My take on who's done what in 2017.

[merantau]

Like most I am trying to work out why we have been so ordinary this year. It's not just the last two games either. We played a great game against Sydney early on, should have beaten GWS away and played some good football against the Saints just 3 weeks ago. Apart from that we have had to pull out all stops to win from behind against teams that have managed to make us look ordinary. Brisbane for example just killed us for nearly an hour.

I'm not big on the tactical side of things, but I know this: coming in to this season I was full of hope that we were well placed to back up. Why? Because we had the best young list who would improve with games under their belts and some big names to come back.

So what's happened? We lose Stewart Crameri for the year - vital to our forward set up. Travis Cloke began pretty well I thought and then gets smashed up. Five weeks out and he's struggled to have an impact since.

Bob has been good and has been able to impact games - definitely a plus but ... injured.

Fletcher Roberts - has not improved. He's marching on the spot and has not cemented his spot.

Easton Wood has dropped off. Not a dominant interceptor anymore and has become fumbly too of late.

Shane Biggs - I expected him to continue his stellar finals campaign form - it hasn't happened.

Dale Morris has been his usual, reliable no-nonsense self and is rarely beaten.

Young Williams has been good at times and I thought he was unlucky to be dropped.
Matthew Boyd has struggled to have an impact and has often been under pressure. Why? I guess he's slowed down and the players around him are not pulling their weight too.

Matt Suckling has got us into a lot of trouble at times with costly turnovers and his kicking has not been the weapon it's supposed to be.

JJ? Sad to say that he has been exposed and now has to wear the consequences. I hope he has it in him to come back hard and do what he does best - take the game on and kick long.

Lachie Hunter? He cops a lot of criticism and I can't really understand why. He gets a lot of the ball but this year he's often found himself under pressure. However, I think he's generally handled it ok and not turned it over too much. That being said has not been as as attacking as before.

Jack Macrae - having a very good year. Consistent and works very hard.

Libba? What can you say? He got dropped for lack of form. Who would possibly have predicted that at the beginning of the year?

Wally? Has been terrific. Could not have asked for more.
Dahl? Another goer. Absolute 100% player who wrings himself out every game.
Caleb Daniel has definitely been a plus since being dropped.

Josh Dunckley : I'd marked him down for a big year. Started slowly, now injured.
Tory Dickson - battling injury all the time. Has not been able to have an impact.

Toby McLean - has not improved.
Jake Stringer - this year has not developed his game to become the gun he should be.

Bonti - his form has gone south this year. Why? Opposition and umpires are targeting him.

Tom Boyd - has not improved. Shouldering a heavy load but for big guy does not mark the ball enough although rarely gets the frees he deserves. His ground level work is good, competes well but sloppy handball lets him down.
Jack Redpath - I'd like to see him in the side for his physicality and he can lead into space and kick straight.

Tom Campbell - he's orbiting but will he ever land?
Lin Jong - has improved overall but not in any remarkable way and is no longer available.
Honey - had his chance but let it slip. Will probably get another but for him the clock it ticking.

Lucas Webb - hasn't been able to secure a spot in a team that is performing poorly.
Bailey Dale. I think he's improved. He's been getting more if the ball but has not been kicking goals and that's his job.

Marcus Adams - really good year until ... We miss him down back.

I may have left a couple of players out. But that, for me, tells a story. We have a lot of players who have lost form and are just not having the expected impact on games.

[merantau]

Forgot Roughie. I guess that says something in itself. Injured for weeks. Hasn't had much of an impact since coming back.

[merantau]

And Liam Picken. Hasn't been the same player since his concussion. Plays with the same endeavour mind you but is getting caught with the ball and shots on goal have dried up.

[lemmon]

Zaine Cordy has been an improver for mine. I thought he played some decent games prior to being dropped and looks like locking up a key defensive post. Disposal can still be ordinary.

[merantau]

Yes, agree with you on that one. I think he's been good.

[Twodogs]

Zaine Cordy has been an improver for mine. I thought he played some decent games prior to being dropped and looks like locking up a key defensive post. Disposal can still be ordinary.


Yeah I've got Zaine down as an improver despite having played some twos this year. Players who have improved are thin on the ground though.


Great read M.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Great summary. The big issue being most of the players are under 25 and should naturally improve. So what's going on? Hangover? I know the club denies it but let's face it. It's 95% of our list who have either stagnated or dipped in form. That points to a group issue. I know the inner sanctum of the club has to deny a hangover. But i honestly think it has to be. You only have to be 2-3% off to get beaten in this league.

[Mantis]

Great summary. The big issue being most of the players are under 25 and should naturally improve. So what's going on? Hangover? I know the club denies it but let's face it. It's 95% of our list who have either stagnated or dipped in form. That points to a group issue. I know the inner sanctum of the club has to deny a hangover. But i honestly think it has to be. You only have to be 2-3% off to get beaten in this league.

Why should they? Perhaps they played at their peaks in 2016 (when they were under the radar) and have nothing more to give.

[bornadog]

Thankyou for your post M (a side note, can you put in a few line breaks, hard to read)

Some observations (or excuses :D )

* Wood - had ankle surgery which I think has set him back, but he is still a gun player.

* Tom Boyd had Shoulder and ankle surgery, but I believe his ruck work is improving. Has only had 4 contested marks this year, so hopefully he will have a better half.

* Roughead - injury hasn't helped him or the side.

* Roberts - started the season really well and I thought he was more confident than at times last year. I think he will improve more as he matures.

* Dahl - massive improvement, should just about be leading the B&F

* Stringer - 20 goals from 10 games and averaging the same disposals as the last three years - on track to kick close to 50

* Daniel - going along nicely and another big improver.

Most of your comments I agree with, except Redpath. Needs to be kicking goals at VFL before he is allowed back in.

[Mantis]

* Dahl - massive improvement, should just about be leading the B&F



What makes you say Dahlhaus's improvement has been massive? His numbers are pretty much the same as last year.

[Bullies]

Great summary. The big issue being most of the players are under 25 and should naturally improve. So what's going on? Hangover? I know the club denies it but let's face it. It's 95% of our list who have either stagnated or dipped in form. That points to a group issue. I know the inner sanctum of the club has to deny a hangover. But i honestly think it has to be. You only have to be 2-3% off to get beaten in this league. As Luke Hodge said they partied hard in 2008 and struggled to catch up the following year. A lot of the young guys came back in party mode and have played catch up since. Other teams were getting fit and expanding on our game plan and some have now mastered it. Just not sure we are going to catch up this year. We have come back from a long way back in regards to fitness but I guess it was worth it with a flag. They need to somehow get a spark or look to 2018 with a massive pre season. You cant underestimate where teams are at these days with their fitness and game plan.

[bornadog]

What makes you say Dahlhaus's improvement has been massive? His numbers are pretty much the same as last year.

If you break down last years figures, he had some poor games ( 8 games below 22 disposals) as well as some exceptional games which gave him an average of 26 disposals a game.

This year his lowest game was the first one (24), but since then he hasn't dipped below 25, in other words he is very consistent and I feel more damaging than last year.

[Twodogs]

If you break down last years figures, he had some poor games ( 8 games below 22 disposals) as well as some exceptional games which gave him an average of 26 disposals a game.

This year his lowest game was the first one (24), but since then he hasn't dipped below 25, in other words he is very consistent and I feel more damaging than last year.


He's been more durable this year too although he looks like he's played injured a couple of times.

[merantau]

Clay Smith is another player who slipped under my radar. He is another who has had injury problems but by the same token has not been a consistent contributor.

[Mantis]

If you break down last years figures, he had some poor games ( 8 games below 22 disposals) as well as some exceptional games which gave him an average of 26 disposals a game.

This year his lowest game was the first one (24), but since then he hasn't dipped below 25, in other words he is very consistent and I feel more damaging than last year.

For me to grade someone's improvement as 'massive' it would mean they go from a fringe player (top 25) to a star (top 5).. Maybe I'm being pedantic, but whilst Dahl has become a more consistent possession gatherer I still think his hurt factor isn't where it should be.. his kicking to advantage is well below standard.

[bornadog]

For me to grade someone's improvement as 'massive' it would mean they go from a fringe player (top 25) to a star (top 5).. Maybe I'm being pedantic, but whilst Dahl has become a more consistent possession gatherer I still think his hurt factor isn't where it should be.. his kicking to advantage is well below standard.

Massive maybe an exaggeration, but I still think he is playing better than last year.

He is ranked 18th in the AFL for effective disposals. How many players are there in the AFL? 500 plus - not bad.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Why should they? Perhaps they played at their peaks in 2016 (when they were under the radar) and have nothing more to give.

They generally should because players normally peak in their late 20s and should theoretically improve somewhat as they progress. If they don't their careers will be short lived. I hope the players listed above don't subscribe to the latter.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

As Luke Hodge said they partied hard in 2008 and struggled to catch up the following year. A lot of the young guys came back in party mode and have played catch up since. Other teams were getting fit and expanding on our game plan and some have now mastered it. Just not sure we are going to catch up this year. We have come back from a long way back in regards to fitness but I guess it was worth it with a flag. They need to somehow get a spark or look to 2018 with a massive pre season. You cant underestimate where teams are at these days with their fitness and game plan.
The difference with us is that we supposedly came back in good condition. So fitness shouldn't be an issue.

[jeemak]

For me to grade someone's improvement as 'massive' it would mean they go from a fringe player (top 25) to a star (top 5).. Maybe I'm being pedantic, but whilst Dahl has become a more consistent possession gatherer I still think his hurt factor isn't where it should be.. his kicking to advantage is well below standard.

I tend to agree with you, but can see where BAD is coming from.

Dahl's struggled with his first touch and kicking at times this year, much like he has his whole career and will likely do for its remainder.

[jeemak]

The difference with us is that we supposedly came back in good condition. So fitness shouldn't be an issue.

Perhaps our standards have dropped or plateaued and other teams have improved. We can't underestimate how strong our fitness was in 2016, it was a huge reason why we stayed in games even when not playing well, and were able to attack the ball and man ferociously throughout.

[GVGjr]

Thanks merantau for the thread.

A couple of things I think could add to the conversation:

The coaching and team selection hasn't been great this year and I think the results have been punished because of it
The opposition coaches are right onto us and I can't say I've seen any real adjustments or player movements that have provided a spark for us. It's probably very hard to tinker with a game plan through the season anyway.

Our trade period at the end of 2016 and some of the list management decisions left us in a weaker position for the 2017 season.
I think we will see a very active Bulldogs list management effort at the end of this season.

Our skill level hasn't improved. It was one of Bevo mantras when he first arrived at the club and while we were a brilliant contested ball winner in 2016 there was plenty of work to do to improve our skill level. I don't think there has been any improvement this year.

One last thing, I don't think we should be using the 'premiership hangover' theory some have touted as a valid excuse. The club has been strong in their denial that a hangover is the reason for our performances so far and I agree with that.
We took the hard decision on Luke Goetz because he wasn't switched on and meeting the standards in 2016 so I would fully expect the coaching crew to do the same to any listed player this year if they weren't sufficiently focused.

[Bullies]

The difference with us is that we supposedly came back in good condition. So fitness shouldn't be an issue. As Hodge said as well that they thought they were in good condition when they came back but were so far behind the other teams. When they won in 2013 they made a commitment to come back in better shape and knew what level they had to get to. It may have been something that was overlooked as the guys are naturally fit anyway.

[kruder]

Thankyou for your post M (a side note, can you put in a few line breaks, hard to read)

Some observations (or excuses :D )

* Wood - had ankle surgery which I think has set him back, but he is still a gun player.

* Tom Boyd had Shoulder and ankle surgery, but I believe his ruck work is improving. Has only had 4 contested marks this year, so hopefully he will have a better half.

* Roughead - injury hasn't helped him or the side.

* Roberts - started the season really well and I thought he was more confident than at times last year. I think he will improve more as he matures.

* Dahl - massive improvement, should just about be leading the B&F

* Stringer - 20 goals from 10 games and averaging the same disposals as the last three years - on track to kick close to 50

* Daniel - going along nicely and another big improver.

Most of your comments I agree with, except Redpath. Needs to be kicking goals at VFL before he is allowed back in.

Easton Wood was poor last year also, you sure he is still a gun?

[bornadog]

Easton Wood was poor last year also, you sure he is still a gun?

I think many people wouldn't agree with you.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

There is little doubt that there has been a Premiership hangover with too many players from our finals team down on form. These include Libba Stringer T & M Boyd Dickson JJ and Wood. Injuries to Roughead Morris Murphy and Dunkley has proved costly. Cloke and Suckling haven't justified their recruitment. The forward line has been almost non- existent in the past two weeks with a heavy reliance on Stringer and Dickson to kick goals, with both down on form. Dahlhaus continues to be our most consistent performer with limited support. The return of Wallis is a plus although now offset by the loss of Jong. Team selection is a concern with the recent decisions to select one key defender and forward. Our disposal into the forward line is a big concern highlighted by our first quarter last week of just one behind from 16 forward advances. A lack of confidence has emerged unlike our ruthless attack on the ball that was such an outstanding feature in 2016.

[merantau]

Re Easton Wood. I thought his finals series was outstanding. Can't comment too much on what he did earlier in 2016 but in the last month he was everything you'd want a captain to be. Scored our first goal against Hawthorn to settle us down. Was so dominant in the first quarter against GWS and then made a crucial play at the death. In the big one he was solid and let's not forget he had a serious ankle injury right at the end of the season and many thought he would not make it on to the park for the game against the Cokes.

[jeemak]

This might help merantau.

http://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/pg-western-bulldogs--easton-wood?year=2016

He lead the club extremely well last year, when we had injuries and excuses to not be competitive, and when we got the band back together somewhat and had the best finals series ever played by a team in the history of the game.

Easton's season was extremely successful, without being great from a playing perspective. Calling his playing performance poor is well over the top.

I sometimes wonder what we all expect from players. Some get a free pass because they're "hard" and "give everything they've got without shirking an issue" others get spanked week in and week out for not being more brilliant than they've ever shown they can be.

As an example our set up and strategy has been completely disgusting this year, and Suckling who relies on both to flourish, is pretty much playing how he did at his best with the Hawks and everyone's week in week out wanting to drop him for not doing more. People don't realise players like him are more effective when midfield and defensive structures or strategies are working well. They just want them to do "more" not understanding they're in all likelihood playing a role - as a role player - that the team isn't performing sufficiently well enough to benefit from.

[bornadog]

This might help merantau.

http://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/pg-western-bulldogs--easton-wood?year=2016

He lead the club extremely well last year, when we had injuries and excuses to not be competitive, and when we got the band back together somewhat and had the best finals series ever played by a team in the history of the game.

Easton's season was extremely successful, without being great from a playing perspective. Calling his playing performance poor is well over the top.

I sometimes wonder what we all expect from players. Some get a free pass because they're "hard" and "give everything they've got without shirking an issue" others get spanked week in and week out for not being more brilliant than they've ever shown they can be.

As an example our set up and strategy has been completely disgusting this year, and Suckling who relies on both to flourish, is pretty much playing how he did at his best with the Hawks and everyone's week in week out wanting to drop him for not doing more. People don't realise players like him are more effective when midfield and defensive structures or strategies are working well. They just want them to do "more" not understanding they're in all likelihood playing a role - as a role player - that the team isn't performing sufficiently well enough to benefit from.

Big Like Jeemak.

[SonofScray]

I think many people wouldn't agree with you.

Absolutely. He was stellar. To me he surgery has been the biggest factor in his diminished output this season. He looks to be getting some confidence back, but his past fortnight has been a return to early season fumbles and indecision. He is getting frustrated with it. The change in personnel making up the back 6 has hurt his game too.

[Scorlibo]

As an example our set up and strategy has been completely disgusting this year, and Suckling who relies on both to flourish, is pretty much playing how he did at his best with the Hawks and everyone's week in week out wanting to drop him for not doing more. People don't realise players like him are more effective when midfield and defensive structures or strategies are working well. They just want them to do "more" not understanding they're in all likelihood playing a role - as a role player - that the team isn't performing sufficiently well enough to benefit from.

Yeah good call. That's basically my take on Easton, that he's playing a role every week and thus far hasn't been freed up to be the weapon interceptor we know he can be. He needs reliable tall defenders around him in order to return to the kind of form he showed in 2015.

[LostDoggy]

Good thread. There has been a bit of discussion about how few players have improved for us his year. One player who never gets mentioned as an improver but should in my opinion is Jack Macrae. Although he was already a very good player, this year his consistency has gone to another level and he has (to my eye) reduced his number of poor disposals. I reckon he is also a little harder in the contest as his body matures. Clear improver for mine.

[Eastdog]

Good thread merantau. Great summary in your opening post.

Yes there have been many players who haven't reached the heights of 2016.

Bonti, Picken, Libba, JJ, M Boyd certainly out of form and hopefully they can get some back soon.

Agree Macrae has been very good this year as has Dahlhaus who is just a great worker and Morris as well very important still for our defensive structure and as a mentor to our kids down there. Lin Jong as well had a great year until he did his ACL last week so won't see him back till 2018.

Injuries also to key personel hasn't helped with Crameri out for the year, Dunkley, T Boyd, B Murphy, D Morris, Adams and a few others who have been out at certain times this season and probably others I haven't mentioned certainly is a factor. Frustrating but that;s the way it is Marcus Adams would be handy to have back in right now.

It is a mix of players down on form and injuries that is put us in the state we are currently in. I believe we can get out of this state if we get a run of wins together get some confidence back and who knows could still by season end be a threat to teams around us. The good thing is teams around haven't got their form going either so with that in mind it still despite our own poor form keeps us right in the mix.