Round 1 2016 team

[meenies]

Wood, Hamling, Morris
Murphy, Biggs, JJ
Daniel, Wallis, Hunter
Dal, Roughie, Dickson
Stringer, Boyd, Hrovat
Campbell, Bonti, Stevens

Suckling, Macrae, Adams, Jong

Em. Libba, Picken, Redpath, M Boyd

[GVGjr]

Meenies, big decision to not include Picken, M.Boyd and Liberatore I would have thought.

What was the catalyst behind those omissions?

[Rocco Jones]

Other than Roughy possibly replacing injured Campbell and Dickson returning, no one from outside today's team will play.

B- Wood, Adams, M.Boyd
HB- Murphy, Morris, JJ
C- Hunter, Wallis, Macrae
HF- Dahl, Redpath, Stevens
F- Dickson, T.Boyd, Stringer
R- Campbell/Roughead, Bonts, Libba
I/C: Daniel, Suckling, Biggs, Picken

Would only play Campbell is he is absolutely right. Jong in for Dickson if he isn't right.

[always right]

Other than Roughy possibly replacing injured Campbell and Dickson returning, no one from outside today's team will play.


Hamling no chance?

[LostDoggy]

Morris, Collins, Wood
Murphy, Adams, Boyd
Macrae, Wallis, JJ
Dahlhaus, Stringer, Hunter
Dickson, Boyd, McLean

Campbell, Bont, Libba

Suckling, Stevens, Picken, Daniel

Em: Biggs, Jong, Hrovat

[soupman]

Today was our round one side, with the only players that might still come in being Hamling, Minson and Dickson who all missed due to injury. I doubt Collins or McLean are in the best 22 yet either.

The only players at risk to make way for those guys have to be Adams, Jong and Daniel.

[always right]

No chance of Daniel not playing. He's had an outstanding NAB Challenge.

Only potential changes are Roughy for Campbell if injured, Dickson for Jong/McLean, and Hamling for Adams.

[meenies]

Libba seems to still be only half right; want more youth in back and Boyd still spraying them; Picko at half pace today, looked a little lost for mine. I hope reputations do not keep players in, if they are not offering all they can.

[comrade]

Libba seems to still be only half right; want more youth in back and Boyd still spraying them; Picko at half pace today, looked a little lost for mine. I hope reputations do not keep players in, if they are not offering all they can.

Macrae and Crameri were both sent back to Footscray last year, so I'm confident we'll pick the team on merit.

Certainly wouldn't be surprised to see M Boyd get some significant game time at Whitten Oval this year. Stevens looks like a natural replacement for him as that big bodies play maker across the back line.

[ratsmac]

FB: Morris Roughead Wood
HB: Murphy Hamling JJ
C: Macrae Wallis Hunter
HF: Dahl Stringer Stevens
FF: Dickson T Boyd Daniel

Foll: Campbell Libba Bontempelli

Int: M Boyd, Picken, Suckling, Biggs.

From the NAB v Collingwood - Roughead in for Redpath, Hamling in for Adams, Dickson in for McLean, Jong and Collins miss out.

I like Adams but I think he would benefit from a run at Footscray, he's not far off forcing his way in the team. Hamlings athleticism was missing against Collingwood I thought.

Roughead in for Redpath simply because big Jack struggles to stay in the match. And also he spills too many marks after the we have got the ball out to him. Roughead is a better relieving ruck than Jack as well. I rather Roughead back than forward but Roughy can pinch hit forward if need be. I do feel my side is light on for talls up forward but Redpath needs to start marking and kicking goals at Footscray first IMO.

Dickson is a lock if he's fit and McLean is the unlucky to make way. McLean will get games during the season though.

Jong, Collins, Hrovat, Adams, Redpath, McLean, Dunkley, Webb, Roberts could all seamlessly come into the side, they are the cusp.

[bornadog]

I like your team Ratsmac

[F'scary]

I like Ratsmac's too. Issues: is Libba really ready for R1? Has Suckers really pushed his way in front of a number of other players like McLean, Jong, Hrovat, Webb, Dale and Honeychurch? Where is Morris's form at? Could we bite the bullet and go with Adams ahead of him? Can Campbell carry the ruck with just a chop out from Boyd or Roughead? Or is Minson still the preferred because he can go close to 100% of the game? (or can he anymore?)

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

I like Ratsmac's too. Issues: is Libba really ready for R1? Has Suckers really pushed his way in front of a number of other players like McLean, Jong, Hrovat, Webb, Dale and Honeychurch? Where is Morris's form at? Could we bite the bullet and go with Adams ahead of him? Can Campbell carry the ruck with just a chop out from Boyd or Roughead? Or is Minson still the preferred because he can go close to 100% of the game? (or can he anymore?)
Libba should play although I would agree he will again need to adjust to the AFL tempo. I would also be inclined to play Suckling given his Hawthorn experience but I thought he was disappointing yesterday. Adams needs time at VFL level and I would be surprised if he was selected against Freo. Morris looks to have better match ups against either Pavlich or Mayne with Hamling to take the resting ruck man.Campbell could alternate with Roughead off the interchange with Tom Boyd becoming the back up ruck man. This could then allow Roughy to go back should the defence need more height.Dickson needs to play as he was close to being our most reliable goal kicker last year.

[Twodogs]

I know it's unbalanced and I will change the team over the next fortnight but here's my 22;
Morris, Collins, Adams
Wood, Hamling, Murphy
JJ, Wallis, Daniel
Bont, Stringer, Hunter
Dahl, Boyd, Picken
Campbell Macrae Libba
Suckling, Roughead Stevens McLean.

M. Boyd and Dickson return through Footscray

Not going to attempt to name emergencies. I agonised over the interchange enough as it is. I've never had to leave out so many blokes who genuinely deserved to play on form.

[LostDoggy]

I know it's unbalanced and I will change the team over the next fortnight but here's my 22;
Morris, Collins, Adams
Wood, Hamling, Murphy
Bont, Stringer, Hunter
Dahl, Boyd, Picken
Campbell Macrae Libba
Suckling, Roughead Stevens McLean.

M. Boyd and Dickson return through Footscray

Not going to attempt to name emergencies. I agonised over the interchange enough as it is. I've never had to leave out so many blokes who genuinely deserved to play on form.

With all due respect TD, JJ just has to be there

[Happy Days]

So wait why aren't we picking Boyd now? Did I miss something?

[LostDoggy]

Actually, your team is missing a whole line TD. Wallis and Daniel?

[GVGjr]

I know it's unbalanced and I will change the team over the next fortnight but here's my 22;
Morris, Collins, Adams
Wood, Hamling, Murphy
Bont, Stringer, Hunter
Dahl, Boyd, Picken
Campbell Macrae Libba
Suckling, Roughead Stevens McLean.

M. Boyd and Dickson return through Footscray

Not going to attempt to name emergencies. I agonised over the interchange enough as it is. I've never had to leave out so many blokes who genuinely deserved to play on form.

Thank god you aren't on the MC :)

[1eyedog]

FB: Morris Roughead Wood
HB: Murphy Hamling JJ
C: Macrae Wallis Hunter
HF: Dahl Stringer Stevens
FF: Dickson T Boyd Daniel

Foll: Campbell Libba Bontempelli

Int: M Boyd, Picken, Suckling, Biggs.

From the NAB v Collingwood - Roughead in for Redpath, Hamling in for Adams, Dickson in for McLean, Jong and Collins miss out.

I like Adams but I think he would benefit from a run at Footscray, he's not far off forcing his way in the team. Hamlings athleticism was missing against Collingwood I thought.

Roughead in for Redpath simply because big Jack struggles to stay in the match. And also he spills too many marks after the we have got the ball out to him. Roughead is a better relieving ruck than Jack as well. I rather Roughead back than forward but Roughy can pinch hit forward if need be. I do feel my side is light on for talls up forward but Redpath needs to start marking and kicking goals at Footscray first IMO.

Dickson is a lock if he's fit and McLean is the unlucky to make way. McLean will get games during the season though.

Jong, Collins, Hrovat, Adams, Redpath, McLean, Dunkley, Webb, Roberts could all seamlessly come into the side, they are the cusp.

Solid team Ratsmac. Structure aside we look way less shaky with Roughie at FB. Collins, Adams make me nervous with Morris the next tall. Roughie and Hamling look the better options at this stage with the key back recruits to earn their stripes.

[Twodogs]

With all due respect TD, JJ just has to be there


Actually, your team is missing a whole line TD. Wallis and Daniel?


Thank god you aren't on the MC :)

You're all correct. I deleted three lines just as I posted and only reinstated two. Fixed.

[Go_Dogs]

I've got absolutely no idea what we will do, but I'd be going something like:-

Morris, Hamling, JJ
Murphy, Adams, Wood
Suckling, Wallis, Macrae
Hunter, Redpath, Stevens
Stringer, Boyd, Dahl
Campbell, Bontempelli, Liberatore
Boyd, Picken, Jong, Daniel

[always right]

I know it's unbalanced and I will change the team over the next fortnight but here's my 22;
Morris, Collins, Adams
Wood, Hamling, Murphy
JJ, Wallis, Daniel
Bont, Stringer, Hunter
Dahl, Boyd, Picken
Campbell Macrae Libba
Suckling, Roughead Stevens McLean.

M. Boyd and Dickson return through Footscray

Not going to attempt to name emergencies. I agonised over the interchange enough as it is. I've never had to leave out so many blokes who genuinely deserved to play on form.
Why do you have Boyd returning through Footscray, and from where?

Do you really think Collins will come in after playing zero minutes on the weekend?

[Happy Days]

My 22:

Morris - Hamling - JJ
Wood - Adams - Murphy
Macrae - Wallis - Suckling
Hunter - Stringer - Stevens
Dahl - T. Boyd - Dickson
Campbell - Bont - Libba

M. Boyd - Picken - Daniel - Biggs

Most of the mid rotations will come from the forward line. I don't really want Adams to play but it looks like what will happen; Roberts is nowhere near as bad as he's being advertised as - I think there's a fear Taylor Walker took his soul last year.

Boyd is the second ruck; I've got a sneaking suspicion that he's actually the best ruckman on the list, not that I want him logging bulk minutes there.

[azabob]

HD, would you play Roberts ahead of Adams? I think the MC like athletically what Adams brings to the table compared to Roberts.

[F'scary]

Some issues arising from NAB cup:

Key backs - still no real certainty who will stop opposition talls the best even though there are 6 candidates for the 2 KPB roles: Roberts, Roughead, Hamling, Collins, Adams, Morris. Expect some turnover during the season, therefore. But there are positives compared to this time last year.

Defending against the half forward line turnover: in short, about every second shallow forward 50 entry gets repelled for all teams. We just seem a little more brittle than some due to our emphasis on attack.

Second tall forward: it is starting to look like we will miss Crameri more than we realised when his suspension was announced. Redpath looks like he needs to pick up a bit of form at present - he was playing better in the last 4-6 games of last year.

Changing of the guard: Matt Boyd was rested extensively in the NAB No Cup. Harbinger? Some here expressed that the venerable Morris looked a bit slower again.

1st Ruck: injuries and no stand outs.

Dickson's non-show: what is going on?

[Happy Days]

HD, would you play Roberts ahead of Adams? I think the MC like athletically what Adams brings to the table compared to Roberts.

I would. I think that Adams' game on the weekend was as much a product of Cloke being on his footballing death bed than anything he did. He won't be given that much liberty in the season proper, and his kicking is still really worrying from non-marked situations. Roberts really came along last year, and I think our team defence is better suited to giving in marking contests (where Adams is probably better) than in general play (where Roberts is probably better).

[Mantis]

Second tall forward: it is starting to look like we will miss Crameri more than we realised when his suspension was announced. Redpath looks like he needs to pick up a bit of form at present - he was playing better in the last 4-6 games of last year.



Who said we weren't going to miss Crameri, a lot?

Absolutely crucial to our structure and his ability to get up and down the ground will be sorely missed.

[Bulldog4life]

My 22:

Morris - Hamling - JJ
Wood - Adams - Murphy
Macrae - Wallis - Suckling
Hunter - Stringer - Stevens
Dahl - T. Boyd - Dickson
Campbell - Bont - Libba

M. Boyd - Picken - Daniel - Biggs

Most of the mid rotations will come from the forward line. I don't really want Adams to play but it looks like what will happen; Roberts is nowhere near as bad as he's being advertised as - I think there's a fear Taylor Walker took his soul last year.

Boyd is the second ruck; I've got a sneaking suspicion that he's actually the best ruckman on the list, not that I want him logging bulk minutes there.

I think Adams will play. He had a game high 7 one-percenters and held Cloke on the weekend.Deserves a chance on NAB form. http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/2016-03-14/talking-points-dogs-v-pies

[Sedat]

Who said we weren't going to miss Crameri, a lot?

Absolutely crucial to our structure and his ability to get up and down the ground will be sorely missed.
His gut-running capability both ways was critical to the effectiveness of our multi-faceted forward line, probably even more so than his 30-odd goals. We simply don't have anyone on the list capable of like-for-like replacing him. And if Dickson is under a cloud - he seems to have missed the majority of the NAB Challenge - we lose more goal-scoring power, placing far more pressure on a Stringer than last year. Perhaps we will be reverting to a more traditional forward line structure with both Boyd and Redpath playing together? I'm nervous about this as we will struggle to retain the ball in our forward 50 being so top-heavy.

[azabob]

His gut-running capability both ways was critical to the effectiveness of our multi-faceted forward line, probably even more so than his 30-odd goals. We simply don't have anyone on the list capable of like-for-like replacing him. And if Dickson is under a cloud - he seems to have missed the majority of the NAB Challenge - we lose more goal-scoring power, placing far more pressure on a Stringer than last year. Perhaps we will be reverting to a more traditional forward line structure with both Boyd and Redpath playing together? I'm nervous about this as we will struggle to retain the ball in our forward 50 being so top-heavy.

I indicated in the game day thread V Collingwood for the above reasons why Toby McLean is suddenly vital for us. It is a huge ask of a kid who is yet to play 5 AFL games.

We really need McLean or Dale to really step up this year inside the forward 50. There was some talk that Dale was going to be that link up player but he seems to have struggled in grabbing his opportunity so far.

[Mofra]

Boyd is the second ruck; I've got a sneaking suspicion that he's actually the best ruckman on the list, not that I want him logging bulk minutes there.
He's certainly the best forward/ruck on the list, and I still think that is the hardest role to fill on an AFL list.
He was in my round 1 side and after NAB challenge he's probably in everyone's side now

[The Bulldogs Bite]

His gut-running capability both ways was critical to the effectiveness of our multi-faceted forward line, probably even more so than his 30-odd goals. We simply don't have anyone on the list capable of like-for-like replacing him. And if Dickson is under a cloud - he seems to have missed the majority of the NAB Challenge - we lose more goal-scoring power, placing far more pressure on a Stringer than last year. Perhaps we will be reverting to a more traditional forward line structure with both Boyd and Redpath playing together? I'm nervous about this as we will struggle to retain the ball in our forward 50 being so top-heavy.

Yep, it's a real concern but I don't think Dickson's injury is too serious in the long scheme of things. We need him at his best though. Crameri is a massive loss - his second half of the season last year was electric.

I really think Koby becomes super important and has to play more forward than we'd have otherside liked.

[azabob]

Below is my team, not how I think the match committee will go.

I'm sure I will cop flack around a few selections, in particular Roughead and maybe McLean. I think Roughead still is our best bet at FB and can help in the ruck as the second ruckman if required.

We really need a mid size forward to step up and help take the load off Stringer and kick 1-2 goals a week. Stevens will help in this regard and I think McLean will also.

It is going to be tough but we need Liberatore to step back into his inside role sooner rather than later, I think we may struggle with our inside mids in the centre square. It can be a fine line do we want players such as Bontempelli & Macrae winning the ball and dishing out or do we want these players to be second in line to receive the hard ball get and then create?

When putting the team together it is evident we have a lot of talent across all lines and competition for spots but we are still a work in progress.

It certainly will be very interesting to watch the side evolve of the season like we did in 2015.

B: Morris, Roughead, Murphy

HB: Wood, Hamling, Johannisen

C: Macrae, Bontempelli, Hunter

HF: Stevens, Stringer, Dahlhaus

F: McLean, T.Boyd, Dickson

Ruck: Campbell Wallis Liberatore

I/C: Daniel, M.Boyd, Picken, Suckling

Emerg: Roberts, Jong, Biggs

[bornadog]

I think Biggs will, play in round one Aza.

[Cyberdoggie]

Ok, lets have a go at this.

At this stage i'm assuming no injuries to Dicko and Campbell.

B: Morris, Adams, Murphy

HB: Boyd, Wood, Johannisen

C: Macrae, Bontempelli, Hunter

HF: Stevens, Redpath, Stringer

F: Dahlhaus, T.Boyd, Dickson

Ruck: Campbell Wallis Liberatore

I/C: Jong, Biggs, Picken, Suckling

Emerg: McLean, Daniel, Roughead


I haven't had a look at Freo's attack yet, not sure if they will be going in tall or what have you.
Defense and the second ruck/second tall forward debate are the two queries.

I think we may actually go in with 2 tall forwards and a single ruck if Campbell gets up. Redpath will be better value than Roughead and I think this game will be fast and intense and we will need Redpath as more of a hit up forward, using his mobility and lead marking. There will be a bit of open space as the game progresses so it will be decided on who makes less mistakes that end in turnover goals. We may go smaller with Adams in defence based on this. Could be a baptism by fire but I've got a feeling this game will be explosively fast and open and our defenders will be used more for cutting off passes than 1-1 or pack contested situations and will need to be more mobile.
Would like to see Daniel in there but I think we need Jong's pace more and he is right to go, ignore the last game against the pies as they had him up forward a lot more.

[Cyberdoggie]

Ok apparently Dicko has an adductor strain which he got against GWS, (maybe he was sick as well?.....:))
So going to be touch and go for round 1.

Adams almost certainty for round 1 debut and dogs to ask AFL permission for Hamling to play this week due to slight hammy strain.

So if Dickson will only train 1 week before the match I would say he would miss for sure. Let's see.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

The fact that Adams is ahead of Roberts already is a fierce reflection of where the latter is at. I have my concerns on Adams but he's improving, which is more than we can say for Fletcher right now.

[Bulldog4life]

The fact that Adams is ahead of Roberts already is a fierce reflection of where the latter is at. I have my concerns on Adams but he's improving, which is more than we can say for Fletcher right now.

I didn't see the Footscray practice game TBB but he was in the best players which is a plus.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

I've got absolutely no idea what we will do, but I'd be going something like:-

Morris, Hamling, JJ
Murphy, Adams, Wood
Suckling, Wallis, Macrae
Hunter, Redpath, Stevens
Stringer, Boyd, Dahl
Campbell, Bontempelli, Liberatore
Boyd, Picken, Jong, Daniel

That's my team as well Go-Dogs as it seems Dickson will miss with the adductor and lack of match practice. Daniel out for Dickson if not. Jong ahead of McLean, Hamling and Adams seem to be favoured by the selectors. Redpath could miss out, with McLean coming in but I don't think so.

[Mantis]

I think Biggs will, play in round one Aza.

Who's spot does he take?

[soupman]

Who's spot does he take?

In that side I would think he'd be picked ahead of McLean, Roughead and Daniel, purely because all of those are not definite starters while I am confident Biggs is clearly in our best 22 as decided by our MC.

[azabob]

I think Biggs will, play in round one Aza.


In that side I would think he'd be picked ahead of McLean, Roughead and Daniel, purely because all of those are not definite starters while I am confident Biggs is clearly in our best 22 as decided by our MC.

I see Biggs as a running defender only. I don't think he has the ability yet to push into the midfield. Whereas McLean, Roughead and Daniel play other positions on the ground, hence why I selected them over Biggs.

If Biggs, JJ, Murphy and Boyd all play I think we become unbalanced and have one too many running HB.

As I said its how I'd pick the round 1 team, not what I think / guess the MC will do.

[soupman]

I see Biggs as a running defender only. I don't think he has the ability yet to push into the midfield. Whereas McLean, Roughead and Daniel play other positions on the ground, hence why I selected them over Biggs.

If Biggs, JJ, Murphy and Boyd all play I think we become unbalanced and have one too many running HB.

As I said its how I'd pick the round 1 team, not what I think / guess the MC will do.
Yeah I get that it was more in reference to Mantis' question.

Like you I'm not sure I'd have Biggs in my personal best 22 but from all the evidence I have seen the MC seems very keen on him and I am convinced his spot in the side come round 1 is assured.

[bornadog]

Yeah I get that it was more in reference to Mantis' question.

Like you I'm not sure I'd have Biggs in my personal best 22 but from all the evidence I have seen the MC seems very keen on him and I am convinced his spot in the side come round 1 is assured.

I think Biggs should be in the underrated thread. Not many have picked him in their best side, yet during the second half of last year, he played extremely well.

[Mofra]

Like you I'm not sure I'd have Biggs in my personal best 22 but from all the evidence I have seen the MC seems very keen on him and I am convinced his spot in the side come round 1 is assured.
The planets seem to have aligned for Biggsy - last year he didn't leave the side once he made it in, and he was rested from NAB 2 with the rest of the "senior" players.

He has performed well in finals for Sydney which probably counts in his favour and he can be brave with his disposal so I'm guessing he's a pretty teachable, team orientated player

[always right]

Biggs is our bail out when the opposition do all their planning around Murphy and JJ (and to a lesser extent Boyd). You can never have too many running defender options, particularly with the game style we adopt.

[F'scary]

Biggs has something that just can't be taught: he knows how to find the ball while being accountable for an opponent or a zone.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Biggs is a pretty intelligent player, he runs to some good spots to make himself an option - particularly laterally - and he reads the play reasonably well. He's got good composure and he likes to carry the ball. I think one of the best things about his game is that he follows up his work. He's happy to chip it 20m, run hard to receive a handball, and then find another 20-30m target. He and Daniel do this exceptionally well.

His one on one defending is OK but not a strength. Nevertheless, Biggs plays R1 for mine.

FWIW I have Daniel in our top 15/16 players.

[kruder]

Biggs is a pretty intelligent player, he runs to some good spots to make himself an option - particularly laterally - and he reads the play reasonably well. He's got good composure and he likes to carry the ball. I think one of the best things about his game is that he follows up his work. He's happy to chip it 20m, run hard to receive a handball, and then find another 20-30m target. He and Daniel do this exceptionally well.

His one on one defending is OK but not a strength. Nevertheless, Biggs plays R1 for mine.

FWIW I have Daniel in our top 15/16 players.

Biggs and Daneil will play rd 1 100% agree.

Like many, I'm concernd with out forward line with Dicko doubtful and Crameri obviously hence Biggs gives the match committee flexibility to play Murphy Forward which may happen for periods of the game. I wouldn't be surprised if they start him there with the game against Collingwood last year a good reference point.

I like Go Dogs team and I think Jong might be the unlucky one to miss.

[Bulldog Joe]

Biggs is a pretty intelligent player, he runs to some good spots to make himself an option - particularly laterally - and he reads the play reasonably well. He's got good composure and he likes to carry the ball. I think one of the best things about his game is that he follows up his work. He's happy to chip it 20m, run hard to receive a handball, and then find another 20-30m target. He and Daniel do this exceptionally well.

His one on one defending is OK but not a strength. Nevertheless, Biggs plays R1 for mine.

FWIW I have Daniel in our top 15/16 players.

I have been very impressed with Biggs defensively. He has really done well to negate marking contests against much bigger opponents. His bodywork is very good.

[Twodogs]

Biggs is a pretty intelligent player, he runs to some good spots to make himself an option - particularly laterally - and he reads the play reasonably well. He's got good composure and he likes to carry the ball. I think one of the best things about his game is that he follows up his work. He's happy to chip it 20m, run hard to receive a handball, and then find another 20-30m target. He and Daniel do this exceptionally well.

His one on one defending is OK but not a strength. Nevertheless, Biggs plays R1 for mine.

FWIW I have Daniel in our top 15/16 players.


Biggs runs to really good spots forward of the ball when we have possession. Lots of players seem to drift to safe spots behind the ball when we have it.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Biggs and Daneil will play rd 1 100% agree.

Like many, I'm concernd with out forward line with Dicko doubtful and Crameri obviously hence Biggs gives the match committee flexibility to play Murphy Forward which may happen for periods of the game. I wouldn't be surprised if they start him there with the game against Collingwood last year a good reference point.

I like Go Dogs team and I think Jong might be the unlucky one to miss.

I like your idea about moving Murphy forward. Murphy would add a bit of class to the forward line particularly now without Crameri. We now seem to have a number of options on the back line and it might just be time to reduce the reliance of 3 thirty year old plus veterans in defence. We have enough leaders on the back line and Murph going forward might just be the spark required. A lot of experience is lost on the forward line without Crameri.

[whythelongface]

I like your idea about moving Murphy forward. Murphy would add a bit of class to the forward line particularly now without Crameri. We now seem to have a number of options on the back line and it might just be time to reduce the reliance of 3 thirty year old plus veterans in defence. We have enough leaders on the back line and Murph going forward might just be the spark required. A lot of experience is lost on the forward line without Crameri.

I like the idea of moving Murphy forward as well, but do you weaken one position to strengthen another. Yes we have a number of options on the back line but none are as good as Bob. Crameri is a big loss and naturally minimises our goal scoring options - however we still have Boyd, Dickson and Stringer being our main targets (although Dickson is in doubt). what other potential options are there? Obviously Murphy has to be considered. I can see the Bont spending a bit more time forward this year to provide another option across the half forward line.

[Axe Man]

While Bob forward has some merit, I don't think it can be for any more than the odd brief cameo as it will just be too hard on his body. He is approaching 34 and playing half back should be much easier on him than the old hard running half forward role that he used to play.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

I don't mind Murphy forward for brief stints if it's not working, but if we're being honest, the times that he has gone forward in the last 3~ years he hasn't set the world on fire like he did back around '05. I think his best spot is half back, whilst using the likes of Koby and Bont to help minimize the loss of Crameri.

[Twodogs]

I don't mind Murphy forward for brief stints if it's not working, but if we're being honest, the times that he has gone forward in the last 3~ years he hasn't set the world on fire like he did back around '05. I think his best spot is half back, whilst using the likes of Koby and Bont to help minimize the loss of Crameri.

I was going to agree furiously with you but one thing Bob has working in his favour as a forward is his turning circle is still pretty small. He traps and turns with the ball ball now as well as he did ten years ago.

[kruder]

I don't mind Murphy forward for brief stints if it's not working, but if we're being honest, the times that he has gone forward in the last 3~ years he hasn't set the world on fire like he did back around '05. I think his best spot is half back, whilst using the likes of Koby and Bont to help minimize the loss of Crameri.

I don't disagree with Murphy being best off HB but with JJ,Sucking,Biggs,Boyd coming off there I just think the forward line of Stinger Boyd and Redpath needs a little sharpening. While Dickson is out I'd play him there for a few quarters worst case he takes serious defender which may allow Stringer to get off the chain.

One things for sure I don't see Stringer leaving the 50 much this year unless Boyd and Redpath take giant strides.

[ledge]

If Bob went forward he would be tagged , could his body and mind take the knocks and close checking?
Playing half back your not tagged and can run off and receive, that's more to Bobs liking at his age.
Maybe a wing would suit him but not in the forward line.

[LostDoggy]

Wouldn't bet against Bevo giving The Specimen a run up forward.
From what I've seen so far in the Nab Challenge games he seems to have a sure pair of mitts on him.

[F'scary]

Wouldn't bet against Bevo giving The Specimen a run up forward.
From what I've seen so far in the Nab Challenge games he seems to have a sure pair of mitts on him.

With those biceps, he is in danger of popping the ball.

[jeemak]

I'm holding out to Tuesday/Wednesday.

There's a few too many spots up for grabs to put a final team in.

But, here goes:

Biggs, Morris, Wood
Murphy, Adams, Boyd
Hunter, Bontempelli, Macrae
Stevens, Stringer, Dahlhaus
Roughead, Boyd, Dickson

Minson, Liberatore, Wallis

Suckling, Daniel, Picken, Jong

I can't see ourselves going without Roughead considering his ability to play all over the ground, and how badly we went without TC after half time in the last NAB game - he can either be on the ground or on the bench, it doesn't matter. Redpath is a bit unlucky to miss.

Dickson under done is still in our best 22. He's elite, and if he's ready he's ready.

The rest picks itself.

[GVGjr]

Jeemak, is JJ an oversight?

[jeemak]

Jeemak, is JJ an oversight?

Mate, I took him from the wing and pretty much forgot about him after that.............

So yes, him missing is an oversight.

Biggs, Morris, Wood
Murphy, Adams, JJ
Hunter, Bontempelli, Macrae
Stevens, Stringer, Dahlhaus
Roughead, Boyd, Dickson

Minson, Liberatore, Wallis

Suckling, Daniel, Picken, Boyd

[bornadog]

Mate, I took him from the wing and pretty much forgot about him after that.............

So yes, him missing is an oversight.

Biggs, Morris, Wood
Murphy, Adams, JJ
Hunter, Bontempelli, Macrae
Stevens, Stringer, Dahlhaus
Roughead, Boyd, Dickson

Minson, Liberatore, Wallis

Suckling, Daniel, Picken, Boyd

Your opinion on Campbell missing out? (presuming he is right to go with the ankle)

[jeemak]

Your opinion on Camberwell missing out? (presuming he is right to go with the ankle)

Suburbs aren't allowed to play football.

I'm concerned about his ankle. If he gets up he'll take Minson's spot. Roughead is in the pocket for ceremonial purposes only......perhaps we might try and stretch Fremantle with forward height early.

[bornadog]

Suburbs aren't allowed to play football.

cheers :D

[Twodogs]

Your opinion on Campbell missing out? (presuming he is right to go with the ankle)


Suburbs aren't allowed to play football.

I'm concerned about his ankle. If he gets up he'll take Minson's spot. Roughead is in the pocket for ceremonial purposes only......perhaps we might try and stretch Fremantle with forward height early.


cheers :D



Autocorrect?

[1eyedog]

Can't see Minson getting up so I have Roughie as starting ruck. If TC comes good Roughie to full back and Adams out.

FB: JJ Adams Morris
HB Murph Hamling Wood
C: Macrae Wally Stevens
HF: Hunter Stringer Dahl
FF: Daniel Boyd Dicko
R: Roughie Bont Libba
I: Suckling Boyd Biggs Picken

[bornadog]

If Roughead plays number one ruck then he needs to take the opportunity and own the ruck.

[1eyedog]

If Roughead plays number one ruck then he needs to take the opportunity and own the ruck.

Gets an opportunity to do that against a Freo with no Sandilands.

[Twodogs]

Would we play a ruckman just for the sake of it? We didn't Lat year.

[1eyedog]

Would we play a ruckman just for the sake of it? We didn't Lat year.
You're right Cordy is no ruckman but did we go into a game without one of Cordy, Roughie, Minson or Campbell? I can't remember.

[F'scary]

You're right Cordy is no ruckman but did we go into a game without one of Cordy, Roughie, Minson or Campbell? I can't remember.

I think there was a game where we chose to sub out Cordy and make do without a ruck for the second half.

[Templeton31]

I think there was a game where we chose to sub out Cordy and make do without a ruck for the second half.

Th famous win against the Swans Cordy was subbed at half time. Very wet conditions though.

[Mofra]

I think there was a game where we chose to sub out Cordy and make do without a ruck for the second half.
Against Freo Cordy played HF for the second half while Goodes/Bonti/Jong rucked

[Axe Man]

Would we play a ruckman just for the sake of it? We didn't Lat year.

From the sounds of this we will always play at least 1 of Minson, Campbell or Roughead, with the most in form player to be picked.


The ruck was a three-way wrestle last year, with Will Minson, Jordan Roughead and Tom Campbell all unable to find the consistency to make the position their own.

Ruckmen from other clubs were enquired about in the off-season, but Beveridge is confident strong competition between the big men will bring out the best in them.

"Selection will purely come down to who deserves to be there, and not so much who we play or where we are playing," he said.

"And we don’t want Tom Boyd to play 80% of his time in the ruck, or anywhere near that."

[Happy Days]

Would we play a ruckman just for the sake of it? We didn't Lat year.

We got wrecked for it too. No thanks.

[Happy Days]

Bennell's out.

Nice.

[bornadog]

From the sounds of this we will always play at least 1 of Minson, Campbell or Roughead, with the most in form player to be picked.

Bevo has said that in the longer term, they want to see Boyd as a power forward. Just hope he only pinch hits in the ruck and is not sucked into playing half the game there.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Bennell's out.

Nice.

With both Bennell and Sandi out, we've got Freo at a reasonably good time. Still going to be a tough ask to win it, but these 2 outs help.

[Mantis]

Bevo has said that in the longer term, they want to see Boyd as a power forward. Just hope he only pinch hits in the ruck and is not sucked into playing half the game there.

Just hope that our rucks hold together as they aren't our most durable group.


With both Bennell and Sandi out, we've got Freo at a reasonably good time. Still going to be a tough ask to win it, but these 2 outs help.

We've got them at a very good time in fact.

A huge challenge, but 2 of their best 5 or 6 out makes it a very winnable game if we are looking to improve on our efforts from 2015.

[Mofra]

Ballantyne will be underdone as well which helps offset Dickson being underdone for us (if he plays).
Goal kicker for goal kicker.

[Axe Man]

Ballantyne will be underdone as well which helps offset Dickson being underdone for us (if he plays).
Goal kicker for goal kicker.

Ballantyne played in the third NAB game (injured in the first game, missed the second) and kicked a couple of goals as well. Not sure he will really be underdone and would have to be ahead of Dickson preparation wise.

[azabob]

Stevo says Dickson very very unlikely to play and in doubt for the week after.

[Rocco Jones]

B- Wood, Adams, Morris
HB- Murphy, Hamling, M.Boyd
C- JJ, Wallis, Macrae
HF- Dahl, Redpath, Hunter
F- Stevens, T.Boyd, Stringer
R- Roughead, Bonts, Libba
I/C: Daniel, Suckling, Biggs, Picken

[merantau]

B- Wood, Adams, Morris
HB- Murphy, Hamling, M.Boyd
C- JJ, Wallis, Macrae
HF- Dahl, Redpath, Hunter
F- Stevens, T.Boyd, Stringer
R- Roughead, Bonts, Libba
I/C: Daniel, Suckling, Biggs, Picken
I'm pretty sure you've nailed it Rocco.

[azabob]

I'm pretty sure you've nailed it Rocco.

I dont think we will go with both Redpath and Boyd.

[Rocco Jones]

I dont think we will go with both Redpath and Boyd.

I am no fan of playing both but no Crameri + need for 2nd ruck means we need to.

[1eyedog]

B- Wood, Adams, Morris
HB- Murphy, Hamling, M.Boyd
C- JJ, Wallis, Macrae
HF- Dahl, Redpath, Hunter
F- Stevens, T.Boyd, Stringer
R- Roughead, Bonts, Libba
I/C: Daniel, Suckling, Biggs, Picken

I'd be tempted to bring in Jong if Dicko doesn't get up. I have little faith in Redpath and am inclined to alternate Stevens and Jong forward.

[Rocco Jones]

I'd be tempted to bring in Jong if Dicko doesn't get up. I have little faith in Redpath and am inclined to alternate Stevens and Jong forward.

Not a bad idea. Wallis is another one who can play that bigger bodied mid up forward role. Only thing is that Roughy may need a bit of support in the ruck.

[azabob]

I am no fan of playing both but no Crameri + need for 2nd ruck means we need to.


Not a bad idea. Wallis is another one who can play that bigger bodied mid up forward role. Only thing is that Roughy may need a bit of support in the ruck.

Agree with above. Maybe Boyd will be the 2nd ruck if Redpath doesn't play.

[1eyedog]

Not a bad idea. Wallis is another one who can play that bigger bodied mid up forward role. Only thing is that Roughy may need a bit of support in the ruck.

Yeah I had Wally typed into my post and deleted him. He's another option. Jong can pack mark like a key forward and Koby is strong one on one so it has potential. The 2nd ruck has the biggest question mark. Can Roughie ruck the majority of the game? How much of a load will Tom need to bear and do we want this type of situation?

If the MC is prepared to go in with Cordy as sole ruckman on six occasions last year then I think it's possible Roughie will get an extended run at it, even if it has been forced on us by injuries to our number 1 and 2 rucks.

[bornadog]

I'm pretty sure you've nailed it Rocco.

After attempt number 55 :D

PS: I agree.

[LostDoggy]

Saw a tweet coming from the club this morning saying Dicko trained the house down last week and will be right for round 1!

Edit - was from the coaches mouth!

[bornadog]

From Bevo Press conference:

* The ruck situation is still up in the air. We're waiting on Tom Campbell but we'll give him every opportunity to get up.

* Tory Dickson trained the house down last week and he'll be right to go for round one.

* Joel Hamling played ok in the VFL on the weekend and he'll be in the mix for selection this week.

[Cyberdoggie]

I dont think we will go with both Redpath and Boyd.

Bevo just mentioned this:

"If Tommy doesn't come up 'Roughy' will play, and we've Jack Redpath there who can pinch hit, and we know Tommy Boyd is a good ruckman."

I think that means that both our forwards will play, One or both playing part time as a ruckman.

[comrade]

I think we'll go in with Rough, Redpath & Boyd.

And I think we'll win.

[dukedog]

I hope we go in with Redpath and Boyd and either of Roughie or Campbell. I think Freo is a little weak in the backline. Add Stringer into that mix. One of those boys could have a field day up forward. Hope its Boyd. Ive watched his grabs in the Collinwood game so many times my refresh button needs replacing

[Rocco Jones]

Attempt #56 (post Beveridge presser)

B- Wood, Adams, M.Boyd
HB- Murphy, Morris, JJ
C- Hunter, Wallis, Macrae
HF- Dahl, Readapt, Stevens
F- Dickson, T.Boyd, Stringer
R- Roughead, Bonts, Libba
I/C: Daniel, Suckling, Biggs, Picken
------------------------------------------
- unless he is physically fit + in good form, I can't see us playing Hamilton (or any tall defender just because they are tall).
- same with Campbell. Roughy to play. Gives us freedom to play him as a tall defender with Boyd/Redpath taking more ruck time i we are struggling for height there.

[Mofra]

Attempt #56 (post Beveridge presser)

B- Wood, Adams, M.Boyd
HB- Murphy, Morris, JJ
C- Hunter, Wallis, Macrae
HF- Dahl, Readapt, Stevens
F- Dickson, T.Boyd, Stringer
R- Roughead, Bonts, Libba
I/C: Daniel, Suckling, Biggs, Picken
------------------------------------------
- unless he is physically fit + in good form, I can't see us playing Hamilton (or any tall defender just because they are tall).
- same with Campbell. Roughy to play. Gives us freedom to play him as a tall defender with Boyd/Redpath taking more ruck time i we are struggling for height there.
Probably closest to the pin at this point, I'm expecting the Hamling call to be the hardest but who do we drop for him if he's fit?
Daniel is such a good HF distributer of the ball and Biggs was rested from NAB2 so they seem like locks yet on paper they are the 21st & 22nd guys picked.

[Rocco Jones]

Probably closest to the pin at this point, I'm expecting the Hamling call to be the hardest but who do we drop for him if he's fit?
Daniel is such a good HF distributer of the ball and Biggs was rested from NAB2 so they seem like locks yet on paper they are the 21st & 22nd guys picked.

IMO they are 21st and 22nd. Our massive depth in smalls/developing talls definitely lends itself to going smaller but how do we balance sum > parts?

I really like what Biggs brings to our defensive unit. Really suits team defence however we have a lot of HB types. Does JJ play further afield? Biggs too perhaps.

Love Daniel but think short term he would be the one to miss if we go taller. I say no Hamling.

[Axe Man]

Just having a look at the round 1 teams being picked by Dockers supporters on Big Footy, they believe they will have a fairly tall forward line:

Clarke 203 & Griffin 201 swapping between the ruck and forward
Taberner 199
Pavlich 192
Mayne 188 (plays tallish).

Morris can handle Pav and Wood or Biggs can cover Mayne, but if we only go with 1 tall (Adams 193) we are going to struggle to cover their giants.

The match committee may well select a team of backline midgets as it often did last year and it may well work, but I will feel much more comfortable with Hamling in the side.

[Rocco Jones]

Just having a look at the round 1 teams being picked by Dockers supporters on Big Footy, they believe they will have a fairly tall forward line:

Clarke 203 & Griffin 201 swapping between the ruck and forward
Taberner 199
Pavlich 192
Mayne 188 (plays tallish).

Morris can handle Pav and Wood or Biggs can cover Mayne, but if we only go with 1 tall (Adams 193) we are going to struggle to cover their giants.

The match committee may well select a team of backline midgets as it often did last year and it may well work, but I will feel much more comfortable with Hamling in the side.

Forwards who are tall don't worry me, good tall forwards do. You expose the guys who are just tall.

[Axe Man]

Forwards who are tall don't worry me, good tall forwards do. You expose the guys who are just tall.

You're not wrong, just makes me very nervous. They also have Fyfe who will probably spend some time forward and is strong in the air.

[Rocco Jones]

You're not wrong, just makes me very nervous. They also have Fyfe who will probably spend some time forward and is strong in the air.

Yep. Fyfe scares me a lot more as a key-forward than Taberner or their resting ruck but it also means he doesn't play in the middle.

[Rocco Jones]

Morris vs Pavlich
Adams + Wood vs Taberner and 2nd ruck- frees up Wood for about a quarter as they have to ruck as well. M Boyd and Biggs to help out.

If talls are causing us an issue, we can use Roughy a bit more down back and have Redpath/T Boyd ruck for a bit more.

[Templeton31]

I hope we go in with Redpath and Boyd and either of Roughie or Campbell. I think Freo is a little weak in the backline. Add Stringer into that mix. One of those boys could have a field day up forward. Hope its Boyd. Ive watched his grabs in the Collinwood game so many times my refresh button needs replacing

Hahah me too. The big grab is at 23mins FYI. But I guess you know that....:D

[always right]

I think Bevo might be keen to play Adams on Pavlich and Morris on one of the smalls but this would leave us exposed to the resting ruckman. This means either Hamling plays or Morris takes Pavlich and Adams the next tall.

Mind you we are only looking at it from our perspective if Freo goes tall up forward. Imagine the conversation Freo are having about the same topic. I daresay they would be really concerned about going tall up forward at the risk of us bringing the ball to ground and sweeping it out of defence with our runners. If we've learned one thing it's that Bevo backs his gameplan and his players. I won't be surprised if we take a risk and go small in defence.

[Mofra]

Morris can handle Pav and Wood or Biggs can cover Mayne, but if we only go with 1 tall (Adams 193) we are going to struggle to cover their giants.
Eade used to regularly put Gilbee on the opposition resting ruckman - how often does a no 3 forward/resting ruckman make a big impact on a game?

I'd be tempted to put Murphy or JJ on a tall so we can kill them with run off the HB line, although for the last half of last year one guy used to get the talls all the time - Biggsy. It's almost like versatility applies to 18-19 players, and a couple get set roles i.e. ruckman, FB/Anchor defender and designated "playing short on a tall to generate rebound" defender.

[Mofra]

Forwards who are tall don't worry me, good tall forwards do. You expose the guys who are just tall.
True - tall forwards play best when they get separation on their tall teammates, a task made harder with 3 immobile talls rather than 2

[bornadog]

I hope Hamling plays, we can't rely on just Adams, a first gamer, to be our KPP.

[Maddog37]

Wood would destroy a resting ruckman. Perfect scenario for us.

[bornadog]

Don't know if much in it but:


No Nat Fyfe or Michael Johnson training. Pav only doing run throughs away from main group

[Happy Days]

Don't know if much in it but:

If they both miss then that's their best three players from last time out gone.

Real, real nice.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

I think Bevo might be keen to play Adams on Pavlich and Morris on one of the smalls but this would leave us exposed to the resting ruckman. This means either Hamling plays or Morris takes Pavlich and Adams the next tall.

Mind you we are only looking at it from our perspective if Freo goes tall up forward. Imagine the conversation Freo are having about the same topic. I daresay they would be really concerned about going tall up forward at the risk of us bringing the ball to ground and sweeping it out of defence with our runners. If we've learned one thing it's that Bevo backs his gameplan and his players. I won't be surprised if we take a risk and go small in defence.
I thought we were found out against Collingwood in the NAB game in going in with just one tall defender in Adams. I would be surprised if Hamling or Roberts isn't included this week to provide support to Adams.
Morris now looks better suited to playing on either small or mid type forwards.

[1eyedog]

I thought we were found out against Collingwood in the NAB game in going in with just one tall defender in Adams. I would be surprised if Hamling or Roberts isn't included this week to provide support to Adams.
Morris now looks better suited to playing on either small or mid type forwards.

Would think so. I thinks its why we were so keen to get permission for Hamling to play on the weekend. I reckon Hamling will be named to play.

[Mofra]

I thought we were found out against Collingwood in the NAB game in going in with just one tall defender in Adams. I would be surprised if Hamling or Roberts isn't included this week to provide support to Adams.
Morris now looks better suited to playing on either small or mid type forwards.
Therefore I'm so glad we experimented against Collingwood and not in the real stuff during the season.

Going to be hard to squeeze a player out

[bornadog]

Therefore I'm so glad we experimented against Collingwood and not in the real stuff during the season.

Going to be hard to squeeze a player out

I think Bevo will surprise some of us.

[Eastdog]

Just saw 7sport news and they said Tom Campbell should be right for our game against Freo.

[Mantis]

I think Bevo will surprise some of us.

I would be surprised if Bevo plays 2 tall defenders. ( Adams & Hamling)

[1eyedog]

Given TC looks ok Roughie to FB. I don't think we'll consider Hamling now with Roughie and Adams down there.

[Dancin' Douggy]

I thought we were found out against Collingwood in the NAB game in going in with just one tall defender in Adams. I would be surprised if Hamling or Roberts isn't included this week to provide support to Adams.
Morris now looks better suited to playing on either small or mid type forwards.

Yes I totally agree. Not that it matters, but we would have won that game if we had have had at least ONE tall defender.
Moore looked a million bucks, and I don't want to rain on his parade, but without Roughead, Roberts or Hamling out there he had a pretty easy run.

[Mantis]

Given TC looks ok Roughie to FB. I don't think we'll consider Hamling now with Roughie and Adams down there.

Roughy has spent no time through the pre-season playing in defence (at least in viewed games).. From reports he hasn't been down there in match simulation practice either.

Can't see them pushing him back there under these circumstances.

[always right]

Becoming more and more convinced we will play one tall defender....even if that tall defender is only slightly taller than Morris.

I see them lining up like this;

Ballantyne, Pavlich Clarke
Mzungu, Mayne, Walters

V

Morris, Adams, Biggs
Boyd, Wood, Murphy

[Mofra]

Becoming more and more convinced we will play one tall defender....even if that tall defender is only slightly taller than Morris.

I see them lining up like this;

Ballantyne, Pavlich Clarke
Mzungu, Mayne, Walters

V

Morris, Adams, Biggs
Boyd, Wood, Murphy
Freo board concensus is they'll play two ruckmen who rotate forward + Pav and Tabener.
They seem to be on the Mzungu vs Mayne bandwagon, not both.

[always right]

Reckon that would play into our hands.

[Mantis]

Reckon that would play into our hands.

It could also expose us badly if we don't win the midfield battle.

Hedging our bets wouldn't be the worst thing we could do.

[Cyberdoggie]

I would be surprised if Bevo plays 2 tall defenders. ( Adams & Hamling)

I tend to agree, freo don't beat you because of their tall forwards or awesome scoring power.
They get you on turnovers and pressure and their small forwards generally finish off the work with precision.

This is what happened last time we played them at Etihad, we had the majority of the play but when they won the ball back they got us on the counter attack with the small forwards 1 out with space.

If we are going to win we need to beat them in the middle, move the ball very quickly forward and outlast them with our depth of utility players. If we are under siege and they are out marking us with tall forwards that we can't match up on them we have already lost the game and are turning to damage control.

That like saying, we would of lost by 5 goals less if we had another tall defender.

I think we will win because we too many options for them and we are stronger in the middle.
We just can't allow any slip ups in concentration that let them back in the game at any point.

[bornadog]

I tend to agree, freo don't beat you because of their tall forwards or awesome scoring power.
They get you on turnovers and pressure and their small forwards generally finish off the work with precision.

This is what happened last time we played them at Etihad, we had the majority of the play but when they won the ball back they got us on the counter attack with the small forwards 1 out with space.

If we are going to win we need to beat them in the middle, move the ball very quickly forward and outlast them with our depth of utility players. If we are under siege and they are out marking us with tall forwards that we can't match up on them we have already lost the game and are turning to damage control.

That like saying, we would of lost by 5 goals less if we had another tall defender.

I think we will win because we too many options for them and we are stronger in the middle.
We just can't allow any slip ups in concentration that let them back in the game at any point.

When we played them in round 7 last year, Pav kicked 5, beating Talia with strength, Morris didn't play.

Fyfe killed us with 30 disposals and 3 goals when he went forward. Apparently he will play more time up forward this year, he is good in the air, so we need someone that can go with him. Having said that we fought back and the difference was only a point with two minutes to go. They kicked two quick ones to win by 13 points.

We also played Roughead, Talia and Roberts in the backline, Cordy in the ruck although he was subbed out, and Tom Boyd up forward. Stringer was well held with only 8 disposals and one point.

I think we have learnt a lot since that game so it will be interesting who we go with.

[Greystache]

When we played them in round 7 last year, Pav kicked 5, beating Talia with strength, Morris didn't play.

Fyfe killed us with 30 disposals and 3 goals when he went forward. Apparently he will play more time up forward this year, he is good in the air, so we need someone that can go with him. Having said that we fought back and the difference was only a point with two minutes to go. They kicked two quick ones to win by 13 points.

We also played Roughead, Talia and Roberts in the backline, Cordy in the ruck although he was subbed out, and Tom Boyd up forward. Stringer was well held with only 8 disposals and one point.

I think we have learnt a lot since that game so it will be interesting who we go with.

Don't forget Dickson kicked 7 goals in that game. He's played 1 quarter this preseason, so it's hard to see him having anything like that impact. We'll need some other forwards to step up.

[bornadog]

Don't forget Dickson kicked 7 goals in that game. He's played 1 quarter this preseason, so it's hard to see him having anything like that impact. We'll need some other forwards to step up.

Hopefully Dicko sticks in the pocket right next to Tom Boyd and crumbs a few.

[Eastdog]

Hopefully Dicko sticks in the pocket right next to Tom Boyd and crumbs a few.

So Dickson will be playing Sunday?

[bornadog]

So Dickson will be playing Sunday?

According to this (http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/2016-03-22/campbell-dickon-in-the-mix-)

[Eastdog]

According to this (http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/2016-03-22/campbell-dickon-in-the-mix-)

Just reading that and it sounds very promising.

Thanks BAD and just like to say probably been said in the past you are a very great contributor to the forum posting a lot of news articles/stories up involving the club.

[F'scary]

Team has been named with extended bench:



Full back
M Boyd
M Adams
D Morris


Half back
M Suckling
E Wood
R Murphy


Centreline
L Hunter
K Stevens
J Johannisen


Half forward
L Picken
J Stringer
J Macrae


Full forward
L Dahlhaus
T Boyd
C Daniel


Followers
J Roughead
M Bontempelli
M Wallis


Interchange from
T McLean
J Dunkley
T Liberatore


S Biggs
T Dickson
J Redpath
L Jong

[Eastdog]

Very good squad in. If Campbell does play will we slot him in the ruck. Where would Roughy go if that's the case.

[Remi Moses]

No major surprises
I'd go Redpath , libba , Dickson, and probably Biggs just ahead of Mcclean

[Eastdog]

Could Stringer play a bit on the forward line as well as the HBF.

[Bulldog4life]

Good to see young Caleb named in the starting 18.

[azabob]

Very good squad in. If Campbell does play will we slot him in the ruck. Where would Roughy go if that's the case.

Campbell isnt playing in round 1.

[Bulldog4life]

Very good squad in. If Campbell does play will we slot him in the ruck. Where would Roughy go if that's the case.

Campbell isn't in the squad Easty.

[bulldogtragic]

We were pretty close. Adams & Dunkley have obviously impressed.

[Eastdog]

Campbell isn't in the squad Easty.

Ok so that's final. Campbell was a possibility early on but now they have made the decision not to play him. Not the worst decision as we want him to be fully right and ready to go.

[Eastdog]

Good to see young Caleb named in the starting 18.

Expect to see some exciting stuff from Caleb on Sunday.

[I'm Not Bitter Anymore!]

I would have liked Hamling or Roberts

[F'scary]

No major surprises
I'd go Redpath , libba , Dickson, and probably Biggs just ahead of Mcclean

The article on the Bulldogs official site as good as says Libba will be in the final 22. I am plunking for Jong ahead of Redpath. Wouldn't be surprised to see Jong and Stevens spending time at CHF.

[Eastdog]

The article on the Bulldogs official site as good as says Libba will be in the final 22. I am plunking for Jong ahead of Redpath. Wouldn't be surprised to see Jong and Stevens spending time at CHF.

Do you see Caleb push a bit more to the middle but still have a good influence on the half forward area.

[F'scary]

Do you see Caleb push a bit more to the middle but still have a good influence on the half forward area.

He runs all day, he covers a lot of ground. I reckon we will see him in the middle half of the ground the more the match wears on. He's a ripper, who would have thought he would be the stand out of the recruits in 2015 at pick 46. Thank you, again, Carton.

[soupman]

Bench is surely going to be Liberatore, Biggs, Dickson and Redpath.

It's what I expected, Beveridge will only pick a tall backline if the players have earnt their spots, and in our case they haven't. Biggs becomes extra important as a result as we favour him taking taller types so he is definitely on the bench, and I can't see us going in with just 3 talls so Redpath plays. Libba and Dickson (if fit) pick themselves, Jong probably next in line.

Would have liked to have seen someone like Hamling or Roberts in the squad as an emergency because if either Roughead or Adams goes down we have a tiny side. Nice to see Dunkley rewarded for a strong pre-season though.

[Eastdog]

He runs all day, he covers a lot of ground. I reckon we will see him in the middle half of the ground the more the match wears on. He's a ripper, who would have thought he would be the stand out of the recruits in 2015 at pick 46. Thank you, again, Carton.

Yes there were a few critics initially at this pick and sure Caleb isn't the tallest player in the league but it is made up with his speed running opponents ragged.

[F'scary]

Yes there were a few critics initially at this pick and sure Caleb isn't the tallest player in the league but it is made up with his speed running opponents ragged.

And the quality of the possessions, he has the knack of bringing teammates in dangerous positions into the play.

[F'scary]

He runs all day, he covers a lot of ground. I reckon we will see him in the middle half of the ground the more the match wears on. He's a ripper, who would have thought he would be the stand out of the recruits in 2015 at pick 46. Thank you, again, Carton.

I might be a little unfair on Joel Hamling who won the best first year player award.

[bulldogtragic]

I hope Roberts is made of the good stuff. You'd have to think Hamling & Collins have leap frogged him, as well as Adams actually leap frogging him. I hope he goes hard to get back up.

[jeemak]

Yes there were a few critics initially at this pick and sure Caleb isn't the tallest player in the league but it is made up with his speed running opponents ragged.


And the quality of the possessions, he has the knack of bringing teammates in dangerous positions into the play.

There was apprehension, until his draft video was highly rotated and we actually saw him play. I think MJP stated he'd be the best pick of his draft if he was taller, plain and simple.

[F'scary]

There was apprehension, until his draft video was highly rotated and we actually saw him play. I think MJP stated he'd be the best pick of his draft if he was taller, plain and simple.

Mind you, if he were taller, he wouldn't move the way he does.

[Eastdog]

Mind you, if he were taller, he wouldn't move the way he does.

My thoughts exactly.

It tends to go the smaller size the quicker the taller size more slower.

[bornadog]

Jong is needed to ruck. :D

[Eastdog]

Jong is needed to ruck. :D

Hoping he has good all year round and doesn't fade. So much talent there. I'm more inclined to say now that he has a good future.

[whythelongface]

Feel we are a little small down back with Adams the tallest. Was hoping that Campbell would be ok to play. Will Roughy drop back when Boyd is in the ruck?

[Eastdog]

Feel we are a little small down back with Adams the tallest. Was hoping that Campbell would be ok to play. Will Roughy drop back when Boyd is in the ruck?

I would say Roughy dropping back when Boyd is in the ruck would be the logical idea but would rather prep T Boyd as a full forward but can play rick when necessary if Roughy and Campbell can't do it. Any chance Goetz will get a go this year - I guess it will depend on his VFL form.

[LostDoggy]

Relying on Roughy really scares me. Redpath must play just incase Roughy doesn't last the match out. Which is a huge possibility lets be honest.

[ReLoad]

Our ruck situation is pretty diabolical and is really going to hold us back from the top echelons.

Roughy isn't a ruckman, it has been proven his body can't handle it.
I'd be shattered if Toyd spent more than 20% ruck time, he is a gun forward, no matter bevo's ruck hype.

TC really is the great hope, I've seen signs in him and like him in the team, but without him, or minno, we will struggle.

The two rucks Freo have are good players and can't be underestimated.

[GVGjr]

Our ruck situation is pretty diabolical and is really going to hold us back from the top echelons.

Roughy isn't a ruckman, it has been proven his body can't handle it.
I'd be shattered if Toyd spent more than 20% ruck time, he is a gun forward, no matter bevo's ruck hype.

TC really is the great hope, I've seen signs in him and like him in the team, but without him, or minno, we will struggle.

The two rucks Freo have are good players and can't be underestimated.

I find it hard to work out how Beveridge and the match committee view our ruckman and the ruck position especially given we made a play for Lobbe during the trade period and the way we used Ayce Cordy last year. It was also interesting that Boyd was used as a ruckman with the first bounce against Collingwood with TC in the forward line.

Moving Roughead out of the back line would indicate that they really want both Campbell and Roughead to alternate between the ruck and forward pocket roles.

I'm somewhat hopeful that Roughead can do a good job on Sunday but like many his track record of staying injury free doesn't inspire a lot of confidence.

I suspect we will see Boyd used in the ruck quite a lot on Sunday

[bornadog]

We need Boyd playing FF, he will be too big for the Freo backs and if the ball delivery is good, he will kick a few.

[GVGjr]

We need Boyd playing FF, he will be too big for the Freo backs and if the ball delivery is good, he will kick a few.


While my preference would be to leave Boyd up forward as much as possible I think Beveridge and the match committee are more than comfortable with him being used up to 20% or even 30% of the game in the ruck.

[chef]

Bit of a worry going in with Adams and Morris as our KPD.

[GVGjr]

Bit of a worry going in with Adams and Morris as our KPD.

Agreed, I don't see why Hamling given his pace, height and athleticism wouldn't be in the mix. It would just give us some added insurance.
At the moment the back line has a level of sameness about it. Lets hope it works.

[bornadog]

Bit of a worry going in with Adams and Morris as our KPD.

I guess Bevo experimented with it in the NAB v Pies and thought it was ok. To me it is a mistake, but then I am not the coach.

[Bulldog4life]

I remember Bevo saying in one of his interviews sometimes we will go in smaller in defence if form warrants it or words to that effect and that he would pick the best 22.

[The Underdog]

Bit of a worry going in with Adams and Morris as our KPD.

This looks like a glaring issue on paper.
Looks like the 2015 selection weirdness is going to continue into 2016. I'm half expecting the bench to be Dunkley, McLean, Liberatore and Jong.

[Maddog37]

Dunkley looks an ideal type to play Freo.

[bornadog]

Dunkley looks an ideal type to play Freo.

Wouldn't surprise me if he played, lots of teams playing their first rounders.

[chef]

Agreed, I don't see why Hamling given his pace, height and athleticism wouldn't be in the mix. It would just give us some added insurance.
At the moment the back line has a level of sameness about it. Lets hope it works.


I guess Bevo experimented with it in the NAB v Pies and thought it was ok. To me it is a mistake, but then I am not the coach.

I guess looking at the Freo team their forward line isn't tall. Mayne and Pav aren't 'tall' while Taberner(if he plays) and Griffen are but not that threatening.

I would have played Hamling though.

[1eyedog]

I like Hamling too. I'm wondering if Redpath will come in to chop Boyd out of ruck duties. I like Tom playing forward. Jack is bigger and heavier than Adams too so can go back if needed or Roughie goes back and Jack rucks. Either way, we are one tall short so Redpath has to play now. Is this the first time Jack and Tom have been in the same team for Premiership points? I can't remember.

[azabob]

I like Hamling too. I'm wondering if Redpath will come in to chop Boyd out of ruck duties. I like Tom playing forward. Jack is bigger and heavier than Adams too so can go back if needed or Roughie goes back and Jack rucks. Either way, we are one tall short so Redpath has to play now. Is this the first time Jack and Tom have been in the same team for Premiership points? I can't remember.

Round one last year they both played. Redpath was then dropped. Unsure if they played together after that.

[GVGjr]

I like Hamling too. I'm wondering if Redpath will come in to chop Boyd out of ruck duties. I like Tom playing forward. Jack is bigger and heavier than Adams too so can go back if needed or Roughie goes back and Jack rucks. Either way, we are one tall short so Redpath has to play now. Is this the first time Jack and Tom have been in the same team for Premiership points? I can't remember.

I think if both Redpath and Boyd are in the same team then Boyd will do the majority of the back up ruck work. Redpath might just get a run after half time

[comrade]

Bevo is backing in our running game to overwhelm Freo.

With limited rotations, I'm backing Lachine Hunter and his underestimated tank to have a big game (and big year).

[bornadog]

I think if both Redpath and Boyd are in the same team then Boyd will do the majority of the back up ruck work. Redpath might just get a run after half time

Steven King's comments here:


The Bulldogs have named the tall trio of Jordan Roughead, Tom Boyd and Jack Redpath, all of whom will share ruck duties on Sunday, although King says Roughead and Boyd will do the heavy lifting.

[bornadog]

Michael Johnson out with Calf soreness, Alex Pearce into squad of 25

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Echo the concerns re: the back half. Huge amount of pressure on Adams which I find quite silly. Hamling should have played for mine.

Our hands were tied with Roughy having to ruck given TC/Minson are injured. It's a good opportunity for him to stamp his authority, but I am not confident. Whilst I think Boyd is solid in the ruck, without Crameri I'd rather him play 90% forward - especially as Roughy is a horrible forward. I know Redpath isn't a great ruck but I'd rather he be the battering ram, especially with no Sandi.

We'll see what happens.

[ReLoad]

Michael Johnson out with Calf soreness, Alex Pearce into squad of 25

that's a huge out for them, he is the main man on the CHB line and starts so many counter attacks

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Michael Johnson out with Calf soreness, Alex Pearce into squad of 25

Michael Johnson is a huge out for them which tends to help offset the loss of Crameri.

[soupman]

Bad news, Tory Dickson withdrawn from the squad. Hrovat now in the 25.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Bad news, Tory Dickson withdrawn from the squad. Hrovat now in the 25.

Damn.

Johnson out is huge for us, but Dickson out too (combined with Crameri) cancels out the advantage somewhat.

[G-Mo77]

Dickson out is a huge blow but not really a surprise. Got to find a scorer somewhere against a pretty stingey opposition

[bulldogtragic]

How about go in with an extra mid and play Bonts forward, and rotating on-ball or where ever he might be needed.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

I'd be tempted to play all of Roughy, Redpath and Boyd.

Worst case: Boyd rucks, Roughy plays FB and Redpath FF if their talls trouble us.
Best case: Midfield dominance allows us to possibly stretch Freo's defense with Boyd and Redpath.

[jeemak]

I'd be tempted to play all of Roughy, Redpath and Boyd.

Worst case: Boyd rucks, Roughy plays FB and Redpath FF if their talls trouble us.
Best case: Midfield dominance allows us to possibly stretch Freo's defense with Boyd and Redpath.

Agreed, I don't want to be left with only one ruck option for the day and I don't think things can be counted on to go so well that we won't need some assistance from Roughead in defence.

[divvydan]

Final bench:

Interchange; McLean, Dunkley, Liberatore, Biggs.
Emergencies; Hrovat, Redpath, Jong.

Dunkley and no Redpath a real surprise. I think we're way too small.

[jeemak]

Full back M Boyd, M Adams, D Morris
Half back M Suckling, E Wood, R Murphy
Centreline L Hunter, K Stevens, J Johannisen
Half forward L Picken, J Stringer, J Macrae
Full forward L Dahlhaus, T Boyd, C Daniel
Followers J Roughead, M Bontempelli , M Wallis
Interchange T McLean, J Dunkley, T Liberatore, S Biggs
Emergencies N Hrovat, J Redpath, L Jong

I'm a little bit disappointed we're as small in defence as we are without any back up. I hope we defend well as a team because we could get exposed by quick movement. Especially if Wood is minding a taller player.

Happy to see Dunkley in the side for his debut, though I didn't see it coming.

[Bulldog4life]

Bad news, Tory Dickson withdrawn from the squad. Hrovat now in the 25.

Not surprised

[Bulldog4life]

Full back M Boyd M Adams D Morris
Half back M Suckling E Wood R Murphy
Centreline L Hunter K Stevens J Johannisen
Half forward L Picken J Stringer J Macrae
Full forward L Dahlhaus T Boyd C Daniel
Followers J Roughead M Bontempelli M Wallis
Interchange T McLean J Dunkley T Liberatore
S Biggs
Emergencies N Hrovat J Redpath L Jong

Surprised no Big Jack. Let's hope Adams, Roughy or Tommy Boyd don't get injured.

[soupman]

Our shortest side ever? Only two real talls in Boyd and Roughead, with Adams, Morris, Stringer and I guess Wood all tallish.

[Bulldog4life]

Our shortest side ever? Only two real talls in Boyd and Roughead, with Adams, Morris, Stringer and I guess Wood all tallish.

Yes appears we are going to try to run them ragged

[dog town]

Michael Johnson out for them is massive.

[1eyedog]

Our shortest side ever? Only two real talls in Boyd and Roughead, with Adams, Morris, Stringer and I guess Wood all tallish.

I remember the days when we had Lake and Hudson the only two blokes 193cm or over and the next biggest was sometimes player Everitt.

Jong, Macrae, Biggs, Stevens, Bont are all taller than Wood, although Wood plays tall. With Libba back in at the coal face and Koby ready to go Bont may play more forward. At 192cm he's a nice target as well.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Surprised no Big Jack. Let's hope Adams, Roughy or Tommy Boyd don't get injured.

Huge pressure on Stringer and Tom Boyd to perform without big Jack ,Dickson and Crameri up forward. Roughy needs to lift in the ruck to enable Boyd to spend more time at FF. A big test for Morris also as our second tall defender. Surprised not to see Hamling in the 22.

[SlimPickens]

Congrats to Josh Dunkley and Marcus Adams on their debuts. Both haven't put a foot wrong since arriving at the club.

[F'scary]

Full back M Boyd, M Adams, D Morris
Half back M Suckling, E Wood, R Murphy
Centreline L Hunter, K Stevens, J Johannisen
Half forward L Picken, J Stringer, J Macrae
Full forward L Dahlhaus, T Boyd, C Daniel
Followers J Roughead, M Bontempelli , M Wallis
Interchange T McLean, J Dunkley, T Liberatore, S Biggs
Emergencies N Hrovat, J Redpath, L Jong

...

Can't see Macrae being played as a forward. He's useless there.

Big test for Roughead, possibly make or break.

I would have had Hamling in at CHB, Wood to his customary HBF, Suckers to the bench at the expense of Dunkley.

[Rocco Jones]

Don't have KPs who are AFL quality? Don't play them. That seems to be Bevo's take.

[Templeton31]

If you'd told me during pre season that Rd1 team would not have any of Campbell Minson Hamling Roberts Collins Redpath in it I would've been shocked.

The only thing I can say now that its the case is watching Blues v Tiges last night I was struck by how the game seemed like 17 midfielders vs 17 midfielders (each team still had a ruckman) with the tall guys not helpful. Maybe its a Round 1 thing with the frenetic pace of Round 1.

[GVGjr]

Don't have KPs who are AFL quality? Don't play them. That seems to be Bevo's take.

If it works then great, if not he and the match committee have some explaining to do :)

[F'scary]

Heave-Ho has named 3 ruckmen in their line-up. Certainly a contrast to our selections. The big risk for us, imo, is that if things go in a certain direction, Roughead could end up going back to the FB line and Toyd has to be spent as first ruck. What we want is that their tall forwards are fairly ineffectual, Roughead holds his own in the ruck for 90% of the game, Toyd gives their backs a problem and our smaller mix of players runs rings around and through their lines.

[GVGjr]

Could the thinking be that we want to test the fitness of Freo's selected side and try and run them around?

[ReLoad]

Heave-Ho has named 3 ruckmen in their line-up. Certainly a contrast to our selections. The big risk for us, imo, is that if things go in a certain direction, Roughead could end up going back to the FB line and Toyd has to be spent as first ruck. What we want is that their tall forwards are fairly ineffectual, Roughead holds his own in the ruck for 90% of the game, Toyd gives their backs a problem and our smaller mix of players runs rings around and through their lines.

We've all heard of a resting ruckman up forward, ours is a resting ruckman in defence.

Last year Bevo pulled this kind of stuff every week and it worked more often than not, so whilst I'm amazingly dubious against a big tall Freo side, I'll run with it.

Our mids are going to have to kick 10 goals between them for us to win.

[G-Mo77]

Congrats to Josh Dunkley and Marcus Adams on their debuts. Both haven't put a foot wrong since arriving at the club.

Yeah good luck to the first gamers. Fingers crossed their first career game is a win.

[Eastdog]

Dickson out is a huge blow but not really a surprise. Got to find a scorer somewhere against a pretty stingey opposition

Hopefully guys like Wallis, Hunter, Dalhaus etc chip in with a few. Hoping both T Boyd and Stringer have a good games. Stringer was there in the last nab game but didn't impact it very much and we need a bit more from him on Sunday. Hoping all our forwards have a great year.

[Eastdog]

Congrats to Josh Dunkley and Marcus Adams on their debuts. Both haven't put a foot wrong since arriving at the club.

Best of luck to both of them.

[Mantis]

If it works then great, if not he and the match committee have some explaining to do :)

If nothing else he and his team are consistent with their selections.

[always right]

Excited and nervous. High risk selection....should be a high octane game. At the end of the game Bevo will either be hailed a tactical genius or someone who may have got a little ahead of himself.

[Bulldog Revolution]

The positive is he hasn't shown any inclination to want to gamble on underdone players (Campbell, Dickson, Hamling etc) and previously has had a good read on which kids should play and when

The one selection that particularly surprises me is Dunkley over Jong

[Eastdog]

The positive is he hasn't shown any inclination to want to gamble on underdone players (Campbell, Dickson, Hamling etc) and previously has had a good read on which kids should play and when

The one selection that particularly surprises me is Dunkley over Jong

Yes you would think that Dunkley being his first real AFL game wouldn't be thrown in the deep end and Jong who I think has the potential to have a good year would have been selected but I'm not the coach and they are the ones that know whats going down.

[Remi Moses]

Johnson and Dickson out nullify each other.
Are we one tall short forward ?

[Remi Moses]

The positive is he hasn't shown any inclination to want to gamble on underdone players (Campbell, Dickson, Hamling etc) and previously has had a good read on which kids should play and when

The one selection that particularly surprises me is Dunkley over Jong

Dunkley selection is a bit of a surprise, but thought Jong was poor against the pies.
I'm glad we're not throwing all our eggs into the round one basket, it can bite you in the arse having underdone players

[GVGjr]

If nothing else he and his team are consistent with their selections.

For sure, we certainly select teams a bit differently since Bevo arrived. I'd have to go back to Wallace who had an obsession with pacy players and I think Bevo might also have some strong but different thoughts on team selections.

[Greystache]

Bevo's selections were hard to understand last season and a team that was tipped to win the spoon won 14 games. I have to back his good judgement even if logically if makes no sense. Crameri and Dickson are big outs but hopefully Wallis can continue his good form as a forward and Boyd can have a big impact. Roughead needs to play big minutes in the ruck to allow us to play as selected.

Good show of faith in Dunkley and Daniel.

[GVGjr]

Bevo's selections were hard to understand last season and a team that was tipped to win the spoon won 14 games. I have to back his good judgement even if logically if makes no sense. Crameri and Dickson are big outs but hopefully Wallis can continue his good form as a forward and Boyd can have a big impact. Roughead needs to play big minutes in the ruck to allow us to play as selected.

Good show of faith in Dunkley and Daniel.


Yep, as curious as his selections are there is no certainly doubt that they work.

Just on the final selection, as much as I rate Biggs I would have looked harder at Hamling just because he is better in the air.

[Before I Die]

Are we one tall short forward ?

The only tall short forward we had was Grant 😊

[Bulldog4life]

When Bevo was backline coach with the Hawks they often had a small backline especially in one year when Cheney played on the talls.

[1eyedog]

Yep, as curious as his selections are there is no certainly doubt that they work.

Just on the final selection, as much as I rate Biggs I would have looked harder at Hamling just because he is better in the air.

I thought the same thing but the Biggs selection, in light of our plethora of running backs, looks very strategic. It's pretty clear we're going to run and carry.

[1eyedog]

If you'd told me during pre season that Rd1 team would not have any of Campbell Minson Hamling Roberts Collins Redpath in it I would've been shocked.

The only thing I can say now that its the case is watching Blues v Tiges last night I was struck by how the game seemed like 17 midfielders vs 17 midfielders (each team still had a ruckman) with the tall guys not helpful. Maybe its a Round 1 thing with the frenetic pace of Round 1.

I thought Wietering, Kruezer, Griffiths and Vickery were very good for both teams.

[Dry Rot]

Don't have KPs who are AFL quality? Don't play them. That seems to be Bevo's take.

Hamling under done or not good enough?

[Dry Rot]

FWIW, look at the selected side, and then my sig.

They got it the wrong way around - Boyd should be FB, and Daniel should be FF. ;)

[G-Mo77]

Hamling under done or not good enough?

Underdone and what has Adams done wrong to not hold his spot?

Neither Roberts or Hamling are walk up starters IMO. Nothing wrong with winning your spot back.

[GVGjr]

Hamling under done or not good enough?

Played well last week so I doubt he is underdone. The fact that he couldn't even make the extended squad would indicate we are trying to go into this game with a smaller line-up and hoping Adams, Morris and Wood can control Freo's taller forwards.

[always right]

I am concerned about who picks up Fyfe when he pushes forward as it looks like Wood will have his hands full playing third man up against the taller Freo forwards. Bevo doesn't tag but would there be any possibility of someone like Stevens pushing back into defence with Fyfe?

As for our forward line, we may see Bonts play a more prominent role there.

[Mantis]

Played well last week so I doubt he is underdone. The fact that he couldn't even make the extended squad would indicate we are trying to go into this game with a smaller line-up and hoping Adams, Morris and Wood can control Freo's taller forwards.

I have a feeling that Biggs will be asked to play tall allowing Wood to play his preferred role.

The concern is quick & clean ball going Freo's way leaving our defenders unable to cover for each other.

[Go_Dogs]

I'm not at all worried about being a bit small in defence, because the Fremantle smalls are what scare me. We'll need to be very smart transitioning and ensure we don't let their fleet-footed players sneak out the back for easy goals.

Anyone else think we'll see a lot of Dunkley in the forward line?

[Eastdog]

I'm not at all worried about being a bit small in defence, because the Fremantle smalls are what scare me. We'll need to be very smart transitioning and ensure we don't let their fleet-footed players sneak out the back for easy goals.

Anyone else think we'll see a lot of Dunkley in the forward line?

Possibly. I believe Dunkley can play both back and forward. No criticism from me as its his first game. Do you see the ruck situation as rotating between Boyd, Roughy, Minson, Campbell etc throughout the year.

[azabob]

Possibly. I believe Dunkley can play both back and forward. No criticism from me as its his first game. Do you see the ruck situation as rotating between Boyd, Roughy, Minson, Campbell etc throughout the year.

ED, lets not get distracted with the ruck situation beyond round one. I am sure there are multiple threads on this topic.

[Eastdog]

ED, lets not get distracted with the ruck situation beyond round one. I am sure there are multiple threads on this topic.

Yes fair enough azabob. While this is an issue for us there are plenty of other areas on the field which we look real solid.

[Bulldog Revolution]

JJ, Suckling, Murphy and Biggs should give us plenty of run and distribution by foot from half back and wing

And they're all somewhat interchangeable parts

i view all as ideally being in our best 22

[BornInDroopSt'54]

The selections suggest we'll use the plan from our final last year; back ourselves to use the ball better than our opposition. Fast transition to create a loose player all the way through the sticks. The problems were out-the-back-Eddy and Taylor Walker out competing us although we still should've won.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Can't see Macrae being played as a forward. He's useless there.

Big test for Roughead, possibly make or break.

I would have had Hamling in at CHB, Wood to his customary HBF, Suckers to the bench at the expense of Dunkley.

I'm thinking Macrae on the left flank where he is selected can centre into a free player with his dinky little lefties and his peripheral vision.

[F'scary]

I'm thinking Macrae on the left flank where he is selected can centre into a free player with his dinky little lefties and his peripheral vision.

BIDS, he can do that in the middle half as wing, centre of ruck rover - positions he is good at. As a forward, I reckon he won't go well because he never contests a mark (not his style, he sets up for the spill), no right foot for snaps, terrible set shot and mediocre running shot at goal on his natural foot. Stevens would be a much better option at half forward.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

BIDS, he can do that in the middle half as wing, centre of ruck rover - positions he is good at. As a forward, I reckon he won't go well because he never contests a mark (not his style, he sets up for the spill), no right foot for snaps, terrible set shot and mediocre running shot at goal on his natural foot. Stevens would be a much better option at half forward.

Get where you're coming from. He's an outside accumulator who "processes' the ball, giving it off by hand or with a kick of less than 30m. He has improved his tackling and inside game. His height is mainly good for strength in the contest, not so much for marking. I think his awkward kicking style is still very effective and he works hard to be in the right position to offer an option. His skill set seems more suited to the middle but hopefully Bevo has seen something important he can do on a forward flank.
Just kick it to Tom I say, Tom Boyd that is, target extraordinaire.

[F'scary]

Get where you're coming from. He's an outside accumulator who "processes' the ball, giving it off by hand or with a kick of less than 30m. He has improved his tackling and inside game. His height is mainly good for strength in the contest, not so much for marking. I think his awkward kicking style is still very effective and he works hard to be in the right position to offer an option. His skill set seems more suited to the middle but hopefully Bevo has seen something important he can do on a forward flank.
Just kick it to Tom I say, Tom Boyd that is, target extraordinaire.

We'd be wasting Macrazy at half-forward, so I would not expect to see him line up there. And I reckon that if we go long to Big Boyd instead of some of those too cute shallower deliveries into the 50m zone, much better option. So I'm with you, BIDS.

[The Underdog]

Z. Cordy has replaced Redpath as an emergency which is ...interesting. I know both played today so probably nothing in it, but might be a cloud over one of the defenders. More MC shenanigans.

[Happy Days]

Z. Cordy has replaced Redpath as an emergency which is ...interesting. I know both played today so probably nothing in it, but might be a cloud over one of the defenders. More MC shenanigans.

Redpath got reported today, would that have anything to do with it?

[The Underdog]

Redpath got reported today, would that have anything to do with it?

Wouldn't have thought that it'd effect his ability to play tomorrow

[Eastdog]

Wouldn't have thought that it'd effect his ability to play tomorrow

He has only been reported not suspended so I wouldn't think so. Could he still play tomorrow or will Bevo leave it for another week.

[soupman]

We should really know by now not to question the match committee. Since Beveridge has arrived we have made some very brave and odd selections, but they have almost always worked.

Todays lineup was perfect, and Freo's tall blokes were all incredibly ineffective.

[comrade]

I felt pre-match this would be a similar game to the North Melbourne match last year, but I overestimated Freo's talls.

They could actually be in a world of pain this year. They just don't have the key forwards that require big defenders to man them, but they also lack pace on every line so you can go short and quick across the ground and run them off their feet.

Good teams will match up accordingly.

My hunch is Freo to be a fair slider this year...and Jesse Hogan to be the highest paid player in the game when he signs with them post season.

[F'scary]

I felt pre-match this would be a similar game to the North Melbourne match last year, but I overestimated Freo's talls.

They could actually be in a world of pain this year. They just don't have the key forwards that require big defenders to man them, but they also lack pace on every line so you can go short and quick across the ground and run them off their feet.

Good teams will match up accordingly.

My hunch is Freo to be a fair slider this year...and Jesse Hogan to be the highest paid player in the game when he signs with them post season.

I share your hunch, Freo were probably straight on the phone to Hogan's agent after the final siren.

[bulldogtragic]

Looking for stats on Marcus Adams debut in Round 1, 2016 I read the team sheet and realised again just how much change we've had in four years to our best 22 for Round 1. A 50% turnover.

11 Remain: Bonts, Suckling, McLean, Dunkley, Libba, JJ, Macrae, Daniel, Wallis, Hunter, Wood
11 Gone: Stringer (Ess), Adams (Bris), Roughy (Coll), Dahl (Geel), Stevens (StK), T. Boyd & Biggs (early ret), Bob, Glove, Picko, M. Boyd

We are young, but we are also new.

[GVGjr]

Looking for stats on Marcus Adams debut in Round 1, 2016 I read the team sheet and realised again just how much change we've had in four years to our best 22 for Round 1. A 50% turnover.

11 Remain: Bonts, Suckling, McLean, Dunkley, Libba, JJ, Macrae, Daniel, Wallis, Hunter, Wood
11 Gone: Stringer (Ess), Adams (Bris), Roughy (Coll), Dahl (Geel), Stevens (StK), T. Boyd & Biggs (early ret), Bob, Glove, Picko, M. Boyd

We are young, but we are also new.

While the % looks high everyone of the players that have moved on have good reasons and there are good reasons for the players we maintained.
It would be nice to have kept Roughead though but he is getting more of a go at Collingwood than he would have likely got with us

[comrade]

While the % looks high everyone of the players that have moved on have good reasons and there are good reasons for the players we maintained.
It would be nice to have kept Roughead though but he is getting more of a go at Collingwood than he would have likely got with us

Yep, of those still playing, it's only Roughy that I truly miss.