The 2016 Premiership thread

[1eyedog]

Firstly, I apologise profusely for lifting the lid on our 2016 campaign.

IF we beat Hawthorn on Sunday we will narrow to odds on with Sydney to win the flag with only West Coast and the Hawks at shorter odds. Daydreaming like this gives me a thrill because it's the closest I've ever come to Grand Final week. I've never seen a list like this at the Bulldogs and I've never seen such a well-rounded game plan. We've always had run and gun teams (1997) or highly skilled teams with good defenders but no forwards (2007-).Our list seems balanced and our game style works well both ways.

FWIW I think we'll beat the Hawks so, in anticipation of the massive pro-Bulldogs media bandwagon, I am making a massive jump forward and posing the following questions.

1/ Do we have the list to play in a Grand Final this season? Have we learnt our lessons from last year's EF loss and is the hunger there to go a few steps further?

2/ In what position(s) on the ground are we lacking?

3/ If we are lacking a particular type of player what player would fill the role (out of contract / free agent i.e. who should we target)?

4/ Do you still think our window is the 2017 / 2018 seasons?

5/ Is our current game plan sophisticated and developed enough to translate to the wider MCG?

I'm interested to hear from all those WOOFERs that believe (as well as the ones that don't...yet).

[Twodogs]

This s a great thread!

[SonofScray]

We are good enough now and were good enough last year assuming things fell our way. There is no ceiling on what can be achieved by this group.

1. Yes. Goal kicking efficiency and a capacity to clamp down when we are wrestling momentum back our way will be the key differences in another failed finals campaign and a flag that wags.

2. Our ruck stocks are still shaky, despite the good form of Roughie and the presence of a former AA back up in Will. I feel we haven't quite got the option to bring any of them in without disrupting other systems. It is swinging in favour though which is the promising sign.

3. Not sure. Feel like we've done well so far on that front, if we can nail a few more while the high draft picks dry up it'd be ideal.

4. I don't believe in the window / clock metaphor. But if I did, I'd say it is wide open right now and will be difficult to close for a a few years.

5. We just don't get enough time on the G for me to be confident that it is.

[Twodogs]

One thing this list has on its side that other lists-I'm going to start calling it this year's list-one thing this year's list has going for it is things seem to keep falling into place. Sandilands out for the first round, Hodge out ths round. I said to someone on the weekend as St Kilda mucked up a 3 on 0 in the goalsquare then stood and watched as Caleb Daniel kicked a goal down the other end ten seconds later that it was exactly the sort of thing that usually happens to us. A couple of teams seemed to have fallen away, I can't have west coast as a premiership threat when they can't play well away from home, hawthorn surely can't go four times in a row? The Swans look good but can they go all year? Little things just keep mounting up.

This year's list just seems to have a destiny.

[1eyedog]

One thing this list has on its side that other lists-I'm going to start calling it this year's list-one thing this year's list has going for it is things seem to keep falling into place. Sandilands out for the first round, Hodge out ths round. I said to someone on the weekend as St Kilda mucked up a 3 on 0 in the goalsquare then stood and watched as Caleb Daniel kicked a goal down the other end ten seconds later that it was exactly the sort of thing that usually happens to us. A couple of teams seemed to have fallen away, I can't have west coast as a premiership threat when they can't play well away from home, hawthorn surely can't go four times in a row? The Swans look good but can they go all year? Little things just keep mounting up.

This year's list just seems to have a destiny.

We've had the rub of the green ever since Griffon walked (even though we didn't know it at the time). Only thing against is the Crameri ban. Gee he would be handy this year.

[bornadog]

We have gone early with this, but hey it is fun discussing. :)

1. We need our rucks to stand up and not get injured. Roughy has done well the first two weeks without dominating hit outs, but hasn't come up against a top ruckman yet. His body has to stand up as does Campbell. Roughy is also good around the ground.

2. I still feel we are one tall short in the backline, but then again what we are doing is working. Will the current setup work when we play Swans with Franklin and Tippett, or WCoast with their tall line up.

3. MCG is a concern based on our game plan. Did anyone look around the ground last week when the siren went. The players had hands on knees, they were stuffed. There were very few stoppages and they ran and ran till they were exhausted. MCG is harder to do this and we may have to look at how the Hawks play the ground. Hawks use longer, accurate kicks to move the ball quickly from one end to the other. Suckling will certainly help here.

4. Premiership teams have very few injuries and they also have depth to cover those injuries. A few players are vital for us.

5. Before predicting the rest of the season, let's see how we play Sunday.

http://bizgov.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/open-window.jpg

[1eyedog]

It's a thread that will undoubtedly gather momentum as the season progresses :D

[Ghost Dog]

1eyeD just threw the lid in the Maribyrnong river. Oh, well. no more lid.

1/ Do we have the list to play in a Grand Final this season? Have we learnt our lessons from last year's EF loss and is the hunger there to go a few steps further?

Yes but we don't yet have the experience with all the teams we will face in the top 4. As the season goes on we will lose some quarters and even games that teach us more

2/ In what position(s) on the ground are we lacking?

Without Crameri and Dickson, we lack mobility in our forward line. At some stage a we will mix it up and throw a linking forward up there, once Tom is becoming double teamed and Stringer is not getting the feed, which will happen when we play better midfields that restrict us.

3/ If we are lacking a particular type of player what player would fill the role (out of contract / free agent i.e. who should we target)?
Goez will come along I hope and we don't have to go looking for a new ruckman. Roughy does some great things but it's a terribly hard position on the body, and needs an understudy.

4/ Do you still think our window is the 2017 / 2018 seasons?
We are going to smash the window

5/ Is our current game plan sophisticated and developed enough to translate to the wider MCG?
They always talk about this. If our backline is being touted as the endurance machine of the comp, I don't think we will have a problem.

Might get shell-shocked, like the Eagles, but we offloaded our downhill skiers ( Tutt, Higgins ) already. The bus is moving fast.
The time is gone when we had to tolerate players like that ( Everitt, Jones ) because we had holes in our list and could not attract others to make up for it.

[Ozza]

I like this thread - as I'm of the view that 'why can't we win it this year?'. If our expectation is that this year is too soon for us to win it, then we are definitely out of the race. If you buy into there being specific windows when you can win premierships - then you are limiting yourself.

Does anyone think Hawthorn ever go into a season thinking they can't win the premiership?

In 2007 - they scraped over the line in a final, and then were bounced out the following week.
The following year, despite having a young list (which probably actually reached maturity in the years where it won 3 more) they won the flag. And that was against a great Geelong side. This season is way more open than 2008 looked to be.

To answer the questions in the OP;

1/ Do we have the list to play in a Grand Final this season? Have we learnt our lessons from last year's EF loss and is the hunger there to go a few steps further? Yes, of course we have the list. We are good on every line, and have emerging superstars in Libba, Stringer & Bontempelli. We have a team that hasn't played a heap of footy together, so this will strengthen during the season and make us more formidable.

2/ In what position(s) on the ground are we lacking? At the moment, we are looking well rounded as a team. Time will tell in the ruck, and with tall defenders.

3/ If we are lacking a particular type of player what player would fill the role (out of contract / free agent i.e. who should we target)? I'm happy with the current list, and the depth we have.

4/ Do you still think our window is the 2017 / 2018 seasons? No, I don't really believe in windows, but if I was to say when the window is open - it is right now and for plenty of years ahead, at least 5.

5/ Is our current game plan sophisticated and developed enough to translate to the wider MCG? It will only take for us to win well there in our two games this season for the mindset around this to change. I think we will play the G better this year as our team defence has improved....and because of Libba.

[Twodogs]

We've had the rub of the green ever since Griffon walked (even though we didn't know it at the time). Only thing against is the Crameri ban. Gee he would be handy this year.

Yeah, so true. Ever since old whatsisname walked out the door our luck changed.

Crammers would have been handy but it's not like we can't build another forward line with the tools at our disposal. He could have done his knee getting off the couch (or in a game most likely) and we would have been in the same position.

[The Doctor]

1/ Do we have the list to play in a Grand Final this season? Have we learnt our lessons from last year's EF loss and is the hunger there to go a few steps further?



I don't see why not. We have strong contributors on all lines with no shortage of ability. The hunger is evident for all to see at this early stage of the season

My query on our team at the moment is whether we have enough experience overall in the big games to know what to do at the big moments. We still are prone to giving up commanding leads at times and you don't really see that from the battle hardened teams that have been at the top for a while like Hawks and Swans.





2/ In what position(s) on the ground are we lacking?



I think positionally we are in good shape. I would like to see a genuine mobile CHF in our line up and wonder whether Hamling may be an option here. I don't see Redpath or one of the ruckmen being that player.

In addition to the experience factor mentioned above do we have enough hard nuts? Often we see a statement in big games made by a hard nut. Roughead from Hawks in the 14 GF when he smashed that Swans defender. Carr on Akermanis in 04. The kind of physical presence that intimidates and stands up when being intimidated. So when the bullies from other teams come to pick on Bont, Macrae, Hunter, JJ etc who is going to stand up? Libba and Stevens I suspect will but is that enough? Or when it gets tough in the clinches and the big boys start throwing their weight around are we physically capable at this stage of matching such teams in big games with so many younger players in ours. Many of our emerging stars are still yet to reach their physical peak in terms of body development.




3/ If we are lacking a particular type of player what player would fill the role (out of contract / free agent i.e. who should we target)?



I like that the club is determined to keep our list together and develop from within. There is not much from elsewhere that I would be really interested in. I like we have been using the draft and have picked up some hungry players on the fringes at other clubs and this has been shrewd recruiting and is working. Don't think we need big name recruits as we have filled our positional voids quite well in recent times. So unless something dramatic happens and we lose a good player unexpectedly I'm not too concerned with it. Possible exception we could consider a ruckman if Minson decides to leave.




4/ Do you still think our window is the 2017 / 2018 seasons?



I think the window is open for a very long time




5/ Is our current game plan sophisticated and developed enough to translate to the wider MCG?



Yes it is, quite easily.

We have the players to execute long kicking skills and game plans to manouvre players across the turf as needed. We are capable of transitioning quickly to all parts of the ground very efficiently.

Most important, i believe we have a coach with as high an IQ for football as I have ever seen out our club. I am very confident he will find a way to meet the challenges and will learn a lot when we come up short. I also think he will only get better with more experience.

[1eyedog]

It's been many, many years with many finals appearances still not bearing premiership fruit, but surely, now, the arguments against us being genuine title contenders are weakening.

Out thumping win of the minor premier in round 1 where we displayed a beautiful style of football contrasted sharply with our Thor like hammering of St. Kilda a week later. The test comes this week though, but if we beat the Hawks, IMO, we will be closer to a premiership this year than we have been in any of Prelim matches in the past! Why? This year is just different in every way.

There was a season-long assumption last year that we would eventually fall away, but we didn't, not until the last 5 minutes of the Elimination Final, and in reality we had them by the short and curlies and it was us who lost that match, not them that won it. "This week, the Bulldogs will lose," was repeated throughout the season. And yet, with the youngest side in the competition we win 14 matches and look for all intents and purposes to be marching to a top 4 finish. This year we sit on top of the ladder and go head to head against the Hawks at similar odds. The progress from October 2014 to April 2016 is astounding really. We go from irrelevant to sexy.

Since the start of last year, under Bevo, we are 16 wins and 8 losses with an average well over 140%, we sit inside the top 4 in terms of total number of defeats since the start of the 2015 season. This is no longer a 'good start' or an 'impressive run of form'. This is the consistency of champions, a champion team, we've clinically despatched opponent after opponent and as I said IMO this includes Adelaide in last years EF.

We have nothing to fear from our remaining fixtures, Bevo said as much. Confidence is sky-high and we're going in against the reigning Premiers with no fear. Out of the potential finalists last year (and perhaps this year), we have now beaten Fremantle, the Swans in Sydney, Richmond, North Melbourne, West Coast and Adelaide. That's all of them with our one big test, our biggest test this Sunday. Knock the Hawks over and we have beat everyone and anyone we may face in the finals this year and we've beaten them convincingly over the past 25 games.

They say we won't beat the big teams on the big stage, fair enough, but there has been big wins, Sydney in Sydney and Collingwood and North last year were big games. There will be bigger games this year, no doubt.

As Dermie predicted 3 years ago we now have a midfield good enough to beat every team, and it seems that being coached by Bevo means we are going to be set up well defensively. And we have the troops to roll out the game plan. Across all lines! If Stringer can spearhead the attack successfully with support from Boyd, the forward line piece of the puzzle is finally in place, and that elusive flag is very much within reach.

I believe!

[boydogs]

I picked us for 2nd behind West Coast this year before the season. The list is premiership material with the exception of our talls. In the first two rounds we've been able to get it done whilst only playing 3 of them, with Adams and Roughead stepping up beyond what I expected. Later in the year, against different opposition and on different grounds, I suspect our weakness will be exposed

Give it another year or two and Boyd, Hamling, Cordy, Collins & Campbell will be making more of a contribution

[1eyedog]

i picked us for 2nd behind west coast this year before the season. The list is premiership material with the exception of our talls. In the first two rounds we've been able to get it done whilst only playing 3 of them, with adams and roughead stepping up beyond what i expected. later in the year, against different opposition and on different grounds, i suspect our weakness will be exposed

give it another year or two and boyd, hamling, cordy, collins & campbell will be making more of a contribution

infidel!

[ledge]

I think this year is one of those open years and someone could pinch a flag .. Like us

[1eyedog]

I think this year is one of those open years and someone could pinch a flag .. Like us

We are the Hawks of 2008? About to embark on our own dynasty?

[jeemak]

We've had the rub of the green ever since Griffon walked (even though we didn't know it at the time). Only thing against is the Crameri ban. Gee he would be handy this year.

The moving on of Lake, Griffine, Cooney, and Higgins, coupled with the sharpening up of Minson has been a massive boon for our playing group. The sacking of Bmac has rightfully copped a lot of kudos and scrutiny given a new coach and mantra is tangible, but I think the change in playing personnel has had a massive impact on club culture and subsequent output.

Anyway, to the OP:

Do we have the list? Yes, but given our talent is still a titch under-developed it's a question of whether the competition as a whole is going to slip enough in standard to allow us to be a genuine top four contender. If Hawks and WCE aren't convincing, and Norf don't take another step forward then our chances increase. We have the list if the competition is weak and in my opinion it was last year, so the prospect of it happening again is firm until a few teams come through as the year progresses and next year rolls around and stamp their authority over the previously strong sides.

Positions lacking - Ruck depth, defencive depth and hardened experienced players that can be counted on to do what needs to be done in big games from a structure and discipline perspective. What I saw in the last few rounds defencively last year was incredibly disappointing. Two record low scores on our home deck might be hiding bigger discipline and positional concerns to me.

Finishing talent - Dickson being out (and Gia retiring) has exposed our wastefulness in front of goal, whilst the genuine opportunities at close range Crameri generates will be missed as games become tighter across the winter months. We are missing a genuinely talented specialist forward who can hit the scoreboard and hit it with efficiency

Window - It's 2017 to 2022. Our 20-23 year olds have up to seven years of prime football ahead of them. Anything this year is a bonus, and aside from that, if we keep our core together and regenerate properly on the back of some success we probably have eight years of highly competitive football ahead of us

Game plan - Let's wait and see. With better scoring efficiency and a moderate willingness to defend we'd have made it to week two of the finals last year. Our game plan needs to evolve much like Eade's did in 2009 compared to 2008. We'll form a base which is becoming prevalent now, that is dependant on attack being born from defence, but attention to detail on individual player roles will become more important as we progress through bigger games.

I can't wait for Sunday. It will be good to revisit this thread post the game, big loss, small loss, big win, small win or draw.

[Bulldog4life]

Bevo said that last year we put the slab down. This year we are putting the frame up. I can't wait till the roof and bricks go up!

[ratsmac]

This is a good topic but personally I don't like to get ahead of myself. We are in great shape and so far this season it couldn't look any better. But it's is only round 3. I am really excited about what lies ahead because our list and game plan has come together better than I could of ever hoped for.

The sticking point for me is whether this tweaked game plan is going to stand up in tight games. Although it hasn't happened yet I want to see how we adapt (plan b) when we find ourselves down by a few goals. How react when things aren't going to plan. We need to win a couple of close ones this year to get me believing that this year is ours.

I'm certainly in for the ride and I'm loving each week how well drilled we are. We have quality players on every line that are still getting better with every outing.

I would be targeting a ruckman for sure to trade in. I'm not convinced about Campbell just yet. He's a trier for sure but he lacks something. He drops to many marks good ruckman normally take and I like a ruckman who can get the ball on his knees (Wynd, Hudson) if need be. Roughead is a good 2nd ruck.

I'm still burnt from when Smorgon got ahead of himself and promised me a flag. I am a pessimist deep down so I am to scared to say yes this is our year, but gee the stars seem to be aligning.

[comrade]

I think a system that keeps back to back teams to 5 goals a game should go ok in finals :D

[Eastdog]

5. We just don't get enough time on the G for me to be confident that it is.

We really as a Victorian club should be playing more than 2 games per year there. Every Victorian club should be at least guaranteed 1 home game at the G per season. I wish we play more away Victorian games at the MCG as while Etihad is great for us playing away games there isn't really an away game at all. No wonder why we were petitioning to play last years EF at Etihad Stadium and not the MCG although we did ok at the G in that EF despite the result.

[Eastdog]

Bevo said that last year we put the slab down. This year we are putting the frame up. I can't wait till the roof and bricks go up!

Love the analogy B4L. Just like building a great new home :)

[LostDoggy]

Love the analogy B4L. Just like building a great new home :)

The House Of Dog.

[1eyedog]

Really looking forward to bumping this thread tomorrow afternoon ;)

[Twodogs]

This is a good topic but personally I don't like to get ahead of myself. We are in great shape and so far this season it couldn't look any better. But it's is only round 3. I am really excited about what lies ahead because our list and game plan has come together better than I could of ever hoped for.

The sticking point for me is whether this tweaked game plan is going to stand up in tight games. Although it hasn't happened yet I want to see how we adapt (plan b) when we find ourselves down by a few goals. How react when things aren't going to plan. We need to win a couple of close ones this year to get me believing that this year is ours.

I'm certainly in for the ride and I'm loving each week how well drilled we are. We have quality players on every line that are still getting better with every outing.

I would be targeting a ruckman for sure to trade in. I'm not convinced about Campbell just yet. He's a trier for sure but he lacks something. He drops to many marks good ruckman normally take and I like a ruckman who can get the ball on his knees (Wynd, Hudson) if need be. Roughead is a good 2nd ruck.

I'm still burnt from when Smorgon got ahead of himself and promised me a flag. I am a pessimist deep down so I am to scared to say yes this is our year, but gee the stars seem to be aligning.


That will do me.

[The Doctor]

I'm worried about Adelaide

[Twodogs]

I'm worried about Adelaide


Without Dangerfield and now seemingly with options to deploy against their forward line?

They are a good team though.

[1eyedog]

I'm worried about Adelaide

Only re. monkey off the back for me. We can beat them and had them beat last year. There's a psychological barrier there though.

Hoping they don't morph into the new Geelong for us.

[bornadog]

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

[comrade]

I like the quadrant but 4 rounds is too small of a sample.

The below link is a much better guide to how teams are tracking:

http://maxbarry.com/squiggle/#

I don't really understand the science behind the algorithm but up and to the right is the way you want to be heading. And our start to the year definitely has us tracking well, especially defensively.

[bornadog]

Barkley street after we win the premiership:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTiYzyiDgIc

[bulldogtragic]

Instead of towels and songs (like copying Port), our club should do this it looks and sounds amazing. (The faster version they did in the stadium after their loss).

[comrade]

I can see it now. 30 seconds before the start of the game, lights go down around Etihad and the Dogs Of War Cry goes around the stadium.

How can we make it a thing?

[bulldogtragic]

I can see it now. 30 seconds before the start of the game, lights go down around Etihad and the Dogs Of War Cry goes around the stadium.

How can we make it a thing?

Start a thread, titled Dear Mr Gordon Please Give Us our Dogs of War Cry /& or email the club.

I'd love a rotation of retired heroes to start it every game. Celebrate the old and new.

[Twodogs]

I happen to know for a fact that at the start of last season the club were looking for something like the Hunters song thing Port do but it needs to be unlike the Hunters song thing that Port do if that makes sense. We want to make it an experience but don't want it to look like we are just aping them.

The Viking clap is awesome. So intense but simple.

[Ozza]

I happen to know for a fact that at the start of last season the club were looking for something like the Hunters song thing Port do but it needs to be unlike the Hunters song thing that Port do if that makes sense. We want to make it an experience but don't want it to look like we are just aping them.

The Viking clap is awesome. So intense but simple.

Presume by Hunters song - you mean INXS song?

[Twodogs]

Presume by Hunters song - you mean INXS song?


Yeah, Sorry.

How embarrassment!

[SonofScray]

Williamstown RSL Pipe Band + Hyde St Band pre game extravaganza.

[bornadog]

The Viking clap is awesome. So intense but simple.

We could easily get this going if the club pushed it, as some people hate singing, but this is just perfect. Iceland also RWB


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLP6087ETwY

Substitute WOOF for the first part in the clapping and BULLDOGS in the second part. Perfect. Come on Peter lets do it

[Twodogs]

And the Yarraville Mouth Organ Band.

[comrade]

It's no Who Let The Dogs Out, but it would do. :D

[Eastdog]

Will be huge!

[comrade]

That song we've got now 'Bulldogs taking over' is no good. A simple chant like this would be fine.

[Bulldog4life]

That song we've got now 'Bulldogs taking over' is no good. A simple chant like this would be fine.

I don't mind it.

[Twodogs]

My own preference is the "Hey ho, let's go" refrain from Blitzkrieg Bop. It would sound great being chanted by a crowd.

Short, simple, anthemic and most people already know the words.

[SonofScray]

In all seriousness. When we march to the G on Grand Final day this year, I will round you all up and we will do something like this.

[bulldogtragic]

Well, it's now passed the point of needing Bob Katter to play finals now. We are locked away with Port going down. So the first tick box of making the 8 is ticked. Now for top 6 as the next tick box.

[bulldogtragic]

Now third with GCS without Ablett. Could've been top instead of Hawthorn, except for 60 seconds. Destiny is now in our hands, we are in the top 4 and just have to keep winning.

Adams, McLean, Dahl & Tom Boyd should make a good addition over the next 1-4 weeks.

[Bulldog4life]

We have to win every game and we will finish in top 2. Lose one and we could be out of top 4.

[1eyedog]

Yep win every game and we finish top 4 no matter what happens around us. I did the ladder predictor and had West Coke in 5th position 8 points behind. I think it highly plausible that even if we drop the Geelong or North game we can still secure a top 4 spot.

If we can finish top 4 we can win this thing. The Sydney game was a massive boost in self-belief for the run home.

[comrade]

If we can get to a prelim in Melbourne, we're a chance.

Heck, Melbourne prelims haven't worked in the past. Maybe travelling is the answer?

[bulldogsthru&thru]

If we don't make top 4, we better stay ahead of West Coast. Don't want to travel there for an elimination final.

For me the top 4 will be, in no particular order, Hawthorn, Adelaide, Sydney, Geelong/GWS. Dogs, Eagles, North to round out 6-8.

But who the hell knows!

[comrade]

If we don't make top 4, we better stay ahead of West Coast. Don't want to travel there for an elimination final

Ideal scenario would be finishing top 4, playing in Melbourne first week against Hawks or Geelong and winning, then playing in a prelim at the G against WC or GWS.

Now watch us play WC over there in the first week!

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Now third with GCS without Ablett. Could've been top instead of Hawthorn, except for 60 seconds. Destiny is now in our hands, we are in the top 4 and just have to keep winning.

Adams, McLean, Dahl & Tom Boyd should make a good addition over the next 1-4 weeks.

You missed on Campbell who is still our best ruck man. Adams needs to come back as we need a second key defender and this will release Suckling to play further afield. McLean's cleverness has been missed on the forward line. Dahl is a massive loss having been close to our best player until his injury. The selection of Tom Boyd may well come down to a choice between him and Redpath.

[Twodogs]

Now third with GCS without Ablett. Could've been top instead of Hawthorn, except for 60 seconds. Destiny is now in our hands, we are in the top 4 and just have to keep winning.

Adams, McLean, Dahl & Tom Boyd should make a good addition over the next 1-4 weeks.

It's going to be tough deciding who goes out when those guys come back. Time starts to come into it to. Two thirds of the season is gone already.

[LostDoggy]

Goodish news, the dogs dont even have to p[lay the final round:

http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/adelaide-crows/afl-minor-round-could-end-with-major-monday-night-clash-between-crows-and-eagles/news-story/720f8b56b611f02e92c48713d61979aa

The round, currently scheduled to run from Friday August 26 to Sunday August 28, will feature: Hawthorn v Collingwood (MCG)
Adelaide v West Coast (AO)
Essendon v Carlton (MCG)
Gold Coast v Port Adelaide (MS)
Sydney v Richmond (SCG)
St Kilda v Brisbane Lions (ES)
North Melbourne v GWS Giants (ES)
Geelong v Melbourne (SS)
Fremantle v Melbourne (S)

[bornadog]

Goodish news, the dogs dont even have to p[lay the final round:

http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/adelaide-crows/afl-minor-round-could-end-with-major-monday-night-clash-between-crows-and-eagles/news-story/720f8b56b611f02e92c48713d61979aa

The round, currently scheduled to run from Friday August 26 to Sunday August 28, will feature: Hawthorn v Collingwood (MCG)
Adelaide v West Coast (AO)
Essendon v Carlton (MCG)
Gold Coast v Port Adelaide (MS)
Sydney v Richmond (SCG)
St Kilda v Brisbane Lions (ES)
North Melbourne v GWS Giants (ES)
Geelong v Melbourne (SS)
Fremantle v Melbourne (S)

Poor Melbourne having to play twice in one day. :D

[EasternWest]

Poor Melbourne having to play twice in one day. :D

And opposite sides of the country. Roos really has lifted that club.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Goodish news, the dogs dont even have to p[lay the final round:

http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/adelaide-crows/afl-minor-round-could-end-with-major-monday-night-clash-between-crows-and-eagles/news-story/720f8b56b611f02e92c48713d61979aa

The round, currently scheduled to run from Friday August 26 to Sunday August 28, will feature: Hawthorn v Collingwood (MCG)
Adelaide v West Coast (AO)
Essendon v Carlton (MCG)
Gold Coast v Port Adelaide (MS)
Sydney v Richmond (SCG)
St Kilda v Brisbane Lions (ES)
North Melbourne v GWS Giants (ES)
Geelong v Melbourne (SS)
Fremantle v Melbourne (S)

If they're talking about Thurs night it'll probably go

Thursday Night:
Adelaide v West Coast (AO)

Friday Night:
Hawthorn v Collingwood (MCG)

Saturday:
Sydney v Richmond (SCG)
North Melbourne v GWS Giants (ES)

Saturday night:
Geelong v Melbourne (SS)
Fremantle v Bulldogs(S)

Sunday:
Essendon v Carlton (MCG)
Gold Coast v Port Adelaide (MS)
St Kilda v Brisbane Lions (ES)

[bornadog]

And opposite sides of the country. Roos really has lifted that club.

and they lose, he will blame the AFL or the supporters for not showing up.:D

[bulldogtragic]

And opposite sides of the country. Roos really has lifted that club.

For a moderate fee he says he's happy to coach both sides. Top bloke.

[SonofScray]

If we can get to a prelim in Melbourne, we're a chance.

Heck, Melbourne prelims haven't worked in the past. Maybe travelling is the answer?

That's how I see it happening. The cost of slaying the monkey is denying us that real time feeling of seeing it happen. One final kick in the guts from the footy gods before we turn things on their head and win the flag, kicking off the greatest scenes in football.

[Twodogs]

That's how I see it happening. The cost of slaying the monkey is denying us that real time feeling of seeing it happen. One final kick in the guts from the footy gods before we turn things on their head and win the flag, kicking off the greatest scenes in football.

Interesting thought. Maybe we are the problem? Well I'm willing to make the sacrifice.

I'm in. Or out. Whatever.

[bornadog]

For once I want to get past qualifying final with a win and go straight to Prelim.

[comrade]

For once I went to get past qualifying final with a win and go straight to Prelim.

2009 against the Cats still hurts. They were vulnerable, had beaten them a few weeks prior, perfect conditions and we it was deer in headlights stuff.

[bulldogtragic]

Dogs into 2nd or 3rd with a win over GCS this round!

Shit just keeps gettin more real, yo.

[jeemak]

2009 against the Cats still hurts. They were vulnerable, had beaten them a few weeks prior, perfect conditions and we it was deer in headlights stuff.

Yes, that still resonates as darkly as our prelim losses of the era.

That and the 2008 qualifying finals were such pathetic and soul destroying efforts.

[Twodogs]

Yes, that still resonates as darkly as our prelim losses of the era.

That and the 2008 qualifying finals were such pathetic and soul destroying efforts.

Never been as annoyed at a football match as I was that night. I mean what were they expecting?

[bulldogtragic]

Focus. Focus. Focus.

Adelaide & Dogs win this week = Dogs 3rd. Geelong beat Adeliade at Geelong next week & we beat St Kilda at Etihad = Dogs 2nd on the ladder!

[LostDoggy]

Focus. Focus. Focus.

Adelaide & Dogs win this week = Dogs 3rd. Geelong beat Adeliade at Geelong next week & we beat St Kilda at Etihad = Dogs 2nd on the ladder!

Richmond always match up ok against Hawthorn. We could be 1st.

[strebla]

That's just a mean thing to make me dream !!!!!

[LostDoggy]

For most of this year I have been thinking we aren't good enough to win this year's premiership and I have often thought 2017 will be a serious crack for a premiership.

We haven't been as impressive in our victories compared to the likes of Adelaide, Geelong, GWS, Sydney, etc. Then there's Hawthorn who also haven't been that impressive either but they are the Hawks, have won three in a row and know how to bring quality in September. I have therefore rated the premiership chances of those five teams higher than our chances.

Just recently, I have changed my way of thinking and have come to realise that the reason we have't been as impressive in our wins is due to us not converting our midfield dominance into scoreboard dominance. The fact that we continue to dominant possession and have a premiership quality midfield means that we are always going to be a serious threat of winning in September, just as long as we bloody convert that dominance into goals. Our conversion in front of goal continues to be poor and ultimately it's going to decide if we win or lose in September.

It's a nice feeling knowing we are most likely only straight kicking away for three weeks in a row in September for us to win a premiership. At the same time, it's a shit feeling knowing it's unlikely we are going to put together three consecutive accurate goal kicking performances so we are likely going to need our opposition to convert poorly too.

[Bulldog4life]

Might be a similar result to the 2005 Grand Final 8-10 to 7-12. Defence rules:)

[bulldogtragic]

3/4 time both games. Geelong going to win. Do we want 1st or 2nd spot enough?

[LostDoggy]

3/4 time both games. Geelong going to win. Do we want 1st or 2nd spot enough?

I'll be happy with just a spot in the 8 now.:(
Not that we'll do anything worthwhile.

[bulldogtragic]

I'll be happy with just a spot in the 8 now.:(
Not that we'll do anything worthwhile.

Sixth now. Injuries have just crueled us I'm thinking too.

[SonofScray]

It's tough going from here. They'll make Disney film out our premiership this season.

[1eyedog]

Yep we'll struggle now and the world famous Premiership Thread 2016 will become another empty prima juice carton scuttling down Barkly Street in the wind.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Murphy and Crameri have been huge losses as was JJ for ten weeks of the season. Dickson and Stringer compared to last year have both had indifferent seasons. The forward line has lacked class in particular with Dahlhaus missing so many weeks. The endeavour for the most part has been excellent .We still lack a quality key defender and key forward.
Wood as a leader has been excellent with Bontempelli giving all the signs of being an excellent future leader. Veterans in Morris MBoyd and Picken have been fine players but replacements need to be found in the near future. The emergence of Roughead as a ruck man has been a positive sign. The improvement in the past two years has given us great hope going forward with an even greater need being to keep developing and improving on the current list.

[Rocco Jones]

That's us gone.

Hawks, Cats, Swans, Crows or GWS.

Hawks v Cats is my long story / short.

[Twodogs]

It's tough going from here. They'll make Disney film out our premiership this season.

Bags I get Annete Funicello to play me.

[Eastdog]

Yes it is a very tough ask now with all the injuries we have to contend but the upside is if we can make the top 4 which is still a chance at least we are guaranteed to play further into the finals to week 2 at least and that is better than last year. Alternatively we don't make the 4 and finish between 5 and 8 play an elimination final and either go to the 2nd week or get bundled once again which would disappointing as I think we deserve to go a bit more further into the finals.

[bornadog]

Lets add to the trophy cabinet.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cs62Wz1UAAAG-py.jpg

[Twodogs]

It looks pretty bare doesn't it?

[whythelongface]

It looks pretty bare doesn't it?

Bareness is only temporary. The club will soon be investing in a brand spanking new trophy cabinet.

[1eyedog]

We have to do it tomorrow - we just have to. A premiership from 7th beating West Coke in Perth, Hawthorn in Melbourne, GWS in Sydney and either Sydney or Geelong in Melbourne is as hard a route as it gets and will be the best AFL win of the 20th and 21st centuries.

[bulldogtragic]

I wonder if the boys look upon the Hawks in 2008. They were a bunch of predominantly kids, a few elite talents, some experienced players and new age tactical coach. They faced a much fancied opposition, with a lot more experience, great names on all lines, a very hard and skilled midfield and some tall targets. Outsiders may have said about both teams that they got to a GF a year or two early, but that means very little if you bring your A Game. So it's not an uncommon feat. That majority of that Hawks team in 2008 was just sent packing in this finals series by, let me check.... what do you know, The Western Bulldogs Football Club. 2016 Grand Finalists.

[bulldogtragic]

Our official & formal title from the finals so far:

I am Western Bulldogs. First of this name. The rightful Warden of The West. King of the West Coast and First Interstate Final Winning Men. True Lord of the expected Hawthron 4-peat Kingdoms. Protector of the Finals Realm for real & non plastic football teams. Soon to be Sydney COLA Swans Slayer & Rightful Premier of the AFL.

[hujsh]

I wonder if the boys look upon the Hawks in 2008. They were a bunch of predominantly kids, a few elite talents, some experienced players and new age tactical coach. They faced a much fancied opposition, with a lot more experience, great names on all lines, a very hard and skilled midfield and some tall targets. Outsiders may have said about both teams that they got to a GF a year or two early, but that means very little if you bring your A Game. So it's not an uncommon feat. That majority of that Hawks team in 2008 was just sent packing in this finals series by, let me check.... what do you know, The Western Bulldogs Football Club. 2016 Grand Finalists.

I was thinking of the parallel between us and Geelong 2007. Not so much in the regular season but we narrowly won a prelim before winning the VFL and heading into a possible drought breaking GF against an interstate team with a mix of premiership players and young potential stars.

[1eyedog]

I wonder if the boys look upon the Hawks in 2008. They were a bunch of predominantly kids, a few elite talents, some experienced players and new age tactical coach. They faced a much fancied opposition, with a lot more experience, great names on all lines, a very hard and skilled midfield and some tall targets. Outsiders may have said about both teams that they got to a GF a year or two early, but that means very little if you bring your A Game. So it's not an uncommon feat. That majority of that Hawks team in 2008 was just sent packing in this finals series by, let me check.... what do you know, The Western Bulldogs Football Club. 2016 Grand Finalists.

There's been a fair bit in the media this weekend about the 2008 Hawks and the 2016 Bulldogs. If it means we pinch one this year as a stepping stone to our future dynasty then let the pinching begin!

[1eyedog]

It's been many, many years with many finals appearances still not bearing premiership fruit, but surely, now, the arguments against us being genuine title contenders are weakening.

Out thumping win of the minor premier in round 1 where we displayed a beautiful style of football contrasted sharply with our Thor like hammering of St. Kilda a week later. The test comes this week though, but if we beat the Hawks, IMO, we will be closer to a premiership this year than we have been in any of Prelim matches in the past! Why? This year is just different in every way.

There was a season-long assumption last year that we would eventually fall away, but we didn't, not until the last 5 minutes of the Elimination Final, and in reality we had them by the short and curlies and it was us who lost that match, not them that won it. "This week, the Bulldogs will lose," was repeated throughout the season. And yet, with the youngest side in the competition we win 14 matches and look for all intents and purposes to be marching to a top 4 finish. This year we sit on top of the ladder and go head to head against the Hawks at similar odds. The progress from October 2014 to April 2016 is astounding really. We go from irrelevant to sexy.

Since the start of last year, under Bevo, we are 16 wins and 8 losses with an average well over 140%, we sit inside the top 4 in terms of total number of defeats since the start of the 2015 season. This is no longer a 'good start' or an 'impressive run of form'. This is the consistency of champions, a champion team, we've clinically despatched opponent after opponent and as I said IMO this includes Adelaide in last years EF.

We have nothing to fear from our remaining fixtures, Bevo said as much. Confidence is sky-high and we're going in against the reigning Premiers with no fear. Out of the potential finalists last year (and perhaps this year), we have now beaten Fremantle, the Swans in Sydney, Richmond, North Melbourne, West Coast and Adelaide. That's all of them with our one big test, our biggest test this Sunday. Knock the Hawks over and we have beat everyone and anyone we may face in the finals this year and we've beaten them convincingly over the past 25 games.

They say we won't beat the big teams on the big stage, fair enough, but there has been big wins, Sydney in Sydney and Collingwood and North last year were big games. There will be bigger games this year, no doubt.

As Dermie predicted 3 years ago we now have a midfield good enough to beat every team, and it seems that being coached by Bevo means we are going to be set up well defensively. And we have the troops to roll out the game plan. Across all lines! If Stringer can spearhead the attack successfully with support from Boyd, the forward line piece of the puzzle is finally in place, and that elusive flag is very much within reach.

I believe!

Great post 1eye