Game Day Round 1 2015 - Western Bulldogs V West Coast

[Eastdog]

Dogs by 18 points
First Goal: Tom Boyd
Best On Ground: Jack Macrae

[chef]

Dogs by 24
First goal Dahl
BOG Bonti

[Bulldog4life]

Dogs by 20 points
First Goal: Crameri
Best On Ground: M.Boyd

[bulldogtragic]

Dogs by 4 goals
F&B Bonts

[Doggy]

Dogs by 26
BOG M Boyd
FG Crameri

[LostDoggy]

Dogs by 2
1st goal Stringer
BOG Murphy

[LostDoggy]

Dogs by 57 points
First goal: Redpath
BOG: Crameri

[bornadog]

Dogs by 17

First Goal Crameri

BOG: Bonti

[AndrewP6]

Dogs by 9 points
First goal Dahl
BOG Jack Mac

[Max469]

Dogs by 7

First Goal Crameri

BOG: Murph

[Remi Moses]

Dogs by 1 pt
First goal Tom Boyd
BOG murph

[josie]

Dogs by 13 pts
First goal Redpath
BOG Bonti

[Smads57]

Dogs by 15
First goal Dickson
BOG Jongy

[boydogs]

Dogs by 55
First goal Crameri
BOG Bonts

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Dogs by 33 points.
First goal to Stringer.
BOG Wallis.

[GVGjr]

Dogs by 10 points.
Stringer with the first goal
Macrae and Stringer equal BOG

[KT31]

Dogs by 27 pts
First goal Stringer
BOG Bonts

[lemmon]

Dogs by 14
First goal- Dahl
BOG- Minson

[LostDoggy]

Draw
FG - Boyd
BOG - Crameri

[G-Mo77]

Weagles by 15
FG - Crameri
BOG - Macrae

[F'scary]

Doggies by 24 points
FG: Stringer
BOG: Bontempelli

[Go_Dogs]

Dogs by 32
First goal - Redpath
BOG - Dahlhaus

[Maddog37]

Dogs by 18
First Goal T Boyd
Bog Dahl

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Dogs by 3 points.
First goal to Redpath.
BOG Macrae.

[The bulldog tragician]

Wow, love the optimism here!

Dogs by 9.
BOG THE BONT
First goal: Crameri.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Dogs by 13 points.
BOG Macrae
First goal: Dickson

[Greystache]

Dogs by 15
First goal- Redpath
BOG- MaCrae

[GVGjr]

The signage at the ground looks sensational. Red, white and blue everywhere

[kruder]

Grant Sub ahhhhhhh dam it.

[GVGjr]

Grant Sub ahhhhhhh dam it.
I think he should have started but what an impact when he comes on.

[kruder]

He is a confidence player needs to start... If he is quiet for the quarter he comes on then is dropped next week and will rot in the VFL again. Cant wait to see this forward line though,hopefully we can win enough ball with a light on midfield and we will be there about for sure.

[G-Mo77]

Love the LED screens. I was quite envious today at the MCG when I saw Melbournes screens all over the ground.

[LostDoggy]

Dogs by 42
First goal-Redders
BOG-Wally

[1eyedog]

Feels like a good crowd walking in - positive energy.

[Throughandthrough]

I'm ready

[bulldogtragic]

Here endeth the worst post season. Enter 2015, a new dawn. :)

[GVGjr]

West Coast are slingshotting the ball forward time and time again. We arent making the most of our chances at the moment

[Throughandthrough]

Strike me down with lightning, but that injury will help us.

[F'scary]

Picken first goal. 18 minute mark.

[Throughandthrough]

Shit Thats two free kicks in front of goals in the first quarter. Thats our seasons quota.

[Throughandthrough]

Loving Lim Jong's attack on the ball. #Insane

[Throughandthrough]

Shit Thats two free kicks in front of goals in the first quarter. Thats our seasons quota.


Three!

[GVGjr]

Shepphard is a smart player. Positions himself well

[Throughandthrough]

Brendan McWho??

[kruder]

Loving Dickson's pressure been fantastic. Also enjoying Wallis inside.

[Greystache]

Goodes' physicality around the contest is very valuable. I worry a bit when he has the footy, but his work off it is top notch.

[AndrewP6]

We're so much better to watch. Tackle pressure has been terrific.

[Throughandthrough]

10 forward tackles in the first quarter. M Boyd 10 possessions in the first quarter.

[F'scary]

We need to smash them this quarter while we are running hot.

[F'scary]

Great, our first coast-to-coasting for the season, 2 minute mark 2nd quarter.

[Throughandthrough]

Stringer is a star.

[AndrewP6]

Stringer. Just saying it makes me happy.

[Greystache]

Honeychurch is in everything, having a brilliant start.

[G-Mo77]

Honeychurch is in everything, having a brilliant start.

A lot thought he was lucky to get a game?

[whythelongface]

Honeychurch has been great.

[GVGjr]

Some of Bontempellis scooping the ball off the ground at full tilt is Hawkins like. Bonts is a great kick as well.

[whythelongface]

Loving our endeavour just some of the disposal into the forward line could be better

[kruder]

Anyone got any oxygen?

[F'scary]

Listening on the radio (just about to go to the pub where they have Foxtel) but Tom Boyd and Jack Redpath having no impact, even though Mitch Brown has gone off injured. Hurn is killing us. West Coke using the centre corridor to great effect, high ratio of goals to attacks. Us, lots of inside 50's, lot's of forward pressure. Still we are in front at half time.

[Greystache]

A lot thought he was lucky to get a game?

I was hoping he would play, but reality is if Hrovat and Stevens were fit he and Grant probably wouldn't have played. Glad he's in.

[1eyedog]

Easton Wood has been very solid and at times courageous tonight.

[divvydan]

They've been slicing us open for their goals. On the other hand, Boyd and Redpath have had little impact despite WCE's small backline and Brown going off injured. It seems like we've laboured for our goals but I think we are slowly getting on top. Need to stop their transition in the second half and separate their defenders when we go forward.

[G-Mo77]

I was hoping he would play, but reality is if Hrovat and Stevens were fit he and Grant probably wouldn't have played. Glad he's in.

Hrovat is just unlucky. Honeychurch has been pretty darn good all preseason I had no doubt he'd hold his spot and he's probably done enough already to keep it.

[LostDoggy]

Honeychurch and Jong work really hard and it pays dividends. We are in front but west coast seem to score easily and we may struggle as we get tired. Hopefully our tall forwards can get into the game in the second half.

[kruder]

Easton Wood has been very solid and at times courageous tonight.
Was all of last year also needs to be signed.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

All in all a very entertaining first half.
It is through gritted teeth though that I acknowledge Alistair Lynch' observation that our game style is more taxing than Wet Toast's and they are able to kick easier goals That may hurt us later in the game unless we can close them down on the rebound better.
Anyone at the game who can see what is happening off the ball that is allowing the Eagles to get those easy chains through the middle?

[Greystache]

When Matthew Boyd retires the average number of smothers a season in the AFL will halve!!

[LostDoggy]

Too easy. Getting smashed early in this quarter

[LostDoggy]

Thanks Bonti

[Drunken Bum]

How was that not a mark or free kick to Boyd, then when Healy says on replay thats a mark Lynch shuts him up saying oh come on gerard while continuing to wax lyrical about west cokes play? terrible terrible disgusting commentary almost like he wants Boyd to fail, gee i really dislike lynch

[LostDoggy]

Red path off please for grant

[mjp]

Redpath is playing like it is his first game of football. Not afl. Just football. His inability to compete overhead has cost us 3 goals this q. Please sub him for grant. Please.

[GVGjr]

Who comes off for Grant?

Good arm wrestle and we will need to finish strongly

[kruder]

Get Grant on...

[bulldogtragic]

The script is set for Jarrad.

[EasternWest]

Who comes off for Grant?

Good arm wrestle and we will need to finish strongly

Has to be Redpath I reckon. I've got hope for the big fella, but he's gotta get off.

Bloody hell this game is being played at a frenetic pace.

[bulldogtragic]

Hands by Grant!

[Greystache]

Boyd is getting tackled in every marking contest and doesn't even look like getting a free.

[LostDoggy]

Stringer!!!!!!!

[bulldogtragic]

Granty! So close...

[LostDoggy]

Far out.. Two posters in a row

[bulldogtragic]

Bloody posts.

[Greystache]

Or defensive zone is worse than under BMac. A behind is just an automatic goal against.

[GVGjr]

Boyd, the first of many

[LostDoggy]

Tom Boyd first goal of many for the dogs. That's a team lifter.

[bulldogtragic]

Boyds first! Remember it folks.

[LostDoggy]

14 goals 2 are you kidding me!!!!!!

[Greystache]

Big Boyd!!

[GVGjr]

14 goals 2 are you kidding me!!!!!!

We need some luck and for them to miss one or two

[bulldogtragic]

Granty!!

[GVGjr]

Cracking game, who stands up for us in the next 15 minutes?

[GVGjr]

Im going to get on my set shot bandwagon again

[LostDoggy]

Our set shot kicking has been deplorable. Should be well in front now.

[bulldogtragic]

Should be 5 goals in front.

[GVGjr]

Should be 5 goals in front.
I just said 3. Yours sounds better ;)

[LostDoggy]

Finally!

[Greystache]

If there's one bloke you want the ball in the hands of it's Dicko!

[LostDoggy]

DICKO!!!!!!!!
With a bit of breathing room

[LostDoggy]

I've really enjoyed Wallis' game.

[LostDoggy]

Hold on boys!

[LostDoggy]

Go dogs! Bevo one from one!

[bulldogtragic]

Yes...

[LostDoggy]

Giddy up boys!
Great stuff!
Well done!!!

[EasternWest]

I've really enjoyed Wallis' game.

Me too. He's desperate at every play.

[Throughandthrough]

Good effort after losing our coach, captain, Brownlow medalist, CEO and best and fairest before round 1!

[LostDoggy]

J Mac,
M Boyd,
M Wallis,
OUTSTANDING!!!

[LostDoggy]

Lin Jong is AFL READY!!!!
Great game.

[1eyedog]

Very vocal crowd tonight hopefully the win puts a few thousand fence sitters on the tally.

[G-Mo77]

Going to be an easier drive home tonight. Enjoy the W everybody!!!

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

I admit that I was somewhat non-plussed when we drafted Bontempelli. Now I can't believe that we have potentially the best young player in the game in our side. He is the complete package. Even when he was held in the first quarter he tackled like a demon, and as the game wore on, his sure hands and ability to move smartly in traffic and keep calm was just a delight to watch.

[LostDoggy]

Good effort after losing our coach, captain, Brownlow medalist, CEO and best and fairest before round 1!

They beat us by ten goals last year too. Massive turn around.

[whythelongface]

Great effort. Lots to like but also lots of room for improvement

[kruder]

Gee that is satisfying! Reward for effort for the boys tonight.

[bornadog]

Mat Boyd was sensational tonight. Time and time again got us out of trouble. Who said he can't play a defensive role

[LostDoggy]

Could have easily won by 30 to 42 pts tonight.
Our misses their accuracey.That's footy though,will take any win margin anytime especially wot our club has been through in the off season.

[ReLoad]

How much space and time does the Bont create, wait till he is 22 years old, holy moly!

Very happy with Wallis and JJ tonight, JJ in particular ran his guts out, something we have lacked for a long time.

Also how great is it that stringer can crumb instead of having to fly for everything.

Only downsides, Redpath couldn't hold a cup of water and Crameri was massively underdone.

[whythelongface]

What did people think about Talia's game? Thought he was a real positive tonight. Looked good with the ball and competed well against Kennedy

[whythelongface]

Mat Boyd was sensational tonight. Time and time again got us out of trouble. Who said he can't play a defensive role
Loving him off half back. One of many good moves by our coach

[AndrewP6]

Sitting on the train with smelly people is a bit easier after a great win.

[Danny the snakeman]

Sitting on the train with smelly people is a bit easier after a great win.

I thought the pie supports were in bris.

[F'scary]

Look, we got a number of goals from free kicks tonight. We couldn't kick straight. We overused the ball like we did last season. We got burnt badly on the turnover. We got coast-to-coasted. We couldn't take advantage of their undermanned backline...

BUT WE WON.

And we won because we were much more adventurous than last year when we chipped sideways and backwards in slow motion to no good effect. Tonight we kept going forward, kamakazi style at times but...forward.

If we can iron out the kinks, we can cream a lot of sides by 10 goals or more at jihad stadium.

I think it was a mistake not to include Grant in the starting 21. I would have had him in ahead of Goodes. I wouldn't drop Redpath, I think he froze under the spotlight tonight but will be better next week. Tom Boyd was interesting. Dropped a chest mark but contested very well in the last part of the game and took the sort of mark and kicked the sort of goal that we are hoping for (just want this x5 a game). I think we lost on the Crameri gamble and should consider playing Kobe or the Rat next week instead.

West Coast was well organised and exploited every weakness we had.

But we still won. We can get better too.

[F'scary]

What did people think about Talia's game? Thought he was a real positive tonight. Looked good with the ball and competed well against Kennedy

I liked what he did too. Great start to the season, brother of Daniel.

[G-Mo77]

Mat Boyd was sensational tonight. Time and time again got us out of trouble. Who said he can't play a defensive role

I think there would have been close to 90% against there.

[AndrewP6]

I thought the pie supports were in bris.

There are plenty of smelly ones here. Has cleared out a bit now. Being in a wheelchair I'm right under everyone's arms. Not fun.

[Stefcep]

I'm not sure what's with the all the negativity here.

Tonights game was world's away from where this team the last few seasons.

Specifically, the improved thought speed and decision making, means the players can work their way out of tight pressure situations with short sharp handballs. They've been coached to offer an option for the ball carrier under pressure. Little clusters of players of 3 or 4 around the ball ala Geelong.

Then there is the relentless pressure all over the ground but especially in our attacking half.

Finally the leg speed.

I do not miss Griffin at all TBH. One flaw of his that always bugged was his insistence to ALWAYS break the tackle, even when a simple handball was on, and ruining the momentum. The current crop of midfielders know when to try to run with it and when to give it off.

[stefoid]

I think we lost on the Crameri gamble and should consider playing Kobe or the Rat next week instead.


gez, really? I havent seen vision, but it sounded like he took a while to get going (no match practice) but finished the game with some decent stats.

I think he is a great cog - dont see any reason why he isnt a walk up start and should go close to kicking another 40 goals this year, same as he has done the last 4 years running.

If the rat is going to replace someone it will be Honey who started well but his ball use is poor and he was virtually unsighted after half time.

[Remi Moses]

gez, really? I havent seen vision, but it sounded like he took a while to get going (no match practice) but finished the game with some decent stats.

I think he is a great cog - dont see any reason why he isnt a walk up start and should go close to kicking another 40 goals this year, same as he has done the last 4 years running.

If the rat is going to replace someone it will be Honey who started well but his ball use is poor and he was virtually unsighted after half time.

Thought he was better late as well . Hrovat for Redpath

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

I'm not sure what's with the all the negativity here.

.

I'm not seeing any negativity? I think everyone is happy with the performance, but it would be fair for people to express the fact that we've still got a way's to go. That's not negativity, that's reality.

[stefoid]

Big red is an interesting one - sounds like he had his chances to glove a few balls - hes a great kick for goal. Just kept dropping them. I reckon his preaseason form has earned him a few more games yet.

[Jeanette54]

Great effort by Big Will. He might have been outpointed by NicNat, but he never gave in for one second. His bullocking work and second/third efforts were wonderful. Top marks to the boys down back, as well as the defensive efforts in the forward line.

Great night all round. Go Dogs !!

[westdog54]

What did people think about Talia's game? Thought he was a real positive tonight. Looked good with the ball and competed well against Kennedy

He was in my votes tonight. Absolutely rapt with his output.

[LostDoggy]

What did people think about Talia's game? Thought he was a real positive tonight. Looked good with the ball and competed well against Kennedy


He was in my votes tonight. Absolutely rapt with his output.

I don't want to go too early, but I think the change of coach has Talia finally arriving as a player.

[SonofScray]

A good team performance heralding a desired outcome. The ingredients are there and were on display tonight but we just fluffed things up enough to hold us back from a really convincing win.

Redpath just did not have a good day at the office, a case of the "almosts," for the big fella. If he gets 5 opportunities, he needs to clunk 3 and kick true to really hold his value. That he had the chances is still a good sign though, he wasn't a complete non factor.

Minson, Jong and Bont were the decisive winners for mine. Jong was terrific when we needed someone to exert some influence on the game, willed himself into and away from the contest to our advantage.

[Eastdog]

We still have a lot to work on but that was a hard fought victory from our team. I thought Jongy battled hard, Stringer was good, Grant did some very good things. Bont was excellent and T Boyd didn't set the world of fire but kicked a great goal.

Anyways great to get a win and to have the footy back and meet up with mates.

[NoName]

Good win tonight, everyone goes on about Bonti (don't get me wrong, I think he is great) but one player who I think goes under the raider is Stringer. He will become a very good player in the near future.

Hopefully we can get another win next week against Richmond.

[HOSE B ROMERO]

Personally i would like to see the team remain unchanged for next week. While it's great to see the obvious guns of the team strutting their stuff, i'm just wrapped to see a guy like Talia, who has looked a bit nervy pre-season, have a break out game. I'd like to see big Jack get another go against the 'orrible Tigers.

[ledge]

I don't think People realise how good Dickson is he runs the ground tackles and makes space to kick goals.

[Scorlibo]

Big red is an interesting one - sounds like he had his chances to glove a few balls - hes a great kick for goal. Just kept dropping them. I reckon his preaseason form has earned him a few more games yet.

Yep. It's not as though his 'dropped' marks were sitters, just half chances that he took very few of. He got to the right spots and I thought provided a much better presence than T. Boyd for three quarters to be honest. He's very close to being a genuinely valuable key forward.

[bornadog]

I think we lost on the Crameri gamble and should consider playing Kobe or the Rat next week instead.

.

You do realise he had 22 disposals including 6 marks.

[EasternWest]

I don't think People realise how good Dickson is he runs the ground tackles and makes space to kick goals.

I thought his work rate was just outstanding and the ice in his veins on that running goal impressive.

[Sedat]

Things just seem to happen whenever Stringer is in the vicinity of the ball. A little more polish with his finishing and he would have kicked half a dozen and been clear BOG. He is a nightmare match-up for the opposition - he's cat-like when it hits the deck so the gorilla defenders can't match him, and he is far too strong aerially for the mid sized defenders

[josie]

Who said we were slow?

Dickson was very good, Will has a big heart, Bonti is a sensation, Jongy is AFL standard & JJ sprightly, Wallis was a leader out there, I could go on and on. This coach has inspired confidence - so wonderful to see.

[bornadog]

Who said we were slow? Dickson was very good
Played a very good game tonight. I one passage of play, just as Brown went down with his knee, Dickson put on a mighty bump. He was really hard it and I heard bones cracking from level 2.

[AndrewP6]

Well, coming home after a good win is much more pleasant. After the hellish offseason we had, what a great feeling to cinch a game. Bevo's influence can be seen easily, and even if other games don't go according to plan, it'll be far more interesting to watch the Dogs grow and develop. I decided to upgrade my membership to Premiership Gold this year, so I'm on Level 2 each week. Look forward to seeing more improvement through the season. Go Dogs!

[GVGjr]

Dickson has many detractors but I think most would concede he looked great against Collingwood and now against the Eagles.

[G-Mo77]

I'm off to bed but I think this is a decent talking point.

Western Bulldogs ‏@westernbulldogs
There were eight guys that played tonight that were in last year's VFL grand final side, so that's a positive for us.

[Twodogs]

Great night at the footy. Bontempelli is on a different planet to everyone else already. This must be what it was like watching Whitten play his first couple of seasons.

[Webby]

Great night at the footy. Bontempelli is on a different planet to everyone else already. This must be what it was like watching Whitten play his first couple of seasons.

There were two or three times tonight when I did think exactly that... Like, "At what point did North fans realise that Carey was Carey??"

Nice feeling!

[jeemak]

Things just seem to happen whenever Stringer is in the vicinity of the ball. A little more polish with his finishing and he would have kicked half a dozen and been clear BOG. He is a nightmare match-up for the opposition - he's cat-like when it hits the deck so the gorilla defenders can't match him, and he is far too strong aerially for the mid sized defenders

I thought it was a fairly standard Stringer performance tonight. One where you end up more than happy with how he went, but lamenting that his attention to detail in the simple things cost him from being by far the best player on the ground, or having a greater impact on the outcome than he did.

As you say, with some more polish he could have kicked a fair bag of goals. In my view, with more running towards the carrier he could have had more impact 1-1.5 kicks out from goal.

I really think once he gets the discipline in his game to make the simple but big moments count he'll be the complete player. It can't come soon enough, and I can't wait!

[Hotdog60]

Dickson has many detractors but I think most would concede he looked great against Collingwood and now against the Eagles.

I like Dickson, he's a late starter and has had some injury concerns in the past. If he can bring what he has brought to the game last night for the rest of the season we will have a very, very good player on our hands.

The thing I have like about his game is the closing speed and the perceived pressure that the opposition are feeling.

I would have had him in my votes but was just so many others last night that I couldn't squeeze in.

[westdog54]

Played a very good game tonight. I one passage of play, just as Brown went down with his knee, Dickson put on a mighty bump. He was really hard it and I heard bones cracking from level 2.

That was a goooood hit.


Dickson has many detractors but I think most would concede he looked great against Collingwood and now against the Eagles.

He just doesn't waste a shot at goal, whether he's on the run or lining up a set shot. And his defensive work and workrate have improved out of sight the last 2 years.

[GVGjr]

I hope all our fans realise what a great game we witnessed last night.

13 lead changes happened on the night and 15 points was the biggest lead throughout the game plus we made 94 tackles.
Lets also not forget the games that Dahlhaus, Bontempelli, Matthew Boyd and Stringer produced and that Jong and JJ provided great attacking run and in JJ's case two exciting goals just when we needed them. On top of that Dale Morris produced the sort of performance that has me thinking he will still be playing strongly for us next season as well.

We will need to patient with this young group but it's going to be an interesting ride this year.

[ledge]

Stopping the rebound and lowering our eyes to hit forwards is our main concerns .. The second one is fixable with just a chat and some practice .. The first one I'm not sure as we are looking to attack and run in waves forward . But hey I would rather we lose attacking than lose defending.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

What an awesome game and a terrific gutsy performance.

Bontempelli is incredible, I can't believe we have him all to ourselves :D

Very pleased with Honeychurch and Talia - both had outstanding games.

[F'scary]

I don't want to go too early, but I think the change of coach has Talia finally arriving as a player.

It could be that Macca gave him the kick in the behind that he needed, but maybe not... (I am revising my opinion of the McCartney years considerably lately - I think it was a mistake to extend his contract for another two years but he may have been the right coach for where we were at the time.)

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Probably hasn't been mentioned, but credit to Grant who came on and had some important moments. He was very quick and clean when we absolutely needed it.

Should start in the 21 next week, Honey as the sub.

[boydogs]

Probably hasn't been mentioned, but credit to Grant who came on and had some important moments. He was very quick and clean when we absolutely needed it.

Should start in the 21 next week, Honey as the sub.

Yeah he was good, linked up in fast paced movement through the middle of the ground and gloved a couple of overcooked passes to him at full reach

Also a very good pass to Dahlhaus in the last, spotting him up perfectly in a congested 50

[westdog54]

Probably hasn't been mentioned, but credit to Grant who came on and had some important moments. He was very quick and clean when we absolutely needed it.

Should start in the 21 next week, Honey as the sub.

Yep, changed the game.

I'm a big fan of him being on a wing as well FWIW.

[The Pie Man]

I hope all our fans realise what a great game we witnessed last night.

13 lead changes happened on the night and 15 points was the biggest lead throughout the game plus we made 94 tackles.
Lets also not forget the games that Dahlhaus, Bontempelli, Matthew Boyd and Stringer produced and that Jong and JJ provided great attacking run and in JJ's case two exciting goals just when we needed them. On top of that Dale Morris produced the sort of performance that has me thinking he will still be playing strongly for us next season as well.

We will need to patient with this young group but it's going to be an interesting ride this year.

I thoroughly enjoyed last night, really excited about where we're going - not sure about 2015 but this list looks in really good shape

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

I hope all our fans realise what a great game we witnessed last night.

13 lead changes happened on the night and 15 points was the biggest lead throughout the game plus we made 94 tackles.
Lets also not forget the games that Dahlhaus, Bontempelli, Matthew Boyd and Stringer produced and that Jong and JJ provided great attacking run and in JJ's case two exciting goals just when we needed them. On top of that Dale Morris produced the sort of performance that has me thinking he will still be playing strongly for us next season as well.

We will need to patient with this young group but it's going to be an interesting ride this year.
The class of Bontempelli and Macrae, our hardness at the contest and the superb efforts of Matthew Boyd, Murphy and Morris down back were significant factors in a thrilling win. Jong's run and carry made him a very valuable player.
Stringer in kicking three goals which could have been five was our best forward. I thought Grant could have been on the ground earlier at the expense of Redpath, who had struggled all night.
Minson did a fine job in the manner he was able to compete against NicNat whose agility and leap, made him difficult to combat.
Without Liberatore there is little doubt that Wallis has stepped up and looks to be set for a very good year.

[lemmon]

Watching the game for the first time now and I'm really excited by what Tom Boyd brings to the table. The kid is an absolute workhorse, throws himself into every contest creating spillages and crumbs for the guys at his feet. One day they'll stick for him and he'll get the rewards on the scoresheet but at the moment it brings exactly what we've been crying out for. I hope he got a big pat on the bum for this display, takes more than a little courage to smack into a pack again and again.

Really pleased with Talia as well, footskills looked extremely safe and Honeychurch looks to have cemented himself in the best 22.

I hope we persist with Redpath as well, on a different night he could very well have hauled in 6 or 7 grabs, got into the right positions but it just wasn't quite there.

[bornadog]

It could be that Macca gave him the kick in the behind that he needed, but maybe not... (I am revising my opinion of the McCartney years considerably lately - I think it was a mistake to extend his contract for another two years but he may have been the right coach for where we were at the time.)
Macca is a great assistant coach.

[Greystache]

Watching the game for the first time now and I'm really excited by what Tom Boyd brings to the table. The kid is an absolute workhorse, throws himself into every contest creating spillages and crumbs for the guys at his feet. One day they'll stick for him and he'll get the rewards on the scoresheet but at the moment it brings exactly what we've been crying out for. I hope he got a big pat on the bum for this display, takes more than a little courage to smack into a pack again and again

Totally agree, we're already a better team with him playing. He may be some time off clunking marks and kicking bags of goals, but our structure looks much better with a genuine tall target. We don't have 4 and 5 small forwards all flying for the mark, the crumbers have a base point to start their runs, and we're less susceptible on the rebound because we don't have 5 players laying on the ground after trying to take a pack mark.

[jeemak]

Probably hasn't been mentioned, but credit to Grant who came on and had some important moments. He was very quick and clean when we absolutely needed it.

Should start in the 21 next week, Honey as the sub.

I thought he did what he needed to do quite well, and should start next week on the basis that no one player should be the sub week in week out, this early in the season if the list is healthy and there are options in how the team can be set up (specialists like Gia excluded).

[bornadog]

I thought he did what he needed to do quite well, and should start next week on the basis that no one player should be the sub week in week out, this early in the season if the list is healthy and their are options in how the team can be set up (specialists like Gia excluded).

I really don't think Grant is suited to the sub role. I prefer small midfield types as the sub....... Honeychurch, Hunter, Hrovat, Stevens types.

[bulldogtragic]

I really don't think Grant is suited to the sub role. I prefer small midfield types as the sub....... Honeychurch, Hunter, Hrovat, Stevens types.

I tend to agree. I wasn't a fan of the Gia sub thing, as for one reason the rest of the comp generally have a sub that can insert fresh legs and running into the game late. If Bevo thinks he do that cool, but if not I'd rather have a smaller agile type to add in run as our young kids find it harder to manic running all year to the last siren.

[jeemak]

I really don't think Grant is suited to the sub role. I prefer small midfield types as the sub....... Honeychurch, Hunter, Hrovat, Stevens types.

He seemed to handle it quite well last night, but I take your point.

The sub as long as it's still part of the game will cause conjecture, but there's really very few rules on how it can best be used and which type of players can fulfill the role.

As players become more versatile the need for a particular type of sub will be curtailed, as there'll be coverage in the starting 21 - aside from KPP's - anyway.

[Hotdog60]

Did anyone else notice Bevo greet every player as they came into the rooms after the match. Pats and hugs.

I think he's doing a good job with the players and if a coach can get the players to work for him that's half the battle to winning a game.

[jeemak]

Did anyone else notice Bevo greet every player as they came into the rooms after the match. Pats and hugs.

I think he's doing a good job with the players and if a coach can get the players to work for him that's half the battle to winning a game.

Don't most coaches do that?

It does seem that he is doing a good job in getting the players to buy in and work on his terms. I've said this all along, it will be about how he and the players behave ten rounds in, 20 rounds in and 18 months in that determines whether we've nailed the appointment, particularly if we do have a lean run as we're likely to over the journey.

[Hotdog60]

Don't most coaches do that?

It does seem that he is doing a good job in getting the players to buy in and work on his terms. I've said this all along, it will be about how he and the players behave ten rounds in, 20 rounds in and 18 months in that determines whether we've nailed the appointment, particularly if we do have a lean run as we're likely to over the journey.

Never notice it much with Macca or Eade but it comes down to personality. Agree with time will tell but I suppose he's into the team bonding stage at the moment.

[AndrewP6]

Never notice it much with Macca or Eade but it comes down to personality. Agree with time will tell but I suppose he's into the team bonding stage at the moment.

I've seen both Eade and McCartney do similar. I think working that closely with a group, you'd develop some good relationships. At least, I think you should.

[AndrewP6]

Just watching the game again tonight. Talia really did well I think, kudos to him.

[jeemak]

Never notice it much with Macca or Eade but it comes down to personality. Agree with time will tell but I suppose he's into the team bonding stage at the moment.


I've seen both Eade and McCartney do similar. I think working that closely with a group, you'd develop some good relationships. At least, I think you should.

I've also seen moments where Eade/McCartney have been locked away or huddled after a win, and have called the team in very quickly to give them information very sternly. It's all about the circumstances of it.

as HD60 said, it's all about the bonding at the moment.

[boydogs]

I thought Grant could have been on the ground earlier at the expense of Redpath, who had struggled all night.

Bevo said in his press conference that he wanted to check in with everyone at 3/4 time to see if there was anyone struggling to run out the game 1st week back, particularly Crameri who was underdone. Obviously everyone was OK as Redpath was subbed out, and we looked the fitter side in the last

[westdog54]

I really don't think Grant is suited to the sub role. I prefer small midfield types as the sub....... Honeychurch, Hunter, Hrovat, Stevens types.

I'll agree to disagree on this one.

When you've got an X Factor player who can come on and instantly change the game, as Grant did, that's exactly what I want from a sub.

In saying that, I'd love to see Grant play a full game off a wing.

[G-Mo77]

I really don't think Grant is suited to the sub role. I prefer small midfield types as the sub....... Honeychurch, Hunter, Hrovat, Stevens types.

The thing is Grant is similar to those types, he's tall but plays like a small. Someone who can make an influence late in the game is whats needed. Grant did that. He looked a lot more comfortable playing it than he did the last time.

[GVGjr]

I really don't think Grant is suited to the sub role. I prefer small midfield types as the sub....... Honeychurch, Hunter, Hrovat, Stevens types.

As G-Mo has pointed out, everyone wants to regard Grant as a tall small with that bit of x factor when he's being talked as a forward but the coach now regards him as a midfielder/forward. By most peoples definition of potential sub candidates and yours he now actually fits that bill.

I think he deserves to start but there will be some times when he is a good choice for the sub role

[bulldogtragic]

As G-Mo has pointed out, everyone wants to regard Grant as a tall small with that bit of x factor when he's being talked as a forward but the coach now regards him as a midfielder/forward. By most peoples definition of potential sub candidates and yours he now actually fits that bill.

I think he deserves to start but there will be some times when he is a good choice for the sub role

As an aside... Did you see the half time interview by Barry Hall with Jarrad? He looked more intense in the eyes and concentration than anytime really before. I think Bevo has flicked the switch in his brain. I've been adamant he's the closest player we could find to replace Bob and should play up the ground, and I'm loving it. His field kicking is very good, and I don't have to read every week about his goal kicking technique. :)

[GVGjr]

As an aside... Did you see the half time interview by Barry Hall with Jarrad? He looked more intense in the eyes and concentration than anytime really before. I think Bevo has flicked the switch in his brain. I've been adamant he's the closest player we could find to replace Bob and should play up the ground, and I'm loving it. His field kicking is very good, and I don't have to read every week about his goal kicking technique. :)

Yes I did, I also noticed it the previous game against Collingwood. A very good sign that he is super focused.

[LostDoggy]

As an aside... Did you see the half time interview by Barry Hall with Jarrad? He looked more intense in the eyes and concentration than anytime really before. I think Bevo has flicked the switch in his brain. I've been adamant he's the closest player we could find to replace Bob and should play up the ground, and I'm loving it. His field kicking is very good, and I don't have to read every week about his goal kicking technique. :)

Yep! Also I was watching him at the 3QT huddle, Graham went and took the red vest off him, he immediately got his legs shaking and was listening intently with Bevo. Sounds like nothing but he just looked really focused and ready. As opposed to looking disinterested. Gia then came up and gave him a rev up!

[F'scary]

responses to my comment "lost the gamble on playing Crameri" or words to that effect:


gez, really? I havent seen vision, but it sounded like he took a while to get going (no match practice) but finished the game with some decent stats.

I think he is a great cog - dont see any reason why he isnt a walk up start and should go close to kicking another 40 goals this year, same as he has done the last 4 years running.

If the rat is going to replace someone it will be Honey who started well but his ball use is poor and he was virtually unsighted after half time.


Thought he was better late as well . Hrovat for Redpath

Watched the full match replay and checked the stats, I stand corrected. The coach broke even on the gamble to play Crameri. But he's a funny player, Crameri, truly mercurial. They broke the mould he was made from.

[stefoid]

responses to my comment "lost the gamble on playing Crameri" or words to that effect:





Watched the full match replay and checked the stats, I stand corrected. The coach broke even on the gamble to play Crameri. But he's a funny player, Crameri, truly mercurial. They broke the mould he was made from.

yeah, you see a lot of those stringer/Bonti highlights and crameria is somewhere in shot running into guys, tackling or sheparding.

[Dry Rot]

Finally got to see the game.

Great to watch. Hard to believe that it is mostly the same team from last year.

Really glad our hand balling is better, rather than just giving it off to a stationery bloke who is in a worse position.

[Remi Moses]

The whole not playing Talia experiment, and playing Mark Austin looks a tad silly after Saturday night.
No disrespect to Austin, but Talia looks more competent at the level, and thought his kicking was decent .
The whole " game day experience" phenomenon for me is decent footy and a few in the " W" column

[Happy Days]

Watched the game last night, not much to add really. I think the game was positive without being wholly comforting.

If we can't keep up that level of intensity and work rate, then we're just going to get killed (even moreso) on the rebound; waaay too much latitude given to a slow team we made to look electric at times (imagine playing the Hawks that wide.) But if we *can*...oh man it's going to be amazing. Putting your hands down and moving forward makes for the best fights, after all.

Bontempelli is a transformer. I don't think it matters if he gets "sat on" because who's going to be good enough to keep him seated? Really liked Talia's game too; one of the defenders just has to turn into a jet somehow if we're going to get anywhere, and I think he has the best chance.

Conversely, I'm still a Redpath truther. Preseason aside, he's done nothing in an AFL game as of yet to make me think he can play at all. Can't see how we're not a better side with Crameri in his spot and Redpath not in the side. I know the coaches' are a big wrap for him though, so I think he'll be around for a while.

[Dry Rot]

Conversely, I'm still a Redpath truther. Preseason aside, he's done nothing in an AFL game as of yet to make me think he can play at all. Can't see how we're not a better side with Crameri in his spot and Redpath not in the side. I know the coaches' are a big wrap for him though, so I think he'll be around for a while.

Jack knows where you live....

[Ozza]

First opportunity to post on here since the game. Seeing as I was too late for votes....a few first up observations;

- Terrific match from Matty Boyd. Thought he used the footy well, took some brave marks and was generally pretty assured.
- Bonti - just lifted when we needed him. And early when not finding the footy, stayed involved with 7 tackles (5 inside 50). Can't remember being as excited about a player.
- Talia - thought he had a big 3rd quarter when we were really under the pump.
- Macrae - worked really hard to be an option for his team mates throughout the night - not surprising he racked up so many stats.
- Minson - did a great job influencing the clearances and reducing Nic Nat's influence. (Nic Nat's one hand pick up and goal....wow).
- Loved the intensity of Wallis, Dahlhaus, Dickson and Jong in particular.

Great to get 4 points...and the confidence that comes from a first up win.
There is heaps we could do better - particularly team defence and set shot goal kicking.

The long drives up and back to the country on the day for the game were well worth it in the end!

[always right]

Wasn't sure where to post this but this is as good a place as any.

Up on level 3 Saturday night the Cordy clan were sitting further along from me.....Brian, Ayce and Zaine. Sitting next to them was someone who looked familiar.....quickly realised it was our great ruckman from the 80's, Andrew Purser.

Haven't seen him since he gave the game away...he looks pretty good I have to say which is why I recognised him quite easily. Brought back a lot of nice memories for me as he was one of my favourites. Under-sized but as brave as they come...he looked after his teammates on the field and played some enormous games in an era we enjoyed some success.

Although he is/was a WA boy I hope he was barracking for us on Saturday night.

[bornadog]

Wasn't sure where to post this but this is as good a place as any.

Up on level 3 Saturday night the Cordy clan were sitting further along from me.....Brian, Ayce and Zaine. Sitting next to them was someone who looked familiar.....quickly realised it was our great ruckman from the 80's, Andrew Purser.

Haven't seen him since he gave the game away...he looks pretty good I have to say which is why I recognised him quite easily. Brought back a lot of nice memories for me as he was one of my favourites. Under-sized but as brave as they come...he looked after his teammates on the field and played some enormous games in an era we enjoyed some success.

Although he is/was a WA boy I hope he was barracking for us on Saturday night.

Yes Purser also one of my favourites from that era. Malthouse once said he was the best ruckman he has ever coached.

[Twodogs]

Wasn't sure where to post this but this is as good a place as any.

Up on level 3 Saturday night the Cordy clan were sitting further along from me.....Brian, Ayce and Zaine. Sitting next to them was someone who looked familiar.....quickly realised it was our great ruckman from the 80's, Andrew Purser.

Haven't seen him since he gave the game away...he looks pretty good I have to say which is why I recognised him quite easily. Brought back a lot of nice memories for me as he was one of my favourites. Under-sized but as brave as they come...he looked after his teammates on the field and played some enormous games in an era we enjoyed some success.

Although he is/was a WA boy I hope he was barracking for us on Saturday night.

Purser was great at palming the ball too. He always seemed to know where Brian Royal was and just stroke the ball out in front of him.

[The bulldog tragician]

Purser was one of those undersized but lion hearted ruckmen and a real favourite of mine. I'm pretty sure I've heard that he remains a fan of ours and was a recruiting scout?

[AndrewP6]

As a kid I liked Purser. Something to do with his initials, probably ;)