Game Day Round 22 2016 - Essendon V Western Bulldogs

[Eastdog]

Dogs by 64 points - 9 day break we need to have a solid 10 goal win especially against this mob
First Goal: Dickson to get our first - need a good game from him
Best On Ground: Bont to tear it up
Crowd: 29,549

Go Bulldogs!

[bulldogtragic]

Don't care the margin. Must win.
BoG Bonts
FG Boyd

[Ozza]

Feeling nervous about this game with our aversion to avenues to goal.
Hope my nerves are unfounded. Any win will do.
Bont to do everything.

[bornadog]

Feeling nervous about this game with our aversion to avenues to goal.
Hope my nerves are unfounded. Any win will do.
Bont to do everything.

We should romp it in but would be mighty embarrassing to lose

[Eastdog]

We should romp it in but would be mighty embarrassing to lose

Agree BAD. Would be mightily embarrassing to lose. Really need a strong solid performance against an undermanned side.

[Bulldog4life]

Dogs by 44 points
First Goal: T.Boyd
Best On Ground: Bont

[Remi Moses]

Just a win will do
BOG Bont
1st goal Dickson

[ratsmac]

Dogs by 48
First goal - Clay Smith
BOG - M. Boyd

[Eastdog]

Just a win will do
BOG Bont
1st goal Dickson

Pretty much the same as me RM. Hopefully we can have a 10 goal win but yeah if we keep winning will be alright.

[Rocket Science]

Please bury this trash and find some much needed joie de vivre in the process.

Dogs by 54
First Major : Dickson
BOG Daniel

Stringer to kick 6 versus Werribee

[Eastdog]

Please bury this trash and find some much needed joie de vivre in the process.

Dogs by 54
First Major : Dickson
BOG Daniel

Stringer to kick 6 versus Werribee

That would be good. He needs some confidence back. We all know he has the ability.

[The Underdog]

I have only concern about today. Although Collingwood's performance last night has eased my concern slightly based on last weeks results. It's weird that the only game I haven't been worried about recently was the North game

Dogs by 15
BOG : Dahlhaus
First Goal: Dickson

[Twodogs]

Dogs by 84
First goal: Deadeye Dickson
BOG the Bont.

[comrade]

Sunday 4.40 games suck!

So glad the AFL likes us at the moment and we don't get shunted into this wasteland time slot too often.

[LostDoggy]

Dogs by 71
1st goal: Hrovat
BOG: Bont

[KT31]

Dogs by 45
FG - Tom Boyd
BOG - Bonts

[kruder]

Dogs by 26
FG-Hrovat
BOG-Hunter

[The Underdog]

Sunday 4.40 games suck!

So glad the AFL likes us at the moment and we don't get shunted into this wasteland time slot too often.

If this wasn't possibly the last Melbourne game for the year I probably wouldn't be going

[LostDoggy]

Dogs by-105pts
FG-Toyd
BOG-The Bont

[AndrewP6]

Sunday 4.40, you suck. I'm putting this in the "Worst" thread. However....

Dogs by 29 (I really want us to absolutely smash them but I'm not sure we will)
First goal Hrovat.
BOG The Bont.
Number of manly tears shed by me saying farewell to Coons... 5 (a conservative estimate)....

[bornadog]

All emergencies playing at Werribee.

[bornadog]

Stevens not playing second half at VFL, so he is off to Etihad.

[I'm Not Bitter Anymore!]

Campbell, Minson, Honeychurch and Williams all played well

[Smads57]

Dogs by a comfortable margin (so I can relax and enjoy the shellacking from around half time)
First goal to Zaine
Our main man to be BOG (again)

[G-Mo77]

Right behind the goals. Looking forward to seeing this disfunctional forward line up close.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Dogs by 43 points
BOG: Dahlhaus
First goal: Hrovat

[AndrewP6]

Dicko started well, working hard in the forward 50.

[ledge]

Why is it sides have one tall
Forward and we can't stop them ?

[AndrewP6]

Jongy with 7 possessions, all contested.

[jeemak]

I'm not sure what value Smith adds to the side if he's decided he can't kick anymore.

Happy enough with that as a first quarter. We need to keep the throttle down, however.

[ledge]

Caleb and Jong massive, Dickson doing well too , Boyd should have two , we just don't look for him for some reason!

[ledge]

Rourke Smith a great start, doing his job well and seems to know the backline configuration and where he is in it.

[LostDoggy]

Struggling to shake Essendon two games out from finals isn't filling me with great confidence. Really need to get some quality back into the team

[comrade]

What a terrible game of footy. Was hoping for a relaxing couple of hours, won't be getting that now.

[bulldogtragic]

Struggling to shake Essendon two games out from finals isn't filling me with great confidence. Really need to get some quality back into the team

Must agree. We should have them well and truly behind the game, but hoping the next half the boys work towards leap frogging the Hawks percentage if Collingwood do us a favour next week.

[Rocket Science]

It won't cost us today, but unless he remedies the flaws in his game as long as Roberts is getting a regular gig for us we're vulnerable.

[ledge]

They have one decent tall forward and we still can't stop him.
God help if we play Adelaide in a final

[bornadog]

Essendon matching us in stats and winning the CP.
very frustrating at the moment

[bornadog]

It won't cost us today, but unless he remedies the flaws in his game as long as Roberts is getting a regular gig for us we're vulnerable.
When he got the ball a couple of times he gave it back

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Roberts is not AFL standard for a top 8 side.

Terrible second quarter.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Double post.

[GVGjr]

What a terrible game of footy. Was hoping for a relaxing couple of hours, won't be getting that now.

I'm somewhat glad I'm not the only one thinking the same. It's hard for to work out how we are playing. Some of the players really frustrate me. Hopefully 10 minutes of good footy early in the 2nd half will kick start us.

[The Underdog]

We look good with it but the Bombers are moving the ball way too easily. Our CP's have really dropped off without Mith, Libba and Macrae. Same story as Moore, Hawkins et al. We can't stop a tall forward who's mobile with good hands

[ledge]

We are missing Libber and Wallis bigtime.. Put Clay in the middle..,
caleb and Picken stick out bigtime, great games by them two so far .

[comrade]

The problem with Roberts is if he bodies up, he gets outmuscled and falls over so he plays in front and gets his head sat on.

Just isn't an AFL caliber defender.

[Go_Dogs]

We just need more players who can use the ball and work a bit harder without it as we're moving it forward. Defensively we need to be a bit smarter, like Moore Joe D loves to run and jump at the ball so we need to give him the treatment T Boyd gets each week and not let him have his way.

Roughie seems to have spent quite a bit of time on the bench again.

[comrade]

Need a ruckman that can actually physically handle rucking for more than 50% of the game.

[Twodogs]

What a terrible game of footy. Was hoping for a relaxing couple of hours, won't be getting that now.


Struggling to shake Essendon two games out from finals isn't filling me with great confidence. Really need to get some quality back into the team


I'm somewhat glad I'm not the only one thinking the same. It's hard for to work out how we are playing. Some of the players really frustrate me. Hopefully 10 minutes of good footy early in the 2nd half will kick start us.


This is a shocking game.


That goal Essendon kicked from the ball up (could have been a bounce) when there was no defender goal side of the bounce in position was schoolboy stuff.

[bulldogtragic]

Need a ruckman that can actually physically handle rucking for more than 50% of the game.

Tom Boyd seems to do it most weeks. Oh, you mean Roughead. Gotcha.

[jeemak]

We're embarrassing ourselves in close today.

Why we think it's acceptable not to bring effort and trounce this team is beyond me. Shades of the Brisbane game leading into last year's finals.

[comrade]

We're embarrassing ourselves in close today.

Why we think it's acceptable not to bring effort and trounce this team is beyond me. Shades of the Brisbane game leading into last year's finals.

11 players under 50 games probably means expectations need to be tempered.

[cinder]

Brilliant by Daniel

[cinder]

Nooooooo noooooo not Easton

[chef]

God hates us

[cinder]

It was opposite side to me, anyone know any more?

[KT31]

Wood straight down to the rooms, grabbed the back of the leg so hopefully not an achilles.

[comrade]

Looks like a nasty ankle ligament.

[jeemak]

Given he's jogged from the ground it's unlikely a rupture of the Achilles. Hopefully just a stinger and nothing structural.

[cinder]

Fingers crossed

[KT31]

Wood boots off and already on crutches in the rooms.

[KT31]

On a positive I think Rourke Smith is having a decent game.

[cinder]

Could the Essendon morons stop yelling 'BALL' when our players haven't even taken possession?!

[jeemak]

11 players under 50 games probably means expectations need to be tempered.

Perhaps you're right.

I don't like our perversion with over handballing it to people who are covered.

[comrade]

Wood boots off and already on crutches in the rooms.

Big trouble.

[jeemak]

On a positive I think Rourke Smith is having a decent game.

I think we have a player.

He's just held the ball on the run looking for an option forward, taken a bounce and spotted a target in JJ. Great to see someone have respect for the footy and team mates.

[bulldogtragic]

Sick of injuries. Wood doesn't look good at all.

[KT31]

I think we have a player.

He's just held the ball on the run looking for an option forward, taken a bounce and spotted a target in JJ. Great to see someone have respect for the footy and team mates.

Agree , my first real look at him and I think he was good composure and his disposal has been pretty good.

[bulldogtragic]

I'm sick of players playing on to a disadvantage when we get a free inside 50. It'd be a dozen times or more this year and it's so bloody frustrating.

[ledge]

No boundary riding today ? Usually get them to tell you about injuries

[KT31]

Sick of injuries. Wood doesn't look good at all.

If its and achilles its his season done, sprained ankle it could be just next week.

[Twodogs]

On a positive I think Rourke Smith is having a decent game.


Wait until he takes a hanger.

[LostDoggy]

Lin Jong has been really good. Doing plenty of the hard stuff. 15 contested possessions to 3QT is outstanding.

[1eyedog]

Boring

[jeemak]

I just cannot believe how much we piss fart around with the footy.

[Twodogs]

Boring boring Arsenal.

[Twodogs]

I just cannot believe how much we piss fart around with the footy.

But we've been doing it all season.

[KT31]

Looks like we are not even going to make the 100 point milestone, pretty poor for a top eight side.

[jeemak]

But we've been doing it all season.

Yes, I should believe it.

[1eyedog]

Mindless entry into the forward line.

[comrade]

Would be swapping Williams in for Dunkley. Stringer for Smith. Just butcher the ball.

[jeemak]

Mindless entry into the forward line.

Two standout efforts from JJ and Dahl who is a repeat offender.

[comrade]

What was that kick to Bont on the 50? Just madness.

[MrMahatma]

We really have to forward structure or system.

[FrediKanoute]

Its been a frustrating game

[LostDoggy]

Making up the numbers now I think, sadly

[KT31]

Great tap from Boyd and Hunter turns it over instead of having a shot.

[ledge]

Let's put this in perspective we have 11 first players missing they have 12 , they got replacements for cheating we get nothing. So it's a good effort to still win by 30 odd points

[ledge]

Second youngest side this round, so don't get too upset

[lemmon]

Has Hrovat picked up a yard of pace while he was injured? Brings some real zip around the contest

[jeemak]

Great tap from Boyd and Hunter turns it over instead of having a shot.

I'm a little tired of Hunter mucking around with the footy and not taking on some responsibility for scoring.

With him, Clay, Suckling and Jack being so one sided it's causing a lot of over handling of the footy and I think it costs us.

[ledge]

I'm a little tired of Hunter mucking around with the footy and not taking on some responsibility for scoring.
With him, Clay, Suckling and Jack being so one sided it's causing a lot of over handling of the footy and I think it costs us.

Suckling and Jack didn't play today so I'm not sure how that's relevant to today

[G-Mo77]

Glad that is over. Highlight was Coons giving our end a clap. Lowlights mostly everything else

[jeemak]

Suckling and Jack didn't play today so I'm not sure how that's relevant to today

Sorry, should I remove it from the game day thread or can it stay because Clay and Hunter did?

It's relevant because the latter two had instances today where them being one sided stymied our ball movement. It's exacerbated when we have four of them in the side.

[Go_Dogs]

Not a great game.

The same issues which have been there all year persist. It would be great if we could see a bit of focus on improving our movement and entries but I suppose it'll be the offseason rather than now.

Based on current form I'm not convinced we'd knock the Eagles off at the G, hopefully we finish with a bit more momentum next week and carry that, plus a few returning players, into September.

[Rocket Science]

The problem with Roberts is if he bodies up, he gets outmuscled and falls over so he plays in front and gets his head sat on.

Just isn't an AFL caliber defender.


I don't like potting our blokes and granted Daniher's a troublesome and talented opponent, but enough already, Fletcher's really just 'warm body' territory at this point.

Not strong enough to go with the gorillas, not nimble enough to go with the athletes, and neither smart nor skilled enough to offer us much of anything else.

Yes, injuries and all that, but the point remains he's the most exploitable weak link in our defensive half and the first one I'd be keying in on if I'm an opposition coach.

JEEZUS I hope Adams' foot's healing fast.

[KT31]

I don't like potting our blokes and granted Daniher's a troublesome and talented opponent, but enough already, Fletcher's really just 'warm body' territory at this point.

Not strong enough to go with the gorillas, not nimble enough to go with the athletes, and neither smart nor skilled enough to offer us much of anything else.

Yes, injuries and all that, but the point remains he's the most exploitable weak link in our defensive half and the first one I'd be keying in on if I'm an opposition coach.

JEEZUS I hope Adams' foot's healing fast.

Just two weeks away.;)

[Rocket Science]

Just two weeks away.;)

Sigh.

The first couple of minutes of Bevo's post-game presser was basically devoted to a status review of our many outs during which he said "Marcus (Adams) hasn't really done too much in recent times ...it's tenuous ... he's unlikely to be back".

As in, this year...

All aboard the Roberts train.

[Eastdog]

Not the best footy game ever but we got a solid 40 point win which was the good thing. Dickson was quite good in that first quarter getting us off the mark. Daniel is a gem and showed that today. Picken is in great form right now. Good to see us at times hit up targets up forward (Roghy, Hunter, Boyd who got some up there)

Dissapointed that Tom didn't convert a chance but he has shown some good signs next year and really needs to build from that. JJ, Rorake were good and Mclean was in it.

Not a big atmosphere tonight at the game but probably an expected crowd of 25K considering Essendon are waiting for the year to end and its an away game at Etihad for us and the time slot as well.

[Twodogs]

Sigh.

The first couple of minutes of Bevo's post-game presser was basically devoted to a status review of our many outs during which he said "Marcus (Adams) hasn't really done too much in recent times ...it's tenuous ... he's unlikely to be back".

As in, this year...

All aboard the Roberts train.

He's like the understudy to the understudy for the role he's playing. Some nights he'll nail it, some nights not so much. If there was anyone else at all who even knew the lines...

[Ozza]

Roughead is a very very ordinary ruckman. I get it that Bevo likes what he brings around the ground - but today he had 1 kick - and a measly 9 hit outs (Boyd had 13, Bonti 5).
In the last 5-6 weeks - the only good footy we've seen of Roughy is when the game has been tight and he has dropped behind the ball and marked or spoiled deep in defence.

Right now - I'd be taking the view that Minson or Campbell comes in (Minson not ideal - but at least he can ruck a high % of the game and allow Boyd to play forward) and replace Roberts' position in defence with Roughead. It won't happen - as Bevo is convinced that Roughy has been 'enormous' for us.

Desperate times, desperate measures - with the injuries we have - I think we have to re-think the big fellas.

[ledge]

I'm a little tired of Hunter mucking around with the footy and not taking on some responsibility for scoring.

With him, Clay, Suckling and Jack being so one sided it's causing a lot of over handling of the footy and I think it costs us.


Not the best footy game ever but we got a solid 40 point win which was the good thing. Dickson was quite good in that first quarter getting us off the mark. Daniel is a gem and showed that today. Picken is in great form right now. Good to see us at times hit up targets up forward (Roghy, Hunter, Boyd who got some up there)

Dissapointed that Tom didn't convert a chance but he has shown some good signs next year and really needs to build from that. JJ, Rorake were good and Mclean was in it.

Not a big atmosphere tonight at the game but probably an expected crowd of 25K considering Essendon are waiting for the year to end and its an away game at Etihad for us and the time slot as well.

Apparently collingwood only got 17000 at their game, this big four, clubs aren't the mighty clubs they were . Collingwoods crowds I believe we have beaten a few times this year. Stuff membership numbers they don't give a true reflection of where clubs are.

[Eastdog]

Apparently collingwood only got 17000 at their game, this big four, clubs aren't the mighty clubs they were . Collingwoods crowds I believe we have beaten a few times this year. Stuff membership numbers they don't give a true reflection of where clubs are.

Yes very true I think we have. Would be interesting to see the number "game day members" and non-game day members" of each club.

[merantau]

Well, that was an underwhelming game of football to say the least and I can well understand the level of angst being expressed. But, as has been pointed out we are minus a huge contingent of experience and talent. To have won one more game than last year, with another win to come. This represents a monumental effort from all concerned and we need to recognise that and give credit where credit is due.
On the debit side I agree totally with others that our delivery into the forward line has been well below par. We simply have to address this as well as our kicking for goal.
I was really pleased with Toby McLean's game and I thought Roarke Smith played a blinder for a young kid coming back from injury. The injury to Easton Wood could be another hurdle for us to climb however, we have been meeting the challenge all year and there is no reason why we can't keep on doing so.
However, I am a realist. If we have to go to Perth in the first week I fear it will be a bridge too far. I can't see us winning there, given the form they are in and the lenght of our injury list. A final at Etihad is a far different fish and I'm confident we can do them on our own dung heap. Go Dogs!!!

[merantau]

Well, that was an underwhelming game of football to say the least and I can well understand the level of angst being expressed. But, as has been pointed out we are minus a huge contingent of experience and talent. To have won one more game than last year, with another win to come. This represents a monumental effort from all concerned and we need to recognise that and give credit where credit is due.
On the debit side I agree totally with others that our delivery into the forward line has been well below par. We simply have to address this as well as our kicking for goal.
I was really pleased with Toby McLean's game and I thought Roarke Smith played a blinder for a young kid coming back from injury. The injury to Easton Wood could be another hurdle for us to climb however, we have been meeting the challenge all year and there is no reason why we can't keep on doing so.
However, I am a realist. If we have to go to Perth in the first week I fear it will be a bridge too far. I can't see us winning there, given the form they are in and the lenght of our injury list. A final at Etihad is a far different fish and I'm confident we can do them on our own dung heap. Go Dogs!!!

[Eastdog]

A final at Etihad is a far different fish and I'm confident we can do them on our own dung heap. Go Dogs!!!

Yes a home final if it is at Etihad against the Eagles we would certainly fancy our chances and I reckon at the MCG we are a chance as well.

[bornadog]

Roughead is a very very ordinary ruckman. I get it that Bevo likes what he brings around the ground - but today he had 1 kick - and a measly 9 hit outs (Boyd had 13, Bonti 5).
In the last 5-6 weeks - the only good footy we've seen of Roughy is when the game has been tight and he has dropped behind the ball and marked or spoiled deep in defence.

Right now - I'd be taking the view that Minson or Campbell comes in (Minson not ideal - but at least he can ruck a high % of the game and allow Boyd to play forward) and replace Roberts' position in defence with Roughead. It won't happen - as Bevo is convinced that Roughy has been 'enormous' for us.

Desperate times, desperate measures - with the injuries we have - I think we have to re-think the big fellas.

Bevo doesn't care about hit outs as long as we win clearances, which we did. Agree Roughy was poor around the ground today and only took two marks. I thought Boyd was better this week and had 6 marks and did well around the ground for a 20 year old ruckman, I thought the delivery to him in the goal square was ordinary to say the least.

[Ozza]

Bevo doesn't care about hit outs as long as we win clearances, which we did. Agree Roughy was poor around the ground today and only took two marks. I thought Boyd was better this week and had 6 marks and did well around the ground for a 20 year old ruckman, I thought the delivery to him in the goal square was ordinary to say the least.

If Roughead can't ruck for the vast majority of the time that he is on the ground - then he shouldn't play there. At one point we had Dunkley, Webb and Smith as our three deepest forwards - because Boyd had to do so much rucking, Dickson spends so much time on a wing (and of course we dropped Stringer when we already have 40% of the list injured.).

It's 4 weeks in a row that Roughy has been ordinary and comprehensively beaten in the ruck. I would say 5 - but he played in the back line for a half against St.Kilda once Moz went down - and he actually played well back there.

[bornadog]

If Roughead can't ruck for the vast majority of the time that he is on the ground - then he shouldn't play there. At one point we had Dunkley, Webb and Smith as our three deepest forwards - because Boyd had to do so much rucking, Dickson spends so much time on a wing (and of course we dropped Stringer when we already have 40% of the list injured.).

It's 4 weeks in a row that Roughy has been ordinary and comprehensively beaten in the ruck. I would say 5 - but he played in the back line for a half against St.Kilda once Moz went down - and he actually played well back there.

Perhaps he gets dropped and Tom C comes in

[hujsh]

Tom C as the main ruck with Roughead a roving forward (to keep away from goal) or defender as need be isn't a bad setup. Tom B is the deep forward who maybe takes a quick stint in the ruck occasionally to get him in the game or for strategic reasons.

[Stefcep]

Not a great game.

The same issues which have been there all year persist. It would be great if we could see a bit of focus on improving our movement and entries but I suppose it'll be the offseason rather than now.

Based on current form I'm not convinced we'd knock the Eagles off at the G, hopefully we finish with a bit more momentum next week and carry that, plus a few returning players, into September.

Seems those issues haven't been addressed because we're still winning.

But I suspect that might happen if we go out in the first week of the finals which i think we probably will.

I still don't understand why we haven't given Toyd every opportunity to play at full forward and instead have him playing in the ruck. At the same time leaving Minson in the seconds.

I think the two issues are connected: poor inside 50 delivery resulting in poor form from Toyd and probably Stringer and Dickson, and vice versa.

[comrade]

Pleaaaaase play 2 genuine rucks (Rough & Campbell) or 1 ruck that has the ability to do the job for 80-90% game time (Minson).

I don't proclaim to know more than Bevo, but it feels like our current set up is actually the worst possible we could choose in terms of scoring. The benefits of keeping Toyd deep and adding another marking presence by including a 2nd ruck far outweigh any ball movement/mobility negatives.

[Sedat]

I don't proclaim to know more than Bevo, but it feels like our current set up is actually the worst possible we could choose in terms of scoring. The benefits of keeping Toyd deep and adding another marking presence by including a 2nd ruck far outweigh any ball movement/mobility negatives.
I reckon Bevo has been structuring up to limit the scoring potential of the opposition to the detriment of our scoring ability - no doubt driven by our lack of continuity with, and quality of, personnel. If we were full strength I would expect us to be structured up far differently and with more attacking intent.

[jeemak]

He sure has. Given the inconsistency in personnel he sees us winning more games from being frugal via structure, than he does through scoring via structure.

It's ugly and frustrating to watch, but losing's worse.

[comrade]

Whether it can hold up against the best teams in finals is the $1M question. We do have a few game breakers that Freo never had: Bont, Stringer and JJ.

[LostDoggy]

Whether it can hold up against the best teams in finals is the $1M question. We do have a few game breakers that Freo never had: Bont, Stringer and JJ.

We have beaten the likes of Sydney and Adelaide this year but the likelihood of us consistently beating the top teams with our current personnel and systems would have to be fairly unlikely I reckon.

In the grand scheme of things as long as we are progressing towards becoming the best team we can be, that's the most important thing. Whilst we want the best outcome possible this year, realistically the year was always primarily about further progress and development. Regardless of what happens from here this year, I am confident we are on the right track.

[Sedat]

Whether it can hold up against the best teams in finals is the $1M question. We do have a few game breakers that Freo never had: Bont, Stringer and JJ.
The Ross Lyon coached teams in the last 10 years all had 2-3 game breakers and a large chunk of role-playing plodders - Robert Eddy and Andrew McQualter were an errant bounce from being premiership players. I reckon we bat deeper than both St Kilda and Freo in terms of talent at the bottom end of our best 22, and our top end doesn't lose much in comparison either. It was a bridge too far for these teams to win a flag and I reckon it will be for us in 2016 as well, only due to personnel losses - we would have been in this season up to our necks if the injury gods were kinder.

[1eyedog]

Why not Roughie back and Fletch out with Campbell in?

[G-Mo77]

Why not Roughie back and Fletch out with Campbell in?

Yes why not indeed. I'd be happy with that.

[merantau]

We have beaten the likes of Sydney and Adelaide this year but the likelihood of us consistently beating the top teams with our current personnel and systems would have to be fairly unlikely I reckon.

In the grand scheme of things as long as we are progressing towards becoming the best team we can be, that's the most important thing. Whilst we want the best outcome possible this year, realistically the year was always primarily about further progress and development. Regardless of what happens from here this year, I am confident we are on the right track.

That just about sums it up for mine. This year has been a fantastic achievement. Backs to the wall week after week, but backing up and back into the fray each weekend - a bunch of young blokes with a few grey beards on hand to steady the ship. Just wait until we have a full list to pick from. Stick around and see the havoc wreaked, the carnage created. It's going to be uplifting, it's going to happen.

[Rocket Science]

Whether it can hold up against the best teams in finals is the $1M question. We do have a few game breakers that Freo never had: Bont, Stringer and JJ.

Reckon we could add Dahlhaus to that exclusive little group too.

[Twodogs]

Reckon we could add Dahlhaus to that exclusive little group too.

He just keeps getting better. Some of his set pieces where he knows what he's going to do before he gets the ball are exquisite. Those skills must be hard to execute when you are running at top speed.

[Ghost Dog]

Reckon we could add Dahlhaus to that exclusive little group too.

Add Daniel[no s.] His clever, barely noticeable efforts in packs are the sort of thing that wins very tight games when you only have a split second.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Pleaaaaase play 2 genuine rucks (Rough & Campbell) or 1 ruck that has the ability to do the job for 80-90% game time (Minson).

I don't proclaim to know more than Bevo, but it feels like our current set up is actually the worst possible we could choose in terms of scoring. The benefits of keeping Toyd deep and adding another marking presence by including a 2nd ruck far outweigh any ball movement/mobility negatives.

I agree. Campbell and Roughead has been by far our best ruck combination. Roughy has struggled recently as the only recognized ruck man. With now 4 interchange Campbell and Roughy could share the ruck work alternating off the bench with Tom Boyd having the occasional run on the ball allowing Campbell to go forward where he is capable of kicking goals.

[bornadog]

I agree. Campbell and Roughead has been by far our best ruck combination. Roughy has struggled recently as the only recognized ruck man. With now 4 interchange Campbell and Roughy could share the ruck work alternating off the bench with Tom Boyd having the occasional run on the ball allowing Campbell to go forward where he is capable of kicking goals.

Campbell played a good game on Sunday with 22 hitouts (Minson 14) and a couple of goals.

[MrMahatma]

Campbell played a good game on Sunday with 22 hitouts (Minson 14) and a couple of goals.

You'd bring him back in, surely.

We're an outside chance of getting Campbell, Macrae, Libba, Suckling, Wood and Morris all back for the first final (Plus Stringer). Improves the lineup no end!

[bornadog]

You'd bring him back in, surely.

We're an outside chance of getting Campbell, Macrae, Libba, Suckling, Wood and Morris all back for the first final (Plus Stringer). Improves the lineup no end!

I think Libba is done for the year, but could be wrong.

[Twodogs]

I think Libba is done for the year, but could be wrong.


I'm hoping you are wrong but think you're right...

[1eyedog]

I think Libba is done for the year, but could be wrong.

I do too. He can't even kick at the moment two weeks out. Jack is up against it week 1 as well. He's not training with the main group.