Always Right Match Committee - Round 8, 2018 vs Brisbane Lions

[Eastdog]

If you were on the Western Bulldogs match committee what changes would you make for our round 8, 2018 match against Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium?

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

[GVGjr]

Bump

[LostDoggy]

Gut reaction is that Richards looks like he's ready for a rest and Honeychurch didn't do enough to hold a spot. At 3QT I thought English was ready for a spell too but he did enough in Q4 to get another game as long as he's okay through the week.

[jeemak]

I think English needs to have a rest. Loved his last quarter, but throughout the game he looked a little shot.

[SlimPickens]

Out: Richards, Honeychurch, English
- The two young blokes are cooked and need a rest. Badge isn’t up to it

In: Campbell, Bont and Trengove

I wonder if they’d consider Trengove head to head against Martin. I think these ins allows Bont more mid time and doesn’t rob us a tall option up forward.

[angelopetraglia]

I actually thought Honey did a few good things today. Created a goal with an aggressive aerial attack on the ball at the top of the square and his tough tackle on Rosa was awesome. However, he lets himself down with stupid little kicks that result in turnovers. That sideways kick that resulted a massive turnover and nearly resulted in a goal for them was a huge howler. Also, 11 touches isn't enough for a mid.

[SlimPickens]

double post

[Happy Days]

Any love for Tom Campbell? Think English needs a spell and Roughy isn't ready.

As I type I see he's just blasted one from 55m.

[bornadog]

Alot depends on Bonti and whether he is right to go.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Without Bontempelli we were very poor in the midfield with Jong Dunkley and Wallis all disappointing highlighted by very poor disposal.
Would like to see Williams moved into the midfield given his dash and better kicking to provide support to Bont.
In. Bontempelli Trengrove
Out. Jong Young

[Doc26]

Our list and recruiting area has been left wanting going into 2018 in bringing an effective group of small forwards that can stand up to the level required. Going into the season relying on Clay, Tory and Mitch to fill this area is leaving us with very few alternatives at selection, other than Mitch to fill this need, who is just not up to it. This in a period where the current premiers and current favourites have loaded up in this area.

[bornadog]

Without Bontempelli we were very poor in the midfield with Jong Dunkley and Wallis all disappointing highlighted by very poor disposal.
Would like to see Williams moved into the midfield given his dash and better kicking to provide support to Bont.
In. Bontempelli Trengrove
Out. Jong Young

I thought the midfield was great today and the real difference in the end. Macrae, Mclean, Hunter, Dahl all with over 30 plus disposals. Jong played a negating role on Martin, although I thought Martin did well. Caleb also stepped up in the last quarter. I can't see Williams in the midfield, he is doing so well at HBF that I would keep him there.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

I thought the midfield was great today and the real difference in the end. Macrae, Mclean, Hunter, Dahl all with over 30 plus disposals. Jong played a negating role on Martin, although I thought Martin did well. Caleb also stepped up in the last quarter. I can't see Williams in the midfield, he is doing so well at HBF that I would keep him there.

I thought Macrae Hunter and Maclean were outstanding and the difference between winning and losing. Dahlhaus Wallis Jong and Dunkley all continue to frustrate because of their indifferent disposal. Daniel is another midfielder who uses the ball well.

[Testekill]

Out-

Richards & English both need rests badly,
Honeychurch was also poor and doesn't really offer enough

In-
coin flip between Campbell & Trengove,
Smith is someone that I'd like to give a run and he was pretty solid today
I'd love to bring Bont back in immediately but I wouldn't be opposed to managing his hip this year since we're not going to make finals.

[westbulldog]

In Bontempelli , Schache, Campbell

Out English, Honeychurch, Richards

[Ozza]

I thought Macrae Hunter and Maclean were outstanding and the difference between winning and losing. Dahlhaus Wallis Jong and Dunkley all continue to frustrate because of their indifferent disposal. Daniel is another midfielder who uses the ball well.

Can’t agree on Wally. He did a very good job on Lyons keeping him to 11. Also thought Dunkley was good. 19 and a goal, and had to ruck for a while, competes in the air - 9 tackles. Dahlhaus was in our best handful of players - 10 score involvements, huge in a number of ground ball contests.

[Scraggers]

In Bontempelli , Schache, Campbell

Out English, Honeychurch, Richards

I actually like the idea of bringing in Schache to face Brisbane. It will change their focus and he will lift against his old team.

[Twodogs]

I actually like the idea of bringing in Schache to face Brisbane. It will change their focus and he will lift against his old team.

But, on the other hand, if any team would know him inside out it would be Brisbane. Their defenders would know his every weakness from training and match practice. Then again he should know their defensive style pretty well and know where best to exploit it.

[Go_Dogs]

So Bont is doubtful with his hip again.

Any chance we go in unchanged?

[hujsh]

So Bont is doubtful with his hip again.

Any chance we go in unchanged?
Possible but it sounded like one of Campbell or Trengove would be an in. Maybe for Honeychurch?

[bornadog]

Possible but it sounded like one of Campbell or Trengove would be an in. Maybe for Honeychurch?

Based on the stats, Trengove with 25 disposals may get a call up. We should know about The Bont by Thursday.

[Axe Man]

Based on the stats, Trengove with 2 disposals may get a call up. We should know about The Bont by Thursday.

Must have been 2 of the best disposals of all time! ;)

[bornadog]

Must have been 2 of the best disposals of all time! ;)

:D shit, should be 25

[kruder]

Its an interesting one, if Trengove comes in I'd suggest Boyd becomes first ruck and Trengove relief. If its Campbell its the opposite. I prefer the latter, I think we need more specialist's in our team and Tom is a much better tap ruckman which also enables Boyd to play more forward.

I'd suggest the match committee will go with Trengove though, we have given him a 3 year deal so you would expect we would bias slightly toward playing him. Well in the first year anyhow. He is also slightly more mobile which helps playing against Martin who had the lazy 28 touches yesterday.

If we do rest English I'd put him in the paddock for the week let him freshen up before he comes back in.

[Twodogs]

Must have been 2 of the best disposals of all time! ;)


Robbert Klomp got a telly once for a performance like that.

[LostDoggy]

Trengove has gone up against Martin as first ruck before (R7, 2016). Martin won the hitouts 51-14, but Trengove had a blinder around the ground (25 possessions, 15 contested, 13 clearances, 6 tackles, 5 I50s, 3 Brownlow Votes).

Might tip the scales his way.

[hujsh]

Its an interesting one, if Trengove comes in I'd suggest Boyd becomes first ruck and Trengove relief. If its Campbell its the opposite. I prefer the latter, I think we need more specialist's in our team and Tom is a much better tap ruckman which also enables Boyd to play more forward.

I'd suggest the match committee will go with Trengove though, we have given him a 3 year deal so you would expect we would bias slightly toward playing him. Well in the first year anyhow. He is also slightly more mobile which helps playing against Martin who had the lazy 28 touches yesterday.

If we do rest English I'd put him in the paddock for the week let him freshen up before he comes back in.
I'd think English to continue the first ruck and hopefully with Trengove to relieve and occasionally Boyd. Or Trengove taking the bulk of the load.

Why both having Trengove in the forwardline and Boyd forward when Boyd is a forward and Trengove seems to be here to be versatile?

[bornadog]

Its an interesting one, if Trengove comes in I'd suggest Boyd becomes first ruck and Trengove relief. If its Campbell its the opposite. I prefer the latter, I think we need more specialist's in our team and Tom is a much better tap ruckman which also enables Boyd to play more forward.

I'd suggest the match committee will go with Trengove though, we have given him a 3 year deal so you would expect we would bias slightly toward playing him. Well in the first year anyhow. He is also slightly more mobile which helps playing against Martin who had the lazy 28 touches yesterday.

If we do rest English I'd put him in the paddock for the week let him freshen up before he comes back in.

Campbell is a dinosaur, just hasn't got the mobility for the modern game.

[LostDoggy]

As I misposted in another thread, I looked a little further into Trengove's performances v Brisbane.

Last year he played them twice, the first time as a forward he had 17 possessions and kicked 3 goals, the 2nd time as a 2nd ruckman he had 17 possessions, 13 contested and 5 clearances (all season highs).

His 3 Brownlow Vote effort against Martin in 2016 was the only 3 vote game of his career.

He clearly has a soft spot for playing Brisbane. I'd bring him in this week.

[The Pie Man]

Pretty sure Trengove comes in, just hope it’s as no. 1 ruck - and not just based on the above impressive stats. He could be the ruck Bevo has been looking for.

In : Trengove, Schache
Out : English, Honeychurch

Give the Bont another week - if cherry ripe, in for Jong

[craigsahibee]

Agree with the sentiment regarding English. He does look like he is screaming out for a rest. Trengove should be a direct replacement.

I wouldn't be unhappy to see Suckling sent forward to make Hodge defend, and JJ and Williams to play the rebound roles off half back. I'd much prefer Suckling to be playing VFL, but that's probably not going to happen this week.

Cordy, Young & Naughton to mind the tall Brisbane forwards and Crozier to zone off and use his closing speed to impact the aerial contests.

If Honeychurch makes way, Schache might be the option to stretch the Lions defense. This is where whoever plays on Hodge must draw him away from the ball and minimise both his direct and indirect impact on the game. By playing a supposed "genuine ball user" like Suckling on Hodge, we can use Suckers if Hodge decides to play off him to allow him to get to the next contest as the extra defender. If Suckers is "on", he can hurt them by foot.

So,
In : Trengove, Schache
Out:English, Honeychurch

If Bont is fit, Jongy makes way for him.

[Axe Man]

One thing to bear in mind for those wanting to drop Jong is he has played a defensive role on Cripps and Martin the last 2 weeks. Collingwood was the first team in several weeks to not bother tagging Zorko and he had 34 touches and kicked 4 goals. We cant afford to make the same mistake.

[Happy Days]

Will be shocked if English plays, especially after that particularly peculiar ruck set up being used in the last quarter. He needs a rest and I still have doubts about him (for right now at this moment in time) as a first-line ruck against the type-A physical big bodied rucks - of which Stef Martin definitely is.

I feel like I've been pretty clear about Trengove but he deserves a chance after his game on the weekend.

Schache's mobility around the ground has actually been pretty impressive whenever I've had the chance to see him this year and don't think we're necessarily too tall with him in. He's playing more like a flanker than a KPF at this stage, which can still be useful. Bring him in for Jong or HC, and drop the other one for Bont if he's right to go.

I want to rest Richards but my dude Biggs can't be played after his effort in the twos, and there isn't really anyone else to bring in.

[Happy Days]

One thing to bear in mind for those wanting to drop Jong is he has played a defensive role on Cripps and Martin the last 2 weeks. Collingwood was the first team in several weeks to not bother tagging Zorko and he had 34 touches and kicked 4 goals. We cant afford to make the same mistake.


Jong got smashed by Cripps, and he has a tendency to get lost when playing on players who can spread from a contest and get into dangerous outside positions quickly (like Zorko).

Would feel more comfortable with Daniel or Dunkley playing this role.

[craigsahibee]

Jong got smashed by Cripps, and he has a tendency to get lost when playing on players who can spread from a contest and get into dangerous outside positions quickly (like Zorko).

Would feel more comfortable with Daniel or Dunkley playing this role.

The only problem with that is Caleb is probably our best and most surest ball user aside from Macrae. If Caleb can hurt them on the spread, that'll work.

[bornadog]

Jong got smashed by Cripps, and he has a tendency to get lost when playing on players who can spread from a contest and get into dangerous outside positions quickly (like Zorko).

Would feel more comfortable with Daniel or Dunkley playing this role.

Jong went onto Cripps after Cripps had a 12 disposal first quarter. Jong held him for two quarters, but Cripps got on top in the last quarter. I thought Jong also got on top of Martin in the end. I am not saying Jong is the man, but he has played a bit better over the last few weeks and I doubt he will be dropped.

[Mantis]

Cordy, Young & Naughton to mind the tall Brisbane forwards and Crozier to zone off and use his closing speed to impact the aerial contests.



He has closing speed? I thought he looked really slow on the weekend and will need to really improve his performances to maintain his spot in the team as we get some players back.

[Twodogs]

He has closing speed? I thought he looked really slow on the weekend and will need to really improve his performances to maintain his spot in the team as we get some players back.

I've never seen any evidence of it. He uses the ball well but he's no Usain Bolt

[bornadog]

Decision on The Bont - Thursday according to Bevo in press conference today

[Eastdog]

How did Morris go in his first training session back today?

[craigsahibee]

I've never seen any evidence of it. He uses the ball well but he's no Usain Bolt

Probably more to do with his timing to get to the contest at the right time more than "closing speed".

Last week his efforts to spoil were interrupted by Matt Suckling trying to play the same role resulting in no one staying down and leaving us short in numbers.

[bornadog]

Probably more to do with his timing to get to the contest at the right time more than "closing speed".

Last week his efforts to spoil were interrupted by Matt Suckling trying to play the same role resulting in no one staying down and leaving us short in numbers.

Bloody Suckling :D

[Axe Man]

Brisbane to go with a tall forward and backline. I guess that means we stick with our 3 tall backs in Cordy, Naughton and Young. Not sure if it will alter our forward setup.

Link (http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-05-10/no-wins-but-no-sulking-at-the-lions)


Fagan said he was likely to stick with a taller outfit against the Bulldogs after being so competitive with Collingwood last Sunday.

Against the Magpies they used a three-pronged forward line that included Eric Hipwood, Dan McStay and Oscar McInerney, and three tall defenders in Harris Andrews, Darcy Gardiner and debutant Matt Eagles.

Suspended Nick Robertson will likely return to play the Bulldogs.

[Mofra]

We don't have anyone else to bring in, especially with the injury cloud over Suckling.

[bulldogtragic]

We don't have anyone else to bring in, especially with the injury cloud over Suckling.

Schache against his old team might be an interesting choice.

[Twodogs]

Probably more to do with his timing to get to the contest at the right time more than "closing speed".

Last week his efforts to spoil were interrupted by Matt Suckling trying to play the same role resulting in no one staying down and leaving us short in numbers.

A knowledge of where the ball is likely to go next can be as handy as leg speed. Last year in the game against Collingwood when it was pretty tight I watched Matt Suckling leave his man at halfback and run off halfback to a spot 20 metres on the non goal side of the contest.

I tapped my son on the shoulder and said "what's he doing?" And my son said "oh I've seen him do this before, just watch" Suckling stood there for a good ten seconds and then bugger me sideways the ball squirted out of the pack and rolled straight to him. He bent over and collected it and then kicked it straight back over the contest for a goal. I can remember all the players in the pack watching it disappear over their heads like ten soccer goalkeepers. Which is ironic because Suckers kicks the ball just like a soccer goalie

[LostDoggy]

A knowledge of where the ball is likely to go next can be as handy as leg speed. Last year in the game against Collingwood when it was pretty tight I watched Matt Suckling leave his man at halfback and run off halfback to a spot 20 metres on the non goal side of the contest.

I tapped my son on the shoulder and said "what's he doing?" And my son said "oh I've seen him do this before, just watch" Suckling stood there for a good ten seconds and then bugger me sideways the ball squirted out of the pack and rolled straight to him. He bent over and collected it and then kicked it straight back over the contest for a goal.

The best player we ever had for that IMO was Brad Hardie. He'd waddle of his man in the back pocket, seemingly away from the play 2 or 3 times a quarter and the ball would always seem to find it's way to him, sometimes 100 metres and 20 seconds later and not always from a teammate. His ability to read the play well in advance was uncanny.

[LostDoggy]

We don't have anyone else to bring in, especially with the injury cloud over Suckling.

Is Suckling a likely out? That's awkward team balance wise as there is no obvious replacememnt unless we go to the Webb or Biggs well again. Also might mean Richards holds his spot when a rest is better long term. Hmmm.

[westdog54]

A knowledge of where the ball is likely to go next can be as handy as leg speed. Last year in the game against Collingwood when it was pretty tight I watched Matt Suckling leave his man at halfback and run off halfback to a spot 20 metres on the non goal side of the contest.

I tapped my son on the shoulder and said "what's he doing?" And my son said "oh I've seen him do this before, just watch" Suckling stood there for a good ten seconds and then bugger me sideways the ball squirted out of the pack and rolled straight to him. He bent over and collected it and then kicked it straight back over the contest for a goal. I can remember all the players in the pack watching it disappear over their heads like ten soccer goalkeepers. Which is ironic because Suckers kicks the ball just like a soccer goalie

TBH I'm impressed at your young bloke's insight.

[bornadog]

In Bont, Webb
out jong and English

no ruck in

[bornadog]

Looks like Boyd will ruck with Dunks

[Ozza]

Looks like Boyd will ruck with Dunks

Hmmm.

Makes for an interesting day if Boyd (knock on wood) hurts himself early.

[Mantis]

Flabbergasted.. again!

#inbevowetrust

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Wondering if we'll see a late change. Bont out for Trengove.
Make them plan for Bont and then have him as a late out and force them to adjust their plan.

[bornadog]

Can't understand why Webb comes in and Trengove doesn't

[G-Mo77]

Wondering if we'll see a late change. Bont out for Trengove.
Make them plan for Bont and then have him as a late out and force them to adjust their plan.

If we're playing games like this at the selection table then we've lost the actual already.

Anyway baffling selections?

[1eyedog]

Webb! Really? Sigh.

[chef]

Maybe Bevo sees Boyd as a ruckman not a KPF?

[1eyedog]

Boyd is the only player who's looked likely when left forward for any length of time yet we are making him ruck most of the game. Over it.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Maybe Bevo sees Boyd as a ruckman not a KPF?

Bevo on Marngrook last night, in referring to Boyd playing in ruck, said he enjoys it. I took that as somewhat of a self-justification.

[GVGjr]

In Bont, Webb
out jong and English

no ruck in

Bont is in. He and Dunkley will do a bit of work.

[Sedat]

Ruckman for ruckman - Bont in for Jong

[bulldogtragic]

Hope this is just taking the piss out of us all.

[Eastdog]

English having a rest. Not a bad thing very early in his career. He has been very good this year.

Great that Bont is back!

I hope Webb can do what he can do at VFL level and translate that to the AFL. How many times have we said that?

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

If we're playing games like this at the selection table then we've lost the actual already.

Anyway baffling selections?

Well that's what Bevo said we did last week. We knew Thursday Bont wasn't highly unlikely to be right. This was confirmed on Friday, but we withheld making it public til the last minute as we knew GC would be putting a lot of their planning around Bont being in.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

This was a very strange selection process. You wouldn’t need for Tom Boyd to get an early injury as there is very little back up against the in form Martin. With such an inexperienced team you wonder what the experienced Trengrove needs to do to gain selection. Without a key marking forward this would have been the ideal game to play Schache against his former Club. The MC has had a rapid change of mind to recall Webb who is yet to prove that he is good enough at senior level. The BL looked a lot better last week than a Club that is yet to win a game. One can only hope that Bont is fully fit and that Macrae Hunter and Maclean play out of their skin as we saw last week to give us our third win on the trot.

[Doc26]

The irony that the so called experts talk to our current list imbalance having brought in too many talls but we can’t find a spot this week for a ruckman e.g Roughead, Trengove, Campbell against the in form ruckman in the league; ooh and we decide that this is the week to rest Tom English. Stef Martin must be licking his lips at the prospect of feeding his mids.

[Remi Moses]

Like others I’m staggered we’re not playing another big .
I’m Wondering why we picked up Trengove! Mobile ruck swapping with Boyd would have thought.
Please tag or run with Zorko . Please .....

[soupman]

Surprised we lose English for not Trengove but otherwise i don't mind it conceptually.

None of our rucks can match Martin aerobically, so no point having one of them lumbering along in his wake. Boyd works hard enough to negate him somewhat and Dunkley/Bont can try to punish him going the other way. Last week showed that getting smahsed in the hitouts doesn't mean you get smashed in clearances.

They have three tall defenders in Andrews, Gardiner and Eagles. Andrews is a gun but none of them are dynamic rebounding types and Andrews and Eagles are much more your safe kicking slow moving guys so we won't get punished the other way by them and can hopefully expose them by forcing them to play high on mids who can outrun them. Gardiner might fall in that category too but I don't pay enough attention to him to notice.

Their forwardline is also tallish with McStay, Hipwood and McInerney. They are all pretty mobile but Hipwood is the only one that is a particular threat. Effectively it is going to be 7 talls for Brisbane with maybe two of them being overly threatening vs our 4 talls plus Bont and Dunkley.

As usual with Beveridge we are going to trust that our system will cover their taller side and that we can outrun them. If we do concede a few goals from being short it will be compensated for by the goals our extra mid/flanker types generate.

[bornadog]

Surprised we lose English for not Trengove but otherwise i don't mind it conceptually.

None of our rucks can match Martin aerobically, so no point having one of them lumbering along in his wake. Boyd works hard enough to negate him somewhat and Dunkley/Bont can try to punish him going the other way. Last week showed that getting smahsed in the hitouts doesn't mean you get smashed in clearances.

They have three tall defenders in Andrews, Gardiner and Eagles. Andrews is a gun but none of them are dynamic rebounding types and Andrews and Eagles are much more your safe kicking slow moving guys so we won't get punished the other way by them and can hopefully expose them by forcing them to play high on mids who can outrun them. Gardiner might fall in that category too but I don't pay enough attention to him to notice.

Their forwardline is also tallish with McStay, Hipwood and McInerney. They are all pretty mobile but Hipwood is the only one that is a particular threat. Effectively it is going to be 7 talls for Brisbane with maybe two of them being overly threatening vs our 4 talls plus Bont and Dunkley.

As usual with Beveridge we are going to trust that our system will cover their taller side and that we can outrun them. If we do concede a few goals from being short it will be compensated for by the goals our extra mid/flanker types generate.

Young Naughton and Cordy, we have their three talls covered. What we do have is a small forward line.

[Bulldog4life]

Maybe the MC are aware that Bont won't be a starter and Trengove will replace him. Just keeping Brisbane in the dark for a while longer. Maybe.

[LostDoggy]

Bont is in. He and Dunkley will do a bit of work.

Bont has had a very gentle week on the track to nurse his hip. If he rucks against Martin, we have seriously lost the plot.

[bornadog]

Bont has had a very gentle week on the track to nurse his hip. If he rucks against Martin, we have seriously lost the plot.
I doubt he would ruck. Going by last week, Dunks will do the second ruck work.

I would imagine Bont will be our tall forward.

[LostDoggy]

I doubt he would ruck. Going by last week, Dunks will do the second ruck work.

I would imagine Bont will be our tall forward.

Bevo last week said in the post match that we were exposed in the Ruck and our strategies needed to be addressed. To drop English and replace him with a midfielder just doesn't add up. Surely Trengove is a late in.

[bornadog]

Bevo last week said in the post match that we were exposed in the Ruck and our strategies needed to be addressed. To drop English and replace him with a midfielder just doesn't add up. Surely Trengove is a late in.

If not, he has planned something out. Just hope it works.

[1eyedog]

Bont has had a very gentle week on the track to nurse his hip. If he rucks against Martin, we have seriously lost the plot.

Exactly I suspect he'll be eased back in by playing predominately forward.

[Twodogs]

Hope this is just taking the piss out of us all.


Maybe the MC are aware that Bont won't be a starter and Trengove will replace him. Just keeping Brisbane in the dark for a while longer. Maybe.


Bevo last week said in the post match that we were exposed in the Ruck and our strategies needed to be addressed. To drop English and replace him with a midfielder just doesn't add up. Surely Trengove is a late in.

Yep I think Bont out and Trengove will come in. When you've got a player like Marcus you might as well make the opposition plan for him so hopefully they will have to neglect some other aspects of their preperation.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Boyd is the only player who's looked likely when left forward for any length of time yet we are making him ruck most of the game. Over it.

Boggles the mind...

I can see Brisbane punishing us.

Even if they don’t I just wish we’d commit to developing a bloody key forward without turning them into something else.

[Twodogs]

Boggles the mind...

I can see Brisbane punishing us.

Even if they don’t I just wish we’d commit to developing a bloody key forward without turning them into something else.


It just looks like we are being too clever by half. I'm preparing to watch us pull our own trousers down this week. God I hope I'm wrong.

[lemmon]

Another frustrating Thursday selection.

You'd hope Trengrove is a late in, otherwise, Martin would be mad not to have his knee pointed firmly at Boyd's ribs from the first bounce.

[The Pie Man]

Have we been told they plan to open the roof?

Trengove *has* to be a late in - I like Boyd playing extended ruck minutes, but not 80% +

[bornadog]

Have we been told they plan to open the roof?

Trengove *has* to be a late in - I like Boyd playing extended ruck minutes, but not 80% +

I thought he did very well in the end rucking most of the game against GC. He may not have been dominant in the hitouts, but around the ground I thought he was the best big man.

[bornadog]

Maybe Bevo sees Boyd as a ruckman not a KPF?

With Campbell not really up to it, Roughead injured and just coming back this week, English needing a rest and Trengove also coming back from an injury, perhaps we don't have a choice. Would have been nice to get Schache in there to stay up forward, but I don't think he is ready.

[LostDoggy]

I thought he did very well in the end rucking most of the game against GC. He may not have been dominant in the hitouts, but around the ground I thought he was the best big man.

That's true but English still gave him handy minutes off the ball. With no proper support for Boyd, we do look horribly exposed. It's also a huge ask on Boyd given he has had his issues and is really just finding his feet again as a player.

On the other hand, Brisbane's side is insanely tall (they have named 4 200cm+ players, 10 at 190 cm+), so maybe our plan is to concede the height and just run them off their feet.

[Mantis]

With Campbell not really up to it, Roughead injured and just coming back this week, English needing a rest and Trengove also coming back from an injury, perhaps we don't have a choice. Would have been nice to get Schache in there to stay up forward, but I don't think he is ready.

Trengove has had 2 games back now (and a bye in the middle) after a 2-3 week lay-off... if he isn't ready now he will never be. He also had about 25 disposals and 20 HO's in his latest game so seems to be in reasonable form. This makes his acquistion absolutely stupid if we can't slot him in when we are clearly struggling for big man stocks in the ruck & front half of the ground.

[hujsh]

Boyd's not that good a ruckman that we couldn't find someone else to do about as good a job reasonably cheaply. He should be playing forward but we just refuse to do so even when he looked pretty decent there his 1st 2 games back. Infuriating.

[bulldogtragic]

Boyd's not that good a ruckman that we couldn't find someone else to do about as good a job reasonably cheaply. He should be playing forward but we just refuse to do so even when he looked pretty decent there his 1st 2 games back. Infuriating.

Exactly. This is what shits me. Boyd will be semi-serviceable in the ruck... He's over 200cm and 100kg. He will never develop into a gun KPP because he's never given enough time to develop into a gun KPP. If we don't have any patience to developed a pick one (by a country mile), some called once in a generation forward, then we will never ever develop one. I started a now locked thread about the last thing you want the dogs coach to say now we drafted Boyd (at the time). I said something like, 'we've found our new full back'. I was close to my fear.

[The Pie Man]

Trengove has had 2 games back now (and a bye in the middle) after a 2-3 week lay-off... if he isn't ready now he will never be. He also had about 25 disposals and 20 HO's in his latest game so seems to be in reasonable form. This makes his acquistion absolutely stupid if we can't slot him in when we are clearly struggling for big man stocks in the ruck & front half of the ground.

Yep

Really hope Jackson is a late in, or his recruitment ATM is looking pointless

I'll repeat - I like Boyd in the ruck, he's pretty decent finding an option in traffic. Just don't think 80% + is ideal.

[bornadog]

Trengove has had 2 games back now (and a bye in the middle) after a 2-3 week lay-off... if he isn't ready now he will never be. He also had about 25 disposals and 20 HO's in his latest game so seems to be in reasonable form. This makes his acquistion absolutely stupid if we can't slot him in when we are clearly struggling for big man stocks in the ruck & front half of the ground.

I agree he should be in, I was giving the alternative thoughts and trying to work out why he isn't in.

I would not have Webb in and preferred if Trengove was in.

Obviously Bevo has a plan.

[Axe Man]

Other than the obvious ruck issue, who goes to Zorko with Jong out? Or do we just let him do as he pleases?

[soupman]

Other than the obvious ruck issue, who goes to Zorko with Jong out? Or do we just let him do as he pleases?

Honeychurch? He played on Merrett earlier this year.

[1eyedog]

Other than the obvious ruck issue, who goes to Zorko with Jong out? Or do we just let him do as he pleases?

I guess Wallis

[bulldogtragic]

I guess Wallis

Yep. A professional tagger a few years back, probably our better option.

[The Pie Man]

Honeychurch? He played on Merrett earlier this year.

Would be my guess - I'm also guessing Wallis might play more forward this week.

[LostDoggy]

Would be my guess - I'm also guessing Wallis might play more forward this week.

I reckon the 2 players that need to be watched closely are Zorko and Rich. I like Wallis predominantly HFF on Rich, with Dunkley changing, while we'll probably rotate on Zorko, a bit HC, a bit Dunkley, a bit Dahlhaus?

[LostDoggy]

What's the weather looking like in Melbourne. I'm in the Central West of NSW, 2 days ago it was mid-20s, it's currently snowing in my backyard!

[Axe Man]

What's the weather looking like in Melbourne. I'm in the Central West of NSW, 2 days ago it was mid-20s, it's currently snowing in my backyard!

Some bloke is building an ark and gathering 2 of everything...

[The Adelaide Connection]

It has been mentioned somewhere here that Trengove has a history of completely beating up on Brisbane. It adds even more weight and likelihood to the “late in” theory/camp.

My guess is that it will be for Bont (suspecting he won’t be 100%) but my hope is that he is ready to go and it is for Honeychurch/Webb (although it would be pretty horrible to name Webb if there was no intention to play him).

[ReLoad]

Ive given up on our MC, I mean I know they are certified genius(tm) level selectors, but gosh they make it hard to understand what on earth is going on.....

No ruckman.... No worries?

[LostDoggy]

It has been mentioned somewhere here that Trengove has a history of completely beating up on Brisbane. It adds even more weight and likelihood to the “late in” theory/camp.

My guess is that it will be for Bont (suspecting he won’t be 100%) but my hope is that he is ready to go and it is for Honeychurch/Webb (although it would be pretty horrible to name Webb if there was no intention to play him).

There has been some talk that Suckling didn't get through full training yesterday, he is another potential out?

[hujsh]

Also an easy one to overlook is that Honey is in and Jong is out. Don't agree with that. Not sure what Honey offers that we don't get form Jong.

[Mantis]

If HC isn't in the team to tag Zorko then I don't know what role he plays. His ability to distribute the ball effectively is well below average for a player of his size so the only option I see is for him is to negate a key member of the opposing team.

[Axe Man]

If you take Bevo at his word they wouldn't have picked the Bont if they were unsure, unlike last week:


“But he got through training last week and then was sore afterwards and we gave him until early morning Friday to let us know. We won't go that far, we just won't pick him if he can't train Thursday.”

Yes he could still be a late out if he hasn't pulled up well from training yesterday, but I would expect him to play.

[Mofra]

I reckon the 2 players that need to be watched closely are Zorko and Rich. I like Wallis predominantly HFF on Rich, with Dunkley changing, while we'll probably rotate on Zorko, a bit HC, a bit Dunkley, a bit Dahlhaus?
Beams is better than both, but Zorko is more taggable.

[Mofra]

If HC isn't in the team to tag Zorko then I don't know what role he plays. His ability to distribute the ball effectively is well below average for a player of his size so the only option I see is for him is to negate a key member of the opposing team.
He took Harbrow last week so perhaps negate Rich's rebound as a defensive forward?

Then Wallis plays a run with role on Zorko and Macrae goes head to head with Beams. Leaves McLean as the 'free' midfielder and he's in career best form.

They're tall in the front half so we will really want Crozier, Williams and Richards to run off at every opportunity and tall in the back half so the chaos ball might get a work out this round.

[bornadog]

Ive given up on our MC, I mean I know they are certified genius(tm) level selectors, but gosh they make it hard to understand what on earth is going on.....

No ruckman.... No worries?

Tom Boyd. Richmond play with one ruck

[Greystache]

Tom Boyd. Richmond play with one ruck

But it's not Jack Riewoldt. They play a ruckman AND Jack Riewoldt.

We play Boyd and no one else.

[jeemak]

Exactly. This is what shits me. Boyd will be semi-serviceable in the ruck... He's over 200cm and 100kg. He will never develop into a gun KPP because he's never given enough time to develop into a gun KPP. If we don't have any patience to developed a pick one (by a country mile), some called once in a generation forward, then we will never ever develop one. I started a now locked thread about the last thing you want the dogs coach to say now we drafted Boyd (at the time). I said something like, 'we've found our new full back'. I was close to my fear.

I'm going to call the Hyperbole Police onto you if you keep this up.

[jeemak]

I reckon the 2 players that need to be watched closely are Zorko and Rich. I like Wallis predominantly HFF on Rich, with Dunkley changing, while we'll probably rotate on Zorko, a bit HC, a bit Dunkley, a bit Dahlhaus?

Rich is the type of player who could get completely off the chain and punish a young team trying to put together a team defence, like ourselves.

I think we need to put a number of players through the middle and through the blokes you've mentioned.

[Mantis]

He took Harbrow last week so perhaps negate Rich's rebound as a defensive forward?

Potentially, but Rich is a pretty strongly built player so might be able to push off HC.


Then Wallis plays a run with role on Zorko and Macrae goes head to head with Beams. Leaves McLean as the 'free' midfielder and he's in career best form.

Not sure Wallis has the ability to spread with Zorko... Would also think Robinson will go to Macrae.


They're tall in the front half so we will really want Crozier, Williams and Richards to run off at every opportunity and tall in the back half so the chaos ball might get a work out this round.

Long bombs inside 50 won't be what we will be after this week so hopefully we are able to create some space and separation and then lower our eyes.

[bulldogtragic]

I'm going to call the Hyperbole Police onto you if you keep this up.

Your threats don't scare me. Neither does the end of the world, which is close by the way.

[LostDoggy]

How's this for a stark difference;

Brisbane 5 tallest players; McInerney 204, Hipwood 203, Andrews 201, Eagles 200, Martin 199.

Dogs 5 tallest players; Boyd 200, Young 197, Naughton 195, Cordy 193, Bontempelli 193.

Their 5th tallest in Martin, ours is the Bont.

[Axe Man]

Long bombs inside 50 won't be what we will be after this week so hopefully we are able to create some space and separation and then lower our eyes.

We are number 1 in the league for marks inside 50 so lowering our eyes and hitting up a target is one of the few things we have been doing well this year. Their tall backline may just play into our hands if can continue this trend. If only we could convert all those chances...

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Why did we recruit so many giants, but yet continue to pick a midget team?

Our recruiting and our match planning are absolute polar opposites and I know I've banged on about it enough but I just can't understand where the breakdown is coming from.

We clearly have no intention to develop Boyd as a key forward. We don't value rucks. We don't even value key forwards. But we've heavily recruited personnel for both positions and we play them all VFL and/or out of position.

WHY!?

The 'Bevo has a plan' line infuriates me no end. Maybe he does - he wants to run taller sides off their feet. Fine. So why did we recruit Trengove and Schache, plus keep Campbell/Roughy and to a lesser extent re-sign Roberts/Collins? We drafted Naughton too, who obviously has done well to date.

Campbell is fit enough to play and so is Trengove, so injury isn't an excuse. If we really wanted a tall forward present we'd play Schache with Boyd.

Just can't understand our recruiting v match day planning.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Why did we recruit so many giants, but yet continue to pick a midget team?

Our recruiting and our match planning are absolute polar opposites and I know I've banged on about it enough but I just can't understand where the breakdown is coming from.

We clearly have no intention to develop Boyd as a key forward. We don't value rucks. We don't even value key forwards. But we've heavily recruited personnel for both positions and we play them all VFL and/or out of position.

WHY!?

The 'Bevo has a plan' line infuriates me no end. Maybe he does - he wants to run taller sides off their feet. Fine. So why did we recruit Trengove and Schache, plus keep Campbell/Roughy and to a lesser extent re-sign Roberts/Collins? We drafted Naughton too, who obviously has done well to date.

Campbell is fit enough to play and so is Trengove, so injury isn't an excuse. If we really wanted a tall forward present we'd play Schache with Boyd.


Just can't understand our recruiting v match day planning.
Our inability to recruit quality midfielders at the expense of an over indulgence of taller ruck/ key position players is both confusing and worrying. Clubs like Richmond Sydney and Hawthorn have been far more adept in targeting small to medium size players. If you play Schache to play as a key forward then why not play Tom Boyd in the ruck where he was a strong factor in our 2016 Premiership. If you recruit Naughton and Young as key defenders and retain Morris, do we need Collins and Adams plus Trengrove whose best position with PA was as a key defender. It would appear that Campbell and Roberts are now out of favour with Bevo going forward. Roughead’s best position has been as a second string ruckman which now appears superfluous to the way the game is now being played with the stronger Clubs getting by with one key ruckman. We have one quality midfielder in Bont now with Liberatore out injured. It isn’t good enough. A good centre line of Hunter Maclean and Macrae has been some compensation. Without Picken and the struggling Dickson we lack quality goalkickers at ground level. Lipinski and Gowers are emerging talent as goalkickers. Bevo lacks off field support. Whether Sam Power is the answer remains to be seen. Clubs like Richmond and Hawthorn have lured outstanding football people in Neil Balme and Graham Wright, Head of Recruitment at Hawthorn who has put an outstanding reputation.

[Ozza]

Wallis on Zorko isn’t an option - Wallis would need a motorised scooter to go with the Zork - and I like Wal.

Picking zero tall forwards/just Boyd as a ruck is irresponsible. Yeah, maybe we’ll win, but not at the selection table where they are just being smart arses. It is no way to build the side going forward where we will surely need Boyd PLUS one other tall - whether as a ruck or a forward. We can’t just pick what we think is a clever selection for that weekend and hope it works out - at some point we need to back in a sustainable line up. If anyone thinks that Dunkley/Bont as 2 ruck/tall forward is sustainable, then let’s revisit down the track and see how we are going.

[bornadog]

Wallis on Zorko isn’t an option - Wallis would need a motorised scooter to go with the Zork - and I like Wal.

Picking zero tall forwards/just Boyd as a ruck is irresponsible. Yeah, maybe we’ll win, but not at the selection table where they are just being smart arses. It is no way to build the side going forward where we will surely need Boyd PLUS one other tall - whether as a ruck or a forward. We can’t just pick what we think is a clever selection for that weekend and hope it works out - at some point we need to back in a sustainable line up. If anyone thinks that Dunkley/Bont as 2 ruck/tall forward is sustainable, then let’s revisit down the track and see how we are going.

At the moment we are manufacturing a team from those available. The MC hasn't had alot of options due to the injuries we have had. Our delivery into the forward line has been the best it has been for along time with many marks taken inside 50, something we haven't done well in the past. The issue has been conversion to goal, not a lack of a key forward. Schache will get his go when he starts performing consistently. If he can put in a good performance this week I think he may be ready for seniors.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Why did we recruit so many giants, but yet continue to pick a midget team?

Our recruiting and our match planning are absolute polar opposites and I know I've banged on about it enough but I just can't understand where the breakdown is coming from.

We clearly have no intention to develop Boyd as a key forward. We don't value rucks. We don't even value key forwards. But we've heavily recruited personnel for both positions and we play them all VFL and/or out of position.

WHY!?

The 'Bevo has a plan' line infuriates me no end. Maybe he does - he wants to run taller sides off their feet. Fine. So why did we recruit Trengove and Schache, plus keep Campbell/Roughy and to a lesser extent re-sign Roberts/Collins? We drafted Naughton too, who obviously has done well to date.

Campbell is fit enough to play and so is Trengove, so injury isn't an excuse. If we really wanted a tall forward present we'd play Schache with Boyd.

Just can't understand our recruiting v match day planning.
Campbell is still our best tap ruck man and would be our best option to match Martin who is in terrific form. Hard to understand that you would recruit a 150 game plus player in Trengrove and leave him languishing in the VFL. Honeychurch did very well as a tag on the Bombers Merrett and just might be the best suited to play on Zorko.

[hujsh]

At the moment we are manufacturing a team from those available. The MC hasn't had alot of options due to the injuries we have had. Our delivery into the forward line has been the best it has been for along time with many marks taken inside 50, something we haven't done well in the past. The issue has been conversion to goal, not a lack of a key forward. Schache will get his go when he starts performing consistently. If he can put in a good performance this week I think he may be ready for seniors.

We have 2-3 rucks available yet I don't see any in the team

[Bulldog4life]

Be interesting to see if all 4 emergencies play against Port. today.

[LostDoggy]

Campbell is still our best tap ruck man and would be our best option to match Martin who is in terrific form. Hard to understand that you would recruit a 150 game plus player in Trengrove and leave him languishing in the VFL. Honeychurch did very well as a tag on the Bombers Merrett and just might be the best suited to play on Zorko.
Trengove is our best option against Martin. As mentoined earlier in the thread, the last time they went head to head Trengove had a monster game and got 3 Brownlow votes.

[bornadog]

Trengove is our best option against Martin. As mentoined earlier in the thread, the last time they went head to head Trengove had a monster game and got 3 Brownlow votes.
Playing in the VFL, so no late change for him

[The Underdog]

Campbell is still our best tap ruck man and would be our best option to match Martin who is in terrific form. Hard to understand that you would recruit a 150 game plus player in Trengrove and leave him languishing in the VFL. Honeychurch did very well as a tag on the Bombers Merrett and just might be the best suited to play on Zorko.

I don’t care what the problem is. Campbell is never the best option.

[bornadog]

I don’t care what the problem is. Campbell is never the best option.

Needs to show more around the ground

[bornadog]

Suckling will be the only player over 25 years old tonight

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

I don’t care what the problem is. Campbell is never the best option.

I take my soundings from two former Club Champions whose opinions I respect regarding Campbell.