and being burned off so badly that he simply gives up. That was a hell of a gut busting effort by Crameri after some great desperate tackling by several dogs.

I watched this a couple of times (great moment ), and only noticed Picken running out wide with Crameri when I posted this link. That was a great run as well.

[Ozza]

I think Saturdays game clearly proves that Crameri, despite looking like he's slow and unfit at times, is very quick and has a very big tank.

It's clearly a mindset thing with him.

I was pretty scathing on two of Crameri's efforts against North - one of which cost us a goal. I should probably have given him the benefit of the doubt given the toll of the Perth trip.

Hoping that Saturday's Crammers, is the one we will see week in week out in terms of repeat efforts and speed.

[Happy Days]

Just echoing the sentiments on Crameri, was absolutely fantastic. Was also really happy to see some burst out of him, was starting to think it wasn't going to come.

We need a guy like that to play high and facilitate, not unlike what Bob used to do when he played forward. It's no coincidence that Jones played maybe his best game for the club as well. The added bonus with Crameri is that he has proven at Essendon he can play deep too, which, ideally, should give us more flexibility if option A doesn't work.

Having said that, we can't forget how puss the forward line was in the previous two games. We just showed the blueprint for how mid sized mania is going to work, now we have to stick to it.

[bornadog]

I was pretty scathing on two of Crameri's efforts against North - one of which cost us a goal. I should probably have given him the benefit of the doubt given the toll of the Perth trip.

Hoping that Saturday's Crammers, is the one we will see week in week out in terms of repeat efforts and speed.

Crameri was involved in at least 5 goals on Saturday.

[azabob]

I'm sure this has been mentioned but Jong's first goal was from an impressive pick up and his pace over the next three steps is just as impressive. Also goes to show Dustin Martin could not be stuffed.

http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/video/2014-04-07/jong-doubles-up

[boydogs]

We just showed the blueprint for how mid sized mania is going to work, now we have to stick to it.

We were good but I wouldn't call that line up mid-sized mania. Mid-sized mania was Johnson 182cm, Murphy 186cm, Higgins 184cm, Giansiracusa 182cm, Hahn 188cm, Welsh 188cm. Jones, Crameri & Stringer are all above 190cm.

[G-Mo77]

http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/video/2014-04-07/winning-move-gias-sealing-goal

Watch the last goal - Crameri explosive and Picken also running with him to put himself in a great position.

Really impressive isn't it.

One of the highlights of that is watching the pie head Richmond supporters complaining about the decision. :D

[EasternWest]

http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/video/2014-04-07/winning-move-gias-sealing-goal

Watch the last goal - Crameri explosive and Picken also running with him to put himself in a great position.

Outside of Crameri busting his gut, two things that really stuck out to me was the crunching tackle by Boyd and the desperation from Higgins. It's beautiful.

[Happy Days]

We were good but I wouldn't call that line up mid-sized mania. Mid-sized mania was Johnson 182cm, Murphy 186cm, Higgins 184cm, Giansiracusa 182cm, Hahn 188cm, Welsh 188cm. Jones, Crameri & Stringer are all above 190cm.

I think I've made it known how stupid I think the fixation on height is.

[bornadog]

Outside of Crameri busting his gut, two things that really stuck out to me was the crunching tackle by Boyd and the desperation from Higgins. It's beautiful.

The desperation by all the players in that sequence got us over the line

[jeemak]

Been able to watch the first half on replay since the weekend, and that's it! Won't have a chance to watch the second half until Thursday or Friday.

What impressed me so far was our ability to sling from our back line and score quickly.

I will say though, Richmond looked a little bit "off" in the first half. Almost as if they thought the game was going to be a bit of a cake walk.

Impressive work by Crameri, Jong, Cooney and Higgins (the first two for their running, the second for their intent at the contest) stood out to me.

[always right]

I've watched that last passage of play leading to our winning goal on countless occasions now....thrilling to watch.

One thing I noticed was Higgins key involvement. First he pushes over to provide Wood with support as he struggles to get the ball from the last line of defence and others have already mentioned his "fingertip" tackle. For a bloke who has copped a lot of criticism, I reckon those two examples of Higgin's improved intensity deserve recognition.

[1eyedog]

The desperation by all the players in that sequence got us over the line

Yep, Wood keeping his feet against Vickery and dishing off to Higgins was critical and the way Crameri found the reserves to burn off (Newman?) was special.

It reinforced everything I knew about Crameri i.e. pace, fitness and strength.

[The Underdog]

Yep, Wood keeping his feet against Vickery and dishing off to Higgins was critical and the way Crameri found the reserves to burn off (Newman?) was special.

It reinforced everything I knew about Crameri i.e. pace, fitness and strength.

And no right foot :)

[1eyedog]

And no right foot :)

And no peripheral vision. But...I would not have been confident on Picken had Crammers passed it off on the outside. Still, his gut busting run put him in a good position and perhaps he deserved his chance.

Not many players would have stayed with Crameri when he took off like that from half back with 1 minute left in the game.

[F'scary]

Yeah, I'll acknowledge Professor Higgins's chase and crucial figertips tackle. Wouldn't have seen him doing that a couple of years ago.

[F'scary]

And I think it was JJ who laid the comprehensive tackle to turn the last shot at goal by Richmond into a fading kick into the pocket which Wood dealt with to the boundary.