Game Day Round EF 2015 - Western Bulldogs vs Adelaide Crows

[GVGjr]

You all know the drill

Which team is going to win?
The winning margin?
First goal?
BOG?

And as a special occasion effort

Which player will light up the game a huge mark or long run?

Get too it WOOFers.

[Go_Dogs]

Dogs - 33 point winners
First goal - Jake Stringer (one of 5)
Best on ground - Luke Dahlhaus

For something different, I'm going to back Lin Jong in for a eye catching run out of congestion which involves a couple of bounces and a good finish to a marking Dogs forward.

[SonofScray]

Dogs by 27 points.
Minson first goal.
Wood BOG

REDPATH to play a game for the ages and finish with 3 majors and a highlight reel full of aggressive tackling and pack splitting.

[1eyedog]

Dogs by 42 pts
Stringer first goal
Bont BOG

The Bont to kick an amazing snap out of congestion ala. the GC game to put us 16 points up and effectively break the deadlock midway through the third.

[LostDoggy]

Dogs - by 29 points
First goal - Tory Dickson
Best on ground - Liam Picken

Its game day , history beckons and the ghosts of fallen heroes will follow us as we march to the MCG .
This ones for all 35, 222 Members who committed their time and hard earned cash to Be More Bulldog in 2015 .This ones for all those who bleed Red, White and Blue and stood as one on the 6th October 1989 to fight for the Club . This ones for President Peter Gordon who stood strong in October 89 and who returned to build the foundations for the future. This ones for Coach Luke Beveridge and the Coaching Staff who united in a common cause, to restart, rebuild , refresh and re-energize . This ones for all the players whose hard work, dedication, blood sweat and tears has been rewarded, this ones for the players who through injury will watch from the stands . This ones for all the naysayers , doubters and skeptics , for all the media who wrote us off at the start of the year .
Its game day , history beckons and this ones for you.

Charlie Sutton 1954 Grand Final
" I ask you for a personal effort. Go on to the field full of grit, full of football... come with me and we'll win this "

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/COp5YiYUYAAqMbn.png:large

[Jeanette54]

How exciting to wake up on a day which is the most significant one for this club in the modern era. Two teams in elimination finals; so much to play for, AND NOTHING TO LOOSE. Be brave, boys, have no fear. Trust in each other. You have already earned our love and respect, now show the crows what you have shown us all season.

Doggies by 15 points
BOG: Bonti
First Goal: Tory Dickson

[bornadog]

I think we will come out pumped.

Dogs by 45 points
First Goal: Dickson
BOG: Murphy

[Daughter of the West]

Dogs by 24
First goal - Stringer
BOG - El Capitano

Stringer snapping a goal from the boundary line after a throw in tap from Minson, putting us four goals clear and a bit of breathing space after a tense first half (does that actually make sense? I can see the pice of play perfectly in my mind's eye)

[GVGjr]

It's getting real now isn't it?

[LostDoggy]

Dogs by 21
1st Goal: Stringer
BOG: Wallis

[ratsmac]

Ok this is how it will go down.

DRAW!!
Extra time played Dogs win by 13 points.
First ambulance to take me away for heart failure.
First goal : The Bont straight out the centre from fitty.
BOG it's a toss up between Macrae's 42 disposals, Stringer's 8 goals straight or The Bont's match winning last quarter.
So BOG - Macrae for a 4 quarter effort.

Moment of awe - Murphy linking up from the back pocket zigzagging all the way up the members wing and drilling Dickson on the chest 30 metres out straight in front, Dickson plays on to Dahlhaus who gives a Joe the goose over the top to Crameri in the square.

[boydogs]

WB by 55
First Goal Crameri
BOG Crameri

Crameri to get off the leash against Cheney/Hartigan and slot one from 55

[azabob]

Dogs by: 15 points

First goal: Stewart Crameri

BOG: Mitch Wallis

[The Bulldogs Bite]

CAN'T WAIT!

Dogs by 24
First goal Dickson
BOG Wallis

[F'scary]

By playing the game not at our home ground even though we won the right to host the game at our home ground the AFL are seeking to give Adelaide the best possible chance they can to win the game.

I hope this provides motivation for our team to smash the opposition.

Dogs by 42 points
BOG: Wallis
1st Goal: The Package
Sub: Daniel

[Twodogs]

Dogs by 29
First Goal: Stringer
BOG: the Bont

The player who will make this game his own will be Caleb Daniel. Everyone will be talking about him in the morning.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Dogs by 7 points
First goal Dahlhaus
BOG: Murphy

[The Underdog]

Dogs by 3 points
BOG: Murphy
First Goal: Stringer

[Go_Dogs]

Ended up catching the first half of the VFL game before lunch. Stood next to Gia, who looked very focused. Hope all the boys are in the same boat.

I wish it was game time, I'm ready.

[bulldogtragic]

Dogs by 33
Minson FG
Stringer BOG

[Eastdog]

Thanks GVG for starting the game day thread :) Ill forget to start it

Margin: Dogs by 2 points

First Goal: Bonts to get a huge first goal

Best On Ground: Macrae to tear it up

[AndrewP6]

I'm here. Surrounded by Cows, my mum reckons I bought her as a body guard. Ferals, the lot of them. Staffer here reckons they're expecting 55k.

Tipping with my heart:
Dogs by 11
First goal Dicko
BOG Wally.

[bulldogtragic]

Daniel is the super sub.

[GVGjr]

Anyone else getting a bit of nerves? ;) I don't think I've wanted a win this bad in ages.

[Throughandthrough]

ok, i'm ready.

[bulldogtragic]

ok, i'm ready.

Let's do this T&T!!!

[Throughandthrough]

the photos from the march looked awesome.

[bulldogtragic]

Dogs coming onto the ground.

[bulldogtragic]

Granty named at CHF. Cmon son!

[bulldogtragic]

Could the crowd have squeezed into Etihad, if you're at the ground?

[Throughandthrough]

ok.....

lets just farken win

[bulldogtragic]

Toss won. A sign. It's a sign.

[bulldogtragic]

Stew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bulldogtragic]

Woweeee. 2 in 90 seconds.

[whythelongface]

Great start but to many missed opportunities.

[Throughandthrough]

could be much better, could be much worse at quarter time. Jongy was fumbly that quarter.

[AndrewP6]

Tighten up defensively, Betts sitting back for those cheapies...

[Greystache]

Easton Wood played one of the worst individual quarters in finals football. Cost us 3 goals directly.

[whythelongface]

Tighten up defensively, Betts sitting back for those cheapies...

Yep Betts was carving us up. He is an opportunist and we need to minimise his involvement. Easier said than done.

[bulldogtragic]

Amazing tackle Jarrad!!

[GVGjr]

Well it's all in front of us and it's time to step up. Go Dogs

[Sedat]

Getting opened up like a tin of sardines, time and time again. Team defence non-existent

[bulldogtragic]

Jarrad getting a bit of it. Need to stop the bleeding.

[jeemak]

They 're getting behind us way too easily

[bulldogtragic]

Bad miss. We need some momentum back.

[jeemak]

Jarrad getting a bit of it. Need to stop the bleeding.

It'd be nice if he and others weren't so shit with the footy.

[bulldogtragic]

Bad miss. We need some momentum back.

And Jake appears!

[bulldogtragic]

More scoring shots to half time. That's something positive to work on. Need to lower our eyes.

[F'scary]

This is like the Brisbane Lions game last week: no defence.

[Murphy'sLore]

We look panicky too often.

[bornadog]

Need Stringer to fire up

[bulldogtragic]

Unless Honeychurch can impact the game in 15 minutes, I'd bring on Daniel to impact the game.

[LostDoggy]

we're winning most stats, more possessions, clearances, I50s, tackles.

we're right in this, just need to tighten defensively and hit targets.

whoever keeps running hardest wins.

happy with Will but struggled late.

Macrae. Hunter, Dahl big thumbs up

[hujsh]

Hujsh's in Depth Tactical Summary of the Nights Play so far: Half Time Edition

Point 1) Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgggggggggggggg

Point 2) *!*!*!*!ing Betts. Little cheapo shit goals.

And that has been Hujsh's in Depth Tactical Summary of the Nights Play so far: Half Time Edition

[EasternWest]

Could the crowd have squeezed into Etihad, if you're at the ground?

Yes.

We need to be more careful with the ball. Too many handballs to guys with their backs turned and dinky floater kicks in the air. We're overcommitting going forward and when it comes out Betts has already slunked out the back. He's very smart.

That being said, I don't feel bad about the game. Provided we use the half time break to tighten up the loose nuts, I think we'll have their measure.

Minson has been very good, but I agree with Stache that he's started to look tired.

I'm bothered by Redpath. For a guy who is reputedly so strong, his inability to create a contest is hurting us. I'm comfortable with Tom Boyd being left out if his form didn't warrant it, but I can't help but think "what if" when the high floater comes in. He's very good at bringing it to ground.

I'd stick Morris on Betts and try to lock him down.

I think we'll win this.

[bulldogtragic]

I hope that Wallis miss doesn't hurt.

Edit: and the Grant one.

Edit: and the Bont one. And second one.

[LostDoggy]

This is Adelaide at their best. If we somehow manage to win this then we are truly capable of anything.

[Rocket Science]

Newsflash: In finals, every set shot miss is a proverbial nail.

[Stefcep]

well Jomg, Grant, and Bont.. miss these and can be cost big.

[bulldogtragic]

Blood pressure in hypertension stage.

[Rocket Science]

Kill me now.

[bulldogtragic]

This is killing me. Killing me. Cmon boys.

[GVGjr]

The volume has just been turned up.

[bulldogtragic]

Kill the last 30 seconds. FFS. Kill it.

[bulldogtragic]

Daniel please come in.

[whythelongface]

Daniel for Honeychurch.

[bornadog]

Must sub Honey

[EasternWest]

Morris goes to Betts and completely shuts him out. Until then. Damn.

I still think we'll win, but damn do we need to nail set shots. Then Walker goes and nails one from sixty. Damn.

Go Dogs. I believe.

[F'scary]

Defence was better that quarter (up to the last Betts goal, anyway) but we are having a lot of trouble making our tackles stick.

[GVGjr]

We will need a bit of luck because we have lacked the skills to convert more of our chances.

First 10 minutes will tell the story if we can change gears when necessary.

[Rocket Science]

Stringer. Crameri. Dickson.

Get them the bloody pill!

[LostDoggy]

This has got Jake written all over it.

Come on Bullies, this ride is not finishing tonight!!!

[bulldogtragic]

Cmon dogs, kick straight, semi final awaits. Or not. But I believe boys. Cmon.

[bulldogtragic]

Jarrad !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bulldogtragic]

#believe

[GVGjr]

Nail biter

[bulldogtragic]

The tale of lots of easy missed shots.

[GVGjr]

Damn, great effort but short on skill execution

[bulldogtragic]

Devastated. How did we lose this one? ?? . .?

[Stefcep]

Cliche: bad kicking is bad football.

[F'scary]

Congratulations to the Crows. Better team on the night won. We will be back next year bigger and better.

[Ghost Dog]

Depressing. But, beaten by a better team on the night. Badly let down by set shots.
Bont will be pretty disappointed. Very proud of Tory Dickson. Played as well as he possibly could have.

[whythelongface]

Congratulations to the Crows. Better team on the night won. We will be back next year bigger and better.

More composed team. We just panicked and had many chances to win the game.

[LostDoggy]

Adelaide will never be the better team, tonight has made me hate them all over again. Excuse me whilst I dig myself a hole to lie in until next year.

Ps it has been a year for the books for us, congrats boys

[whythelongface]

Definitely a learning curve for our young team. As the cliche goes we will be better for the experience

[whythelongface]

Stringer was definitely not 100% and we missed his explosiveness

[bulldogtragic]

My guess is we won most stats, except points at the siren.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Gutted by that loss. We did alot right, but kicked ourselves out of it and I also think Bevo has got to finesse his Men of Mayhem style because we get burned too much with easy goals on turnover.

[bulldogtragic]

I wonder if playing at Etihad would've changed anything to the result? No point I guess.

[Ghost Dog]

I'm really disappointed but proud. I just feel we lacked self belief in that game. We looked a bit tired. Maybe a bridge too far for a young team.

[BulldogBelle]

Etihad *!*!*!*!ing stadium.

[whythelongface]

Gutted by that loss. We did alot right, but kicked ourselves out of it and I also think Bevo has got to finesse his Men of Mayhem style because we get burned too much with easy goals on turnover.

I see where you are coming from but I think this is our game style and we will execute it better over the next few seasons. Fast forward this game 12 months and we would win this game by 4 or 5 goals.

[GVGjr]

I have to say this one really hurts, thought we had all the chances we needed but in the end we were beaten by a better disciplined and more experienced team.

Great season and a great day courtesy of the march from Fed square but the result bites hard.

[whythelongface]

I'm really disappointed. I just feel we lacked self belief in that game. We looked a bit tired. Maybe a bridge too far for a young team. Hamling and Roberts on the whole did a great job but we were easy to score against. I liked what I saw there from those boys at their stage. We were brave and tried to move it down the corridor at times.
Just not much room for error in finals footy.

Agree - bitterly disappointed. Self belief or experience or both. Hamling and Roberts were excellent. What killed us was our execution and turnovers. Anyway it is exciting times ahead.

[Ghost Dog]

I guess what I have seen from this special group all year sort of takes a little off the bitter pill. A lot actually. They have been entertaining and great to watch. What a year. Extremely brave and the whole group will be gutted.
The game was well called I thought by Richo and BT. Gosh I wanted us to win. Numb, gutted, gah. Well done lads. Other than the kicking, you played well.

[EasternWest]

What I wouldn't give for Taylor Walker in our team. I love that guy.

[FrediKanoute]

The tale of lots of easy missed shots.

Yep - bad kicking = bad football and when you have as much of the ball as we did and you continually kick points from set shots you are NOT going to win a final. 3rd quart 1 goal 5 behinds killed us. We kick 5:1 and its ours....

[whythelongface]

What I wouldn't give for Taylor Walker in our team. I love that guy.

Him and Betts are special. Certainly would be great to have a player of such quality as Tex.

[bulldogtragic]

Him and Betts are special. Certainly would be great to have a player of such quality as Tex.
Tom Boyd?

[LostDoggy]

Congratulations to the Crows. Better team on the night won. We will be back next year bigger and better.

Nope. Like someone said more composed but in no way the better team. Go through the stats for just a glimpse.

So many times we had multiple players lining up but at the crucial time we took the wrong option. That will come with experience. Even if were just a little bit more composed we would've cracked them open.

[Hotdog60]

I'm not angry, just disappointed.
I don't think the better team won, I think the more accurate team won.
We should have had this game sown up at 3 quarter time.
Great learning experience for the young guys.

[Murphy'sLore]

Disappointed, sad for the boys, but not devastated. This was a very special year and the ride had to end some time. Thanks to Bevo and our great club and team for giving me some joy in what was otherwise a pretty shitty year.

Roll on 2016!

[F'scary]

Nope. Like someone said more composed but in no way the better team. Go through the stats for just a glimpse.

So many times we had multiple players lining up but at the crucial time we took the wrong option. That will come with experience. Even if were just a little bit more composed we would've cracked them open.

Nope. We will be back next year bigger and better.

[Stefcep]

Marcus my god the kid is switched on.

[EasternWest]

Marcus my god the kid is switched on.

How was that kick to Dickson? Insane.

[MrMahatma]

Missed a big opportunity to move through to week 2. I'm gutted. Totally gutted. Missed goals and lack of composure at crucial times. We played so well for so much of that game.

I'm gutted.

[LostDoggy]

Does anyone else have the feeling we would have beat the Hawks given the chance, they looked old and slow last night,

What could have been :(

[Stefcep]

How was that kick to Dickson? Insane.

My sons jaw dropped.

[Stefcep]

One other thing I noticed: body size. The crows just looked chunkier through the legs and lower body, and I think that let them get through tackles at crucial moments.

[KT31]

Bit numb at the moment, got flogged in the local granny and out with the team and watched the Dogs miss a great opportunity.

[LostDoggy]

Well I'm pretty devastated. On the way there kept telling myself it's been a much better year than expected and that we're still a young team blah blah..getting that close really stings though... And the crows again.poo

[whythelongface]

Tom Boyd?

Different type of player.

[Twodogs]

I'm numb. That is alll.

[Mantis]

As I said after the '09 PF, footy sucks some times.

Can't knock the way we went about, but in big games you just have to take your chances, and we didn't.... Also got broken down far too easily on the counter, just gave up a ridiculous amount of soft goals.

Proud of the way we went about it, but as we all are, disappointed with the result.. It will burn for a while, as it should, but we are on the brink of something special, so bring on 2016.

[Remi Moses]

Well that added to the catalogue of bulldog heartbreak .
Should have , could have, would have. Lost

[Ghost Dog]

It's been a glass half full year. Maybe that's just me.

[kruder]

GEEE that hurt. Won every stat and lost on the scoreboard. Hunters handball that will haunt me for a long time. Hard to be critical though he was awesome, he has come a long way in a few months.

I'm sticking with a glass half full approach, so much improvement to come from this group and we found out about a few who weren't up to it.

One special mention to Jongy. Loved his game tonight, he needs to hit the track and get his fitness up to AFL standard and there are big things ahead for him.

[bulldogtragic]

I'm not ready for this ride of a season to end. I thought there was more good to come. But it's ended.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

A typical Bulldogs finals performance.

Play well, win key statistical areas, blow the game through an inability to convert chances. In simple terms: we choked again.

Thought we were past that stage with this group to be honest. Maybe this will be a blip on an otherwise improved finals record, but tonight felt like basically all of our other big finals. If we were outplayed and lost, fair enough. But no. We lost as we've lost what feels like a hundred times before in finals.

We desperately need a FB and CHB. Whilst our young core is quite good, I'm not convinced our trend will continue upward. We relied a lot on Murphy, Boyd and Morris this season - all three should probably finish next year.

Some astute trading and drafting is certainly needed.

[Sedat]

As I said after the '09 PF, footy sucks some times.

Can't knock the way we went about, but in big games you just have to take your chances, and we didn't.... Also got broken down far too easily on the counter, just gave up a ridiculous amount of soft goals.

Proud of the way we went about it, but as we all are, disappointed with the result.. It will burn for a while, as it should, but we are on the brink of something special, so bring on 2016.
I know you're right but at this moment all I'm thinking about is that our club exists to lose close finals. We simply do not close out tight games of major importance - never have done. Honestly, when we were 8 points up I was waiting for us to find a way to lose - sure enough we did.

The Crameri fumble in forward 50 on his own is the latest of our 'Grant/Hudson' moments. How we conspired to mess that opportunity up and not even get a shot at goal sums the Dogs up to a tee - we lacked composure when we needed it most, and unfortunately our team has done that for the 40 years that I've been supporting them. We lack the cold-blooded ruthlessness of other teams - Taylor Walker gave us a lesson in that clinical ruthlessness tonight.

We're no certainties next year - Bob, Dale and Boydy were magnificent down back for us and they'll need replacing sooner rather than later. So sick of our club not taking our chances in September.

[Remi Moses]

Completely different team than other finals .
The only correlation is the supporters go through the pain .

[Sedat]

A typical Bulldogs finals performance.

Play well, win key statistical areas, blow the game through an inability to convert chances. In simple terms: we choked again.

Thought we were past that stage with this group to be honest. Maybe this will be a blip on an otherwise improved finals record, but tonight felt like basically all of our other big finals. If we were outplayed and lost, fair enough. But no. We lost as we've lost what feels like a hundred times before in finals.

We desperately need a FB and CHB. Whilst our young core is quite good, I'm not convinced our trend will continue upward. We relied a lot on Murphy, Boyd and Morris this season - all three should probably finish next year.

Some astute trading and drafting is certainly needed.
Yep on all fronts. Such a sickening feeling and yet so predictable :(

[firstdogonthemoon]

very painful - but also ok - i'm in my underpants drinking whisky - could have been should have been but

i'm really looking forward to 2016

[Eastdog]

Disappointed with the result in the end and we had a lot of chances and in this game being so close that was the difference pretty much in the end.

In saying that we have had a great season and to even play a final where a lot didn't expect us too is a great achievement. Right now I just want to recovery from this game before even talking about next year.

[always right]

Strange feeling. Hell of a game in which we really stood up. Just needed to take our chances. For me it was different to other finals losses but agree it exposed our need for a key defender. Roberts really struggled and whilst Hamling was good, he is a third defender.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

I think Hawthorn would have given us a clinic next week. The occasion got to us tonight

[boydogs]

We gave a good account of ourselves, just a handful of turnover goals and missed set shots away

The future is still bright, but we weren't without a chance this year so it stings a bit

[Eastdog]

I think Hawthorn would have given us a clinic next week. The occasion got to us tonight

I certainly think we did overall rise to the occasion but I'm sure some of the younger ones were nervous before the start of the match. We simply just need to take our chances.

[angelopetraglia]

Just didn't have the composure when it counted. They took their chances (9 out of 10 set shots they kicked) while we missed ours, in particular in that third term when we missed sodas and they kicked them from the boundary and outside 50m. When it absolutely mattered they chose the right option and executed and we didn't. Gutted, but so proud of what the club has achieved this year.

[LostDoggy]

Numb at the moment but really proud as well.

Gee we did so much right and so many did everything we could've hoped. Lin Jong and Fletcher Roberts really exceeded my expectations.

9 times out of 10 we win that, when Tex is forced to take his shots outside 50 and he keeps nailing them, and their misskick helicopters sail through, it's hard to feel we failed.

I feel others' pain about our finals history and failure to grasp big moments. It's very harsh that this group gets lumped in with that legacy, they really did most things very well. On the other hand, we had our chances.

Next season all those kids will be that bit stronger and smarter and we'll have Libba, Koby, Boyd, MacLean and others to add. Its gonna be a long preseason, I miss watching these guys already.

Bevo acknowledged in the presser that list weaknesses need addressing.

Interesting weeks ahead.

[The bulldog tragician]

I've just read Rohan Connolly's review of the game. He says "sometimes , you just know you're witnessing something special. This game, one of the great finals of all time, let alone the modern era, was all that and more."

It hurts like hell to know we won all the key indicators. Again we had many more inside 50s. We lacked composure and made panicky bombed forward entries. And who would have dreamt The Bont would miss two sitters, though his game overall showed just what a champ we have in the making.

But I don't think we choked, I don't think it has anything to do with other finals failures. We came to play, unlike our insipid disappointing efforts in week 1 in 08 and 09. Tonight we left nothing in the tank, we just weren't clean enough when it mattered. With so many players with under 50 games, and bright prospects like Lukas Webb, Bailey Dale, Tom Boyd and Toby McLean ready to step up too (not to mention recruit Libber) we've never been better placed.

Oh how we missed JJ tonight! We just lacked that extra run and speed, and it meant they could lock down more on Murf.

I wish we'd won, I know we should have goddamn won, but I thank these guys for the amazing journey of 2015: bring on next year!!

[Sedat]

Just didn't have the composure when it counted.
We never do in big finals. Sad but true. It's never about a lack of effort or endeavour or a poor game plan - we just bottle it time and time again in tight finals. We've never had a Taylor Walker, a Darren Jarman, a Nick Riewoldt, a Leigh Matthews, someone who just ices the really big moments.

[AndrewP6]

Shattered. Coulda, shoulda....but didn't. What a ride though, 12 months ago I never would've thought I'd be ruing an elimination final loss right now. Plenty to excite.

But I'm shattered though. Whiskey, come at me.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

We never do in big finals. Sad but true. It's never about a lack of effort or endeavour or a poor game plan - we just bottle it time and time again in tight finals. We've never had a Taylor Walker, a Darren Jarman, a Nick Riewoldt, a Leigh Matthews, someone who just ices the really big moments.

Yep. It really stings that Bonti missed two sodas and kicked another out on the full.

I can understand supporters being proud of how far we've come and are excited for the future, but it's a long journey to even get back to this point. Quite frankly, I am sick and tired of these carbon copy losses whereby we win every stat with the exception of the scoreboard.

[bornadog]

Strange feeling. Hell of a game in which we really stood up. Just needed to take our chances. For me it was different to other finals losses but agree it exposed our need for a key defender. Roberts really struggled and whilst Hamling was good, he is a third defender.

This is the key, Roberts and Hamling really should not have played but we had no choice. Could Talia have played on Tex and kept him quiet? Who knows.

Everyone will be bigger and better next year with more experience under their belt.

I noticed Stringer clutched his hammy early in the first quarter? Does anyone know if he played the game out injured?

[josie]

I'm heartbroken and proud too. Those set shots we missed were the killer, won every other stat and the effort was A1. Would have loved to have had Eddie Betts on our side too.

Hope the Jongy doubters are swinging around - I thought he was pretty good tonight. That mark is burned into my memory - what a ripper & to convert too. Hamling looked pretty composed out there too.

Our draw will be harder in 2016 and as posters have said some or all of the 3 wise men will retire at end of 2016. So no guarantees of making the 8 next year.

It will be fascinating to see who is traded out, how we balance (I think) the need to bring in a few 25 yo or thereabout players and also have Dalrymple weave his magic again.

I never thought I'd say this after '97 & '98, however I hope the Crows do well in rest of finals. Amazing how well they have done considering all they've been through in last few months.

[Sedat]

Yep. It really stings that Bonti missed two sodas and kicked another out on the full.

I can understand supporters being proud of how far we've come and are excited for the future, but it's a long journey to even get back to this point. Quite frankly, I am sick and tired of these carbon copy losses whereby we win every stat with the exception of the scoreboard.
This is exactly how I'm feeling. Incredible pride, obviously looking forward to next year, but incredible frustration at once again being the better team and losing a final.

The Bont out of bounds was particularly galling as he had a player to dish off to on his left but blazed away - would have put us 2 and a half goals up and just about out of sight. Crameri blazed away a couple of times as well. No composure. I still love the players but it does my head in as a supporter to see the same lack of composure issues in close finals come up time and time again. We simply don't lose that game with just a couple of composed moments, even with all the missed set shots at goal.

We were and are good enough. We executed so much of the game plan well. We busted our arse. We smashed the opposition in most areas. We lost again.

[bulldogtragic]

This is the key, Roberts and Hamling really should not have played but we had no choice. Could Talia have played on Tex and kept him quiet? Who knows.

Everyone will be bigger and better next year with more experience under their belt.

I noticed Stringer clutched his hammy early in the first quarter? Does anyone know if he played the game out injured?

Yep. Richo was saying even if he wasn't injured, if you haven't done a hammy you don't know the difference between sensations of spasm, tear, cramp. So if he thought it might've gone his mind would've held him back from going a 100%. Not sure I explained this well, but he made a lot of sense.

[Lukewarm Beveridge]

So so numb. didn't move until security ushered me out.. couldn't stop replaying the break through the middle in my head and had that handball connected with Crameri how different things would've been.
absolute roller coaster of a year and it was fitting tonight was the same.. unfortunately the carriage headed downwards at the end of the ride.
bring on 2016 though!!!

[Sedat]

This is the key, Roberts and Hamling really should not have played but we had no choice. Could Talia have played on Tex and kept him quiet? Who knows.
Talia got smashed by Kyle Hardingham in the VFL earlier today - Tex would have destroyed him.

Roberts and Hamling were the least of our worries tonight - Hamling in particular was fantastic.

[bornadog]

This is exactly how I'm feeling. Incredible pride, obviously looking forward to next year, but incredible frustration at once again being the better team and losing a final.

The Bont out of bounds was particularly galling as he had a player to dish off to on his left but blazed away - would have put us 2 and a half goals up and just about out of sight. Crameri blazed away a couple of times as well. No composure. I still love the players but it does my head in as a supporter to see the same lack of composure issues in close finals come up time and time again. We simply don't lose that game with just a couple of composed moments, even with all the missed set shots at goal.

We were and are good enough. We executed so much of the game plan well. We busted our arse. We smashed the opposition in most areas. We lost again.

Agree with most of what you are saying, but somehow, I feel this group is different to other groups we have had play finals. This group is also inexperienced (3rd youngest in AFL) and they have the hunger. They have tasted the big stage and they will want to get there again and next time they won't let it slip away.

[bornadog]

Talia got smashed by Kyle Hardingham in the VFL earlier today - Tex would have destroyed him.

Roberts and Hamling were the least of our worries tonight - Hamling in particular was fantastic.

Tex took 10 marks and destroyed us.

[1eyedog]

Talia got smashed by Kyle Hardingham in the VFL earlier today - Tex would have destroyed him.

Roberts and Hamling were the least of our worries tonight - Hamling in particular was fantastic.

I worry for Roberts, that missed mark, very fumbly in general play. He's a good lock down defender who gets to the right places to spoil but he offers little else in general play. Hopefully he can continue to improve.

[bulldogtragic]

We were and are good enough. We executed so much of the game plan well. We busted our arse. We smashed the opposition in most areas. We lost again.

This is the kicker. You play like Hawthorn last night and get done by 30-40 or get smashed, you walk away going we were not good enough, we got outplayed. But when you outplay the opposition in all bar one stat, and had many opportunities to win the game it wrenches the gut. It was our game to lose, and we lost it somehow from the jaws of victory.

[bulldogtragic]

I worry for Roberts, that missed mark, very fumbly in general play. He's a good lock down defender who gets to the right places to spoil but he offers little else in general play. Hopefully he can continue to improve.

I hope he can develop into Dales role, because he's limited. That dropped mark sent me right off, right off.

[Sedat]

Agree with most of what you are saying, but somehow, I feel this group is different to other groups we have had play finals. This group is also inexperienced (3rd youngets in AFL) and they have the hunger. They have tasted the big stage and they will want to get there again and next time they won't let it slip away.
I believed that earlier tonight but the this group with no weight of history on their shoulders did exactly the same thing as many teams before did, and lost in exactly the same way. It is a very tough gig being a Dogs supporter.

[bornadog]

This is the kicker. You play like Hawthorn last night and get done by 30-40 or get smashed, you walk away going we were not good enough, we got outplayed. But when you outplay the opposition in all bar one stat, and had many opportunities to win the game it wrenches the gut. It was our game to lose, and we lost it somehow from the jaws of victory.

Third quarter is where we lost it when we kicked 3.6. Bont and Grant should have nailed those 4 goals.

[The bulldog tragician]

I worry for Roberts, that missed mark, very fumbly in general play. He's a good lock down defender who gets to the right places to spoil but he offers little else in general play. Hopefully he can continue to improve.

It's a real shame Roberts missed that big chunk of the year. He needs continuity. Still played less than 20 games and I think has a lot to learn about body positioning.

[Sedat]

Tex took 10 marks and destroyed us.
Would have taken 20 on Talia.

[1eyedog]

I believed that earlier tonight but the this group with no weight of history on their shoulders did exactly the same thing as many teams before did, and lost in exactly the same way. It is a very tough gig being a Dogs supporter.

My heart agrees with you 100% my head keeps saying they're young. Very young.

[bulldogtragic]

Third quarter is where we lost it when we kicked 3.6. Bont and Grant should have nailed those 4 goals.

The momentum loser was Wallis miss at the start, he steadied and missed. A goal there and I reckon it's different. Giving up a red time goal to them instead of icing the last 30 seconds is a dead set coach killer too.

[ratsmac]

I am shattered and flat as a tack.

We done enough to win a game but lost. So many moments run through my mind of what we should of done, the missed kick, the ball bouncing the Crows way, the little fingernail that intercepts a handball so on and so on.

It must have been a good game to watch if you were a neutral. From a dogs supporter's point of view, frustrating.

[bornadog]

Would have taken 20 on Talia.

I am not saying Talia should have played, I am saying Roberts and Hamling weren't up to the task and we had little choice.

[1eyedog]

Third quarter is where we lost it when we kicked 3.6. Bont and Grant should have nailed those 4 goals.

This. Should not be missing from 35 metres in front. Grant was even closer. I just knew it would bite us us - shades of 09 against the Cats.

[Mantis]

Third quarter is where we lost it when we kicked 3.6. Bont and Grant should have nailed those 4 goals.

Our first qtr was just as bad, missed some very gettable goals and conceded some super soft goals.. We led the inside 50's at one stage 15 to 6, but we're behind as we had given up 5 goals... Not good enough.

[Remi Moses]

I believed that earlier tonight but the this group with no weight of history on their shoulders did exactly the same thing as many teams before did, and lost in exactly the same way. It is a very tough gig being a Dogs supporter.

If they did it again next year we'd be seriously worried .

[bulldogtragic]

This. Should not be missing from 35 metres in front. Grant was even closer. I just knew it would bite us us - shades of 09 against the Cats.

Whole of team performance. I think Bonts on the full was the worst of his 3 misses, Wallis miss was crucial and Crameri kicking 2.5 was out of the ordinary for him too. Was a real team effort to miss so many gettable chances.

[Mantis]

I am not saying Talia should have played, I am saying Roberts and Hamling weren't up to the task and we had little choice.

If you had told me prior to the game that Adelaide would have kicked 16 goals and Walker and Jenkins would have combined for 3 I would've laughed.

Roberts and Hamling did pretty well all things considered.

[bornadog]

If you had told me prior to the game that Adelaide would have kicked 16 goals and Walker and Jenkins would have combined for 3 I would've laughed.

Roberts and Hamling did pretty well all things considered.

Walkers 10 marks was telling in the end.

[1eyedog]

Whole of team performance. I think Bonts on the full was the worst of his 3 misses, Wallis miss was crucial and Crameri kicking 2.5 was out of the ordinary for him too. Was a real team effort to miss so many gettable chances.

Agreed Grant and Bont weren't alone. Stewy has to learn to lower the eyes every once in a while.

[G-Mo77]

After sitting through many gut wrenching finals losses you think I'd be used to this. Nope. I'm absolutely gutted right now, long drive back and I'll sit in bed for the next 2 - 3 hours wondering what could have been. :(

[merantau]

So close again and it IS painful. However, we have begun to assemble the team to win a flag. This was an important step. Big stage, 60,000 in and we got a valuable lesson in what you have to do to win a final - kick straight and choose the right option. Picken, Wallis and Dahl simply magnificent. 2016 - bring it on! I'm pumped! Go Dogs!!!

[Mantis]

Walkers 10 marks was telling in the end.

Walker is a gun who has played over 100 games.. Our 2 key defenders have played less than 20 each.

[G-Mo77]

Walker is a gun who has played over 100 games.. Our 2 key defenders have played less than 20 each.

I thought both improved as the game went on. Roberts did make some big errors late though. Hopefully all involved will be better for it.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

I believed that earlier tonight but the this group with no weight of history on their shoulders did exactly the same thing as many teams before did, and lost in exactly the same way. It is a very tough gig being a Dogs supporter.

That's how I feel about it too. I was pretty certain this team was very different to that of 97-98 and 08-10, so much so that I hadn't even thought about what happened in those games today. Walking to the G tonight, I was sure if we played well then we'd win.

To lose in exactly the same way has left me feeling as flat as I can remember. A sobering reminder that we are, after all, Dogs supporters.

There's more to it (ie. our team defense was atrocious in the first half especially) but I'm finding it difficult to be overly positive right now. We have some major issues with the list (ageing players in key positions, bare cupboard for key backs, unproven rucks and a gun mid short) and our depth isn't as good as we thought it was when we were toweling up mediocre sides like Essendon and Port. Our top 15-18 or so looks good, but there's still a lot to fix.

[SonofScray]

A horrible night.

One of my best mates had a fit just as the players ran out, had to administer first aid and frantically plead for MCG staff to assist while they looked on dumbfounded. The site of his face turning blue and shaking is going to keep me awake for days. I can't recall any details of the game to be perfectly frank, other than at 4.4 I felt we'd fluffed it.

This felt like a less controversial version of the 09 Prelim. We were good enough and are good to have got the result and I believe to have won the lot this year. Not "in the future" now. Today. I'm a mess at moment. So disappointed.

The March was a great scene. So glad the idea came to life.

[LostDoggy]

Walker played an inspired game tonight, but he was defended as well as could be hoped. He only took 3 marks inside 50 and ran long and hard for his possessions. Key defenders just can not stop that. He only took 2 contested marks all night, everything else was long, hard, sustained leading.

All of Walkers goals were kicked from 50 or further and Jenkins had 0 shots on goal. If Walker doesn't freakishly nail 3 from 50+, the tall defender stats look a lot better

Adelaide's leading marktaker inside 50 was Eddie Betts.

The way the game played out, I am firmly in the camp that thought Hamling and Roberts did a very sound job, as they did last week when Brisbane's key forwards did very little despite heavy supply.

Mind you, I'd still really love a genuine power kpd next year.

[Rocco Jones]

I find the Talia calls hilarious. As Sedat mentioned, Kyle Hardingham smashed him today.

[Sedat]

This. Should not be missing from 35 metres in front. Grant was even closer. I just knew it would bite us us - shades of 09 against the Cats.
For me, it's not even about the missed shots in the 1st and 3rd qtr - as annoying and ultimately damaging as they were. It is about lacking composure in critical moments late in finals - the Bont out of bounds and the Crameri fumble/missed handpass from Hunter. Nail these 2 moments, as the players involved should have, and we have a famous finals win. By contrast Walker nailed his key moments - one a set shot and one a beautiful spot-up to Charlie Cameron. We have never nailed the key moments in finals, not in my lifetime anyway. I cling to the hope that one day we'll be on the right side of a Billy Brainless after the siren moment, a Darren Jarman putting us away, a Riewoldt stepping up, a Leigh Matthews bobbing up in crucial moments, and not always on the receiving end of such heartbreaking moments. We've had our chances over the years (as we did tonight) - the Bont/Crameri moments tonight can just be added to the Gilbee miss in 09, the Mark West miss and Grant/Hudson fumbles in 97, the inability to ice 30 seconds off the clock against Geelong in 94, etc...

[Sedat]

If Walker doesn't freakishly nail 3 from 50+, the tall defender stats look a lot better
Were they freakish, or simply clinical?

[Ghost Dog]

For me, it's not even about the missed shots in the 1st and 3rd qtr - as annoying and ultimately damaging as they were. It is about lacking composure in critical moments late in finals - the Bont out of bounds and the Crameri fumble/missed handpass from Hunter. Nail these 2 moments, as the players involved should have, and we have a famous finals win. By contrast Walker nailed his key moments - one a set shot and one a beautiful spot-up to Charlie Cameron. We have never nailed the key moments in finals, not in my lifetime anyway. I cling to the hope that one day we'll be on the right side of a Billy Brainless after the siren moment, a Darren Jarman putting us away, a Riewoldt stepping up, a Leigh Matthews bobbing up in crucial moments, and not always on the receiving end of such heartbreaking moments. We've had our chances over the years (as we did tonight) - the Bont/Crameri moments tonight can just be added to the Gilbee miss in 09, the Mark West miss and Grant/Hudson fumbles in 97, the inability to ice 30 seconds off the clock against Geelong in 94, etc...

Lin Jong nailed his moment. We just didn't nail enough.

[Ghost Dog]

A horrible night.

One of my best mates had a fit just as the players ran out, had to administer first aid and frantically plead for MCG staff to assist while they looked on dumbfounded. The site of his face turning blue and shaking is going to keep me awake for days. I can't recall any details of the game to be perfectly frank, other than at 4.4 I felt we'd fluffed it.

This felt like a less controversial version of the 09 Prelim. We were good enough and are good to have got the result and I believe to have won the lot this year. Not "in the future" now. Today. I'm a mess at moment. So disappointed.

The March was a great scene. So glad the idea came to life.

Is your mate alright?

[LostDoggy]

Were they freakish, or simply clinical?

Certainly clinical and brilliant by Walker. But from a backman's point of view, if you restrict the oppositions gun key forward to shots from outside 50, you're probably feeling like you're playing the percentages fairly well. When he nails 3 from 3 from 50+ when it matters, it's freakishly good and IMO a tough reflection on the defender.

[Sedat]

Certainly clinical and brilliant by Walker. But from a backman's point of view, if you restrict the oppositions gun key forward to shots from outside 50, you're probably feeling like you're playing the percentages fairly well. When he nails 3 from 3 from 50+ when it matters, it's freakishly good and IMO a tough reflection on the defender.
Agree with that - I have no complaints at all about our key defenders tonight. Walker was simply too good.

Dickson and Redpath were clinical for us to be fair - shame that Redpath has so many limitations as a player (not the least his iron gloves) because he really is a beautiful set shot for goal.

[comrade]

That's how I feel about it too. I was pretty certain this team was very different to that of 97-98 and 08-10, so much so that I hadn't even thought about what happened in those games today. Walking to the G tonight, I was sure if we played well then we'd win.

To lose in exactly the same way has left me feeling as flat as I can remember. A sobering reminder that we are, after all, Dogs supporters.

There's more to it (ie. our team defense was atrocious in the first half especially) but I'm finding it difficult to be overly positive right now. We have some major issues with the list (ageing players in key positions, bare cupboard for key backs, unproven rucks and a gun mid short) and our depth isn't as good as we thought it was when we were toweling up mediocre sides like Essendon and Port. Our top 15-18 or so looks good, but there's still a lot to fix.

And had we nailed a few simple shots and got the win, you'd be feeling cockahoop right now at the state of our list.

Chin up, nothing is as good or bad as it seems.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

And had we nailed a few simple shots and got the win, you'd be feeling cockahoop right now at the state of our list.

Chin up, nothing is as good or bad as it seems.

To be fair I have raised all of those concerns a few times during this season.

Fully fit Libba and Koby probably complete our midfield, we need Dale (and future draftees) to provide that run on the outside. It's usually the easiest part of the ground to fix though. However, I am worried we may take a few steps backwards if Murph/Morris/Boyd decline. We are pretty bare for defenders of all sorts, with the exception of rebounders.

Anyway, we'll see how the off-season shapes up.

[SonofScray]

Is your mate alright?

Yes. Will be Ok and saw out the game after getting some attention.

[LostDoggy]

All due respect to our 2 All Australian candidates, but Morris may be the biggest hole of all. A truly versatile gun one on one defender is really hard to find. He has been so great for us.

Boyd was an inside mid for years and Murph has been a winger and half forward at various stages of his career. Given we have a deepish pool of players struggling to break into midfield rotations, I wonder if 1 or 2 of these may be groomed to ultimately replace our aging defenders?

[Remi Moses]

To say the list is in trouble is just hysteria of the highest order.
Yes there is some issues, but in trouble?
I think Murphy will be by far the hardest to replace, but Morris and Boyd are replaceable .
Someone takes the mantle and improves with added responsibility, added with a recruit or two .

[Remi Moses]

All due respect to our 2 All Australian candidates, but Morris may be the biggest hole of all. A truly versatile gun one on one defender is really hard to find. He has been so great for us.

Boyd was an inside mid for years and Murph has been a winger and half forward at various stages of his career. Given we have a deepish pool of players struggling to break into midfield rotations, I wonder if 1 or 2 of these may be groomed to ultimately replace our aging defenders?

It's impossible to make judgements on guys who have played little senior footy as well.
I thought we'd find it nigh on impossible to replace Grant, Darcy, And West a year later, but they were replaced

[comrade]

To be fair I have raised all of those concerns a few times during this season.

Fully fit Libba and Koby probably complete our midfield, we need Dale (and future draftees) to provide that run on the outside. It's usually the easiest part of the ground to fix though. However, I am worried we may take a few steps backwards if Murph/Morris/Boyd decline. We are pretty bare for defenders of all sorts, with the exception of rebounders.

Anyway, we'll see how the off-season shapes up.

Dale, Libba, McLean and Stevens will all vie for midfield spots next season and will instantly improve on the team that ran out tonight. Personally, I would love to add Bennell to the mix as his skill set would really complete us.

Murph is irreplaceable, I agree. But Biggs, JJ and Webb have all shown that they can at least provide options off the HBF. I have faith the Z Cordy will slot into Morris' role long term. Boyd's role I'm not overly concerned with.

Key defenders are a worry, but Hamling destroyed Jenkins tonight and Roberts did as well on a rampaging Walker as you could hope. Another big pre-season into both and there should be even more improvement.

The ruck is my biggest area of concern.

[FrediKanoute]

I'm heartbroken and proud too. Those set shots we missed were the killer, won every other stat and the effort was A1. Would have loved to have had Eddie Betts on our side too.

Hope the Jongy doubters are swinging around - I thought he was pretty good tonight. That mark is burned into my memory - what a ripper & to convert too. Hamling looked pretty composed out there too.


I thought he struggled early but came back really well after half time. He seemeed to get the pace of the game.

[whythelongface]

Our first qtr was just as bad, missed some very gettable goals and conceded some super soft goals.. We led the inside 50's at one stage 15 to 6, but we're behind as we had given up 5 goals... Not good enough.

This. With the start we had we should of been in front by at least a couple of goals. Instead we let them back in and they kicked 5/ 6 in a row to have a qtr time lead.

[The bulldog tragician]

For me, it's not even about the missed shots in the 1st and 3rd qtr - as annoying and ultimately damaging as they were. It is about lacking composure in critical moments late in finals - the Bont out of bounds and the Crameri fumble/missed handpass from Hunter. Nail these 2 moments, as the players involved should have, and we have a famous finals win. By contrast Walker nailed his key moments - one a set shot and one a beautiful spot-up to Charlie Cameron. We have never nailed the key moments in finals, not in my lifetime anyway. I cling to the hope that one day we'll be on the right side of a Billy Brainless after the siren moment, a Darren Jarman putting us away, a Riewoldt stepping up, a Leigh Matthews bobbing up in crucial moments, and not always on the receiving end of such heartbreaking moments. We've had our chances over the years (as we did tonight) - the Bont/Crameri moments tonight can just be added to the Gilbee miss in 09, the Mark West miss and Grant/Hudson fumbles in 97, the inability to ice 30 seconds off the clock against Geelong in 94, etc...

I know exactly where you're coming from, I think we all do. But that feeling, that we are cursed as Dogs fans, is deeply ingrained in us as OUR story, it doesn't have to be Bont's story or Jake's story. Maybe it's just that there's no real alternative but to invest hope in these guys and what they can do, but I prefer to think that last nights loss was a series of individual, fixable mistakes that will be eradicated and improved with experience, not the fates laughing at us yet again.

[GVGjr]

I know exactly where you're coming from, I think we all do. But that feeling, that we are cursed as Dogs fans, is deeply ingrained in us as OUR story, it doesn't have to be Bont's story or Jake's story. Maybe it's just that there's no real alternative but to invest hope in these guys and what they can do, but I prefer to think that last nights loss was a series of individual, fixable mistakes that will be eradicated and improved with experience, not the fates laughing at us yet again.

With the list that we have considering the age and experience profile our focus will be on 2017. I get that we have a history that challenges the spirit of many but I believe our set-up with personnel, both playing and from an administrative perspective, is the best it's ever been and we will get stronger..a lot stronger.

Last night was a hiccup and a bitter pill to swallow in an otherwise hugely positive season

[Torpedo]

Thought the lads played the game really well given the age, build and inexperience of so many. Glad they don't have to put up with being physically assaulted by Hawks next week. They will have learned 1) that any minor skill defect in their game is highlighted mercilessly in finals. Blokes with poor kicking styles turn the ball over or deliver poorly in the cauldron. 2) Finals teach you about composure, decision making and execution under intense pressure. With this final under their belts I'm sure this group will improve and come the next finals appearance they will deliver a more mature, measured performance.
What I saw last night was a beginning, a bloody good beginning. We are one year into the journey.

[LostDoggy]

I walked out disappointed of course that our season was done, but I steeled myself to NOT do the Bulldog thing of decrying our history and sulking about what could have been for the next 10 years. We performed magnificently, when you take away the skill errors of a team so young. This was a completely different team profile than 2009, than 1997/8. We will learn and be back next year with a vengeance.

[chef]

Last night was a great learning experience for the Pups, yes we blew it but we also showed we can perform at the highest level.

Another preseason, a few stars back and hopefully a ruck traded in and we'll be on our way again.


The future has never been brighter. Chin up Doggies fans.

[G-Mo77]

Tossed and turned all night, still gutted. I know we're young and the future is bright but can't help thinking what if? We blew a really good opportunity to advance further into the finals and get some more much needed experience. Next year isn't just going to come either. We'll be hunted now and will have to play some tougher teams more than once. A lot of teams will improve and we need to get better or next year we could be on the outside looking in. It's going to be tough.

[Sedat]

I walked out disappointed of course that our season was done, but I steeled myself to NOT do the Bulldog thing of decrying our history and sulking about what could have been for the next 10 years. We performed magnificently, when you take away the skill errors of a team so young. This was a completely different team profile than 2009, than 1997/8. We will learn and be back next year with a vengeance.
You're a better man than I am BAS :D

The trouble with us is that there are absolutely no guarantees that we will be back next year. There is much hard work to be done and improvement to be made just to even get to the same position again, let alone jump to the top 4. Our list definitely has this level of improvement in them, but they will be in for a rude shock if they think it will just happen automatically.

[SonofScray]

You're a better man than I am BAS :D

The trouble with us is that there are absolutely no guarantees that we will be back next year. There is much hard work to be done and improvement to be made just to even get to the same position again, let alone jump to the top 4. Our list definitely has this level of improvement in them, but they will be in for a rude shock if they think it will just happen automatically.

Likewise Sedat. We've been on the Premiership Cycle Hamster Wheel for two full revolutions and have just kicked off another. It hurts because it doesn't guarantee you anything, I can't hold on to "we'll be great next year and in 3 years " etc. these guys need to understand that they are good enough NOW! They were good enough yesterday. It's all there at their feet and all that is/was required was to execute. And they didn't. Like their peers in recent history, they didn't take their opportunity and watched as someone else did.

It doesn't take away from he joys I experienced this season courtesy of the coaches and players - full credit to them, but I am tired of that outcome. I want our day in the sun. I want to kick the carcass of a vanquished opponent.

[bulldogtragic]

Tossed and turned all night, still gutted. I know we're young and the future is bright but can't help thinking what if? We blew a really good opportunity to advance further into the finals and get some more much needed experience. Next year isn't just going to come either. We'll be hunted now and will have to play some tougher teams more than once. A lot of teams will improve and we need to get better or next year we could be on the outside looking in. It's going to be tough.
Same here, I'm on very little sleep. I just couldn't switch off. I haven't been as animated, stressed and red lining watching us in a very long time. I've got to make sure I don't accidentally see any footy shows on TV this morning.

[G-Mo77]

Same here, I'm on very little sleep. I just couldn't switch off. I haven't been as animated, stressed and red lining watching us in a very long time. I've got to make sure I don't accidentally see any footy shows on TV this morning.

I'm watching Peppa Pig with my son. He said Goo Dawgs this morning when he saw me this morning.

[jazzadogs]

Same here, I'm on very little sleep. I just couldn't switch off. I haven't been as animated, stressed and red lining watching us in a very long time. I've got to make sure I don't accidentally see any footy shows on TV this morning.

The time difference has allowed me to drown my sorrows for the last ten hours with absolutely no guilt.

That one is going to stick with me for a while. But as others have said, there is a heck of a lot of improvement in that team. Our best players were Dahl, Bont, Hunter...we lacked composure, we were inaccurate, but we had a team full of guys playing their first final who scored over 100 points and almost beat a red hot Adelaide side. It's coming.

[GVGjr]

The loss still bites but I'm a gluten for punishment so I'm off to watch some junior football. I'll keep my cap low and sunnies on...it hides my tears.
Damn this hayfever :)

[bornadog]

I thought the players who stood up were:

* Dickson - Have we ever seen anyone so good at set shots

* Hunter - 20 years old - Boy has he played well since coming back into the team. yes he made some mistakes, but pressure under finals is different

* Dahl - Great first half but subdued a bit in the second half. Has had a terrific year

* The Bont - 19 years old - Started off in spectacular style, then Adelaide put the breaks on him. Did some great things.

* Wallis - Another one that has had a great year, and was in and under with 26 disposals 11 contested.

* Lin Jong - Had a poor first half but then really got into the game

* Wood - If he isn't AA this year, I will eat my hat. How many times did he save us with his intercepts.

I thought Biggs was pretty good, Macrae could have done alot better, Will was very good against the comps top 3 ruckman, Bob played his heart out and was very steady in the backline, I thought Boyd looked a bit rusty and I wonder why he had last week off.

Grant was again a good link man, and the inexperience of our tall backs showed up. I can see a lot of upside in both Hamling and Roberts, remembering they have only played 11 and 19 games.

Stringer I believe was hampered by a hammy tweak in the first 5 minutes of the game.

In the end an experienced team beat an inexperienced team and I can't wait for next year.

[LostDoggy]

Agree with most of what you are saying, but somehow, I feel this group is different to other groups we have had play finals. This group is also inexperienced (3rd youngest in AFL) and they have the hunger. They have tasted the big stage and they will want to get there again and next time they won't let it slip away.

This.......I refuse to compare this group to previous (and I go back a long way).....they are young and inexperienced and have far exceeded my expectations for 2015. I have to believe this will make them hungrier next year, bring it on!!

[dog town]

We just made critical errors all night by not playing the percentages. Even simple things like punching the ball back in from the zone. I think we let the ball get over the back 2 or 3 times for scores. Wood was definitely one of them.

We lead by 8 points with 10 minutes left and have all the momentum. Murphy picks it up on the wing and has an easy kick handball down the line. Worst case scenario is we get a lock in on the narrow side instead of opening up the ground. To be honest we almost certainly score from it if we take that option. I don't think we lose from there. Murph turns inside and hits an impossible pass to Fletcher (brilliant kick) but he drops it. The ball should never have gone there. We just need to temper that run and gun stuff sometimes. Thought Murphy was amazing by the way.

Obviously the Hunter missed handball hurts but we had lots of those moments. Very similar to the Freo game earlier in the year.

[LostDoggy]

Dangerfield was just massive in the last quarter. As was Tex. We just don't have those superstars that will step up in big moments yet.

That Hunter handball was just awful! But he worked so hard all night.

Thought Boyd had a really really disappointing game. Him and Picken went back into the slam the ball on the boot without looking phase.

We will be back

[Stefcep]

With the list that we have considering the age and experience profile our focus will be on 2017. I get that we have a history that challenges the spirit of many but I believe our set-up with personnel, both playing and from an administrative perspective, is the best it's ever been and we will get stronger..a lot stronger.

Last night was a hiccup and a bitter pill to swallow in an otherwise hugely positive season

I think next year is actually the critical year for us. We will have a harder draw which is really going to test the mettle of these young players. Having said that this season their development has been two-seasons worth

Bevo said there will be a list management review, and for mine top of the list is tall key defender. Second I see a greater focus on Tom Boy as being a starting player, and an expectation that he be the key tall forward in the second half of next season.

As others have said, games are won and lost on key moments. We can talk about decision making, skill errors, the defense being cut to pieces too easily. None of this matters if Grant, Jong, Bont, Crameri kick their goals.

And Stringer definately played with doubt about his hammy. In fact the play where he got injury was so critical and had he kicked the goal would have mentally crushed the crows being five goals down under 5 minutes of play.

[lemmon]

Trying to avoid all football this morning but I think despite the loss it's hard to pick out guys who were poor on the night. We missed some big moments but the silver lining is obvious... Even if hard to see at the moment

[Sedat]

Yes we played really well, our collective intent and execution of the game plan was excellent, and we weren't rabbits in the headlight on the big stage, but let's not eulogise our opponent. We played 7th in a home final - Adelaide are not a champion team by a long stretch. If we have aspirations of getting into the top 4 and making an impact in future seasons, we are going to come against far better equipped teams than Adelaide last night. And likely in far more hostile environments on the road.

[dog town]

Would love to hear Bevo on what went wrong with our team defence in the last month or so. Big scores against from West Coast, Brisbane and Adelaide. Can't all be personnel. Obviously they found a chink in it that we need to get better at.

[chef]

This is an Adelaide that made the prelim (and should have won) 2 seasons ago and if not the tragic events of this season probably could have easily finished top 4.

[Lukewarm Beveridge]

Slept the pain off and struggling through work this morning, but not nearly as miserable as 10pm last night. The future is very very bright, and I think the pain will drive the group more..
I reckon port got more complacent by being a goal off the granny and thinking it would just happen, whereas we are out in the first round. There's plenty to do, and the boys will know it and come back fit and firing in 2016..
now bring on the silly season!

[Bulldog4life]

We are a very young squad.We have had only one year of Bevo's game plan. We will continue to get better at it as our players mature and become stronger. I am very bullish at our prospects for the future.

[Sedat]

This is an Adelaide that made the prelim (and should have won) 2 seasons ago and if not the tragic events of this season probably could have easily finished top 4.
Let's talk 2015. They were 7th and not even close to top 4. They were 7-5 (and about where they finished the season) when Phil Walsh passed away. They weren't elite opposition - any team with Kyle Cheney and Hartigan in it is not an elite side. They had a few kids playing as well.

We were a better team than the Crows in 2015, irrespective of age.

[chef]

Let's talk 2015. They were 7th and not even close to top 4. They were 7-5 (and about where they finished the season) when Phil Walsh passed away. They weren't elite opposition - any team with Kyle Cheney and Hartigan in it is not an elite side. They had a few kids playing as well.

We were a better team than the Crows in 2015, irrespective of age.

Fair enough, i dont see it that way. Adelaide are a good side, they destroyed WCE a couple of weeks back.

we came up short against a good side and should be proud of our effort this season. We are on the right track and the futures bright.

[Twodogs]

I can see a bit of light this morning. But next year is a long way away ans next weeks semi final that Adelaide and not us will be playing in is only six days away. It's gonna burn.

[bornadog]

I can see a bit of light this morning. But next year is a long way away ans next weeks semi final that Adelaide and not us will be playing in is only six days away. It's gonna burn.

The Hawks will make mince meat out of them.

[LostDoggy]

Would love to hear Bevo on what went wrong with our team defence in the last month or so. Big scores against from West Coast, Brisbane and Adelaide. Can't all be personnel. Obviously they found a chink in it that we need to get better at.

None of those games were at Etihad.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

We've been saying "next year" for as long as I've been alive.

Part of me agrees - or at least wants to - but when I watch us lose a big game in the same manner other generations have, and watch Richmond choke again, it can feel as though some sides are destined to fall short when it counts.

Footy can be a strange game and there are many examples where a vicious cycle is so damn difficult to break. History is against us and I hate that last night's game can make me say and believe that.

Until we break this hoodoo, I can't be confident that we can do it.

[chef]

This seasons finals campaign was a learing experience.

No one honestly thought we were winning the flag did they?

[bornadog]

No such thing as history is against us, or hoodoos. The only thing a team can blame is the team itself, right now, today, not some stupid superstition. It boils down to are you good enough or not to win.

[GVGjr]

We've been saying "next year" for as long as I've been alive.
.

Very few said that last year.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

No such thing as history is against us, or hoodoos. The only thing a team can blame is the team itself, right now, today, not some stupid superstition. It boils down to are you good enough or not to win.

No such thing as history is against us includes the fact that we haven't been good enough for 60 years or whatever it is, so you best believe it's real, and until we prove we're good enough I'll refrain from saying it for the sake of it.


Very few said that last year.

It's a figure of speech. Every year we've lost a big game/final we've said "we'll learn from it and be better next year". It's not like we can say anything else, but I'd like it to come to fruition for once.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Considering where we had come from it was a remarkable year to move from bottom 4 on the ladder to the final 8. The appointments of Beveridge and Murphy were significant as we quickly developed an exciting game plan that gained the Club great respect. Losing our B&F winner Tom Liberatore and then injuries to Stevens and Jong who had started the season very well put enormous pressure on Wallis Picken Bontempelli and Dahlhaus but they all handled the added pressure magnificently. Stringer and Dickson with 50 goals each were outstanding forwards and Crameri after a stint in the VFL returned to be a dangerous forward. An attacking defence became the springboard of many attacks with Easton Wood outstanding together with Murphy Matthew Boyd and Biggs being the stand outs. Lachie Hunter's second half of the season was outstanding regularly gaining 30 plus possessions. Macrae again demonstrated his undoubted class with another fine season. Caleb Daniel became a cult figure in his debut season thrilling fans with his individual skills and passion. We have built a strong foundation for the future with perhaps the most urgent need being a quality ruck man and key forward.

[Sedat]

I, too, am proud of the players, I also think we are on the right track and that the future is bright - but I am also dismayed that we, once again, conspired to lose a tight final when we were clearly the better team. It is not some stupid superstition, it is simply an undeniable fact. As a club, we own the patent to the "heartbreaking/gallant finals loss", and it is up to us to rid ourselves of this unwanted tag. We had the chance to do so last night, and only succeeded in reinforcing this historical truism. Doesn't mean we won't be able to shake this tag next year or in the future, but we had the chance and didn't last night. It is gut-wrenching, galling, dismaying, and every time it happens it hurts like hell.

[Mantis]

It's a figure of speech. Every year we've lost a big game/final we've said "we'll learn from it and be better next year". It's not like we can say anything else, but I'd like it to come to fruition for once.

As would we all... We have no other choice than to wheel out the 'next year' line or we would all be in straight jackets such is the torture we have all been through.

At least we go into this pre-season knowing that we aren't far away.. We couldn't say that this time last year.


I, too, am proud of the players, I also think we are on the right track and that the future is bright - but I am also dismayed that we, once again, conspired to lose a tight final when we were clearly the better team. It is not some stupid superstition, it is simply an undeniable fact. As a club, we own the patent to the "heartbreaking/gallant finals loss", and it is up to us to rid ourselves of this unwanted tag. We had the chance to do so last night, and only succeeded in reinforcing this historical truism. Doesn't mean we won't be able to shake this tag next year or in the future, but we had the chance and didn't last night. It is gut-wrenching, galling, dismaying, and every time it happens it hurts like hell.

The hurt is real with this one.

It would be nice to have won one 'big moment' in a final.. I can't remember it happening in my lifetime.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

As would we all... We have no other choice than to wheel out the 'next year' line or we would all be in straight jackets such is the torture we have all been through.

At least we go into this pre-season knowing that we aren't far away.. We couldn't say that this time last year.

The good thing is that time is on our side and I am a big fan of Beveridge and his philosophies. If anyone can change our story, it's him and our current batch of young stars.

It will be interesting to see how we attack this off-season from a list management perspective. The reality is every side in the competition has some kind of "hole" or weakness - so what will we deem absolutely necessary to plug, time can only tell.

[Stefcep]

I, too, am proud of the players, I also think we are on the right track and that the future is bright - but I am also dismayed that we, once again, conspired to lose a tight final when we were clearly the better team. It is not some stupid superstition, it is simply an undeniable fact. As a club, we own the patent to the "heartbreaking/gallant finals loss", and it is up to us to rid ourselves of this unwanted tag. We had the chance to do so last night, and only succeeded in reinforcing this historical truism. Doesn't mean we won't be able to shake this tag next year or in the future, but we had the chance and didn't last night. It is gut-wrenching, galling, dismaying, and every time it happens it hurts like hell.

The reality is we don't have a complete team, and we never have.

We all know we lacked a KPF 5 or 6 years ago.

Last night we lacked a key defender, a ruck and a KPF.

Its simply never having all the pieces of the puzzle.

[Ghost Dog]

How does everyone view the performance of our leadership group on the day?
Matty Boyd, Bob Murphy, Dale Morris, Will Minson, Liam Picken and those players over 150 games of experience.

I saw Jake Stringer launch himself into the midfield in the dying minutes of the game, knowing we were lost anyway, and the sight of it moved me. They muck around with that package business, but I am overawed by his heart.
I thought, mate you are a true champ. I know he didn't have the best day but it's that sort of act that you love to see.

[Ozza]

I'd like to note that our two key defenders have played 30 games between them. The scope for improvement in key defence is therefore huge.

Thought Hamling was superb, and didn't show any noticeable nerves or being overawed. Roberts fought manfully on Tex for most of the game, and was ultimately beaten by one of the stars of the game. Tex is certainly even harder to stop - when his goal kicking range is about 0-65m out from goal!!

[Ozza]

How does everyone view the performance of our leadership group on the day?
Matty Boyd, Bob Murphy, Dale Morris, Will Minson, Liam Picken and those players over 150 games of experience.

I saw Jake Stringer launch himself into the midfield in the dying minutes of the game, knowing we were lost anyway, and the sight of it moved me. They muck around with that package business, but I am overawed by his heart.
I thought, mate you are a true champ. I know he didn't have the best day but it's that sort of act that you love to see.

I thought Morris was well down on his normal output.
Boyd wasn't bad - but didn't hit the heights that he has during the season.
Minson was solid
Picken and Murphy were both very good - and in particular I think they both stood up in the second half.

[Happy Days]

It's 2 days later and I still have no idea how we lost that game.

Clearances by 20, a 4 goal jump, clear possessional advantage, more scoring shots, extended periods of dominance. How did we lose?

Like I know how, but HOW? I thought not thinking about it for a day or so and letting it sink in would bring some clarity, but nope. Walker was great and we didn't have it in our arsenal to stop him, but we had them covered pretty much everywhere else.

Hunter and Bont's handballs (or non-handball for Marcus) will make me feel sick for ages.

[Ozza]

Adelaide were extremely efficient. It felt like that barely made a mistake once we turned it over.

They also implemented some clever defensive things which made it harder for us to move the ball.

One example is how they stopped us from switching. Plenty of times if Murphy or Biggs had the ball in the back pocket, Betts would stand 7-8 metres from them so that they had to kick over him to switch (obviously you don't want to kick a switch kick at a higher/slower trajectory because it may get picked off, or otherwise gives the opposition more time to fold across to the other side of the ground). They also rarely gave up the middle of the ground to us, and forced us wide.

They also got solid performances out of their bottom few. Cheney played very well for a plodder. Hartigan is a young player, who probably played one of his best career games.

And obviously - going 10.0 for a stretch of the game for set shots, was huge. Walker, Lynch, Knight and Betts all kicked set shots that were 50/50 at best opportunities.

[bornadog]

It's 2 days later and I still have no idea how we lost that game.

Clearances by 20, a 4 goal jump, clear possessional advantage, more scoring shots, extended periods of dominance. How did we lose?

Like I know how, but HOW? I thought not thinking about it for a day or so and letting it sink in would bring some clarity, but nope. Walker was great and we didn't have it in our arsenal to stop him, but we had them covered pretty much everywhere else.

Hunter and Bont's handballs (or non-handball for Marcus) will make me feel sick for ages.

I look at all our players on the field and they pretty much all contributed, except probably Honeychurch and I to am still wondering how we lost.

In the end it was not taking our chances with missed goals. I also think we bombed the ball long and deep into our forward line too often instead of hitting a target around the 50 metre mark.

[Murphy'sLore]

I haven't been able to bring myself to watch the replay yet. I'm not sure if I should… Will it help ease the pain to be reminded all the things we did right, or will it make it worse to relive where we went wrong?

[bornadog]

I haven't been able to bring myself to watch the replay yet. I'm not sure if I should… Will it help ease the pain to be reminded all the things we did right, or will it make it worse to relive where we went wrong?

I have watched bits and pieces and found myself getting angry.

[Rocket Science]

It's 2 days later and I still have no idea how we lost that game.

Clearances by 20, a 4 goal jump, clear possessional advantage, more scoring shots, extended periods of dominance. How did we lose?

Like I know how, but HOW? I thought not thinking about it for a day or so and letting it sink in would bring some clarity, but nope. Walker was great and we didn't have it in our arsenal to stop him, but we had them covered pretty much everywhere else.

Hunter and Bont's handballs (or non-handball for Marcus) will make me feel sick for ages.

They were hyper-efficient with their forward entries.

If we'd been less wasteful with ours, and our possession during a few key phases, we'd be debating our ins versus the Hawks.

[LostDoggy]

Let's talk 2015. They were 7th and not even close to top 4. They were 7-5 (and about where they finished the season) when Phil Walsh passed away. They weren't elite opposition - any team with Kyle Cheney and Hartigan in it is not an elite side. They had a few kids playing as well.

We were a better team than the Crows in 2015, irrespective of age.


The Hawks will make mince meat out of them.

I disagree. The Hawks had better turn up. Sure they'll start favourites, but if ever a game looks like a danger game, it's the Crows to a Hawks fan this week. Maybe I'm just moved by the heart and grit they showed but I believe a West Coast vs. Adelaide GF is a real possibility, and will hang my hat on it.

[Grantysghost]

Just made myself watch the highlights so I could move on, interestingly nobody has raised the Walker push on Roberts out on the wing which led to the ultimate goal as a contentious decision. The law states (15.4.5 e) you must be within 5 metres for it not to be deemed a free. I would certainly have let it go, and I'm a strong believer these things even out, however i think it should illicit some discussion it was a huge moment. It's a game of inches, I would strongly suspect it was not within 5 metres and possibily in the back.
Kudos to those who shall not be named, they nailed their chances. When Riley Knight is slotting goals from the boundary it's going to be a tough night and Tex was immense. (Who's on Eddie?)
Our guys were brilliant, just a few skill errors at crucial times and not being able to become a bit more defensive towards the end may have cost us but certainly they did enough to win and it should provide a great springboard for next season. Being in the middle band of the fixture will not hurt either. Bring on 2016.

[Mantis]

Like I know how, but HOW? I thought not thinking about it for a day or so and letting it sink in would bring some clarity, but nope. Walker was great and we didn't have it in our arsenal to stop him, but we had them covered pretty much everywhere else.



I'm not so sure about that.. Walker made 2 big plays:

1/ Bombed a goal from 60m in the 2rd qtr.. You almost conceed that kick to a key forward .ie. allow them to take a mark at 55m.. The fact we had fluffed a number of chances prior to this goal made it sting a little more.

2/ Won a crucial 1 on 1 on the members wing late in the last qtr and delivered the ball to Cameron who iced the game.. Roberts was focused on the ball and the heavy contact knocked him on his arse.

Over the course of the game I though we did a pretty good job on Walker, but he just made his moments count.

[LostDoggy]

I look at all our players on the field and they pretty much all contributed, except probably Honeychurch and I to am still wondering how we lost.

In the end it was not taking our chances with missed goals. I also think we bombed the ball long and deep into our forward line too often instead of hitting a target around the 50 metre mark.

That's so true. It struck me on the night at the end of the match as the players ratings/scores scrolled, that (other than HC/Daniel) the bottom 7 or 8 rated players were all Crows. Other than goalkicking we were significantly the better team. It's a hard loss to cop - just hope lessons have been learnt.

[bornadog]

MRP

Bob fined $1000 for rough conduct on Charlie Cameron.

Murphy's off-the-ball hit was slightly high, being assessed as careless conduct with low impact to the head.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

MRP

Bob fined $1000 for rough conduct on Charlie Cameron.

Murphy's off-the-ball hit was slightly high, being assessed as careless conduct with low impact to the head.

When in the bloody hell did this happen?

[Murphy'sLore]

I must have blinked for that bit.

[Ghost Dog]

So how long is appropriate to start running down the clock.

[Greystache]

I echo the thoughts of TBB and Sedat, Saturday night was shattering. Not because we lost, we're a young team who'd come a long way in one season, but more so because we saw another generation of players coming through who failed to take the moment when it arose on the big stage. We were easily the better team on the day but found a way to lose. I'd convinced myself that unlike the 99 draft group, or the 300 group before that that, the likes of Bonti and Stringer would lift for the big moment and drag us over the line. Sadly Bonti missed 3 very gettable chances when we had a chance to ice the game, Stringer was largely unsighted, and several others missed their moment.

That's not to say they won't deliver next time, but I had no faith Boyd or Murphy would deliver at the big moment based on previous form and I wasn't disappointed this time, and it's hard to have faith we won't keep seeing the same thing time and time again.

[bornadog]

I had no faith Boyd or Murphy would deliver at the big moment based on previous form and I wasn't disappointed this time

So your saying they played a bad game.

[Sedat]

I echo the thoughts of TBB and Sedat, Saturday night was shattering. Not because we lost, we're a young team who'd come a long way in one season, but more so because we saw another generation of players coming through who failed to take the moment when it arose on the big stage. We were easily the better team on the day but found a way to lose. I'd convinced myself that unlike the 99 draft group, or the 300 group before that that, the likes of Bonti and Stringer would lift for the big moment and drag us over the line. Sadly Bonti missed 3 very gettable chances when we had a chance to ice the game, Stringer was largely unsighted, and several others missed their moment.

That's not to say they won't deliver next time, but I had no faith Boyd or Murphy would deliver at the big moment based on previous form and I wasn't disappointed this time, and it's hard to have faith we won't keep seeing the same thing time and time again.
Agree with everything you've written, except for Bob's game on the weekend. Indeed he was the catalyst for that final surge through Adelaide's press that should have resulted in what would have in all likelihood been the winning goal for us. He was brave, uninhibited and classy with his disposal - thought he was the one senior player who showed real leadership for us on Saturday night. Sadly, Boyd returned to type at the most inopportune moment for us.

Bont's 3 misses (and especially the lack of a give-off when he kicked out of bounds in the last qtr), Stringer's lack of a give-off to Wally, Crameri's long bombs to Adelaide's defenders, the Hunter missed handball and Crameri inability to move the ball on to a free Grant, these are the moments that cost us big time. Even taking into account the missed set shots and the terrible lack of defensive running from halfway through the 1st qtr to half time, it ended up being a game of moments, and how many times do we ultimately fail to grasp our moments while the opposition ruthlessly take theirs?

It's by no means terminal for us moving forward - plenty of teams in recent history suffer heartbreaking losses in finals through lack of composure and are steeled by the experience. I am confident that the next generation are steeled by this experience rather than it becoming a millstone around their necks.

[bornadog]

Agree with everything you've written, except for Bob's game on the weekend. Indeed he was the catalyst for that final surge through Adelaide's press that should have resulted in what would have in all likelihood been the winning goal for us. He was brave, uninhibited and classy with his disposal - thought he was the one senior player who showed real leadership for us on Saturday night. Sadly, Boyd returned to type at the most inopportune moment for us.

Bont's 3 misses (and especially the lack of a give-off when he kicked out of bounds in the last qtr), Stringer's lack of a give-off to Wally, Crameri's long bombs to Adelaide's defenders, the Hunter missed handball and Crameri inability to move the ball on to a free Grant, these are the moments that cost us big time. Even taking into account the missed set shots and the terrible lack of defensive running from halfway through the 1st qtr to half time, it ended up being a game of moments, and how many times do we ultimately fail to grasp our moments while the opposition ruthlessly take theirs?

It's by no means terminal for us moving forward - plenty of teams in recent history suffer heartbreaking losses in finals through lack of composure and are steeled by the experience. I am confident that the next generation are steeled by this experience rather than it becoming a millstone around their necks.

Good assessment. I think on Boyd, he should have played in Brisbane to keep the momentum of his good form.

[Greystache]

So your saying they played a bad game.

No I thought he was pretty good, but when the time came for someone to step up and do something extraordinary to win their team the match I didn't think it would be either Murphy or Boyd. It turned out to be Walker.

[bornadog]

No I thought he was pretty good, but when the time came for someone to step up and do something extraordinary to win their team the match I didn't think it would be either Murphy or Boyd. It turned out to be Walker.

Murphy did everything in his power to get the ball to Hunter who unfortunately stuffed up the handball. Could have been a different story, wasn't Murphy's fault.

[Mantis]

No I thought he was pretty good, but when the time came for someone to step up and do something extraordinary to win their team the match I didn't think it would be either Murphy or Boyd. It turned out to be Walker.

If we are expecting or relying on Murphy or Boyd to do something extraordinary to win us games then we might as well give it away now.

[Greystache]

If we are expecting or relying on Murphy or Boyd to do something extraordinary to win us games then we might as well give it away now.

Given nearly every other player is under 22 who would you expect to lift at the big moment? I would've thought your 200 gamers who've just made the All Australian squad would be the obvious candidates.

[Mantis]

Given nearly every other player is under 22 who would you expect to lift at the big moment? I would've thought your 200 gamers who've just made the All Australian squad would be the obvious candidates.

There inlies one of our problems, we just don't that big moment player yet.. A few of our potential candidiates didn't step up when their opportunity arose this time around, but I'm confident that they will into the future.

Murphy & Boyd are there to add some stability, support and experience to a young side, they aren't there to be our match-winners.

[bornadog]

This is interesting:

Breakdown wk1 finals

Total ntl Audience - 5,952,049:
WCoast/Haw – 1,711,676.
Frem/Syd – 1,376,271.
WB/Adel – 1,503,840.
Rich/Nth – 1,360,262.

[Happy Days]

This is interesting:

Breakdown wk1 finals

Total ntl Audience - 5,952,049:
WCoast/Haw – 1,711,676.
Frem/Syd – 1,376,271.
WB/Adel – 1,503,840.
Rich/WB – 1,360,262.

I'll put that down to the entire state of South Australia tuning in.

[KT31]

This is interesting:

Breakdown wk1 finals

Total ntl Audience - 5,952,049:
WCoast/Haw – 1,711,676.
Frem/Syd – 1,376,271.
WB/Adel – 1,503,840.
Rich/WB – 1,360,262.

As much as I would love to be playing next week I'm assuming you meant 'Rich/NM', BAD