Tory Dickson - What will his season be like in 2015

[bornadog]

Tory had an unlucky 2014 with a nasty shoulder injury, but was a handy goal kicker the previous couple of seasons. This year there are many options for the forward pocket Half forward lines, so competition will be tough. I like Tory playing deep as he seems to get lost up the ground.

The advantage Tory has is some experience with 34 games and 48 goals, but realistically, is he best 22, and if not how many games will he play.

[bulldogtragic]

I think he's a forward, which is an obvious statement. We have smalls, bigger and Boyd now across size and speed. I'm not sure whether he and Grant can both fit into the 22. But I like the competition for spots so he's one I hope puts his hand up for best 22.

[Axe Man]

Dickson has never been our leading goalkicker. Of course he has never played a full season either. If he plays something close to 22 games in 2015 he could well go close as he seems to be good for 2 goals a game when fit and in form.

That said he has some really stiff competition for a spot in the forward line, even with the departure of Gia. My guess is 10-12 games. He could be a possible candidate for the sub vest at times as well.

[bornadog]

Dickson has never been our leading goalkicker.

Cheers, edited now to handy goal kicker

[LostDoggy]

I'd have Dickson before Grant any day of the week. Grant has infinitely more talent and class, but we don't see it.

Unfortunately for Dickson, I think we'll probably see him spending most of his time in the Footscray team.

[Maddog37]

Really unsure on this one. Many a dangerous forward pocket has come and gone in a heartbeat though so the odds are probably not great.

[Go_Dogs]

He's a really interesting player. Given the Gia retirement, there's certainly room for Dickson in our forward line, but given the number of options we have for marking players who are mobile (Stringer, Crameri, Bontempelli, and the small brigade of Stevens, Hunter and Hrovat who'll rotate through and are comfortable marking) I struggle to find a spot for him in our best 22. Grant faces the same struggle for mine, despite being a different player to Dickson.

The fact is, we still haven't seen the best of Tory and he may surprise this year if he can get some continuity with his football. He's a clever player who should go a bit better than a goal a game, and possibly a couple if given the chance, so if he finds his way in, we should be confident he'll go OK.

[LostDoggy]

The bloke just kicks goals. He just hits the scoreboard and finds a way to consistently do it. I would love him in best 22, I also think he will be.

[F'scary]

Dickson has a quite a bit to offer as he is a proven goal sneak, a reliable set shot within 45 metres and a more than useful smaller marking target in the forward line. The competition is tough but if Dickson hits good, consistent form in the VFL he may get a sustained run in the seniors perhaps as much as 11 games, maybe even leading to first dibs on a forward spot in 2016.

[josie]

Might be our next Gia/super sub.

I like the fact he is a reliable kick for goal. Good luck to him. He has had to work hard and although I know it's not relevant to whether he should be in side or not, I respect the fact he is a young father who has had to be sole parent.

Go Tory !! I hope you make the 22 early in season and cement your spot.

Also with Crameri possibly missing part of season I'm thinking it is more likely Tory will be in starting 22 or super sub.

[LostDoggy]

The problem with best 22 is you can only have 22. Whenever I see Dickson named in the squad I'm happy with the selection, but if reports are true of the preseason improvement in the likes of Bonti, Stringer, etc. then I can't see Tory getting a game once Crameri returns.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Dickson is playing in the wrong era. You simply cannot be a one trick pony (ie. forward pocket only), unless you're of absolute elite quality ala Ballantyne/Walters.

For that reason I can't see him playing beyond 15 games this season, or more realistically having a long term future. He's a specialist forward who does know where the goals are and is good in one on one situations, but if he's even 5% off his game he's basically irrelevant, because he's a liability up the field and isn't a creative forward (such as Dahl). He is a pure finisher.

He'll get his chances and he'll need to take them.

[GVGjr]

Dickson is playing in the wrong era. You simply cannot be a one trick pony (ie. forward pocket only), unless you're of absolute elite quality ala Ballantyne/Walters.



While I get what you are saying I really don't think we should call him a one tick pony given the injuries he has experienced each season which hasn't given himself a great chance of getting fit enough. To me he needs to get that chance of rotating through the midfield a bit more even if it needs to be at Footscray for a few weeks.

To me, he is in our best 22 and I am still happy to have him on the list.

I look forward to seeing how he performs in the early part of the season.

[LostDoggy]

If Dickson is playing it means we have got injuries. Not in our best team but very handy for depth.

[craigsahibee]

I think Tory will spend most of 2015 travelling to some of the old metropolitan grounds from a bygone VFL era.

[Greystache]

Barring injury I think he'll be a reliable goal kicker. If he can play 20+ games he'll get up around 40 goals. That will put him in the top couple at the club in 2015.

I shake my head at how readily people write Dickson off, yet in the same sentence pump up Jarrad Grant. Dickson is a better player who's done more with far fewer opportunities.

[Mofra]

I shake my head at how readily people write Dickson off, yet in the same sentence pump up Jarrad Grant. Dickson is a better player who's done more with far fewer opportunities.
Dickson has far better concentration than Grant which leads me to believe he will be able to adjust to a new gameplan far quicker than Grant.

My issue with Grant is that he is not flexible - he's a forward and nothing else. Will we play someone in that case given we have a lot of youngsters who wont rotate through the middle very often?
Stringer & Boyd playing permanent forward means we either play three guys who camp in the F50 or one misses out.

[Ozza]

I also have Dickson well in front of Grant. But the difficulty is seeing where exactly he fits in if we have all of;

Stringer, Crameri, Boyd, Dahlhaus - as permanent forwards.
Potentially a Redpath, Cordy or Campbell in as a 2nd ruck/forward.
And Bonti, Hunter, Hrovat, Stevens as mids who rotate through.

But having all of those players available is another thing.

Hopefully Dickson gets a good run it (body-wise) - because he is a goal kicker.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Barring injury I think he'll be a reliable goal kicker. If he can play 20+ games he'll get up around 40 goals. That will put him in the top couple at the club in 2015.

I shake my head at how readily people write Dickson off, yet in the same sentence pump up Jarrad Grant. Dickson is a better player who's done more with far fewer opportunities.

I think they are both in a similar position: neither can push up the ground, neither are accumulators.

Dickson finds the goals more often but he needs to do more than he has to date. I don't have high hopes for either to play on a consistent long term basis - both will show flashes/have a good run of form at some point though.

[bornadog]

I think they are both in a similar position: neither can push up the ground, neither are accumulators.

Dickson finds the goals more often but he needs to do more than he has to date. I don't have high hopes for either to play on a consistent long term basis - both will show flashes/have a good run of form at some point though.

They both average about the same goals per game.

[KT31]

I can see a big emphasis on getting Grant's head right under the new regime.
Agree Tory would be the pick of the two at the moment and certainly has done better with less chances but if Bevo could get into Grants head and get him to play to near potential and with him being nearly two years younger and 9cm taller than Tory he could be a weapon.
Either way if Tory continues the way he has I can still see him on our list as a depth player, Grant is for my mind on his last chance and if shows nothing this season his bags will be packed.

[Ozza]

They both average about the same goals per game.

Grant has 72 goals in 62 games.

Dickson 48 in 34......on averages - Dickson would kick 88 goals in the same time.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

While I get what you are saying I really don't think we should call him a one tick pony given the injuries he has experienced each season which hasn't given himself a great chance of getting fit enough. To me he needs to get that chance of rotating through the midfield a bit more even if it needs to be at Footscray for a few weeks.

To me, he is in our best 22 and I am still happy to have him on the list.

I look forward to seeing how he performs in the early part of the season.



Tory's lack of pace is his Achilles heel. At best I see both Dickson and Grant as handy back up forwards but if we want to move out of the bottom 4 need to look elsewhere.

[F'scary]

Tory's lack of pace is his Achilles heel. At best I see both Dickson and Grant as handy back up forwards but if we want to move out of the bottom 4 need to look elsewhere.

But he's got good anticipation.

[bornadog]

Tory playing his 50th game this weekend. Love to see him kick 5 goals against the Pies.

Some highlights of his career to date:

http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/video/2015-07-23/tory-dickson-career-highlights

[1eyedog]

Tory's lack of pace is his Achilles heel. At best I see both Dickson and Grant as handy back up forwards but if we want to move out of the bottom 4 need to look elsewhere.

I reckon he's added a yard this year don't you think? Still not quick but he is managing to maintain separation from his opponents.

[F'scary]

As my 2 comments from February show, I was positive about him but he has exceeded my expectations this season. I had him down as a bloke who would have to work his way into the team and maybe be in and out of the 22 a bit. As it has turned out, he has been there since round 1 and hasn't looked like being dropped.

[boydogs]

I reckon he's added a yard this year don't you think? Still not quick but he is managing to maintain separation from his opponents.

I would call him quick

Must be the most accurate first 50 games in AFL history, such an asset to be able to mark it in the book when he marks it within 55 metres of goal

[Ozza]

I would call him quick

Must be the most accurate first 50 games in AFL history, such an asset to be able to mark it in the book when it marks it within 55 metres of goal

Is currently the 4th most accurate shot for goal (for players who've had 50 shots or more) in AFL history - with 74.28. He is the most accurate in history (since behind stats have been recorded) for players having 100 shots or more. No.1.

16.1 this season for set shots.

[1eyedog]

I would call him quick

Must be the most accurate first 50 games in AFL history, such an asset to be able to mark it in the book when it marks it within 55 metres of goal

I would call him quick enough.

Dicko and Bont are the only two players in the team who I feel confident about with set shots.

[ReLoad]

Is currently the 4th most accurate shot for goal (for players who've had 50 shots or more) in AFL history - with 74.28. He is the most accurate in history (since behind stats have been recorded) for players having 100 shots or more. No.1.

16.1 this season for set shots.

thats an amazing stat! awesome.

[Happy Days]

I would call him quick enough.

Dicko and Bont are the only two players in the team who I feel confident about with set shots.

Funnily enough Minson and Picken are pretty good too, two of the worse field kicks going (before this year for Picken anyway). Mike Pyke is another atrocious kick who is automatic in front of goal.

Makes Stringer's inadequacies all the more frustrating.

[Twodogs]

That's a great stat. 74.28 and 16.1 from set shots that's pretty impressive. I can't decide whether it's better or worse because of the problems other players have with set shots.

[bulldogtragic]

With a stat like that you'd expect commentators to be all over it like Bruest last year. Let's see if they do...

[boydogs]

Accuracy of our top 10 goal kickers this year

1. Jake Stringer 31.17 65%
2. Tory Dickson 26.8 76%
3. Tom Boyd 16.6 73%
4. Luke Dahlhaus 13.8 62%
=5. Mitch Wallis 10.4 71%
=5. Liam Picken 10.5 67%
=5. Stewart Crameri 10.8 56%
8. Marcus Bontempelli 9.7 56%
=9. Jarrad Grant 6.7 46%
=9. Mitch Honeychurch 6.8 43%

[F'scary]

Accuracy of our top 10 goal kickers this year

1. Jake Stringer 31.17 65%
2. Tory Dickson 26.8 76%
3. Tom Boyd 16.6 73%
4. Luke Dahlhaus 13.8 62%
=5. Mitch Wallis 10.4 71%
=5. Liam Picken 10.5 67%
=5. Stewart Crameri 10.8 56%
8. Marcus Bontempelli 9.7 56%
=9. Jarrad Grant 6.7 46%
=9. Mitch Honeychurch 6.8 43%

What these stats don't say about Stringer is that he has been awful from set shots, especially straight forward ones.

[Ozza]

What these stats don't say about Stringer is that he has been awful from set shots, especially straight forward ones.

Stringer is 13.0 for shots where he dodges 3 opponents and shrugs off a couple of would be tacklers....

[Greystache]

If he doesn't play well this week he should be dropped. Form shouldn't matter.

[Mantis]

If he doesn't play well this week he should be dropped. Form shouldn't matter.

Random post.. Hit the piss last night?

[Hotdog60]

Stringer is 13.0 for shots where he dodges 3 opponents and shrugs off a couple of would be tacklers....

Maybe our fellow forwards need to block the man on the mark and then have a go at tackling Stringer when he is taking a set shot.

[azabob]

Random post.. Hit the piss last night?

Nah, i think this is Stache stirring the pot.

[Twodogs]

Stache is always stirring the pot.

[Mantis]

Nah, i think this is Stache stirring the pot.

Yeah, he's great at belittling others.

[bulldogtragic]

I love when players show me that my little faith was wrong on my part. After some flatter weeks, a great return for him.

[ReLoad]

The commentators still haven't got a clue just how accurate a kick he is. Dumbstall in particular should be all over it.

[AndrewP6]

The commentators still haven't got a clue just how accurate a kick he is. Dumbstall in particular should be all over it.

Triple M do, they noted at one point he's 16-1 from set shots this year

[Go_Dogs]

Having a great year and love the ball in his hand. Amazing what some confidence and continuity can do. He'll finish the year with 40+ goals which is a great return from a small marking forward who spends time up the field.

[merantau]

Tory Dickson is having a great year. He has what a lot of players need to develop: the ability to block out all other thoughts except those required to slot the goal.

[Twodogs]

Stringer is 13.0 for shots where he dodges 3 opponents and shrugs off a couple of would be tacklers....


13.2 now.

[Rocco Jones]

He has kicked 17.0 in the last 8 games.

[Ozza]

He has kicked 17.0 in the last 8 games.

Makes a big difference when we're winning or losing by 2-3 goals or less.

[Twodogs]

He has kicked 17.0 in the last 8 games.


Makes a big difference when we're winning or losing by 2-3 goals or less.

And others are missing gimmees. He's been pretty important over the last month. Forward and back and middle.

[Rocco Jones]

And others are missing gimmees. He's been pretty important over the last month. Forward and back and middle.

Lots of players missing gimmees. Can make the world of difference between not making it at AFL level and being a quality player.

Tory has shown what working on your game, adding a few tricks to your game can do. He was always smart and a good kick. He is now utterly elite, just about the best set shot in the league. His work rate has improved through the roof. How often do we see him leading up to HB? He is always going to be a limited player but he has the tools to be a real player now. The better we get, the better he will look.

[Twodogs]

An article on http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-07-26/dickson-does-it-his-way-on-way-to-milestone. Interesting. I didn't know Tory is a single dad. Being a single dad myself I can attest to the amount of work and time it takes. I don't think I could have crafted an AFL career around my parenting.

Dickson does it his way en route to milestone
Ryan Davidson July 26, 2015 10:00 AM



Tory Dickson has been on target this season for the Bulldogs


WHILE training and playing commitments take up a large part of a professional footballer's week, it's those leftover hours that have seen some players get themselves into trouble.

One man the Western Bulldogs don’t have to worry about is forward Tory Dickson.

The 27-year-old has his hands full juggling a blossoming AFL career and the responsibility of being a single parent to seven-year-old son Riley.

"It's a massive balancing act," Dickson told AFL.com.au

"I've got a 50-50 custody arrangement (with Riley's mother), so I have him week on, week off.

"It's difficult at times, but I've got some amazing support from family and friends, and mum and dad help me out enormously, especially when we play interstate games."

Father and son share a home just a few drop punts from Whitten Oval and Riley's primary school.

The house, superbly renovated by Dickson's builder father, is the envy of some teammates, but the forward loves it because it makes their busy life a little easier.

"I'm just happy to be close to the club and Riley's school," said Dickson

"After a hard day’s work I come straight home to him and he gives me plenty of smiles."

Dickson credits a healthy work-life balance with his emergence as a respected AFL footballer.

After making his AFL debut at 24, the "late developer" will play his 50th game against Collingwood on Sunday.

And he's one the Magpies will have to watch, with Dickson a dead-eye in front goal and just as dangerous when he doesn't have the ball.

A career-best season has seen him slot 26 goals at an impressive 76 per cent efficiency, including a bag of seven against flag fancies Fremantle in round seven.

"It is something I take pretty seriously. I don’t like missing because I really pride myself on goal kicking," said Dickson

"But tackling and pressure is what I base my game on, so I don't need to be kicking goals to stay in the team."

While Dickson is content with the responsibility he holds in a young Dogs' forward line, young Riley is still getting used to having a footy star for a dad.

"I've picked him up from after school care and some of the kids know who I am and ask me how I've gone on the weekend," said Dickson

"He's at an age where he doesn't quite understand why they do it, but he does love it."

[Rocco Jones]

My ex teaches Preps and she had Riley in her class last year!

[Twodogs]

My ex teaches Preps and she had Riley in her class last year!


She teaches at a school quite near me then?

[whythelongface]

He has kicked 17.0 in the last 8 games.

that is amazing. It is not like he has had gimmees either.

What is the individual record for goals kicked in a row?

[Sedat]

that is amazing. It is not like he has had gimmees either.

What is the individual record for goals kicked in a row?
I think it is 29 or something similar. Bruest was very close to the record last year but fell a couple of goals short. I think Plugger might have the record - I do remember him kicking 16.0 for the Swans against Fitzroy at the kennel in the mid 90's, which is a staggeringly good effort considering how tricky the wind can be there.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

The commentators still haven't got a clue just how accurate a kick he is. Dumbstall in particular should be all over it.

Commentators have spoken about it, they made mention of it in both our last two games.

[merantau]

I've just had a squizz at Tory Dickson's highlight package on the club website. He has wonderful balance and recovery. That goal he snapped after having his legs taken out at top speed, bouncing straight up and kicking truly was out of the top draw. There are not many players in the AFL who could do that.

[Ozza]

I think it is 29 or something similar. Bruest was very close to the record last year but fell a couple of goals short. I think Plugger might have the record - I do remember him kicking 16.0 for the Swans against Fitzroy at the kennel in the mid 90's, which is a staggeringly good effort considering how tricky the wind can be there.

Yep Plugger kicked 29 straight and has the record still. Chris Grant kicked 16.0 to finish the 2005 season with 26.5 (which is I think the 6th most accurate season ever for players having 30 shots or more - Richo has the record with 27.3 one season before getting injured.)

I don't want to hear KB complaining about current day players missing shots. KB kicked 778.777 in his career and has the most behinds in history!! (Leigh Matthews second with 915.722). KB kicked 1 goal 8 behinds in a game, Lethal kicked 0.7 one day (as did our own Georgie Bisset.

[jeemak]

Yep Plugger kicked 29 straight and has the record still. Chris Grant kicked 16.0 to finish the 2005 season with 26.5 (which is I think the 6th most accurate season ever for players having 30 shots or more - Richo has the record with 27.3 one season before getting injured.)

I don't want to hear KB complaining about current day players missing shots. KB kicked 778.777 in his career and has the most behinds in history!! (Leigh Matthews second with 915.722). KB kicked 1 goal 8 behinds in a game, Lethal kicked 0.7 one day (as did our own Georgie Bisset.

You obviously don't know what it's like to be a Baby Boomer with a high profile. It's their job to make outlandish comments with flagrant disregard for truth and perspective, especially if provided with an opportunity stick it to younger generations.

[Twodogs]

I've just had a squizz at Tory Dickson's highlight package on the club website. He has wonderful balance and recovery. That goal he snapped after having his legs taken out at top speed, bouncing straight up and kicking truly was out of the top draw. There are not many players in the AFL who could do that.


Theo Walcott fell over and bounced straight up to score a goal a couple of years ago in a Premier League match against Chelsea or Tottenham. Different sport, similiar recoveries to score.

[Greystache]

Theo Walcott fell over and bounced straight up to score a goal a couple of years ago in a Premier League match against Chelsea or Tottenham. Different sport, similiar recoveries to score.

He fell down, rolled around on the ground holding his face, got carried off on a stretcher, made a miraculous recovery on the sidelines, ran back onto the ground, and then scored in the same play? That is impressive!!

[chef]

Theo Walcott fell over and bounced straight up to score a goal a couple of years ago in a Premier League match against Chelsea or Tottenham. Different sport, similiar recoveries to score.

Spurs. Been a while since you've scored against us;)

[Twodogs]

Back to the topic. Don't want to be accused of hijacking.

[bornadog]

Dickson Press Conference

http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/video/2015-07-27/tory-dickson-press-conference

[F'scary]

Dickson gets quite a few of his goals with his left foot.

[JohnGentStand]

Is Tory the new Gia?

[bulldogtragic]

46.9 from set shots over 3 years. Better than Lockett.

[GVGjr]

Is Tory the new Gia?

Yep, but he starts on the ground not as the sub.

[bulldogtragic]

Yep, but he starts on the ground not as the sub.

Double standards. :D

[jeemak]

Probably a little better on the defensive and pressure side of the game when on, but he's no way near as comfortable in traffic and doesn't use the ball around the ground as well as Gia did.

Gia could have easily been a 25-30 touch a game inside/outside scoring mid if we recruited forwards properly in the early 00's.

[bornadog]

I really prefer Tory close to goals. When he marks the ball up the ground time and time again he can't make a decision. He looks around, he hesitates and then the umpire calls play on and he just doesn't know what to do. Happened again yesterday and many times against GC and a few other games. He is super dangerous around goals so needs to be in that F50.

[GVGjr]

I really prefer Tory close to goals. When he marks the ball up the ground time and time again he can't make a decision. He looks around, he hesitates and then the umpire calls play on and he just doesn't know what to do. Happened again yesterday and many times against GC and a few other games. He is super dangerous around goals so needs to be in that F50.

12 or 18 months ago many thought his lack of versatility hurt him big time now the calls are for him to become more of a specialist forward. I think we are using him the right way and where you see a player that can't make a decision I see it more that he is being patient and waiting for the right option.

[SlimPickens]

I really prefer Tory close to goals. When he marks the ball up the ground time and time again he can't make a decision. He looks around, he hesitates and then the umpire calls play on and he just doesn't know what to do. Happened again yesterday and many times against GC and a few other games. He is super dangerous around goals so needs to be in that F50.

Agree, he is our best one on one forward. Would love for us to open the F50 for him more often, like we did against freo.

[Greystache]

12 or 18 months ago many thought his lack of versatility hurt him big time now the calls are for him to become more of a specialist forward. I think we are using him the right way and where you see a player that can't make a decision I see it more that he is being patient and waiting for the right option.

Agree, many players simply bang it long and make it someone else's problem. Funnily enough in that situation the fans blame other players not giving him and option to kick to, but when a player waits and looks for a proper option he gets blamed for being indecisive.

[Greystache]

Agree, he is our best one on one forward. Would love for us to open the F50 for him more often, like we did against freo.

Crameri is another who does his best work when playing forward and pushing up and down the ground trying to break open the defensive zone, he's really struggled when forced to play as a genuine mid. You could argue we've been hampering Dickson and Crameri this year but it's pretty hard to argue with the team's results.

[1eyedog]

Agree, he is our best one on one forward. Would love for us to open the F50 for him more often, like we did against freo.

He is better one on one than Stringer?

[SlimPickens]

He is better one on one than Stringer?

Yes. Cause when he marks the ball, he completes his work by hitting the scoreboard. Now I don't have the stats to back this up but in marking contest my perception is Dicko marks the ball more than Jake in one on one situations. Jake does his best stuff when the ball hits the ground and is more of a 1 on 3 type of player ;)

[1eyedog]

Yes. Cause when he marks the ball, he completes his work by hitting the scoreboard. Now I don't have the stats to back this up but in marking contest my perception is Dicko marks the ball more than Jake in one on one situations. Jake does his best stuff when the ball hits the ground and is more of a 1 on 3 type of player ;)

Ha ha fair enough.

[Happy Days]

Yes. Cause when he marks the ball, he completes his work by hitting the scoreboard.

The most logical thing I have ever read that I have never thought of.

[BulldogBelle]

Can't believe I thought he'd struggle to get a game and might end up on the trade table.

[Rocket Science]

46.9 from set shots over 3 years. Better than Lockett.

http://i.imgur.com/OGaBOl8.jpg

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Dickson gets quite a few of his goals with his left foot.

In fact he gets none without it:)
I like the look of composure he has on his face after he goals. It mirrors the composure of his kicking.

[jeemak]

I remember the day he left his left foot at home, he barely registered a stat.

[Ghost Dog]

Congratulations to Tory on an amazing season.
Labeled a one trick pony by many on here for some time. But does that trick well - mark.....kick goal.
Could not have asked anything more from him.

Steal of 2012. Cheers Bombers!
With Boyd, Crameri and Stringer, thought he might struggle to get a game. 40 goals in a season with such accuracy at AFL level is a very, very good return.

[Remi Moses]

Wonderful season, and in a decent side he stands out .

[ReLoad]

I'd like to sincerely apologise to Tory and his fans, at the start of this year I thought he was a depth player at best, but he is a genuine, real McCoy, bona fide, quality small forward. Anyone who kicks over 40 goals a year has had a great season, 50 is pretty damn spesh!

Whilst everyone is cracking a woody over Eddie betts, Dickson is just as good. And what's better is the opposition don't put anything into him.

His defensive pressure acts are great and he is super clinical kicking for goal.

Thanks for the year Tory, looking forward to many more.

[bornadog]

There are a few contenders for the AA small forward and the one they have missed is Tory. Kicked 45 goals in the home and Away season.

Well done to a great season. Just goes to show if you work hard enough, get super fit anything can happen.

[Ozza]

Kicking 50 goals, having spent so much time on a wing, is quite outstanding.
Also being a key component of our team defence, Tory has become a very important member of our senior team.

[stefoid]

Can't believe I thought he'd struggle to get a game and might end up on the trade table.

I cant believe you thought that either.

[merantau]

Tory Dickson is a gun. Has worked hard on his fitness and defensive side of his game. Excellent one on one player who only needs a few kicks to really hurt the opposition. Look forward to him playing 200 games for us.

[Greystache]

I've always said he was a 40-50 goal a season small forward if he could have an injury free seaosn, but to kick 50 while playing extended midfield time exceeded my expectations.

It's ridiculous he wasn't even in the frame for a position in the AA selection when players like Rioli made the squad.

[josie]

Love Dickson - he is our new Paul Hudson, only more flexible and tenacious.

He proves it is not how many possessions you have that is important, it is what you do with them. I also think his defensive work has improved a fair bit this year too.

It's players like him, Dahl, Picken (and the wonderful Crossy) that supporters admire in spades. They may not have the gifts that our top liners have, however through sheer hard work and application they've become A graders.

[Greystache]

Love Dickson - he is our new Paul Hudson, only more flexible and tenacious.

He proves it is not how many possessions you have that is important, it is what you do with them. I also think his defensive work has improved a fair bit this year too.

It's players like him, Dahl, Picken (and the wonderful Crossy) that supporters admire in spades. They may not have the gifts that our top liners have, however through sheer hard work and application they've become A graders.

That's a really good comparison Josie, and not one I'd thought of before. I remember Hudson in 98 and 99 being close to my favourite player. A guy who can win matches by kicking goals with limited opportunities must be my type!

[Sedat]

I've always said he was a 40-50 goal a season small forward if he could have an injury free seaosn, but to kick 50 while playing extended midfield time exceeded my expectations.

It's ridiculous he wasn't even in the frame for a position in the AA selection when players like Rioli made the squad.
Clearly he fails to register on Bruce's "Delicio-meter". Does all those boring things like convert his chances and run to the right spots - nothing sexy or exciting about him at all.

[Happy Days]

Clearly he fails to register on Bruce's "Delicio-meter". Does all those boring things like convert his chances and run to the right spots - nothing sexy or exciting about him at all.

Yep - always like the "but Cyril does so much more than just kick goals" argument;

a) kicking goals is literally the entire point of football
b) there is zero empirical evidence to justify the claim
c) tearing hamstrings does not count as "so much more"

Try to broach the subject of Dickson and Rioli even being contemporaries with a neutral supporter and they'll look at you like you king hit their mother.

[Greystache]

Clearly he fails to register on Bruce's "Delicio-meter". Does all those boring things like convert his chances and run to the right spots - nothing sexy or exciting about him at all.

He doesn't have that key attribute to be the media darling small forward.

Even on the weekend, the love for Eddie Betts was off the charts. He kicked 5 goals, totally justified his $600k salary by kicking goals many of the times the ball was kicked to him. Just a brilliant individual performance.

Dickson kicked 5 in a losing team from literally the 5 times we kicked the ball to him. The only comment, Dickson made the most of his opportunities.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

If others want to continually underrate him, fair enough. I suspect if Dickson brings the same form next season the media will sit up and take more notice.

The thing that has been impressive about Dickson is that he's performed well against top teams:
- 5 goals in an EF
- 4 goals v Pies
- 4 goals v GWS
- 7 goals v Fremantle
- 4 goals v Richmond

Pretty good effort. GWS were on fire when we played them, Collingwood were playing well too. It's not as though he's kicked all his goals v bottom sides.

[Murphy'sLore]

He is a real quiet achiever, isn't he! Just gets the job done. I have a lot of time for Tory.

[Bulldog4life]

Looking back over the years in my opinion he is the most accurate kick for goal I have seen. Like others Hudson up there too.

[Ozza]

Looking back over the years in my opinion he is the most accurate kick for goal I have seen. Like others Hudson up there too.

He is literally the most accurate kick in the history of the AFL...so you are onto something!!

[bornadog]

He is literally the most accurate kick in the history of the AFL...so you are onto something!!

Is that official in the stats, if so - fantastic.

[Ozza]

Is that official in the stats, if so - fantastic.

Well he's the most accurate kick at goal for all players who have had 100 shots at goal or more.

There is one player who has a better career accuracy than him (Michael Murphy) who kicked 63.19 from 82 shots.

http://afltables.com/afl/stats/accuracy.html

[stefoid]

Well he's the most accurate kick at goal for all players who have had 100 shots at goal or more.

There is one player who has a better career accuracy than him (Michael Murphy) who kicked 63.19 from 82 shots.

http://afltables.com/afl/stats/accuracy.html

Locket kicked more goals in games than a lot of players do in practice. LOL

[craigsahibee]

Pinhead at 72%. Impressive.

[LostDoggy]

So on the raw data, our 2 best converters over the years have been Tory Dickson and Shane Loveless. Tory I get, would never have guessed Loveless though (most 1 handed contested marks whilst restraining the opposition full back with the other maybe).

[Go_Dogs]

Just a phenomenal season from Dickson, to end up with as many goals and to be such an important and versatile cog up the field. I love the way he works very hard to get on the mark defensively and wave his arms around like a maniac. Those extra few seconds he buys the rest of the side up the field really help us with setting our structures up.

Well done Tory, here's to an even better 2016.

[The Underdog]

Tory Dickson is a gun. Has worked hard on his fitness and defensive side of his game. Excellent one on one player who only needs a few kicks to really hurt the opposition. Look forward to him playing 200 games for us.

He had a great season and while I'd love to see him hit 200 games, given he's about to turn 28 and has only played 50 odd, I'd be surprised if he sustains this until he's 34/5

[The Adelaide Connection]

Hearing Tory has re-seigned for another two years. Apparently reported on the footy show.

[SlimPickens]

Hearing Tory has re-seigned for another two years. Apparently reported on the footy show.

By Barrett, who just happened to bring up Boyds contract. Great news for the club and Tory. Very predictable by Barrett

[comrade]

By Barrett, who just happened to bring up Boyds contract. Great news for the club and Tory. Very predictable by Barrett

Never misses, does he?

What was the context this time?

[boydogs]

Never misses, does he?

What was the context this time?

We've signed up Dickson but now we've got to try and squeeze in Tom Campbell around Tom Boyd's megadeal

[bulldogtragic]

We've signed up Dickson but now we've got to try and squeeze in Tom Campbell around Tom Boyd's megadeal

Like we had to squeeze in the last 2 years since signing Boyd like Stringer, Bonts, Macrae, Hunter, Cordy, McLean, Redpath, Picken, Morris, Matt Boyd, JJ, Bob etc. etc. Yet we keep on re-signing them all. All. Hes just the boy who cried wolf and with every re-signing looks more and more pathetic and desperately clinging to a wrong hypothesis. He has a wonderful and predictable way of turning positive news for our club into a pitiful negative narrative.

Frankly, I think the disgraceful state of afl journalism in this town is because Barrett gets paid too much and is actually shit at his job and the organisations who pay him can't afford to employ other competent journos. It's time to find out his salary and publicly reference it in every tweet, Facebook post, forum post etc. because apparently it's fair game to offer opinion. Surely he's happy to have the same treatment. Anyone who can find his taxable income and shares it here gets legend status in my eyes.

[jeemak]

We've signed up Dickson but now we've got to try and squeeze in Tom Campbell around Tom Boyd's megadeal

Oh well, when we're down to Tom Campbell as our liability due to the Toyd deal I think we've won and we can all relax.

[bornadog]

Some how we managed to fit in the following since we signed TBoyd:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CmHkTX3UoAISHiq.jpg:large

[bulldogtragic]

Imagine if we land Hurley. Barrett will be accusing our club of salary cap rorting because there's simply no way our club is managed really well, in this case contracts and salary cap management. Book mark this post.

[Remi Moses]

That is so true trag
Poor old grub, it must be killing him.
From someone who didn't get past the 12 times table, I'd be thinking Tom's contract is heavily front loaded in the first two .

[Axe Man]

In other news Barrett has reported that Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has just signed a 6 year $140 million deal. It seems the Colts have learned nothing from the disastrous Tom Boyd deal entered into by the Western Bulldogs.:rolleyes:

[The Underdog]

In other news Barrett has reported that Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has just signed a 6 year $140 million deal. It seems the Colts have learned nothing from the disastrous Tom Boyd deal entered into by the Western Bulldogs.:rolleyes:

To be fair, Luck would be the 40th best paid player in the NBA, especially considering only $47 mil is guaranteed