Welcome to the Western Bulldogs - Callum Porter

[bulldogtragic]

Welcome!

(Getting in early to help out)

[bulldogtragic]

Callum Porter

Seconds: 24

[Eastdog]

Welcome to the Dogs Callum Porter.

[GVGjr]

Porter was linked to us a couple of weeks back. There is a bit of work to do on his kicking

[bulldogtragic]

Porter was linked to us a couple of weeks back. There is a bit of work to do on his kicking

So he will fit right in!

[hujsh]

https://www.afldraftcentral.com.au/2017/06/06/tac-cup-player-of-the-round-callum-porter/
https://www.afldraftcentral.com.au/tag/callum-porter/
Sounds like some agility, can rack up possessions and kick goals but as GVG called out maybe not the best kick

[DOG GOD]

Sounds like some agility, can rack up possessions and kick goals but as GVG called out maybe not the best kick

Don't we have enough of those...

[hujsh]

Knightmare write up

Callum Porter, a 180cm midfielder, was Vic Country's most lively at stoppages. He won first possession regularly at stoppages and got to the right spots in tight consistently. His 20 disposals, 13 contested possessions, three tackles, seven clearances, five inside 50s and one score assist was a positive return.

http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/17259311/knightmare-afl-draft-wrap-ben-ainsworth-chance-number-one

[bornadog]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DPY9XYQV4AAdq_Z.jpg

[Bulldog Revolution]

He will get a big improvement just from cutting the hair - great pick

[lemmon]

Sounds a bit like Honeychurch? Good agility, wins the footy but doesn't kick it that well

[hujsh]

Maybe a Smith replacement short term if Smith doesn't bounce back?

[MrMahatma]

Good luck. Hope he's a gun. Can't believe anyone who is an average kick gets drafted... it's football. But he has coaches to make him a gun. So go dogs.

[bornadog]

Simon Dalrymple re: Callum Porter: "He's won 9 best and fairests throughout his junior career. He has a wonderful attitude as well"

[The Bulldogs Bite]

His kicking action doesn’t look awful.

I like this Pick.

[kruder]

He has speed and agility and can win his own ball thats a good start for a player in the 70s we also need mids!

[hujsh]

Highlights package is impressive. Kicking set shots from 45, breaking away with pace and taking good contested marks around the ground. If he can at least kick within his limitations he could be a good mid or otherwise a Boyd esc transition to defense might work well.

Warming to the idea he could get in the team as a forward initially too

[The Pie Man]

Looks quick and good overhead - for a late pick, tick from me

[GVGjr]

His kicking action doesn’t look awful.

I like this Pick.

He seems to hold the ball like he should be kicking with his left foot.
Just needs some specialist kicking sessions.

[Smads57]

Welcome to the Doggies Callum

[KT31]

Welcome to the Kennel Callum.

[Sedat]

http://footyprophet.com/role-model-porter-has-the-attitude-to-succeed/

After reading this I'm very happy with the selection of Porter and in particular the decision to re-rookie Smith and open up a final list spot. Our inside mid stocks aren't as strong as we think they are, so adding another high achieving, professional and determined U18 into the mix is very wise.

[Hotdog60]

http://footyprophet.com/role-model-porter-has-the-attitude-to-succeed/

After reading this I'm very happy with the selection of Porter and in particular the decision to re-rookie Smith and open up a final list spot. Our inside mid stocks aren't as strong as we thing they are, so adding another high achieving, professional and determined U18 into the mix is very wise.
Nice write up. He maybe one player that gets an early start to his career.

[Bulldog Revolution]

Great article

[Doc26]

If he can reach the level of Rory Sloane / Joel Selwood, taken by us in the 70s, would be Dals greatest steal yet.

Look forward to seeing Callum develop with us.

[boydogs]

His highlights obviously won't show his shanks, but his kicking looks very sound to me. A lot like Toby McLean, his hands move around a lot during his run up but the last couple of steps he steadies well and lowers the ball onto his foot nicely

http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/2017-11-24/pick-79-

[jazzadogs]

His highlights obviously won't show his shanks, but his kicking looks very sound to me. A lot like Toby McLean, his hands move around a lot during his run up but the last couple of steps he steadies well and lowers the ball onto his foot nicely

http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/2017-11-24/pick-79-

Have to disagree. His set shot routine looks terrible - unfortunately it seems we don't have anyone in our coaching staff who can work on that with them. Moves the ball around a lot on the run in, and has a very bent knee when he kicks.

It's a shame that our recruiting panel didn't prioritise foot skills but I have confidence that Cal will give it everything he's got to make it.

[Axe Man]

http://footyprophet.com/role-model-porter-has-the-attitude-to-succeed/

After reading this I'm very happy with the selection of Porter and in particular the decision to re-rookie Smith and open up a final list spot. Our inside mid stocks aren't as strong as we think they are, so adding another high achieving, professional and determined U18 into the mix is very wise.

I was going to post this article, I saw it pre-draft as it's written by a guy I know.

[Axe Man]

Porter’s perfect draft night (https://pakenham.starcommunity.com.au/gazette/2017-11-29/porters-perfect-draft-night/)

“I’m still pinching myself, to be honest. It’s just awesome.”
Callum Porter’s sheer jubilation at being drafted by the Western Bulldogs in the fifth round with pick 74 of the AFL National Draft on Friday night was unmistakable.
Speaking to the Gazette in the wake of the draft, the impressive Officer and Gippsland Power product said the initial feeling upon seeing his name read out was “pure shock”.
“It’d obviously been such a long journey and to think it’d finally gotten to that point, it was just shock,” the 18-year-old said.
“When it started to sink in that little bit more I was just unbelievably excited.”
Porter was selected by the 2016 AFL premiers after interviewing with them multiple times in the lead-up to the draft – including once at his home.
And it was at home on Friday night, together with just a few family members, that he saw his draft dream come true right in front of his eyes.
“I kept it pretty low-key because I wasn’t sure what was going to happen,” he said.
“But once we heard the news heaps of people came straight over and our driveway was completely filled with cars!”
Porter is a realist – he knew the chances of his dream not coming true on Friday night.
“My family and I really had our minds around the nature of the system,” he said.
“It can be quite ruthless at times and with the whole nature of the draft everything can change on the night. Sometimes even the recruiters aren’t sure what’s going to happen – so from that point view there were definitely no guarantees.”
Porter was prepared either way – having also applied for a double bachelor university degree in exercise science and education.
He knows just how important balance is, despite the at-times all-encompassing AFL world.
“Even though everyone will be enjoying their footy it’s pretty full-on, especially for someone just entering the system like myself,” he said.
“It’s definitely important to have a balance outside of footy and something to keep you going. Life as an AFL footballer, whether you’re successful or not, is very short-lived so it’s definitely important to have something after footy, whether it’s job experience or an education.”
Porter said the strength of the Bulldogs’ culture was immediately obvious to him after the outpouring of congratulations he’d already received from those in the club’s inner sanctum.
“In terms of being a young player, I don’t think I could have asked for a better club to go to,” he said.
“They’ve got an outstanding culture.
“I couldn’t fault anything with the whole process – it really is a dream come true.”
Having interviewed with the club numerous times before the draft, Porter knew that his best bet to be drafted lay with the Bulldogs – but the nerves came right to the fore as he was taken with the night’s fifth last pick.
“I’d watched the whole draft and seen other players get picked and it got to the 70s and there was an order of clubs I’d spoken with and I thought that’d probably be the last roll of the dice,” he said.
“I think we got more and more nervous the longer it went. Even though I’d worked really hard (to be drafted) I still think I was super lucky.
“But now that I’m in the system it doesn’t matter if I went early in the draft or later – we all get the same opportunity. Everything is in my hands now – it’s up to me and how hard I want to work in terms of how much I’m going to develop.”
Porter has already begun life as a Bulldog living with Josh Dunkley, another of the club’s Gippsland Power alumni.
Western Bulldogs recruiting manager Simon Dalrymple said immediately after Friday’s draft that: “Cal Porter, with our last pick, is a boy who’s a great competitor, an outstanding young man, and Gippsland Power were glowing in their character reference (of him).
“Cal can play as an inside or outside mid, and he can go forward and he’s good overhead.
“He’s got a great attitude. At that later pick, the ability to come in and work and really train the house down is important and he’s got some good speed, some good power, and he wins the ball in different ways so we think that’s attractive.”

[LostDoggy]

Good article. Josh Dunkley is so damn impressive, 3rd year in and he's taking in younger teammates into his home. Just that the club would entrust that kind of a role to a 20 year old speaks volumes. Hope they've got a huge backyard for plenty of kicking practice....

[Twodogs]

Good article. Josh Dunkley is so damn impressive, 3rd year in and he's taking in younger teammates into his home. Just that the club would entrust that kind of a role to a 20 year old speaks volumes. Hope they've got a huge backyard for plenty of kicking practice....


Surely he's just taking then home to show Miss Universe off? I know I would be. And I'd be leaving the bit about her just being a contestant out as well.

[choconmientay]

Another good wrap about this this pup: Nine B&Fs in 10 years: Dog's remarkable record (http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-12-03/nine-bfs-in-10-years-dogs-remarkable-record)

He has got the right attitude ...
"But awards are not a key motivator for me, they're just bonuses."


"As a 17-year-old, it was a step-up in physicality playing against men but it wasn't something that worried me because I'm a combative player," he said.


"My mindset is to play until the final siren."

and recognises things he need to work on

"Every player has some deficiencies and, at the minute, my kicking is something I'm really going to be working on," he said.

[Smads57]

i am liking this late pick by Dal all the more by the minute....

[Twodogs]

9 B & Fs in 10 years is a fair effort.

[ratsmac]

9 B & Fs in 10 years is a fair effort.
That is quite impressive

[Twodogs]

That is quite impressive

I wonder if it was one B& F a year or did he win a couple of completion B& Fs as well. If he's won nine out of ten seasons of footy that's a amazing level of consinstancy.

[westdog54]

I wonder if it was one B& F a year or did he win a couple of completion B& Fs as well. If he's won nine out of ten seasons of footy that's a amazing level of consinstancy.

Eight Club B&Fs at Officer and one with Gippsland Power. Its in the article.

[Twodogs]

Eight Club B&Fs at Officer and one with Gippsland Power. Its in the article.

Far out, that's an outstanding record.

[Smads57]

Good to hear Callum speak today on the Bulldogs website. Noticed he has a bit of a country drawl when speaking. Liked the way he made a fleeting reference to looking forward to his debut - looks like he’s aiming high in 2018!

[Doc26]

Good to hear Callum speak today on the Bulldogs website. Noticed he has a bit of a country drawl when speaking. Liked the way he made a fleeting reference to looking forward to his debut - looks like he’s aiming high in 2018!

Very impressive interview. The lad sounds very driven and a good communicator.

[GVGjr]

Very impressive interview. The lad sounds very driven and a good communicator.

If we keep drafting players with the right attitude and approach we will continue to do well. Porter comes across as someone the coaches and players would want on the team.

[LostDoggy]

If we keep drafting players with the right attitude and approach we will continue to do well. Porter comes across as someone the coaches and players would want on the team.

As well as removing the people who don't show those attributes *cough* Jakey *cough*

[GVGjr]

As well as removing the people who don't show those attributes *cough* Jakey *cough*

Absolutely, we need to address anyone who isn't measuring up.

Porter has a great attitude and if we can improve his kicking skills he will be a great addition for us.

[LostDoggy]

He spoke well for a kid that has only been in the system for three month's, great attitude.

[bornadog]

Will this year be the year Porter breaks into the team?

Has he got the attributes to make it as an AFL player?

Turns 20 years old today, but I think he is in his make or break year.

[Mofra]

Will this year be the year Porter breaks into the team?

Has he got the attributes to make it as an AFL player?

Turns 20 years old today, but I think he is in his make or break year.
He has the attitude, just not sure where he fits in. I suspect he'll get more VFL midfield time this year

[bornadog]

He has the attitude, just not sure where he fits in. I suspect he'll get more VFL midfield time this year

I think with the number of mids we have, he may be in trouble by year end, unless he can show something and break into the team.

[Axe Man]

Half way through last year Brad Lynch was 2.5 seasons in and most of us would have had him in definite delist territory. Next thing he plays the last 9 games of the year and earns a 2 year contract.

Things change quickly and Porter is only 1 season in, lets give him a chance.

[Doc26]

Where do others see Callum’s key tricks coming from i.e the possible areas that will worry opposition coaches?

With Lynch there was always the potential that his speed, elusiveness and outside ability could damage opponents which he’s now started to show.

I’m just not sure yet where Callum’s potential hurt factor will come from, something that I’m concerned about with Lukas Webb other than having a decent kick.

[GVGjr]

Will this year be the year Porter breaks into the team?

Has he got the attributes to make it as an AFL player?

Turns 20 years old today, but I think he is in his make or break year.

2019 is his 2nd year with us isn't it? While he might be coming out of contract I'm not sure it should be a make or break season for him. When he was drafted it seems we were a bit surprised he was still available so hopefully it means we are looking at him in the longer term. There might be a few ahead of him but he will probably play a couple of senior games by the end of the season

[hujsh]

2019 is his 2nd year with us isn't it? While he might be coming out of contract I'm not sure it should be a make or break season for him. When he was drafted it seems we were a bit surprised he was still available so hopefully it means we are looking at him in the longer term. There might be a few ahead of him but he will probably play a couple of senior games by the end of the season

How many years to do give a smaller player before figuring out if they're likely to make it or not? If he's not having an impact at VFL level by the end of the year it's probably fair to make the call and move on. If he is but hasn't made his debut it's a year extension at most.

[GVGjr]

How many years to do give a smaller player before figuring out if they're likely to make it or not? If he's not having an impact at VFL level by the end of the year it's probably fair to make the call and move on. If he is but hasn't made his debut it's a year extension at most.

You can do it straight away but how many years did we give the likes of Prudden? Porter got named on an extended bench a couple of times so I think we rate him. As Axe Man pointed out with Lynch, things can change quickly and if I recall correctly Greene was regarded as being under the pump at the same time last year. Two years isn't a long time especially if the attitude of the player is good.

[bulldogtragic]

Fuller, Collins & Hamilton all got more than the two years Porter, of whom is just starting. He's only one game short of their combined tally. Under Bevo I'm not sure we've cut more than maybe a couple after just their rookie contract season/s off the top of my head (Goetz a different case). Happy to see where he is at by year's end, with the knowledge similar players have generally been given a third season to prove themselves.

[boydogs]

Can't see Porter being a star but he could be a solid mid, he's reasonably agile and evasive. See how he goes

[hujsh]

You can do it straight away but how many years did we give the likes of Prudden? Porter got named on an extended bench a couple of times so I think we rate him. As Axe Man pointed out with Lynch, things can change quickly and if I recall correctly Greene was regarded as being under the pump at the same time last year. Two years isn't a long time especially if the attitude of the player is good.

I don't see Prudden as an example of effective list management to be honest.

Last year was Green's second wasn't it? In it he dominated some VFL games and was promoted to the AFL. Perfect candidate for a longer contract and being 'under the pump' would definitely have been a premature call. I'm not saying Porter in under the pump but rather that if he doesn't demonstrate at VFL the value he could present the senior team then it's probably time to take a trip to the Homer Simpson institute of coaching and cut him. It's all very speculative and purely in his hands.

I wish him the best but if he's having 15-20 disposal games as a mid in the VFL by the end of the year would you retain him?

[GVGjr]

I don't see Prudden as an example of effective list management to be honest.

Last year was Green's second wasn't it? In it he dominated some VFL games and was promoted to the AFL. Perfect candidate for a longer contract and being 'under the pump' would definitely have been a premature call. I'm not saying Porter in under the pump but rather that if he doesn't demonstrate at VFL the value he could present the senior team then it's probably time to take a trip to the Homer Simpson institute of coaching and cut him. It's all very speculative and purely in his hands.

I wish him the best but if he's having 15-20 disposal games as a mid in the VFL by the end of the year would you retain him?

The Prudden example was to highlight that we tend to give players a decent stint to prove the recruiters right, and I think 20 disposals at the VFL level is OK for a 2nd year player but it depends on how we think they will go at the next level. Webb was getting some 30 plus games but couldn't make that form work at the senior level. I'm not sure there is a form line you can follow other than if the player seems to have that sort of ability that will transition to the next level. We will know more by the end of the season about Porter.

[Go_Dogs]

The challenge for Porter is we have an army of young midfielders in their first 5 years who will be around for a while and are already consistent AFL performers. If he can keep playing well at VFL level he may get an opportunity in the senior side, but his form will need to be very strong to remove any of the incumbents.

I haven't seen enough of him to have a view one way or the other, but as GVG said, it's a good sign he was on an extended I/C for the senior side, we rated him highly in the draft and he's of good character. Not sure it's a make or break year, but like all young players, he needs to continue to develop and improve.

[bornadog]

The challenge for Porter is we have an army of young midfielders in their first 5 years who will be around for a while and are already consistent AFL performers. If he can keep playing well at VFL level he may get an opportunity in the senior side, but his form will need to be very strong to remove any of the incumbents.

I haven't seen enough of him to have a view one way or the other, but as GVG said, it's a good sign he was on an extended I/C for the senior side, we rated him highly in the draft and he's of good character. Not sure it's a make or break year, but like all young players, he needs to continue to develop and improve.

Maybe he needs to reinvent himself as a small forward? If he can kick plenty of goals, then he will get a go.

[Mofra]

Maybe he needs to reinvent himself as a small forward? If he can kick plenty of goals, then he will get a go.
I saw him play forward a number of times at VFL level. I think he's primarily a mid.

[bornadog]

At last Cal gets a go - all the best.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eda_cWzU4AAqrZd?format=jpg&name=small

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eda_cW_U0AEnW9R?format=jpg&name=medium

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eda_cW3UwAA36rH?format=jpg&name=medium

[1eyedog]

Where will he play?

[bornadog]

Where will he play?

Does Libba rest and he takes his role, or does he replace someone on the HFF like Richards?

[1eyedog]

Hmmmm.

[azabob]

This really put a smile on my face.

I'm so happy and pumped for him.

#GoWellCall

[comrade]

Where will he play?

Time to give Libba a week off?

[1eyedog]

Would anyone liken his game style to Clay Smith?

[comrade]

Would anyone liken his game style to Clay Smith?

Not sure he house the nous around goals like Clay. Tackles like a maniac, though.

[GVGjr]

Where will he play?

At a guess, he will play as a forward with some runs in the middle

[Mofra]

This is a "reward for years of effort" selection if ever I've seen it. Hard at it kid.

[bornadog]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_RIcewqEKM&feature=youtu.be

[Eastdog]

Good luck Callum! Our debutants have been very good this year.

[jazzadogs]

Well done Cal. Seems like a great person, and hopefully he enjoys his time out there on the weekend!

[Sedat]

This is the worst week to rest Libba. GC are elite in at the coalface and we need every bit of Libba's strength in this area to combat their key stoppage and clearance strength.

If he needs a rest arguably Richmond would be a better week to do so. They are a poor stoppage team but are very quick around the ground. We could do with one extra speedster on the outside and 1 less slower grunt mid against the Tigers

[josie]

Good luck Callum !!

One thing with Porter based upon VFL games Iv'e watched - he will give his all.

Expect him to be gritty and determined and lay some damn good tackles.

[Vred]

This is the worst week to rest Libba. GC are elite in at the coalface and we need every bit of Libba's strength in this area to combat their key stoppage and clearance strength.

If he needs a rest arguably Richmond would be a better week to do so. They are a poor stoppage team but are very quick around the ground. We could do with one extra speedster on the outside and 1 less slower grunt mid against the Tigers

from what I’ve seen of Porter he has a lot of Libs traits, as well as the fact he tackles really hard. Maybe a semi decent replacement for Libs if we MUST rest him (not that Libs should ever be dropped from our side).

[Bulldog Revolution]

This is a "reward for years of effort" selection if ever I've seen it. Hard at it kid.

I thought I might have heard that he came back after the first covid break in ripping condition - had really upped it - sometimes those types of rewards need to be given and re-enforce the behaviours that we as a club want to encourage