Match Committee - Round 5, 2018 vs Fremantle

[Eastdog]

If you were on the Western Bulldogs match committee what changes would you make for our round 5, 2018 match against Fremantle at Optus Stadium?

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

[GVGjr]

Who misses the trip to Optus?

[DOG GOD]

Out- players that can't kick set shots
In- players who can

[bornadog]

Out- players that can't kick set shots
In- players who can
So no change :D

[DOG GOD]

So no change :D

Haha yep

[Doc26]

Out: Redpath, Biggs
In: Boyd, Cordy

[Pickenitup]

In Boyd Cordy Lipinski out Honeychurch Biggs Redpath

[westbulldog]

in Boyd Cordy
Out Redpath Gowers

[EasternWest]

I don't know if it's ring rust or what but Biggs looked a mile off it tonight.

[bornadog]

In Boyd Cordy Lipinski out Honeychurch Biggs Redpath


Same

[FrediKanoute]

No way Redders gets dropped. This is a week that a Boyd up front would have been useful. Cordy has to come back and Lippa should be rewarded. Who drops out?

[Bullies]

Same include Gowers as well. He gives nothing.

[bornadog]

No way Redders gets dropped. This is a week that a Boyd up front would have been useful. Cordy has to come back and Lippa should be rewarded. Who drops out?

Two games, two shots at goal

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Does Boyd automatically come in. He was good today but against very ordinary opposition.
It's going to be a tough trip to Perth. I'd be inclined to give him another game in the VFL to frank what he did today and aim to bring him in the following week at home against Carlton.
I didn't think Red was that bad tonight. He went back and had an impact when things started to go sideways in the 3rd and kicked a goal from limited chances.

[jazzadogs]

Saw something that Hunter will likely get suspended for a hit on Papley but haven't seen footage.

In: Boyd, Lipinski, Cordy
Out: Gowers, Honeychurch, Biggs/Richards

I like Redpath as a deep forward and think he adds more structurally compared to Gowers. Also more likely to make his shots count.

I'm actually a fan of what Honeychurch has offered so far this year, with his forward pressure notable in a DFA sense. But his skill execution is noticeably poor in a squad of poor executors - i just dont think that his pressure outweighs his poor execution and decision making.

Biggs seems to be on the outer, so see him as being the omission unless Hunter is suspended or Richards needs a rest.

[Ozza]

First thoughts on it

In: Boyd & Cordy
Out: Biggs and either of Honeychurch or Jong. Honey has been good this year, but unless he has an obvious tag job to do - then it might be him to make way. Otherwise Jongy. Was a bit better today - but isn’t able to stay in the game long enough.

I really like Biggs - but he is struggling.

On Redpath, I know he’s an easy target - and a simple way to look at it is how many shots on goal he’s having. But I think he offers more than that. Watch him closer and you’ll see that in transition he’ll make a 70m long lead across the ground to be the option when we have switched but don’t have enough ‘on’. Spent some time behind the ball when the Swans got a run on and helped stop the surge. Got another 7 marks this week - 6 last week - and we’ve played better with him in the team. We’re still dreadfully undersized up forward whenever he or English aren’t there. Even with Boyd IN, we will have periods where Boyd or English are on the bench - and our shape is better when we still have one tall.,

[angelopetraglia]

Loved Honey's effort last week but his lack of polish cost us badly in the last quarter. He missed an easy hit up mark that resulted in a turnover goal. He then had a chance to make amends running into an goal with space and time and kicked a lollipop straight to them. Very disappointing. I don't think he is at the standard and needs to go back to the VFL.

[chef]

I'd probably have Hunter in the outs. He'll get a week.

[Ozza]

I'd probably have Hunter in the outs. He'll get a week.

I must have missed that at the game - what’s the story there?

[Happy Days]

Honeychurch and Gowers are both dreadful players and I, once again, never want to see them play for the Western Bulldogs again but we can only really drop one for Boyd so flip a coin.

My man Biggs sucked tonight in spite of his tough new haircut and probably goes for Cordy.

I'm down to drop Redpath but not sure anyone deserves his place.

[westdog54]

I must have missed that at the game - what’s the story there?

A two handed shove to Papleys head as he lay probe on the ground after conceding a free.

Hunter might be fortunate enough to get a reprimand but it was a stupid, undisciplined act from a leader.

[Ozza]

A two handed shove to Papleys head as he lay probe on the ground after conceding a free.

Hunter might be fortunate enough to get a reprimand but it was a stupid, undisciplined act from a leader.

Ok. From memory - he doesn’t have a ‘record’ so hopefully just a reprimand.
Redpath would get 8 weeks for that.

[Doc26]

Ok. From memory - he doesn’t have a ‘record’ so hopefully just a reprimand.
Redpath would get 8 weeks for that.

If it’s deemed careless contact he will get a fine otherwise if it’s classified by Christian as intentional he gets a week.

[G-Mo77]

A two handed shove to Papleys head as he lay probe on the ground after conceding a free.

Hunter might be fortunate enough to get a reprimand but it was a stupid, undisciplined act from a leader.

He should have bit him or even kicked him. He'd get less.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

If it’s deemed careless contact he will get a fine otherwise if it’s classified by Christian as intentional he gets a week.

I can't see any way that it gets graded other than intentional. He came up to someone on the ground and chose to forcefully shove him and it got him high. As he made contact with the head, automatic 1 week unfortunately.

Having said that he was in there to remonstrate for the high shot on Suckling and I am happy with Hunter's intent to stick up for a teammate.

[AndrewP6]

The argument that Gowers gives us nothing is very puzzling to me. He is physical, can take a mark, wants to take the play on... sure, his kicking for goal is a weakness...but Dunkley kicked 0.4, Dahlhaus kicked OOB from 30 metres directly in front... Gowers averages a goal a game - and just played his 4th game.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

The argument that Gowers gives us nothing is very puzzling to me. He is physical, can take a mark, wants to take the play on... sure, his kicking for goal is a weakness...but Dunkley kicked 0.4, Dahlhaus kicked OOB from 30 metres directly in front... Gowers averages a goal a game - and just played his 4th game.

It's a tricky one. He's clearly a poor kick both at goal and in general play. I also think he's demonstrated he's a poor decision maker. Comparisons with Dahlhaus not apt, as Dahl offers a lot more than Gowers around the field, especially in tight.
However, we are in my opinion carrying too many poor field kicks and for mine Honeychurch is a better comparison for Gowers and i think is the one that struggles to keep his place over Gowers.
Honey is short, no good overhead, is a poor kick both on goal and in general play and is not a great decision maker.

[Remi Moses]

Cordy for Biggs . If Hunter goes , I’d like to see Webb get a run .
Boyd for Redpath and gives English some support playing on Sandilands .
Hunter doesn’t go for that, yes it was silly , but minimal force

[soupman]

The argument that Gowers gives us nothing is very puzzling to me. He is physical, can take a mark, wants to take the play on... sure, his kicking for goal is a weakness...but Dunkley kicked 0.4, Dahlhaus kicked OOB from 30 metres directly in front... Gowers averages a goal a game - and just played his 4th game.

I wasn't a fan early but now I am firmly on the Gowers bandwagon.

Good in the air, good pressure, has mongrel, is a smart forward.

His goalkicking isn't great, but is no worse than some other forwards/players.

I certainly feel he offers more than the likes of Jong and Honeychurch forward.

[Happy Days]

If you can't see Gowers is a shit footballer then geez I don't even know. He can't do anything except get out the back and if he's out the back then he's a 50/50 chance to score.

[soupman]

If you can't see Gowers is a shit footballer then geez I don't even know. He can't do anything except get out the back and if he's out the back then he's a 50/50 chance to score.

I don't think he is a star but he is better than hat. For starters he has shown he can take a good mark and is decent one on one. Lat week against Hurley proved that.

[Sedat]

Gowers has terrific hands and can really clunk a mark. I thought he, Dunks, Dicko and even Jong were causing all sorts of problems for the Swans small and mid sized defenders early on with their positioning and aerial threat.

The challenge for Gowers is to stay involved more often - he starts games very well but invariably fades out. Also his kicking is obviously flawed and he sometimes gets lost in traffic further up the ground. But we're talking about a late rookie pick whose first 2 years in the system were completely wiped out through injury. He has some good tools to work with and I can see him continue to improve and get better if he works hard on his deficiencies.

[dog town]

If Hunter is out we are pretty much out of runners to bring in. With two mids down indefinitely we are going to start feeling the results of our unbalanced list. This is what happens when you have 47 ruck/KP hybrids on your list I guess.

[lemmon]

In - Boyd, Cordy, Lipinski
Out- Gowers, Biggs, Honeychurch

You can feel us lose ascendancy around the ball when English needs a spell, so Boyd to come in and play his 70/30 forward/ruck role.

I like Honey's endeavour but his skills hurt too often. Tackles numbers not the best either.

[The Doctor]

In - Boyd, Cordy, Lipinski

Out - Suckling, Jong, Honeychurch

Suckling's defensive efforts were insipid. Cost us badly and his kicking not much better. Makes way for cordy

Jong has to make way for someone who gives presence and an avenue to goal, ie Boyd

Honeychurch just doesn't hurt opposition enough despite admirable effort, Give Lipinski a go

[G-Mo77]

Lol. I just saw what Hunter did, there is no way he'll get rubbed out for that.

He was wearing red, white and blue so automatic 3 week suspension down to 2 with a clean record.

[LostDoggy]

I wasn't a fan early but now I am firmly on the Gowers bandwagon.

Good in the air, good pressure, has mongrel, is a smart forward.

His goalkicking isn't great, but is no worse than some other forwards/players.

I certainly feel he offers more than the likes of Jong and Honeychurch forward.

Couldn't agree more as I also had my doubts but he certainly gives us something up forward and at this stage certainly should hold his spot.
Ins/Out:
Cordy for Biggs.
Lipinski for Honeychurch or Jong
Boyd for Redpath who can help English out against Sandilands as they are reluctant to use Redpath in ruck for what ever reason.

[Twodogs]

If you can't see Gowers is a shit footballer then geez I don't even know. He can't do anything except get out the back and if he's out the back then he's a 50/50 chance to score.

Frankly I was appalled when we rookied him but now I'm 50/50 on the kid. I like his endeavour, his mongrel, the fact that he always tries to make an option when he is forward, his hands and his footy smarts. I don't like his kicking but I can see what he's doing wrong and think it's fixable. If the club would hire a specialist kicking coach Gowers is one who should really benefit.

[Go_Dogs]

In:-
Cordy, Boyd

Out:-
Biggs, Gowers


If Hunter is suspended, then I'd give Biggs another crack.

[azabob]

I’m thinking Naughton may be due for a rest both mentally and physically in the next week or so. A trip to Perth is a perfect opportunity even though he’d be looking forward to going home for a few days.

[soupman]

No idea how people (admittedly not many) are keeping Biggs in ahead of Suckling or Gowers or Redpath. He was atrocious, barely contributed anything defensively and was a liability with the ball. The only positive he brought yesterday was his outrageous haircut. Easily worst on ground.

[DOG GOD]

I agree soupaman, I can't fathom how Biggs keeps his spot. Poor user of the ball, and decision making not up to par. Had a good grand final year, but last year was terrible and nothing has changed in his few games this year. Not sure what he offers over Webb, but the MC must think so.

Gowers has allowed Dickson to play a role further up the ground, which I don't mind, giving our fwd line a different look and feel, and I like his aggression and can take a mark, which we need when we bomb.

[Rocket Science]

Calling for Suckling's head is the equivalent of calling for Eagleton's head under Rocket. Ain't. Gonna. Happen.

While shaky at times suspect Biggsy holds his spot also, will be better for the gallop with the big kids.

Hunter will go too sadly, nothing surer. He smacked a prone bloke's head into the ground and wears our colours. Gone.

Outs: Hunter, Gowers
Ins: Cordy, Lipinski

Perhaps Cordy to reprise his role up forward.

[hujsh]

I agree soupaman, I can't fathom how Biggs keeps his spot. Poor user of the ball, and decision making not up to par. Had a good grand final year, but last year was terrible and nothing has changed in his few games this year. Not sure what he offers over Webb, but the MC must think so.

Gowers has allowed Dickson to play a role further up the ground, which I don't mind, giving our fwd line a different look and feel, and I like his aggression and can take a mark, which we need when we bomb.

Has Webb obtained some legend as a magnificent HBF that I'm unaware of? Is seems like when a flanker has an off game they get compared to Webb who had a good game (for a debutant) against Hawthorn 3 or 4 years ago now and has spent the last 2 years as a midfielder pretty much exclusively.

Last time we saw him play the position (Brisbane) he looked awful.

As to what Biggs offers over Webb, Biggs is an actual proven performer who, while not a star, is a good AFL player when in form and a limited one when not. Webb has not proven much of anything aside from ability to get the ball 10-15 times a game (at most) and use it decently most of the time when he does.

[bornadog]

Has Webb obtained some legend as a magnificent HBF that I'm unaware of? Is seems like when a flanker has an off game they get compared to Webb who had a good game (for a debutant) against Hawthorn 3 or 4 years ago now and has spent the last 2 years as a midfielder pretty much exclusively.

Last time we saw him play the position (Brisbane) he looked awful.

As to what Biggs offers over Webb, Biggs is an actual proven performer who, while not a star, is a good AFL player when in form and a limited one when not. Webb has not proven much of anything aside from ability to get the ball 10-15 times a game (at most) and use it decently most of the time when he does.

Couldn't agree more.

We know Suckling won't be dropped, was one of our best yesterday, even though he made a mistake, but over 120 minutes it is nothing. However, he needs to nail those goals.

I would like to see Lipinski rewarded for two good weeks in the VFL, Cordy will be back, Tommy Boyd is needed as Redpath has no idea how to play FF, and perhaps should play CHF.

Who goes out? It will be out of HC, Gowers, Jong, Biggs.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Couldn't agree more.

We know Suckling won't be dropped, was one of our best yesterday, even though he made a mistake, but over 120 minutes it is nothing. However, he needs to nail those goals.

I would like to see Lipinski rewarded for two good weeks in the VFL, Cordy will be back, Tommy Boyd is needed as Redpath has no idea how to play FF, and perhaps should play CHF.

Who goes out? It will be out of HC, Gowers, Jong, Biggs.
I’ve backed Gowers but his second half was poor yesterday. I think Boyd stays in the VFL another week. No point bringing him to Perth and he needs another good game against more realistic competition. The only consideration is English needs ruck relief against big Sandy and I don’t want to see one of our midfield ruck option against him. No Bont or Jong doing a makeshift ruck role. This leaves Redpath as the only other option or even Cordy. So this is where Boyd makes sense but he needs another week. Fremantle also don’t have the tallest forward line so run will be more important than height.

IN: Cordy
Out: Honey

[bornadog]

I’ve backed Gowers but his second half was poor yesterday. I think Boyd stays in the VFL another week. No point bringing him to Perth and he needs another good game against more realistic competition. The only consideration is English needs ruck relief against big Sandy and I don’t want to see one of our midfield ruck option against him. No Bont or Jong doing a makeshift ruck role. This leaves Redpath as the only other option or even Cordy. So this is where Boyd makes sense but he needs another week. Fremantle also don’t have the tallest forward line so run will be more important than height.

IN: Cordy
Out: Honey

If no Boyd, does Roughy come back in?

[bulldogsthru&thru]

If no Boyd, does Roughy come back in?

I feel the need for a second ruck but we can’t afford to lose too much pace against freo, particularly in defence. Cordy for a mid already slows us. Who would Rough replace? Perhaps Gowers gets a spell

[chef]

If no Boyd, does Roughy come back in?

Nope. Cant play both English and Roughead, no room to play 2 number 1 rucks who cant play anywhere else. Has to be one or the other.

[bornadog]

Nope. Cant play both English and Roughead, no room to play 2 number 1 rucks who cant play anywhere else. Has to be one or the other.

Better than Dunkley in the ruck, or The Bont. I prefer Boyd coming in.

[chef]

Better than Dunkley in the ruck, or The Bont. I prefer Boyd coming in.

We cant play another number 1 ruck just for a couple of ball ups, it robs the team too much.

Happy enough for Dunks, Redpath, Cordy etc to be a chop out for a couple.

[chef]

Hopefully Boyd comes back in and we dont need to worry about this.

[azabob]

IN: Boyd, Cordy,

OUT: Gowers, Naughton (Rest),

[Happy Days]

IN: Boyd, Cordy,

OUT: Gowers, Naughton (Rest),

Why resting Naughton this week, after his best game ever and before a trip to his home state?

So down to drop Gowers though.

[bornadog]

I think Boyd deserves a game, 5 goals, 22 touches, 6 marks 6 tackles and 11 hitouts.

[azabob]

Why resting Naughton this week, after his best game ever and before a trip to his home state?

So down to drop Gowers though.

I think he’s mentally and physically tired.

[bornadog]

I think he’s mentally and physically tired.

How do you conclude that?

[azabob]

How do you conclude that?

He made a few wrong decisions yesterday and turned it over by foot a bit more than normal.

[Ozza]

I can’t see a scenario where Roughy comes in again until English starts looking cooked (which is bound to happen at some point this year given his age and what he’s being asked to do). There just isn’t anywhere to hide Roughy when he isn’t rucking at the moment.

Happy days - really bringing the super-aggression on Gowers!

[chef]

I really like Gowers and what he brings. I dont see him being dropped.

[merantau]

Cordy and Boyd in. Gowers and Biggs out.
I'd just like to see what happens when we have two big blokes -Redpath and Boyd - up forward.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

In. Cordy Boyd Lipinski
Out. Redpath Honeychurch Biggs
Boyd to replace Redpath and provide some relief for English in the ruck, against Sandilands. Cordy provides the necessary height to combat the likes of Kennedy and Darling in the air. The inclusion of English Naughton and Richards begins the start of a rebuild. Lipinski to replace Honeychurch continues this process.

[Twodogs]

In. Cordy Boyd Lipinski
Out. Redpath Honeychurch Biggs
Boyd to replace Redpath and provide some relief for English in the ruck, against Sandilands. Cordy provides the necessary height to combat the likes of Kennedy and Darling in the air. The inclusion of English Naughton and Richards begins the start of a rebuild. Lipinski to replace Honeychurch continues this process.

Wrong team NBP!

Darling had his turn at towelling us up a couple of weeks ago because Kennedy missed with injury.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Wrong team NBP!

Darling had his turn at towelling us up a couple of weeks ago because Kennedy missed with injury.

Thanks Twodogs. My mistake.

[LostDoggy]

Biggs, right at the career crossroads. Has always been too outside for mine but 1 tackle and 1 contested possession over 2 games this year indicates he is, if anything, going backwards. I'd replace him with Cordy, who was a good contributor prior to suspension and adds valuable mongrel and versatility.

Redpath, just doesn't get it enough and very limited in the role he plays. Boyd's good form an capacity to take some load off English (vs Sandi) means he adds plenty.

Lipinski looks a natural forward and goalkicker who has done enough to earn a spot. In tersof balance, he has somthing to offer. I'd have him in for Jong, who has good attributes but isn't quite getting it enough and makes too many mistakes. I'd like to see him tear it up at Footscray for a couple of weeks and come back in with a bit more confidence.

I wouldn't mind Young getting a crack either. His Footscray form reads well and Freo would be a good opposition for him to be given a shot against (as opposed to a team with really big forwards). If either Naughton or Richards are deemed ready for a break, he'd be a good option to give a shot to.

[1eyedog]

Patience. Shane Biggs never forget.

[jeemak]

Any injuries from the game we need to worry about? If not, I'm going with:

In - Cordy, Boyd
Out - Biggs, Jong

I think we'll need all of English, Boyd and Redpath to put in some time in against Sandlinds. English will find this week harder than any to date physically, he'll fatigue earlier due to his escalating workload and the strength of his opponent.

Boyd coming in is a bit of an unknown quantity, but I think we need to get some games into him now that he's had a standout performance at the senior level.

Biggs seemed to really struggle, and Jong hasn't quite had sufficient impact in his games to date.

[Ghost Dog]

I don't like the idea of using English as a ruck all game against Sandilands. Scared of our injury curse. Teams have used different set ups to counter his dominance and shark the hits. Don't think it should be up to Tim to fight it alone.

[angelopetraglia]

Hunter has been offered one week :(

[chef]

Which is fair enough, what he did was stupid.

[bornadog]

Which is fair enough, what he did was stupid.

Soft, should have been a fine compared to some other hits

[chef]

Soft, should have been a fine compared to some other hits

He intentionally walked over to a bloke held down on the ground with his arms pinned and double hand pushed/punched him in the head.

It's not soft, just plain stupid by Hunter. We take the week and move on.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

I'm pretty sure the rules were changed this year to make it clearer these types of exchanges were going to receive a suspension. The terms of the charge make it a suspension..there is no wriggle room to be applied in sentences. Low impact high intentional contact is a 1 week penalty.

[bornadog]

He intentionally walked over to a bloke held down on the ground with his arms pinned and double hand pushed/punched him in the head.

It's not soft, just plain stupid by Hunter. We take the week and move on.

It was a soft push. I agree he was stupid and I hate when players do that, but compared to other incidences this was nothing.

This incident resulted in a fine, and I have no doubts it was intentional.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVtp6Se4RMc

[jeemak]

I'm pretty sure the rules were changed this year to make it clearer these types of exchanges were going to receive a suspension. The terms of the charge make it a suspension..there is no wriggle room to be applied in sentences. Low impact high intentional contact is a 1 week penalty.

Agreed, but how it can be considered on par with a deliberate knee to the head is beyond me.........oh wait, what Sicily did wasn't deliberate, just one of those accident thingy's that dickheads seem to be at the centre of all the time.

[jeemak]

It was a soft push. I agree he was stupid and I hate when players do that, but compared to other incidences this was nothing.

This incident resulted in a fine, and I have no doubts it was intentional.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVtp6Se4RMc

Nah, apparently if you look at the ball that means anyone's face, that is clearly in your field of vision, is able to be kicked.

[bornadog]

Agreed, but how it can be considered on par with a deliberate knee to the head is beyond me.........oh wait, what Sicily did wasn't deliberate, just one of those accident thingy's that dickheads seem to be at the centre of all the time.

That is my point. Graham has received a one match ban for punching Zorko, that to me is serious. Hunter did not fist the guy, he pushed him into the ground.

[ledge]

Young I would give a huge chance, he is way above VFL Level.

[The bulldog tragician]

It was a soft push. I agree he was stupid and I hate when players do that, but compared to other incidences this was nothing.

This incident resulted in a fine, and I have no doubts it was intentional.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVtp6Se4RMc

That has marked Greene as my most despised footballer. Which is saying something.

[Mantis]

In- Cordy, Boyd, Lipinski
Out - Hunter, Redpath, Gowers

Still carrying a few, but there aren't a whole lot of options in the VFL team.

[MrMahatma]

In- Cordy, Boyd, Lipinski
Out - Hunter, Redpath, Gowers

Still carrying a few, but there aren't a whole lot of options in the VFL team.

I like this.

[JohnGentStand]

Ins: Cordy, Lipinski, Boyd

Outs: Hunter, Honeychurch, Biggs

English Vs Sandilands is a huge risk. He will get targeted physically to slow him down around the ground this week. If Biggsy gets a let off then Lippy can miss. Hunter is a huge loss - in top form.

[Bulldog4life]

It to be wet according to my cousin who is going to the game. I wonder if the MC will take this into consideration.

[Remi Moses]

They’re expecting a months rain on the weekend .
Let’s not go to tall

[GVGjr]

Trengove might come in for Redpath. Cordy for Biggs and I think Lipinski for Hunter.
For what it's worth, I'd try very hard to bring in Lewis Young.

[bornadog]

Trengove might come in for Redpath. Cordy for Biggs and I think Lipinski for Hunter.
For what it's worth, I'd try very hard to bring in Lewis Young.

You don't think Boyd may come in?

[LostDoggy]

One player who is escaping scrutiny but has been underdelivering for mine is Bailey Dale. Watched the game again and thought his intensity levels weren't quite there. 1 tackle this year in 4 games isn't good enough for a mid-sized forward.

[ratsmac]

One player who is escaping scrutiny but has been underdelivering for mine is Bailey Dale. Watched the game again and thought his intensity levels weren't quite there. 1 tackle this year in 4 games isn't good enough for a mid-sized forward.

Good point. Macrae was made to go back to Footscray to work on his defensive part of his game a couple years ago so Dale should suffer the same fate.

[Ghost Dog]

Is Trengove match ready?

[Happy Days]

Is Trengrove match ready?

Is he ever?

[azabob]

Trengove might come in for Redpath. Cordy for Biggs and I think Lipinski for Hunter.
For what it's worth, I'd try very hard to bring in Lewis Young.

Because of the weather? Ledge has been very vocal this week on getting Young in.

[bornadog]

Is he ever?

That question mark makes a difference to your post. :D

[The Adelaide Connection]

As others have mentioned, it looks like it’s going to be wet (the most updated forecast is pointing at 80% chance of 1-5mm in the afternoon/evening with the possibility of a thunderstorm into the evening).

I think we take up a full list of emergencies if it looks line ball on the weather so we can swing the changes. If it does rain, would Lipinski and Trengove give us more mobility than Gowers and Redpath?

I think Biggs survives and the Hunter replacement is likely to be Cordy, but is there anyone smaller/quicker we could look at if it is pissing down? Who handled the conditions best at Footscray last week?

[Axe Man]

Our smaller backline has performed well the last 2 weeks. Given Freo only have Taberner and McCarthy as tall forwards Cordy is the only tall back that should come back in. Trengove and Young aren't required this week, especially if it's wet (unless Trengove comes back to play forward).

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Forecasts I’ve seen saying 5-15mm. Could be torrential.

[Smads57]

Who handled the conditions best at Footscray last week?

Lipper played well until rested at half time (AFL emergency). Webb also good in the wet as was Young across half back.

[GVGjr]

You don't think Boyd may come in?

We've been good at finding reasons to not bring him in. Lets see how it goes.

[GVGjr]

Because of the weather? Ledge has been very vocal this week on getting Young in.

I'm keen to play Young, he's been in solid form. He is tall and athletic which should assist us.

[Twodogs]

We've been good at finding reasons to not bring him in. Lets see how it goes.

It's like we are obsessed with providing the first million dollar VFL player.

[BulldogBelle]

Out: Hunter, Honeychurch, Jong

In: Lipinski, Boyd, Webb

Boyd: Has been improving and the weaker Coburg side with no real ruck for most of the day may have worked Boyd into form. Also his stint as an inside mid and the rugged work he did there was good. Could work well with English.

Honeychurch: Not up to this standard, why couldn't the List Managers have seen that years ago.

Jong: He is playing in his best form now, and that form is not really all that good for a player of his age. Belongs in the two's. The amount of time we have put into that player has not been worth it.

Lipinski: Going to be a very good player. Is better than Jong. Should go into the team and not be dropped.

Young: Has come back into good form, I would like to see him play. I thought that he looked more like Kelvin Templeton than any other player. I guess he isn't though. I would like to see him play as a full-forward. He can take a big mark. Can he kick straight?

Biggs: I wasn't as critical of his last game as some. He stays, has bikkies in the bank.

Webb: Plays well in the two's and then underperforms when promoted to the seniors, time and time again. On his last chance I reckon. Come to think of it, he was on his last chance last time. This is his last last chance.

Trengrove: Will probably be cleared to play. I haven't seen enough of him. would he be better than Redpath?

I wouldn't worry about the weather. I lived in Perth for 26 years. The rain will belt down like hell's own fury for 5 minutes then stop and there will be brilliant sunshine and all will be dry in a few minutes. It might do this a couple of times.

I think that R Smith may be out injured as he was lunching with Moz and Lynch while the others were training.

[Mantis]

JC,

I have absolutely no idea how you can pick Webb ahead of Jong, especially given the expected slippery conditions... Given Lukas has one asset, his left foot and has only ever had 10 kicks in 1 of his 20 AFL games (he had 11 in his 2nd game) I would think he would need 6-8 games of extremely good footy to get another chance.

And what did you like of Biggs's game?

[Ozza]

Tom Boyd has actually played quite well in wet or greasy conditions. Whilst you don’t want to go too tall in the wet, there are some players who are just more adept in the conditions than others. The players who are clean with their hands at ground level have a more exaggerated advantage in the wet. Macrae will look like he is playing in a different state to some of our others.

If its going to be as wet as they say - I wouldn’t be giving Lipinski his first crack for the year interstate in the wet. I certainly wouldn’t be considering Webb. But I also don’t see Jong as being a great fit in the conditions either. He is far from a one grab player under the roof - I’d be shocked if he went well.
I suspect Honeychurch will spend some time running with Lachie Neale. Probably him and Dahlhaus in tandem throughout the game.

[The Underdog]

It's like we are obsessed with providing the first million dollar VFL player.

Maybe when he plays like an AFL player again he can get to be one.

[soupman]

No way we play Webb. Not until we find a role he has a chance of playing at AFL level and see some form from him in it. Unfortunately midfield is not his spot.

Ideally I would make the following changes:
Cordy for Biggs. Easy as, Biggs was terrible, Cordy offers heaps more both as a player and to our structure.

Boyd for Jong. I like this change. Jong is barely touching the midfield, and is instead playing as a high half forward marking type. Bring Boyd in, he can help English with Sandilands, and he and/or Redpath can alternate high and deep.

Lipinski for Hunter. Similiar size and type, gets a reward for decent form and I have high hopes he can offer something different to our half forward unit.

Honeychurch lucky, I don't rate him highly but there aren't enough knocking down the door to take his spot and Hunter going out saves him.

I like Young, but see no need to bring in three talls in one hit.

[Twodogs]

Young: Has come back into good form, I would like to see him play. I thought that he looked more like Kelvin Templeton than any other player. I guess he isn't though. I would like to see him play as a full-forward. He can take a big mark. Can he kick straight?

You are getting me excited even just invoking the great man's name there JC.

[Axe Man]

When our midfield is undermanned and Hunter is a forced change how are people justifying droping Jong and Honeychurch and replacing them with non-midfielders? On form they may be lucky to hold their spots but the balance of the side is surely more important.

[LostDoggy]

When our midfield is undermanned and Hunter is a forced change how are people justifying droping Jong and Honeychurch and replacing them with non-midfielders? On form they may be lucky to hold their spots but the balance of the side is surely more important.

Maybe that will allow us to give midfielders like Bont and Dunkley more time in the middle. ith Bont, Dunks, Jong, HC, Dahl, Wallis, McLean, Macrae, Daniel (and Hunter, Dale, Suckling and JJ rotating through the wings) I'm not sure we're light on for mids in our current 22.

[The Underdog]

The loss of Hunter’s hard running and link up play will be sorely missed this week. Tough to see who will step into the hole he leaves.

[Mofra]

The loss of Hunter’s hard running and link up play will be sorely missed this week. Tough to see who will step into the hole he leaves.
JJ to play wing?

[soupman]

When our midfield is undermanned and Hunter is a forced change how are people justifying droping Jong and Honeychurch and replacing them with non-midfielders? On form they may be lucky to hold their spots but the balance of the side is surely more important.

I've kept Honeychurch in for that reason.

Jong has barely played midfield the last few weeks, and if so has had next to no impact there. His main role as afar as I can tell is as a leading forward. I have Boyd taking his tallish forward role, and also I guess taking some of the responsibility for that off the likes of Dunkley. Lipinski comes in who can pinch hit in the middle I think (VFL watchers would know better) but otherwise frees guys like Honeychurch to spend more time in there.

[bornadog]

weather forecast looking better for Saturday

[Eastdog]

It wouldn't surprise me if Tom Boyd wasn't selected this weekend. Maybe another week in the VFL and get him ready for the Round 6 game back at home. Great that he got his mojo back. He is an important asset to our team.

With our forward line functioning a bit better he would certainly be a good addition right now.

[Eastdog]

The loss of Hunter’s hard running and link up play will be sorely missed this week. Tough to see who will step into the hole he leaves.

Yeah sucks that he isn't playing due to the suspension as he has played very well thus far.

[1eyedog]

I'd take and play Boyd. There's no use pussy footing around his form. Not selecting him must be equally difficult for him mentally. Play well in the VFL (he did) and fill an important niche in the team (he does), then he needs to be seriously considered. There are certainly others in the team just going at this stage, and this includes other possible bigman inclusions like Roughie and Trengrove.

Boyd has at least a claim to the big man spot due to his performance on the weekend. The other consideration against Sandilands is Tom Campbell. His inclusion would free Engilsh for large periods forward. Campbell was very good on the weekend around the ground and on the scoreboard, although I'm not sure he was actually opposed to a ruckman at any stage.

[bornadog]

Stevo confirming Tom Boyd playing.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Is Bailey Williams injured?

[EasternWest]

Did I hear right? Bailey Williams out? He must be injured.

[SquirrelGrip]

Confirmed.

In:
T.Boyd
P.Lapinski
L.Webb
Z.Cordy

Out:
J.Redpath (injured)
B.Williams (injured)
L.Hunter (suspended)
S.Biggs (omitted)

[ledge]

Williams middle ear infection , I'm confused didn't know you had a middle ear.

[ledge]

Knew it ! Lipinski in !

[bornadog]

Williams middle ear infection , I'm confused didn't know you had a middle ear.
Makes you unbalanced

[bornadog]

Confirmed.

In:
T.Boyd
P.Lapinski
L.Webb
Z.Cordy

Out:
J.Redpath (injured)
B.Williams (injured)
L.Hunter (suspended)
S.Biggs (omitted)

happy with that. Webb needs to show something, no exuses, Hunter is out

[ledge]

Not sure what's keeping Young out.

[Rocket Science]

Hmmm.

Webb to step into Biggs' role? Or help shoulder some of the load through the guts in Hunter's absence?

Lipinski to mix stints on ball and deep forward?

Happy to see Cordy back. Boyd too naturally but wonder how the hell we'll deploy him. Boyd/English tandem to combat Sandilands?

Redpath injured after just coming back? Jeez. No Roughy nor Trengove either.

Interesting times.

[Bulldog4life]

Emergencies L Young S Biggs J Roughead
C Porter

[Remi Moses]

Not allowed to fly with a middle ear infection .

[Eastdog]

Boydy is back!

[Eastdog]

Not sure what's keeping Young out.

Good question ledge. Yeah from the VFL reports another who had a good game. Maybe he will be in the running next week. Was very impressed in his debut and while struggled in the next games heaps of upside with him.

[Axe Man]

Not sure what's keeping Young out.

Team balance, freo only have 2 tall forwards, why would we play 3 tall backs? We played well last week with only 1 although that’s obviously not ideal.

[Twodogs]

Not allowed to fly with a middle ear infection .


Correct. It could do irreparable damage to the eardrum, I know my dad flew with a middle ear infection and that what happened to him.


I say dad, that's what happened to you.

What?

[josie]

I hope Webb gets opportunity of at least 3 or so weeks. Poor kid has been yo yo’d in and out of seniors. I still think he would be good in forward half or wing with great delivery into 50.

So happy Boyd is back and willing him to put in a pearler. Nice for English to have some backup.

Really interesting with Monica too-hope he has his goal kicking boots on as recall only blot in his first senior game was points not goals.

I watched vfl game (got soaked too). Thought Young was outstanding and reckon he will play in coming rounds against teams with taller forward lines.

Reckon this will be a fascinating sneak preview into what our team will look like in years to come give or take a few players only that are borderline keep/cut at end of year.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

I really would like to see Webb revert to the half back role he looked to handle with aplomb in his first half dozen games. With Biggs no longer nailing down his spot there, an opportunity has presented itself.

[lemmon]

Team balance, freo only have 2 tall forwards, why would we play 3 tall backs? We played well last week with only 1 although that’s obviously not ideal.

Cordy and Naughton can play small and I like the flexibility Young brings. Can go forward as a marking target when Boyd's on ball.

[bornadog]

Tom Boyd to finally play his 50th game.

[Twodogs]

Tom Boyd to finally play his 50th game.


I suppose the banner will have something original like "50 great games (or 48 so so games and two bloody spectacular efforts!!!) Congratulations Tom Boyd!!!"

[1eyedog]

Tom Boyd to finally play his 50th game.

And the Western suburbs erupt.

[MrMahatma]

Lukas "9 lives" Webb. He keeps getting a crack at it.

Shame to see Williams out given his past 2 weeks. I'd had him on the scrap heap before then, but he's put in 2 solid efforts. Surely there's a chance his virus clears before the match?

Stoked to see Boyd and Lipinski in. Makes the fwd line look threatening. I've got a lot of time for both of them.

[Go_Dogs]

Great to see Boyd and Cordy back, excited to see Lippa and while Webb has had his struggles at senior level, maybe we'll see him play a slightly different role (can he play a hard running wing?) and make an impact.

Disappointing for Williams as he's really hitting form. We're short on run down back and through the wings with no Biggs and Hunter too, so will be interesting to see how we combat that, particularly as it makes it pretty easy/obvious for Ross to put some work into JJ and slow us down.

[ledge]

Great to see Boyd and Cordy back, excited to see Lippa and while Webb has had his struggles at senior level, maybe we'll see him play a slightly different role (can he play a hard running wing?) and make an impact.

Disappointing for Williams as he's really hitting form. We're short on run down back and through the wings with no Biggs and Hunter too, so will be interesting to see how we combat that, particularly as it makes it pretty easy/obvious for Ross to put some work into JJ and slow us down.

He can tag JJ as much as he wants we have Ed Richards as well.

[Mantis]

I really would like to see Webb revert to the half back role he looked to handle with aplomb in his first half dozen games. With Biggs no longer nailing down his spot there, an opportunity has presented itself.

Are you concerned about his ability to defend when he plays at HB? I am.

[SlimPickens]

Tim English is going to be crucial as a link up between the arcs, this week. Needs to get on his bike big time.

[Mofra]

Lukas "9 lives" Webb. He keeps getting a crack at it.

Shame to see Williams out given his past 2 weeks. I'd had him on the scrap heap before then, but he's put in 2 solid efforts. Surely there's a chance his virus clears before the match?

Stoked to see Boyd and Lipinski in. Makes the fwd line look threatening. I've got a lot of time for both of them.
Williams could be a soreness related virus - he seems close to best 22 when fit now and probably will be by the end of the year.

I do wonder what the long term plan is - he was a high-possession midfielder as a junior so perhaps he'll start taking stints on the wing or in the middle as he develops.

[Twodogs]

Why would Freo rest Johnson for a home game?

[bornadog]

Williams could be a soreness related virus - he seems close to best 22 when fit now and probably will be by the end of the year.

Ledge already mentioned he has a middle ear infection, which means he can't fly

[Bullies]

I still don't get how Honeychurch continues to keep his spot. He must have good photos.

[Axe Man]

Why would Freo rest Johnson for a home game?

Probably punched somebody again.


I still don't get how Honeychurch continues to keep his spot. He must have good photos.

Very little competition for his spot at the moment. Midfield stocks are thin, small forward stocks are almost non-existent. If Clay Smith can get his knee right he could be an upgrade.

[Murphy'sLore]

Really interesting with Monica too-hope he has his goal kicking boots on as recall only blot in his first senior game was points not goals.




Embarrassed to admit how long it took me to get this one!

[Eastdog]

Tom Boyd to finally play his 50th game.

Well done Tom Boyd.

It has been tough for him in recent times but hopefully now he finds his form again at the top level.

[Axe Man]

'Enthusiastic' Dog ready to return: Beveridge (http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-04-20/enthusiastic-dog-ready-to-return-beveridge)

TOM BOYD is psychologically and physically prepared to play his first senior match since taking time away from the game last year to deal with mental health issues, Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says.

The 22-year-old has made the trip to Perth to face Fremantle at Optus Stadium on Saturday night on the back of a five-goal performance in the VFL last weekend.

Beveridge said a return to form and a sound mindset had the earned the premiership hero his spot back in the senior side.

The last time Boyd played in the senior side was round 13 last year before he took leave from the club.

"It's been a long time, and he's obviously had some things in his life to deal with and he's fought his way back," Beveridge said.

"Tom's very enthusiastic and never been more determined, and that's a great sign when you're coming from a fair way back from a mental health point of view.

"He had a really strong pre-season, but it's just taken him a little bit of time to find the footy and produce some good form, so it's great, it's fantastic.

"Forward of the ball is the most difficult area to play, and he had a really good combination last week.

"I'm not expecting him to kick five (goals) again and have 30 possessions, but hopefully he can play his role and help us get the win."

While Boyd makes his long-awaited return, fellow premiership star Shane Biggs has been dropped for the second time this season.

The defensive playmaker has struggled to recapture the stellar form that made him a key player in the 2016 flag side, but Beveridge rebuffed suggestions the 26-year-old's career was at the crossroads.

Out of contract at season's end, Biggs was dropped twice during the club's underwhelming premiership defence in 2017.

"I wouldn't say (Shane's career is) at the crossroads, not at all," Beveridge said.

"Shane over recent history has been a really important part of our back end, and when he's at his best Shane, he's in our (best) 22, there's no doubt about it.

"But there's parts of his game we're asking him to work on and until we get that (improvement), he's probably going to find himself out of the team because there's a lot of competition for back end spots.

"With the new boys coming through and Dale (Morris) and Marcus Adams aren’t far away (from injury) either."

One of those youngsters putting pressure on Biggs is third-year Bulldog Bailey Williams, but the intercepting defender won't be making the trip to Perth due to an inner-ear infection.

Beveridge said the aliment left him unable to fly and the club would "err on the side of caution" with the 20-year-old.

Jack Redpath was also a forced out, with the hulking key forward suffering soreness in the knee he had reconstructed in 2016.

"Jack just got a little bit of irritation in his knee and it was best for him to have a spell," Beveridge said.

"It's hard to forecast (his return), it could extend beyond this week, but I wouldn't imagine it's longer than three (weeks), it may be that."

Draftee Callum Porter will be the Dogs' travelling emergency for the clash with the Dockers after the tough midfielder impressed in the VFL in recent weeks.

[bornadog]

Draftee Callum Porter will be the Dogs' travelling emergency for the clash with the Dockers after the tough midfielder impressed in the VFL in recent weeks.

Averaging 17 Disposals, 7 tackles and 3 marks per game in the two VFL games this year.

[Eastdog]

Averaging 17 Disposals, 7 tackles and 3 marks per game in the two VFL games this year.

Good luck to Callum tomorrow.

[Axe Man]

Averaging 17 Disposals, 7 tackles and 3 marks per game in the two VFL games this year.

Possibly another that could put pressure on Honeychurch's spot.

[Mofra]

Possibly another that could put pressure on Honeychurch's spot.
Not sure he's quite ready for a week in, week out midfield spot but we are light on for runners so may well get his chance soon enough.

[Axe Man]

Good luck to Callum tomorrow.

Does he need good luck to watch a game of footy?

[Axe Man]

Not sure he's quite ready for a week in, week out midfield spot but we are light on for runners so may well get his chance soon enough.

He probably shouldn't be anywhere near the team at this stage but the cupboard is a little bare. At AFL level I would imagine he would play mostly as a small forward with perhaps small stints in the midfield.

[Eastdog]

Does he need good luck to watch a game of footy?

Yes I jumped the gun only an emergency tomorrow but still good luck for the rest of the season.

[Twodogs]

Does he need good luck to watch a game of footy?


He might be getting married and had only confided in Easty about it. He probably isn't but he might be. And have.