Match Committee - Round 7 2016 vs Adelaide

[Eastdog]

If you were on the Bulldogs match committee what changes would you make for our round 7 2016 match against Adelaide at Etihad?

As always a brief explanation for your changes would add a lot of value to the discussion.

[bulldogtragic]

Suckling, Tom Boyd, JJ are all still unfit. Daniel?

How's the ruck going? How's the forward line going?

[bulldogtragic]

Have to make a statement. This is so awful words fail me.

[EasternWest]

Bailey Dale out. I don't care who comes in.

I like him long term, but he looks a mile off it.

[bulldogtragic]

A tall forward would be nice. Even Campbell forward and Minson in.

[F'scary]

get some forwards who can take an overhead mark.

[F'scary]

Yeah, Bailey Dale looked a league out of his depth.

[Rance Fan]

Out Dale,Adcock
In TBoyd. Daniel

[lemmon]

Lacking a tall forward and some pace from the back half, we've been bold with our debutants and drafted a couple of quick half backs last year...

[KT31]

Redpath or Boyd need to come in.

[bulldogtragic]

Bevo said Tom Boyd needs another week.

[azabob]

I dont think Boyd is ready to play yet.

[bulldogtragic]

Fletch forward, Collins debut down back?

[Remi Moses]

Daniel Redpath
Adcock Dale

[F'scary]

Daniel Redpath
Adcock Dale

good start!

[westbulldog]

In Daniel Redpath Collins
Out Dale Roberts Adcock

[G-Mo77]

get some forwards who can take an overhead mark.

We don't have one. Boyd isn't that guy yet.

[1eyedog]

What did people think of Jong's game?

[F'scary]

Fletch forward, Collins debut down back?

Roberts looked out of his depth. Why hide him up forward?

[KT31]

What did people think of Jong's game?

I'm not sold on Jong like others and tonights game did nothing to convince me otherwise.

[G-Mo77]

What did people think of Jong's game?

Apart from the 1st didn't notice much of him. Wasn't good enough tonight. His pressure and tackling you usually can rely on. Didn't see it at all tonight.

[bulldogtragic]

Roberts looked out of his depth. Why hide him up forward?

There's no bad ideas right now for mine. Without Tom Boyd we need to think about how we fix bombing it on 6ft players 70 times in a game.

[F'scary]

What did people think of Jong's game?

Jong Ok. But he is the specialist 22nd picked player. It is some of the guys ahead of him who need to go back to the VFL.

[Remi Moses]

Just reckon Lin's attributes are great, but his defiencies are prominent

[G-Mo77]

There's no bad ideas right now for mine. Without Tom Boyd we need to think about how we fix bombing it on 6ft players 70 times in a game.

We need to fix why we're bombing it in like that. Roberts, Redpath or any other tall we throw in there would not have changed the result.

[Remi Moses]

What did people think of Rougheads game?
If we bring Jack in, Roughy might go .

[F'scary]

What did people think of Rougheads game?
If we bring Jack in, Roughy might go .

I hope he was playing injured. Because otherwise he was crap.

[G-Mo77]

What did people think of Rougheads game?
If we bring Jack in, Roughy might go .

I often forgot he was playing.

[bulldogtragic]

We need to fix why we're bombing it in like that. Roberts, Redpath or any other tall we throw in there would not have changed the result.

Yep, it was like a two year time trip. Bombing and no poise whatsoever.

[KT31]

We need to fix why we're bombing it in like that. Roberts, Redpath or any other tall we throw in there would not have changed the result.
Agree we are bombing but if we had Waite, Brown and Petrie in our colours it may have.

[1eyedog]

Just reckon Lin's attributes are great, but his defiencies are prominent

Agreed. But there's not much in the shed at moment. I think JJ, Daniel, Boyd and Suckers would have been the difference. Dale, Jong, Adcock and Roberts were all poor.

[F'scary]

Agreed. But there's not much in the shed at moment. I think JJ, Daniel, Boyd and Suckers would have been the difference. Dale, Jong, Adcock and Roberts were all poor.

Spot on, John. So much for the depth.

[boydogs]

It wasn't Dale's style of game tonight. He was a bit fumbly when he got it but ultimately couldn't find the space to work in

[GVGjr]

The Crows are a bit similar to North with 3 key talls and a couple of clever small forwards. Do we look to change things up with our backline?

[G-Mo77]

The Crows are a bit similar to North with 3 key talls and a couple of clever small forwards. Do we look to change things up with our backline?

I couldn't tell on TV. What did Roughy do when not playing ruck. Defend?

[always right]

I want to see Hamling in for Roberts. Unfortunately Fletcher has zero intensity and awareness.
Redpath needs to come in for Adcock and Honeychurch in for Dale or Jong.

[always right]

I couldn't tell on TV. What did Roughy do when not playing ruck. Defend?

Played forward.

[jeemak]

What did people think of Jong's game?

I thought he started really well. He faded, and unfortunately fumbled a couple of crucial balls and lost his head using the football by foot once or twice, but wasn't alone in doing so.

[G-Mo77]

Played forward.

I'm serious when I say I only noticed him there once. I would have been certain he helped out in defence. :eek:

[Rocco Jones]

Depth of quality sides always overrated. Guns and good players make the ordinary guys look less ordinary. The less guns or good players you have, the more they are exposed.

Roughy and Campbell combo was a bit ugly tonight. Feel for Roughy but not sure he good enough as a 2nd ruck/forward. I would go with his as a 2nd ruck/defender vs Jenkins. IRC he had a good game in the role last year.

i rate Beveridge super highly as I am sure most of you do. I didn't like/rate the Roberts in and again, think he knows better but tonight didn't help. It's a massive sacrifice to play a tall these days and he isn't good enough atm.

In- Daniel, Redpath, Dunkley/Honeychurch
Out- Dale, Roberts, Adcock

[bornadog]

Played forward.

He was rarely in the forward line. Campbell wasn't either, so we were left with a very short forward line. When Roughy eventually went onto the forward line he took a good mark and fluffed the kick. I think he had 4 disposals for the night.

[Greystache]

In- Webb, Honeychurch, Collins, Daniel
Out- Dale, Stringer, Roberts, Roughead

Stringer needs several weeks in the reserves to rediscover the urgency of AFL football. Playing from behind and hoping for a hanger is pathetic and letting the club down.

Roughead when not rucking is a liability. We need to move on. His goal kicking is beyond laughable.

Dale can't find the ball currently.

Don't think Roberts is an AFL footballer.

[Go_Dogs]

In- Webb, Honeychurch, Collins, Daniel
Out- Dale, Stringer, Roberts, Roughead

Stringer needs several weeks in the reserves to rediscover the urgency of AFL football. Playing from behind and hoping for a hanger is pathetic and letting the club down.

Roughead when not rucking is a liability. We need to move on. His goal kicking is beyond laughable.

Dale can't find the ball currently.

Don't think Roberts is an AFL footballer.

Hard to disagree with any of that at the moment.

I'm tempted to get Williams into the side, because we really need to generate some run from the backline, which our current group is simply not capable of doing. I realise he is still a long way off a game, but if we play the same style next week (a style which lacked any dare, run and overlap) we will get flogged.

[bornadog]

Hard to disagree with any of that at the moment.

I'm tempted to get Williams into the side, because we really need to generate some run from the backline, which our current group is simply not capable of doing. I realise he is still a long way off a game, but if we play the same style next week (a style which lacked any dare, run and overlap) we will get flogged.

Bevo said Williams and Lynch just not ready yet for AFL. Webb would be my pick to run off the backline and he can have some stints in the middle as well.

[Greystache]

Hard to disagree with any of that at the moment.

I'm tempted to get Williams into the side, because we really need to generate some run from the backline, which our current group is simply not capable of doing. I realise he is still a long way off a game, but if we play the same style next week (a style which lacked any dare, run and overlap) we will get flogged.

I've liked the look of Lynch but I think it's unlikely he'd be able to deliver a similar performance at AFL at this stage.

[kruder]

What did people think of Rougheads game?
If we bring Jack in, Roughy might go .

I give you an example of where Roughead is at. The ball was 70m from our goal and we had Jake and Rough 40 m out hence Thompson was finally made accountable. Finally! Campbell was already at the stoppage and Roughead runs 30m to the stoppage and went third man up. We win the clearance and you guess it the ball goes to Thompson with Jake playing 1on 2 again... Rough has been solid this year but unfortunately has no game sense or awareness, poor overhead and an average kick for goal which will continue to see him struggle forward. He has to play ruck and rest back for mine its his only hope to add serious value.

[kruder]

In- Webb, Honeychurch, Collins, Daniel
Out- Dale, Stringer, Roberts, Roughead

Stringer needs several weeks in the reserves to rediscover the urgency of AFL football. Playing from behind and hoping for a hanger is pathetic and letting the club down.

Roughead when not rucking is a liability. We need to move on. His goal kicking is beyond laughable.

Dale can't find the ball currently.

Don't think Roberts is an AFL footballer.

So who plays forward in your team next week?

[Greystache]

So who plays forward in your team next week?

The 6 of the 22 rotating forward- Dahl, Dickson, Wallis, Bonti, Hunter, Jong, McLean etc

[The Bulldogs Bite]

My outs would probably consist of Stringer, Roughead, Dale, Adcock and Roberts.

My ins would be Redpath, Webb, Daniel, Honeychurch, Hamling/Collins.

* We really, desperately need structure up forward and surely Big Jack at least provides a resemblance of this. Roughead is no forward - maybe he plays back allowing us a better structure in the ruck/up forward.

[Go_Dogs]

Bevo said Williams and Lynch just not ready yet for AFL. Webb would be my pick to run off the backline and he can have some stints in the middle as well.

I wonder how far they are behind blokes like Charlie Cameron or Milera? I wouldn't have thought it's a huge amount, so I'd like it to be given some discussion by the MC.

[SlimPickens]

In: Daniel, Redpath, Honeychurch

Out: Dale, Roughead, Adcock

[LostDoggy]

Some of the suggested outs are ridiculous.

Out.. Dale and Adcock
In... Daniel and Webb/HC/Dunk. Raise yiur hand lads.

TC forward longer

[1eyedog]

I want to see Hamling in for Roberts. Unfortunately Fletcher has zero intensity and awareness.
Redpath needs to come in for Adcock and Honeychurch in for Dale or Jong.

These are the changes I would like to see as well.

The Stringer outs, now they are knee jerk reactions. If Redpath had of come in and played the Stringer game last night we'd be lauding Redpath's intensity and his ability to at least get the ball in the scoring zone. Sometimes we expect way too much from Stringer.

I'm not thrilled with the Redpath forward option but Redpath forward offers more than Roberts back.

[always right]

Stringer as our go to forward ain't working. We need to build a forward structure that enables him to be more effective. Redpath is probably not best 22 in terms of ability but he provides a leading target and something different.....and he kicks straight.

Stringer has some shocking habits but calls to drop him are premature. Let's try and get the structure right first. It is however frustrating that he continues to play from behind instead of using his pace to lead to space.

[always right]

Thought the Campbell/Roughead combo worked well against Goldstein....and is needed again for Jacobs next week.

[westbulldog]

Yes Roughhead had a poor game and missed a seemingly easy goal at an important time. Campbell also missed 2, Jong 1 and Stringer 1.
I don't say inaccuracy necessarily cost us the game as North missed some easy shots too but when we line up for goal I now assume a point or out of bounds.

[F'scary]

...
I don't say inaccuracy necessarily cost us the game as North missed some easy shots too but when we line up for goal I now assume a point or out of bounds.

Ouch!

[westbulldog]

...except for the Koby Stevens goal, 1 metre out directly in front

[G-Mo77]

Yes Roughhead had a poor game and missed a seemingly easy goal at an important time. Campbell also missed 2, Jong 1 and Stringer 1.
I don't say inaccuracy necessarily cost us the game as North missed some easy shots too but when we line up for goal I now assume a point or out of bounds.

Outside 30m I'll never pencil it in unless Tory Dickson is shooting at goal.

[merantau]

Dale, Adcock and Roberts had poor games. Daniel and Boyd, or Redpath if Boyd is not right, to come in. Hamling in for Roberts.

[Jam Donuts]

IN: REDPATH, DUNKLEY, DANIEL
OUT: ROBERTS, DALE, ADCOCK
We desperately needed a big strong forward last night that stays near the goal square, so that it makes the number one or number two defender stay out of the centre half forward arc area and keep cutting of our forward thrusts, Redpath/Boyd should lest bring he ball to ground and allow Stinger/Dalhaus/Wallis/Daniel to do what they do best, not have to try and take overhead marks against giant defenders, it is plain ridiculous to continue playing without a genuine big forward, we will not win finals playing our current structure, hell, we may not even make finals playing like this.

[bornadog]

In: Daniel, Redpath, Honeychurch

Out: Dale, Roughead, Adcock

This would be mine as well but depends how they play today

[Bullies]

Rouhgy ran with Goldstein most of the night and Goldstein only picked up 8 p's which his worst game of the year.

[Bulldog4life]

In: Daniel, Redpath, Honeychurch

Out: Dale, Roughead, Adcock

I like these changes Slim.

[lemmon]

Is Declan Hamilton any consideration? He's slight and doesn't get enough of it but brings some attributes we need in terms of ball use and creativity. I can't imagine he's any less developed physically than Bailey Dale at the moment.

One injury that hurts more than expected is Hrovat at the moment. He needs to do it more often but his finishing and the ability to hit the last kick going into the forward 50 is pretty good

[bulldogtragic]

Is Declan Hamilton any consideration? He's slight and doesn't get enough of it but brings some attributes we need in terms of ball use and creativity. I can't imagine he's any less developed physically than Bailey Dale at the moment.

One injury that hurts more than expected is Hrovat at the moment. He needs to do it more often but his finishing and the ability to hit the last kick going into the forward 50 is pretty good

Good pick up on Hrovat. I'd like to have seen him last night.

[Hotdog60]

It's amazing the general consensus about Daniel coming straight back in. For a player that only has 14 games under his belt.
Speaks volumes of what an impression he has made in his debut year.

And for such a young player I think we missed his calmness last night.

[Rocco Jones]

It's amazing the general consensus about Daniel coming straight back in. For a player that only has 4 games under his belt.

13 games

[soupman]

It's amazing the general consensus about Daniel coming straight back in. For a player that only has 4 games under his belt.
Speaks volumes of what an impression he has made in his debut year.

And for such a young player I think we missed his calmness last night.
Absolutely. Last night it was obvious that aside from maybe McLean and Bontempelli our forward entries were dumb and panicky. Really missed someone like Daniel who can come up with the not so obvious and create plays through intelligence rather than brute force. Provided he goes alright today in the VFL I'd be open to Hamilton taking Dale's spot as from all reports he is a smart footballer and I'm sure he'll be given a chance at some point so why not now?

[Mofra]

Absolutely. Last night it was obvious that aside from maybe McLean and Bontempelli our forward entries were dumb and panicky.
Part of that was a set-up that largely avoided having either Campbell or Roughy deep. TBH I think part of the problem is that Stringer was well held, starts well behind his opponent, and there was no other legitimate target to kick to.

If we are inexplicably going to play two ruckman but not rest one deep, Redpath has to come in until Boyd is ready. We need a leading forward who will just bring the ball to ground as our stoppage work is normally very good.

If we do we also need to look at a runner in the back half because Roberts was ineffectual when he was on the grounbd. As much as I hate to drop guys after one or two games, I'd be looking at:

Out: Dale, Roberts
In: Redpath, Zaine Cordy.

Cordy may not be completly ready yet but he can rebound and he can run. He spoils the way Dale Morris spoils - with intent, using his whole body. We shoudl get games into him and his disposal will help with our lack of effective rebound.
Redpath comes in as guys like Jong / Stringer / Stevens / Adcock / etc can play further up he ground if need be.

[Happy Days]

I didn't watch the game last night and probably never will, but I did go to the VFL today and can categorically say that no one put their hand up to come in.

If Stringer gets dropped I'll spew.

It looks like Dale did nothing but I really don't know who to bring in. Hamilton I guess looked okay but he's not ready either.

[Hotdog60]

13 games

Sorry I mustn't have hit the one key hard enough 14 games;)

[soupman]

Atm I would look at the following:

Dale out for Daniel. Dale isn't getting enough of the footy or using it well enough when he does have it. Daniel comes in and adds to the Hunter rotation giving us another clever user out of the back half which we desperately need and also smarter play around the 50.

Adcock for Honeychurch. Adcock has added very little to our side and I'd like to see Honeychurch come in in his place. Daniel takes the Adcock rebound role (minimal as it is) and Honeychurch adds more pressure up forward and can rotate through the middle.

I would consider Hamilton instead of Daniel if Daniel doesn't get up, purely because I would like a smarter user around 50 and Hamilton seems to fit the bill somewhat, although I don't have high expectations.

I would be open to Williams playing for Adcock, although I get the impression we don't think he is ready.

Jong holds his spot purely because I think he is a better forward than Dunkley atm and he has played well against Adelaide in the past.

Roberts gets another opportunity against Walker who made the most of the limited opportunities he was given in the final. However I would be open to swapping Roberts with someone like Cordy if his VFL form warranted it.

[I'm Not Bitter Anymore!]

Honeychurch played well in the vfl today. I want Hammers and Daniel back in for Adcock and Dale

[kruder]

It's amazing the general consensus about Daniel coming straight back in. For a player that only has 14 games under his belt.
Speaks volumes of what an impression he has made in his debut year.

And for such a young player I think we missed his calmness last night.

Yeah Absolutely. Daniel is a jet, he has all the attributes of an A grade player and has proven height is no issue for him. His final quarter against Adelaide in the final was outstanding. I noticed Dahl mentioned him in the Stringer and Bonti category during the week.

[F'scary]

BAD indicated in the Footscray v Werribee thread today that Dunkley, Webb and Honeychurch all racked up big possession numbers. I watched a bit of the live stream and was impressed by the way Hamilton moves and handles the ball but he looks to be a traditional wingman or half forward type, very "outside" as we say today. I could see him getting a 4th spot on the bench within 8 weeks based on what I saw if he plays consistently.

[LostDoggy]

In - Daniel, Dunkley, Webb

Out - Hunter, Adcock, Dale

Daniel must come in if fit. If not then Honeychurch gets a go.

Dunkley should be rewarded for good form.

I would much prefer Webb play instead of Adcock. Adcock just doesn't provide anything and should not be keeping someone like Webb out of the side at this point.

Unfortunately I can't see Hunter getting up and playing. Dirty rotten scumbag Thomas.

Roughy plays the 2nd ruck / defensive role on Jenkins as he did when we smashed them at Etihad last year.
Roberts goes forward.

If we lower our eyes, hit up targets and our forwards actually play in front (please Jake) then we will be fine.

[bornadog]

Unfortunately I can't see Hunter getting up and playing. Dirty rotten scumbag Thomas.

I thought he came back on after that incident?

[G-Mo77]

I thought he came back on after that incident?

I don't think he went off.

[azabob]

There have been reports that Hunter spent the night in hospital.

[1eyedog]

There have been reports that Hunter spent the night in hospital.

No he went to hospital on Saturday and got checked out though.

[Ozza]

In - Daniel, Dunkley, Webb

Out - Jong, Adcock, Dale

I know the reaction on Jong will be that he was 'far from our worst'. And yes I agree. He went ok the other night. But the simple fact of the matter is, that every time he gets the ball, we'd be better off it was one of our other players and not him.
Like everyone else, I like his endeavour. But...
He fumbles and can't kick, no polish - and that is never going to change.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

In - Daniel, Dunkley, Webb

Out - Jong, Adcock, Dale

I know the reaction on Jong will be that he was 'far from our worst'. And yes I agree. He went ok the other night. But the simple fact of the matter is, that every time he gets the ball, we'd be better off it was one of our other players and not him.
Like everyone else, I like his endeavour. But...
He fumbles and can't kick, no polish - and that is never going to change.

Ye of little faith...He can develop skills like anyone. You have ignored the kick that bounced on the goal line from a tight angle and his ability to goal on the run. His set shots are often putrified by mental demons like a few others, agreed. When he fumbles, his second efforts are first class.

[Mantis]

Ye of little faith...He can develop skills like anyone. You have ignored the kick that bounced on the goal line from a tight angle and his ability to goal on the run. His set shots are often putrified by mental demons like a few others, agreed. When he fumbles, his second efforts are first class.

(Which is often) He loses the ability to break away from congestion and is caught in a scrimmage.

[Ozza]

Ye of little faith...He can develop skills like anyone. You have ignored the kick that bounced on the goal line from a tight angle and his ability to goal on the run. His set shots are often putrified by mental demons like a few others, agreed. When he fumbles, his second efforts are first class.

Not sure the relevance of referencing one kick for a non-goal a week ago. The weight of evidence suggests that his kicking is well below par at the level.

That aside, the fumbling is the biggest issue for me. Regardless of second efforts - not being clean first time can mean that a whole chain breaks down. There just isn't that room for error anymore in the game.

[always right]

He clearly needs to keep working on his ball handling but sheesh.....he was far from being the only culprit on Friday. Lost count of the number of players who fumbled. It was probably as bad as I've seen it.

[jeemak]

He clearly needs to keep working on his ball handling but sheesh.....he was far from being the only culprit on Friday. Lost count of the number of players who fumbled. It was probably as bad as I've seen it.

I guess it comes down to whether those who fumbled are regular offenders, and if so, how many of them can we carry in the team if we're going to play a high possession contested style of football for the foreseeable future.

Jong's improvement has been excellent, he's now at a point in his career where he needs to tighten up his touch and some of the finer points of his game to make it - and this is a point I wasn't sure he'd reach. Whether he gets to do that in the seniors or the reserves is up for debate. In my view he's had a decent run in the seniors for moderate return, it's time to give another fringe player a turn to see what they can bring to the table.

[Mantis]

I'll be pretty interested to see if Libba comes up this week.. He was deemed largely ineffective by the way of a heavy corkie which really hurt our clean handling around the ball.

[bornadog]

I'll be pretty interested to see if Libba comes up this week.. He was deemed largely ineffective by the way of a heavy corkie which really hurt our clean handling around the ball.

May be a good reason to give him a week off.

[G-Mo77]

I'll be pretty interested to see if Libba comes up this week.. He was deemed largely ineffective by the way of a heavy corkie which really hurt our clean handling around the ball.

8 day break helps there. I'll pencil him in, doubt he'll be able to do much work early in the week though.

[Ozza]

I'll be pretty interested to see if Libba comes up this week.. He was deemed largely ineffective by the way of a heavy corkie which really hurt our clean handling around the ball.

It certainly did.
Once Libba was (essentially) out of action, we needed Bonti around the footy as much as possible - so that we could bridge the gap we had for 'clean hands'. I mentioned in another thread that I reckon the coaches have got the balance wrong with the forwards & mids rotating. Keeping our good clearance players who are one-grab players in the contest, around the footy for longer is crucial.
Conversely, allowing Dickson and Stringer to stay forward longer and get some continuity there as predictable targets, is something I think we need also.

Mantis I agree with the comment you made about Bevo and the coaches having a stinker. It was a very winnable game, but I think they let themselves down both before and during the game. Beyond frustrating that we just stuck stubbornly to what wasn't working. Even in the last quarter, there was no urgency to address the numbers behind the ball issue. We just kept plugging away.

[Mofra]

Mantis I agree with the comment you made about Bevo and the coaches having a stinker. It was a very winnable game, but I think they let themselves down both before and during the game. Beyond frustrating that we just stuck stubbornly to what wasn't working. Even in the last quarter, there was no urgency to address the numbers behind the ball issue. We just kept plugging away.
The most glaring issue for mine is why we would use Campbell or Roughy (whenever they weren't rucking) as the deep forward and get Stringer to run at the ball or whoever else was down there?
If we're going to play dumb football and bomb it long, watching Bailey Dale get monstered by two talls makes it so much worse.

[Mantis]

The most glaring issue for mine is why we would use Campbell or Roughy (whenever they weren't rucking) as the deep forward and get Stringer to run at the ball or whoever else was down there?
If we're going to play dumb football and bomb it long, watching Bailey Dale get monstered by two talls makes it so much worse.

Yep it was painful... At the start of every qtr (after game start) we had a ruck on the bench and probably only played a tall up forward for 5min a qtr. Yet given we had no leg speed and we were given no free space we had to kick long, but had no target point.

We played a +1 behind the ball who was ineffective, all the while Thmpson and co controlled the game in our front half.. Our game as it stands relies on repeat entries and keeping the ball down there, but we couldn't do this on Friday night.

The number of times we committed huge numbers to an aerial contest was beyond a joke.. At one point it was 4 on 1 and they all crashed into each other... Easton Wood played his 'dumbest' game of all time, just no game sense at all.

[The Pie Man]

Yep it was painful... At the start of every qtr (after game start) we had a ruck on the bench and probably only played a tall up forward for 5min a qtr. Yet given we had no leg speed and we were given no free space we had to kick long, but had no target point.

We played a +1 behind the ball who was ineffective, all the while Thmpson and co controlled the game in our front half.. Our game as it stands relies on repeat entries and keeping the ball down there, but we couldn't do this on Friday night.

The number of times we committed huge numbers to an aerial contest was beyond a joke.. At one point it was 4 on 1 and they all crashed into each other... Easton Wood played his 'dumbest' game of all time, just no game sense at all.

Strange wasn't it? One point on the wing he flew into an already congested pack, failing to kill the contest & letting a North player loose out the back who emerged with the ball metres in the clear. We were lucky not to get hurt more often from these situations.

I'm amazed we lost by as little as we did - yet we could've easily won as well. Makes this week more important than it should to our top 4 hopes.

I'm a Roughead fan, but I'd drop him for Redpath this week - when Stringer actually led to the ball we spotted him up, so my hope would be that Big Red would provide repeat leads and our mids would have no choice.

Dunkley for Dale - he's apparently a running machine, and I can't say the same for Dale ATM

Daniel for... my heart says Roberts, but maybe Adcock? Adelaide's talls will need addressing so Roberts may get another week. Adcock was strong in the contest as you'd expect from a seasoned player, but only 9 touches?

Just a sidenote - Biggs still got 27 touches, but sheez he had some poor moments. Hoping he's not a looks good in space type of player, as he was really poor when it got tough at times.

[bornadog]

Just a sidenote - Biggs still got 27 touches, but sheez he had some poor moments. Hoping he's not a looks good in space type of player, as he was really poor when it got tough at times.

Effective Disposal % was 51.9% - yes very poor

[boydogs]

Just a sidenote - Biggs still got 27 touches, but sheez he had some poor moments. Hoping he's not a looks good in space type of player, as he was really poor when it got tough at times.

North didn't give him any space and he was forced to bomb long to avoid turning it over. North are leading the league in inside forward 50 tackles

[comrade]

Biggs little toe poke to keep the ball in that went straight to a North opponent who set up a shot at goal was the straw that broke the camel's back. Just dumb footy.

[Bulldog4life]

There have been reports that Hunter spent the night in hospital.

He went to hospital after doctors told his father Mark that he was showing signs of concussion.

[The Pie Man]

Biggs little toe poke to keep the ball in that went straight to a North opponent who set up a shot at goal was the straw that broke the camel's back. Just dumb footy.

Yep...and I don't reckon he went as hard as he could in that passage either.

Will concede he's a victim of the JJ/Murph/Suckers injury issues, stands to reason he'll be focused on more.

[GVGjr]

It was out first game against the Crows last year when I realised that our team was really starting to play good football. I hope to see a repeat of that again on Saturday night.

[bornadog]

Caleb is available so should come straight in.

In: Daniel, Dunkley

Out: Dale, Adcock

[S Coast Simon]

It was an ugly game for us. It was one of those that the fifty fifty ball bounced into their hands every time. Sometimes it just happens like that. We are young and I agree with a lot that has been said but it's not all doom and gloom. We fumbled a lot due to their pressure but I thought we could have changed up the set up a little more. We were out coached which won't happen often.
IN Hamling. Daniel
OUT Dale. Adcock. Roberts full forward to see if he can save his career as he is not quick enough in the backline for AFL unfortunately

[Cyberdoggie]

The number of times we committed huge numbers to an aerial contest was beyond a joke.. At one point it was 4 on 1 and they all crashed into each other... Easton Wood played his 'dumbest' game of all time, just no game sense at all.

Yeah this was bizarre. I think it started with the ruck contests, having multiple people jumping to try and negate an opposition ruckman but I think it hurts you on the ground because those players that are jumping are then out of the ground contest.

This seems to continue on to the park marking where we get numbers to crash to try and negate the North talls that are clearly 'taller' and better 1 on 1 than our smaller players. So then we have less numbers around the fall of the ball and trend continues. To be honest it was a brave an amazing effort for us to stay in touch playing the way we did and with a bit of luck and accurate kicking we may of won but I don't think that is how we are going to win a flag or be a dominant side.

Wouldn't surprise me to see many of our players that are fatigued, or bruised and battered after that game, and this week we are coming up against Adelaide in a massive 8 point game that could actually be the difference between us finishing top 4 or them.

We just conceded top 2 to North I really hope we win this one as it will be season defining.

[Cyberdoggie]

It was an ugly game for us. It was one of those that the fifty fifty ball bounced into their hands every time. Sometimes it just happens like that. We are young and I agree with a lot that has been said but it's not all doom and gloom. We fumbled a lot due to their pressure but I thought we could have changed up the set up a little more. We were out coached which won't happen often.
IN Hamling. Daniel
OUT Dale. Adcock. Roberts full forward to see if he can save his career as he is not quick enough in the backline for AFL unfortunately

The Hammer by all reports had an absolute stinker against Werribee. Can't see him coming back in.
We may get Dad to play his first game. Couldn't be any worse than Fletch was down back.

Definitely need a forward target to help Stringer, if it's not Redpath then maybe Fletch, heard of worse ideas.
Dunkley was best on ground and would provide some physicality, maybe Honey as well, he has been consistently the best at Footscray this year.

I would expect some outs this week, whether it be managed or forced.
Definitely Dale out, just not willing to play tough footy. Libba if injured, or managed. I really want Jong to succeed as a player but I think he's not working hard enough, not confident and seems to want to let others finish the work instead of backing himself to run.
Defensively he's not running hard enough, not laying tackles or chasing down opponents, and he should be because he is quicker than most.

[1eyedog]

Watching Dale and Roberts get runned down was painful. Too slow, no awareness.

[chef]

Bonti shouldn't have hand passed it to Dale though.

[1eyedog]

Bonti shouldn't have hand passed it to Dale though.

He had time to kick it though he tried to steady.

[ratsmac]

OK I've been thinking about this all week and I'm not wanting to accept last week's performance as this is us now, in that I mean with the way we butchered the ball and wasted forward entries. I checked some stats and found out that this is how we play after all.

There were alarm bells against Brisbane for me with the way we delivered the ball inside 50. We bombed it in time after time but we got away with it against a weaker opposition in Brisbane. 71 inside 50's for 35 scoring shots which is about average, scoring every 2nd entry.

Last week we weren't so lucky (or efficient) because the Norf defence stood up. 58 inside 50's for just 15 scoring shots just doesn't cut the mustard. All season so far we are average 57 inside 50 per game and score every 2.2 times. Last week though we scored every 3.7 times per inside 50. Norf piled on the pressure on our ball users and we didn't use the ball very well at all. We must respond better to pressure around the ball this week like we have before the Norf game. Our injuries are taking their toll.

Our goal accuracy is probably the most alarming stat of all. We average 45% accuracy which is the 3rd worst in the league. I'd hope we are working tirelessly on our goal kicking.

In comparison to Adelaide, they are much more efficient and much more accurate. They average 55 inside 50 per game and score every 1.8 times. Their goal accuracy is 57% which is 3rd best in the league.

We can't just rely on the weight of numbers of inside 50's to get the job done. We need to straighten up or we will lose a lot of games where the stats say we should of won.

Out
Adcock, Dale, Roberts

In
Daniel, Redpath, Collins

I don't think Redpath has earned a spot but we need to make Talia accountable or Stringer will have another horrible day at the office competing 1 on 2 every time and having to try take MOTY just to bring the ball to ground.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Our ball use is horrendous all over the ground and our forward structure is a shambles, so we need to fix these as much as we can by personnel until the likes of Boyd, Suckling and JJ return.

Daniel will help but Webb is needed too.

In terms of forward structure, Redpath may not be in form but he offers more movement and ability in said position than Roughead. Right now, we need Honeychurch's manic pressure too.

OUT: Dale, Adcock*, Roughead
IN: Daniel, Webb, Redpath

* If Hunter is out, Honeychurch/Dunkley in.

[bornadog]

Our ball use is horrendous all over the ground and our forward structure is a shambles, so we need to fix these as much as we can by personnel until the likes of Boyd, Suckling and JJ return.

Daniel will help but Webb is needed too.

In terms of forward structure, Redpath may not be in form but he offers more movement and ability in said position than Roughead. Right now, we need Honeychurch's manic pressure too.

OUT: Dale, Adcock*, Roughead
IN: Daniel, Webb, Honeychurch

* If Hunter is out, Adcock remains. I would consider swapping Jong for Dunkley or having Dunkley in front of Honeychurch.

No second ruck?

[The Bulldogs Bite]

No second ruck?

Unless your second ruck is damaging elsewhere, it's pointless having two rucks - particularly given our lack of skill in other areas of the ground right now.

Redpath can provide ruck relief and Campbell can take stints forward.

[Mantis]

Unless your second ruck is damaging elsewhere, it's pointless having two rucks - particularly given our lack of skill in other areas of the ground right now.

Redpath can provide ruck relief and Campbell can take stints forward.

You don't have Redpath as an in.. Even though you discussed him.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

You don't have Redpath as an in.. Even though you discussed him.

What a prawn.

Fixed!

[Axe Man]

Our ball use is horrendous all over the ground and our forward structure is a shambles, so we need to fix these as much as we can by personnel until the likes of Boyd, Suckling and JJ return.

Going inside forward 50, no argument - our delivery has been poor. But all over the ground? We are number 1 in the league for disposal efficiency.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Going inside forward 50, no argument - our delivery has been poor. But all over the ground? We are number 1 in the league for disposal efficiency.

I wouldn't pay too much attention to that stat. Our DE% is always going to read 'high' because we heavily possess the ball, particularly in going sideways and backwards, which is one of the reasons we are not conceding big scores but also part of why we aren't scoring as heavily ourselves.

[Axe Man]

I wouldn't pay too much attention to that stat. Our DE% is always going to read 'high' because we heavily possess the ball, particularly in going sideways and backwards, which is one of the reasons we are not conceding big scores but also part of why we aren't scoring as heavily ourselves.

Reasonable analysis, but I still can't agree that our ball use is generally "horrendous". We would struggle to win a game if that was the case.

[Mantis]

Reasonable analysis, but I still can't agree that our ball use is generally "horrendous". We would struggle to win a game if that was the case.

We beat up and wear down inferior teams through weight of possession, contested ball wins and defensve pressure, but our ball use (when under pressure) going forward is horrid.. This is certainly not helped having our best kicks not playing.

Really interesting 6-8 weeks coming up.. I look forward to seeing how we respond.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Reasonable analysis, but I still can't agree that our ball use is generally "horrendous". We would struggle to win a game if that was the case.

We've played some pretty poor opposition to date (Fremantle, Carlton and Brisbane). St Kilda are a bit hit and miss.

As Mantis said, it hasn't helped having our best ball users out of the side. They can't be easily replaced, but we're going to need to find a way to tidy up otherwise we're no chance against Adelaide, GWS etc.

[1eyedog]

My 7 nearly 8 year old son said after the Norf game '...think of it as a Lord of the Rings battle Dad. All of the Elves have been wounded and have left the battlefield, and all that is left are Dwarves with their axes'.

[The bulldog tragician]

My 7 nearly 8 year old son said after the Norf game '...think of it as a Lord of the Rings battle Dad. All of the Elves have been wounded and have left the battlefield, and all that is left are Dwarves with their axes'.

What a wise little guy.

Just on our goal kicking woes (sorry Comrade) I think it's even more concerning that our efficiency is so poor because we are playing under a roof with absolutely no weather factor. At a blustery Subiaco or MCG, what on earth would it be?

I hope the ins are Daniel and Dunkley, and the ones to miss would be Adcock, who is just not doing enough, and Dale. I like what he does and still hope he makes it but he was way off the pace on Friday. I'd also consider The Path for Jong, who just hasn't been the same since last year's broken hand.

[ratsmac]

What a wise little guy.

Just on our goal kicking woes (sorry Comrade) I think it's even more concerning that our efficiency is so poor because we are playing under a roof with absolutely no weather factor. At a blustery Subiaco or MCG, what on earth would it be?

I hope the ins are Daniel and Dunkley, and the ones to miss would be Adcock, who is just not doing enough, and Dale. I like what he does and still hope he makes it but he was way off the pace on Friday. I'd also consider The Path for Jong, who just hasn't been the same since last year's broken hand.

Maybe the wind will blow it the the goals!

It's strange because they train in an absolute wind tunnel Whitten Oval. You would think under the roof they wouldn't miss.

[G-Mo77]

Bonti shouldn't have hand passed it to Dale though.

He had time to kick it though he tried to steady.

I remember this one well. That was the point I threw the towel in. It was Bonts' fault in that instance, no way he should have handpassed to him at that point. Maybe if Dale was a bit more seasoned he would have got a foot to it and put a grubber inside 50. Sadly that would have probably been our best chance at scoring was grubbing the ball inside the arc.

The Roberts one was horrible. He looked like he was going for a slow jog in an empty park then got ran down.

[ratsmac]

I remember this one well. That was the point I threw the towel in. It was Bonts' fault in that instance, no way he should have handpassed to him at that point. Maybe if Dale was a bit more seasoned he would have got a foot to it and put a grubber inside 50. Sadly that would have probably been our best chance at scoring was grubbing the ball inside the arc.

The Roberts one was horrible. He looked like he was going for a slow jog in an empty park then got ran down.

I was in disbelief of how much time he thought he had. Where did he think Petrie was? Of course he was right behind you you numb skull!

[1eyedog]

I may be imagining this but I remember someone saying back in the Colonial stadium days that the ball travels differently under the roof? The air is thicker or something and the ball is more susceptible to shaping?

Maybe I'm thinking about the yellow ball.

[Rocco Jones]

In- Daniel, Redpath, Dunkley
Out- Dale, Roberts, Adcock

- Redpath not ideal but think it's better for team overall. Really miss Tom Boyd
- Roughy to play 2nd ruck/defender role vs Jenkins or whoever he takes down back

[jeemak]

I may be imagining this but I remember someone saying back in the Colonial stadium days that the ball travels differently under the roof? The air is thicker or something and the ball is more susceptible to shaping?

Maybe I'm thinking about the yellow ball.

The yellow ball travels a bit different than the red ball, it's even more profound if it's a polyurethane yellow ball. It's a bit like the red versus white versus pink ball vibe in cricket.

I've no doubt there'd be a swirl at Docklands that is different to the other grounds once the ball clears a certain distance and height. Ultimately good players pick that up over time through repetition.

[Bulldog4life]

Maybe the wind will blow it the the goals!

It's strange because they train in an absolute wind tunnel Whitten Oval. You would think under the roof they wouldn't miss.

Maybe that is the problem.

[Hot_Doggies]

Maybe that is the problem.

Technique is the problem. Dickson doesn't have an issue inside or outside.

[LostDoggy]

Composure is the problem, these guys can kick a lot better than they do going forward or kicking for goal. Last week the problem spread into the back half.

[Mantis]

Technique is the problem. Dickson doesn't have an issue inside or outside.

Damn straight it is.

Amazing how many of our guys open up their bodies as they kick the ball meaning they miss right.. All of Campbell, Jong, Boyd & Stringer did this last week.. Dickson keeps his head over the ball.

[comrade]

Damn straight it is.

Amazing how many of our guys open up their bodies as they kick the ball meaning they miss right.. All of Campbell, Jong, Boyd & Stringer did this last week.. Dickson keeps his head over the ball.

Same thing happens with my driver. I'm have more of a Stringer swing, than a Dickson swing.

[Ghost Dog]

Damn straight it is.

Amazing how many of our guys open up their bodies as they kick the ball meaning they miss right.. All of Campbell, Jong, Boyd & Stringer did this last week.. Dickson keeps his head over the ball.

Yeah but North forced out forwards to come out a bit, so they got marks further away. The longer distance meant they had to try and hook it to make the distance, at least that's what I thought happened a few times.

[Ozza]

TC can kick the ball a mile naturally, as can Stringer. They were very poor shots at goal due to poor technique.

Roughead....well, when he was lining up, I did remark 'He's only even money from here'. It's just so expected that he would miss.

[G-Mo77]

Technique is the problem. Dickson doesn't have an issue inside or outside.

Can he be a goal kicking coach as well as player?

[1eyedog]

Laird is a massive out for them. Tore us a new one in the EF last year.

[I'm Not Bitter Anymore!]

And JJ misses again I thought he could've kept Betts quiet

[ratsmac]

Laird is a massive out for them. Tore us a new one in the EF last year.

True but they always have a backup Rory!

[The Underdog]

TC can kick the ball a mile naturally, as can Stringer. They were very poor shots at goal due to poor technique.

Roughead....well, when he was lining up, I did remark 'He's only even money from here'. It's just so expected that he would miss.

I didn't even need to watch Roughy. I knew where it was going

[F'scary]

The Wood Chopper returns.

[GVGjr]

In Jack Redpath, Caleb Daniel
Out Kobe Stevens injured and Lin Jong Omitted

[jeemak]

The Wood Chopper returns.

Can you do any better than that?

[bornadog]

Round 7 – Western Bulldogs v Adelaide
Saturday 7 May, 7:40pm
Venue: Etihad Stadium


Full back
M Boyd
F Roberts
D Morris


Half back
J Adcock
M Adams
E Wood


Centreline
L Hunter
T Liberatore
T Dickson


Half forward
L Picken
T Campbell
J Stringer


Full forward
L Dahlhaus
J Redpath
T McLean


Followers
J Roughead
J Macrae
M Bontempelli


Interchange
M Wallis
S Biggs
B Dale



C Daniel




Emergencies
Z Cordy
J Dunkley
M Honeychurch

[chef]

Two good ins. We need Daniels clean foot skills and we need a tall forward.

Lose two big body mids though.

[F'scary]

Can you do any better than that?

Just wanted to give you the headline.

[jeemak]

In Jack Redpath, Caleb Daniel
Out Kobe Stevens injured and Lin Jong Omitted

Thanks GvG.

Stevens a significant out, Daniel a big in.

[bornadog]

Two good ins. We need Daniels clean foot skills and we need a tall forward.

Lose two big body mids though.

Koby will be a big loss

[chef]

Koby will be a big loss

Yep. He's an important player nowadays.

What's his injury?

[bornadog]

The Wood Chopper returns.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Chre-OEUYAIz8PR.jpg:large

[Hotdog60]

I hope Jack can get a few and demand to be matched up.

[bornadog]

I hope Jack can get a few and demand to be matched up.

He needs to hit the ball hard

[1eyedog]

In Jack Redpath, Caleb Daniel
Out Kobe Stevens injured and Lin Jong Omitted

Kobe will be missed. I hope it's nothing serious?

I'm glad we saw some sense re. a forward target. I hope Jack takes the bull by the horns, but I don't think his inclusion requires him to do so. Having him there will assist Daniel, Dahl, Dicko and Stringer immeasurably and therein lies his value.

With both Roughie and Campbell in the team it will allow us to play Jack as a full time forward, or, if its not working, TC up forward for large portions of the game while Roughie and Jack ruck.

[bornadog]

Kobe will be missed. I hope it's nothing serious?

I'm glad we saw some sense re. a forward target. I hope Jack takes the bull by the horns, but I don't think his inclusion requires him to do so. Having him there will assist Daniel, Dahl, Dicko and Stringer immeasurably and therein lies his value.

With both Roughie and Campbell in the team it will allow us to play Jack as a full time forward, or, if its not working, TC up forward for large portions of the game while Roughie and Jack ruck.

Kobe - abdominal strain

Roughie should play on resting ruck if needed.

[Dry Rot]

Emergencies are interesting, especially if Hunter is out, and Cordy named.

[bornadog]

Emergencies are interesting, especially if Hunter is out, and Cordy named.

Hopefully Hunter is ok, we can't afford another injury. He is averaging over 30 disposals, so hard to replace. Libba also named after his corkie.

[1eyedog]

Bailey Dale's a head scratcher #keepthefaith.

[I'm Not Bitter Anymore!]

Yep. He's an important player nowadays.

What's his injury?

Abdominal

[bornadog]

Bailey Dale's a head scratcher #keepthefaith.

Lucky to be in, but Bevo gives players a chance to develop.

[kruder]

Its time for Bailey to show something this week. He is one player with good foot skills that can connect with a forward which we are seriously lacking atm. He has looked like a rabbit in headlights the first few games this year, he needs something positive to happen to reward the match committee's faith in him.

Really interesting to see how we go with 2 rucks and Big Jack against quality opposition.

[bornadog]

Really interesting to see how we go with 2 rucks and Big Jack against quality opposition.

We really stuffed up last week by not having a target. I like a big man in the forward line who can mark and if he can't then bring the ball to ground and we can win it. Last week, North just marked everything coming in and gave no chance to the crumbers.

[GVGjr]

A couple of players are on the lucky side to hold their spots and I suspect it's going to be a very different midfield set-up and Bontempelli will have to spend more time there than up forward.

Massive test for us this week. Looking forward to it.

[ratsmac]

Stevens now! We can't take a trick! O well, the game must go on.

Gee Adcock and Dale must be doing something that I'm not seeing. Very lucky IMO.

I still wouldn't mind seeing Honeychuch or Dunkley come in late for Dale. Stevens and Jong are both inside players and might leave us a bit light in the guts. Maybe the MC are trying to get the best balance of phone box and tardis. I dunno just guessing.

[kruder]

We really stuffed up last week by not having a target. I like a big man in the forward line who can mark and if he can't then bring the ball to ground and we can win it. Last week, North just marked everything coming in and gave no chance to the crumbers.

Agree watching Dale play lone forward against Thompson and co last week was embarrassing to say the least. I think Jack will draw the footy as the leading forward which will force players too lower their eyes. Much prefer this structure and if we are too top heavy I'd drop Roberts and make Rough rest in defence going forward.

[F'scary]

I got a feeling we can be revenged on Saturday night.

[G-Mo77]

Bailey Dale's a head scratcher #keepthefaith.

Lucky to be in, but Bevo gives players a chance to develop.

Yeah probably lucky I do not have an issue with it though. VFL he's an absolute gun but struggles when getting the call to the AFL. A few consecutive weeks hopefully helps him finding his feet at senior level.

Stevens out is a massive blow and with clouds over Libba and Hunter we're missing some serious talent from this squad. Fingers crossed both those boys get up.

Redpath a no brainer inclusion to the team.

[azabob]

I am yet to see any VFL this season but any idea why Honeychurch hasn't played a game at AFL level? I am neither here nor there on Honeychurch but he seems by all reports playing well.

[Remi Moses]

Hope Stevens is only minor , and we're well off for mids.
Not sold on Redpath, but we need some semblance of forward structure.
Glad to see Caleb back, and given Dale more than a week .

[always right]

Hope Stevens is only minor , and we're well off for mids.
Not sold on Redpath, but we need some semblance of forward structure.
Glad to see Caleb back, and given Dale more than a week .
He's had two.

[I'm Not Bitter Anymore!]

There's no love for Hamling

[always right]

There's no love for Hamling

No form for Hamling.

[Mantis]

Luke 'Bon Jovi' Beveridge!! Some surprising, yet hardly surprising selections.

Really shapes as a crucial game if we want to keep our season on track... Looking forward to seeing how we go.

[The Underdog]

I am yet to see any VFL this season but any idea why Honeychurch hasn't played a game at AFL level? I am neither here nor there on Honeychurch but he seems by all reports playing well.

Compiling stats and playing the way the MC want him to might be different things. Maybe?

[Webby]

Is Webb injured??
Hamling???

Stiff..

[LostDoggy]

Welcome back Jack ;)

Time to take your chance Big Fella.

[LostDoggy]

Caleb back is a massive in to link up the grunt work with his polished skills.

[azabob]

Compiling stats and playing the way the MC want him to might be different things. Maybe?

You are probably spot on and which is consistent with what the MC want.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Is Webb injured??
Hamling???

Stiff..
Surprised to see Adcock retained as his past two games have been very ordinary.Both Webb and Honeychurch have been consistent performers with Footscray and have earned promotion.A tough recall for Roberts last week against arguably the best forward line in the AFL so happy for him to be retained which would be at the expense of the unlucky Hamling. Daniel is a huge inclusion as his superior disposal to most of our midfielders has been badly missed.Stringer becomes a better player alongside Redpath or Tom Boyd, so Jack's return makes the forward line look better balanced. Redpath can pinch hit in the ruck with Campbell allowing Roughead to spend time in defence to help combat the resting Crows forward ruck man.

[Eastdog]

Caleb back is a massive in to link up the grunt work with his polished skills.

Yep big in. Hope he has a great game back. We have been missing him. Good to see Redpath get a go. Hopefully he adds a bit to our forward structure.

Our effort I cannot fault the last 6 weeks. Just a few things to improve on and a bit of luck with injuries then we could have been undefeated but the reality that is football and we have done very well despite the setbacks to key personnel.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Stuffed if I know how Dale and Adcock can keep their spots, particularly the former.

[Webby]

I reckon we might've pinched it last week with Shorty Daniel in the side. We just lacked a bit of cleanliness around the packs... Had we had that, I reckon we might've gotten up. In spite of our lack of forward structure and half back rebound - which are additional upsides for the next time we get Norf..

[jeemak]

I am yet to see any VFL this season but any idea why Honeychurch hasn't played a game at AFL level? I am neither here nor there on Honeychurch but he seems by all reports playing well.

With Daniel coming in perhaps Honey presented more of the same?

I could only imagine that Daniel would be doing all of the things Honey is at VFL level presently plus a bit more (Honey's very very talented, but Daniel is off the charts and would carve up VFL), so perhaps it's a simple matter of us only having space for one genuinely small player in our forward line who takes a few turns through the middle.

[Mofra]

Is Webb injured??
Hamling???
One interview mentioned Webb was a few weeks away and was working on aspects of his game at Footscray.
I guess we won't see him at AFL level until he can take a few turns rotating through the middle? Shame, as he's looked good off the HB line before and after being pro-Adcock during the pre-season I'm losing faith quickly.

[Mofra]

so perhaps it's a simple matter of us only having space for one genuinely small player in our forward line who takes a few turns through the middle.
Hunter and Dahl have rotated through the forward line and midfield with Daniel playing, back when we had our best HB available :(

[hujsh]

Hard to believe we're a better team with Dale and Adcock over Honey and Webb.

Must be last chance for Adcock. It's like Brett Goodes all over again. Keeps playing but no one is really sure what he offers over some of the younger players

[jeemak]

Hunter and Dahl have rotated through the forward line and midfield with Daniel playing, back when we had our best HB available :(

Not sure what point you're making?

[Cyberdoggie]

I think Adcock has done some good things, he's just not doing enough that is all.
Needs to get more involved in the game than down the bottom of the disposals table for a small mid/hb/hff'er type.

The MC are obviously trying to develop Dale and giving him a sustained run to learn from mistakes may be the best way to do that.
Webb is learning to develop his game in a specific role at Footscray at the moment, probably no point promoting to go back and play a different role. Likewise with Honey playing as a midfielder. Let's develop him so he can play more than just defensive forward, because if that is all he can do he won't last very long without more strings to his bow.

Redpath in is important. Not sure how well he will go, depends on the ball coming in. Talia will stitch him up 1 on 1 but on a lead he may expose him.
If we bomb it in like last week then we will struggle and so will Redpath.

[Mofra]

Not sure what point you're making?
You said "only having space for one genuinely small player in our forward line who takes a few turns through the middle." - clearly based on past rounds and selection there is room for more than one.

[Axe Man]

Beveridge says Hunter will play:


"He's fine. He's good to go," Beveridge said of Hunter on Friday morning.

"He's done all the testing, (there's) no dramas and he'll be ready and raring to go tomorrow night (against Adelaide).

So probably likely to miss then!:rolleyes:

[jeemak]

You said "only having space for one genuinely small player in our forward line who takes a few turns through the middle." - clearly based on past rounds and selection there is room for more than one.

Dahl's (178cm) a midfielder who takes turns in the forward line, Hunter (183) largely a midfielder.

Daniel (168cm) plays predominantly forward and I'd expect Honey (176cm) to as well if given a turn.

With forward spots essentially reserved for rotations I'm wondering if the MC thinks having two players who are genuinely small playing predominantly forward isn't the right mix.

[Mofra]

Dahl's (178cm) a midfielder who takes turns in the forward line, Hunter (183) largely a midfielder.

Daniel (168cm) plays predominantly forward and I'd expect Honey (176cm) to as well if given a turn.

With forward spots essentially reserved for rotations I'm wondering if the MC thinks having two players who are genuinely small playing predominantly forward isn't the right mix.
The MC tend to pick based on form rather than size - I'd say if they're good enough they're tall enough.

[Bulldog4life]

CLEARANCE king Tom Liberatore will be given every chance to prove his fitness ahead of the Western Bulldogs’ crucial clash with Adelaide on Saturday night.

Liberatore suffered a corked thigh in last week’s loss to North Melbourne, with doubts lingering throughout the week that he may not play against the high flying Crows.

Although he was named in the Dogs’ team on Thursday night, there remains the possibility that he could be a late withdrawal.

Lachie Hunter is also right for selection after being cleared of concussion concerns.

Fellow midfielders Josh Dunkley and Mitch Honeychurch have been named as emergencies if Liberatore and Hunter aren’t deemed fit to play.

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