Buckenara analyses Western Bulldogs

[GVGjr]

Part one (https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/western-bulldogs/gary-buckenara-analyses-western-bulldogs-list-after-the-2018-season/news-story/9efe1bebab3314399efb1449c277283d)

THE Bulldogs have been crippled by injuries over the last two years and despite missing the finals, this list is capable of playing and winning finals next year.

Looking at the group of players who missed large chunks of the season – Easton Wood, Liam Picken, Tom Liberatore, Dale Morris, Matt Suckling, Tom Boyd, Tory Dickson, Bailey Dale, Marcus Adams (although he’s now left) and Lin Jong – they’re all good AFL players who add much-needed experience and structure.

Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae and Hayden Crozier also missed several weeks, which placed further strain on the already very young group.

Winning the flag in 2016 was a fantastic achievement but the concern I had was whether the fanatical brand of football that took this club to the pinnacle was sustainable. It was always going to be hard to back up that form and game style in 2017 and 2018 but the injury toll has made that task even harder.

Put those players back into Luke Beveridge’s team for the majority of the season and I’m confident the Bulldogs will rise up the ladder next year and again be a finals threat. I’m bullish about what this club and this list can produce and achieve.

What the injuries toll has done, however, is exposed some young players to senior level earlier than expected with some surprising – and exciting - results.

Aaron Naughton was a revelation as a key defender (and at times key forward) and has all the hallmarks of a 200-game player, Ed Richards was outstanding both across halfback and half forward and will only get better and Josh Schache is finally showing signs at AFL level of the talent that earned him the reputation as one of the hottest key position players in his draft year. You don’t get taken with No.2 in the draft for nothing.

It also provided Toby McLean and Josh Dunkley the opportunity to spend more time in the midfield and thrived, with both players enjoying the best seasons of their young careers. Their development in these roles, and the fact they took on greater responsibility, will hold the club in good stead next year and into the future.

The reason I’m bullish about this list is that talent and ability doesn’t disappear overnight. It’s the constant grind and adversity that arises during a long and arduous season that challenges players and their will to compete.

There is some serious talent on this list – Bontempelli, Macrae, Wood, Jason Johannisen, Lachie Hunter, Liberatore, Picken and Morris are all very good players, while Caleb Daniel, Mitch Wallis, Tory Dickson, Tom Boyd, Hayden Crozier, Jackson Trengove and Suckling are all experienced players who have the ability, and have proven before, to be very good contributors.

Then there are the emerging players led by Naughton, Richards, Dunkley and McLean but they’ve only just scratched the surface of what they can produce. Dale has also shown very good signs but has been hampered by injuries and Tim English should develop, in time, to be a very good AFL ruckman.

The question for the Bulldogs is: How much do they want to commit to be successful again?

The answer to that question has already started with premiership players Luke Dahlhaus and Jordan Roughead departing. Clearly both needed a change of scenery to recapture their best and you get the feeling the decision was mutual.

The Bulldogs had a relatively quiet trade period despite their departure given they wanted Chad Wingard but were beaten by Hawthorn, but did complete some minor deals.

Former Tiger Sam Lloyd and former Hawk Taylor Duryea should be best 22 players next year and didn’t come at a high price, which is a good result. Dahlhaus will be a loss but he hasn’t produced anywhere near his best footy since the 2016 Grand Final.

Marcus Adams’ move to Brisbane wasn’t a high-profile trade but I think he leaves a big hole. I really rate him as a key defender. The Bulldogs will probably need to bolster their defensive stocks at the draft now.

The list is weaker as a result of this year’s trade and free agency period but at least they’ll go to the draft with a strong hand, with three picks in the top 32.

[GVGjr]

Part Two

WESTERN BULLDOGS’ LIST NEEDS

The Bulldogs have a young and well-balanced list but should look to inject some class into the midfield and forward lines. The retirement of Jack Redpath means Schache and Tom Boyd are the only two true key position forwards on the list (although Boyd has been used more as a ruckman), so that should be an area to target during the national and rookie drafts, be it for a developing player or looking to bring in a bigger body via the state leagues.

Conversion in front of goal was an ongoing problem this year, so working on goalkicking will be a priority over the summer. Recruiting players who have good goal sense and are elite kicks will also help in this area.

After two years out of the finals since winning the premiership in 2016, it’s time for every player on the list to step up next year because this list has more talent that its eight-win season suggests.

Every player must commit to being the best AFL player they can be, train hard to get their bodies ready for the rigours of a tough season (and thus hopefully avoid injury) and find that hunger and commitment to play as a team and for each other.

It will be a big season for Tom Liberatore as he returns from his second knee reconstruction, while Matt Suckling struggled at times with his ball use this year – his biggest strength – and will need to become a real leader as one of the most experienced players at the club at 30 years of age.

What does the future hold for Zaine Cordy and Fletcher Roberts? Both have struggled for consistency since being part of the drought-breaking premiership and haven’t rediscovered that form. It’s now or never for both those players to either step up or have their future and positions questioned.

CRYSTAL BALL

There is enough quality and star power on this list that should see this group climb back into contention not only to play finals but to possibly win more silverware – but it’s dependant on whether the group can recapture the fanatical desire to compete that made it a successful team.

[GVGjr]

I wonder if Bucky has had a good look at some of the discussions here?
There is plenty he has written that has been mentioned here

[Bulldog Joe]

Buckenara has some credibility, but in what universe can he question Zaine Cordy, who has been a regular best 22 and strong contributor in the backline.

Cordy is a team player and if he turns out to be our biggest problem we will be going extremely well.

[Mofra]

He has, although I disagree on Cordy - I feel he's been very good for us.

[bulldogtragic]

Highlights to me (again) that we need new fitness and conditioning staff when guys like Bucky are banging on about it too. If injuries are our problem, then new people who do things differently is surely a not negotiable. But I doubt we will change them, and do it all over again next year lamenting our bad luck.

Overall, there's a lot of sense. Although he has no idea about Cordy obviously, mentioning him with Roberts. Zaine should file a defamation suit, he provides a hell of a lot more than Roberts.

[GVGjr]

Cordy aside, it's a balanced and positive view of our list.
As BT mentioned, with some tweaks on our fitness and medical approach (it can't always be about bad luck) then I think we can put in a very competitive side each week but to me it all comes down to attitude and work ethic by this playing group.

Bevo can come up with a good game plan for us so it's all about getting this list fit and focused.

[hujsh]

I feel like there was a similar article last year that was very accurate with it's assessment of the players on our list and then right at the end made one strange call. Maybe that was Buckenara as well?

The Cordy call is a strange one but aside from that mostly follows the consensus you'd find here.

[Axe Man]

Cordy has only kicked 2 goals since the Premiership, he really needs to pull his finger out. :rolleyes:

[EasternWest]

Buckenara has some credibility, but in what universe can he question Zaine Cordy, who has been a regular best 22 and strong contributor in the backline.

Cordy is a team player and if he turns out to be our biggest problem we will be going extremely well.

Yep I don't get that at all. Cordy has been good.

[Testekill]

I agree in that it's a pretty spot on assessment outside of Cordy. Zaine has been one of the few players that have actively lifted since 2016.

[Bullies]

He is very thorough in his analysis of the game is Bucky. Not like other writers/journos who only state the obvious and don't have an understanding of the club lists after the top 10 players. He actually drills down on the lists and calls it as he sees it in regards to depth and talent. A very good judge most times although he has missed on Cordy.

[Doc26]

His Cordy assessment is off the mark as is his high regard for Marcus Adams, that is, Marcus may be theoretically a good player but in practice it just didn't show itself whether through persistent injuries or simply not getting enough continuity to settle into our structure.

Also, I think Toby McLean has shown enough over his years to be categorised higher than simply being an emerging player.

[Axe Man]

His Cordy assessment is off the mark as is his high regard for Marcus Adams, that is, Marcus may be theoretically a good player but in practice it just didn't show itself whether through persistent injuries or simply not getting enough continuity to settle into our structure.

Also, I think Toby McLean has shown enough over his years to be categorised higher than simply being an emerging player.

Toby is emerging, whilst Caleb Daniel is experienced? Mclean is 6 months older than Caleb, although he's played a few less games.

[mjp]

I wonder if Bucky has had a good look at some of the discussions here?
There is plenty he has written that has been mentioned here

I feel I am owed a commission.

[Bulldog Revolution]

I feel I am owed a commission.

Yep - dare I say it, he's been drinking the mjp bathwater

At least some of it made sense

[hujsh]

Yep - dare I say it, he's been drinking the mjp bathwater

At least some of it made sense

If you're going to steal you may as well steal from the best

[Go_Dogs]

Good to see some positivity in the media. A balanced article.

[Twodogs]

I feel I am owed a commission.

I thought that you sandgropers all thought with the same brain anyway! ;)

[bornadog]

He has, although I disagree on Cordy - I feel he's been very good for us.

I thought Cordy was very average this year, although he was pushed into playing a kPP role which didn't suit him. He is more a 3rd tall in the backline.

Overall, I totally agree with Buckenera, they have been my thoughts throughout the last two years.

[Axe Man]

I thought Cordy was very average this year, although he was pushed into playing a kPP role which didn't suit him. He is more a 3rd tall in the backline.

Overall, I totally agree with Buckenera, they have been my thoughts throughout the last two years.

What part of Cordy's game weren't you happy with?

His contested defence loss percentage was 25% in 2018, exactly the same as Alex Rance.

He's never going to be an elite intercept marker or high possession winner, he just needs to defend. Like you say he should be playing on the third tall as much as possible as he doesn't have the size for the gorillas.

[Bulldog Revolution]

What part of Cordy's game weren't you happy with?

His contested defence loss percentage was 25% in 2018, exactly the same as Alex Rance.

He's never going to be an elite intercept marker or high possession winner, he just needs to defend. Like you say he should be playing on the third tall as much as possible as he doesn't have the size for the gorillas.

I wonder if he just isnt tall or heavy enough to just be the brute defensively.

I view him as needing to continue to develop his intercept ability and his kicking - it may never be classical but it can be highly effective at distributing and getting us going again.

[bornadog]

What part of Cordy's game weren't you happy with?

His contested defence loss percentage was 25% in 2018, exactly the same as Alex Rance.

He's never going to be an elite intercept marker or high possession winner, he just needs to defend. Like you say he should be playing on the third tall as much as possible as he doesn't have the size for the gorillas.

Just looking at his games overall for the year, he wasn't outstanding, that is why I used the term average. The reason I put forward is also in my post. I have my opinion, and others have theirs.

[Eastdog]

He has, although I disagree on Cordy - I feel he's been very good for us.

Yeah I more in your camp on Zaine as well Mofra.

[azabob]

What part of Cordy's game weren't you happy with?

His contested defence loss percentage was 25% in 2018, exactly the same as Alex Rance.

He's never going to be an elite intercept marker or high possession winner, he just needs to defend. Like you say he should be playing on the third tall as much as possible as he doesn't have the size for the gorillas.

If that one on one stat is true that is amazingly good, especially considering Cordy would spend a truck load more time on forwards than Rance would’ve!

[Axe Man]

Just looking at his games overall for the year, he wasn't outstanding, that is why I used the term average. The reason I put forward is also in my post. I have my opinion, and others have theirs.

I was asking your opinion, not questioning it. I still am unclear what aspect of Cordys game you think was very average?

To me very average = poor, take out the very and the meaning changes somewhat.

[bornadog]

I was asking your opinion, not questioning it. I still am unclear what aspect of Cordys you think was very average?

To me very average = poor, take out the very and the meaning changes somewhat.

I thought he did his job, but was nothing outstanding. Hope that is clear.

He is not a KPP, but we had to play him as one due to circumstances. I don't believe he and Morris can play in the same team, but he is the ready replacement.

[Mantis]

I thought he did his job, but was nothing outstanding. Hope that is clear.

He is not a KPP, but we had to play him as one due to circumstances. I don't believe he and Morris can play in the same team, but he is the ready replacement.

As clear as mud!

What part of his game was average? Some examples might include his ability to defend, ability to get off his man, etc.

[bornadog]

As clear as mud!

What part of his game was average? Some examples might include his ability to defend, ability to get off his man, etc.

Can't be bothered, I am on holiday. :D

[Ghost Dog]

Cordy aside, it's a balanced and positive view of our list.
As BT mentioned, with some tweaks on our fitness and medical approach (it can't always be about bad luck) then I think we can put in a very competitive side each week but to me it all comes down to attitude and work ethic by this playing group.

Bevo can come up with a good game plan for us so it's all about getting this list fit and focused.

Actually think there are a few positives not mentioned. Bevo is still a very young coach and we got another year of experience into him. He will continue to get better. Pretty excited about our list, especially Billy Gowers. If he keeps improving, going to be an absolute boss up in the forward line. I'm glad the article didn't delve too much into the 'party boy' issue.
Kicking accuracy continues to haunt us. Will 2019 be the year we try to end this hoodoo?

[Cyberdoggie]

He has, although I disagree on Cordy - I feel he's been very good for us.

Agreed,

A pretty realistic review but Cordy was one of our bests.
I don't think he remembered that he had barely played a game during the 2016 finals and was playing as a stop gap defensive forward.

This year was one where he really showed he could be a key defender, his desperation and reliability a highlight.
If it wasn't for that bad knock he received that slowed him down he would of been right up in the B&F.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Cordy together with Macrae and Maclean were three of the few players that continued to show good form beyond 2016. Cordy for the most part became our best key defender. A very under rated player.

[bulldogtragic]

Buckanara thinks we can win the premiership next year. His analysis is in the herald sun. I'm trying to post it but getting a 403 error. Worth a read if someone else can post it.

[bornadog]

Buckanara thinks we can win the premiership next year. His analysis is in the herald sun. I'm trying to post it but getting a 403 error. Worth a read if someone else can post it.

When you are posting, try paste as plain text. I can't get to it because of paywall. The 403 error is a nuisance.

[bulldogtragic]

When you are posting, try paste as plain text. I can't get to it because of paywall. The 403 error is a nuisance.

Doesn't like it either. Why does the 403 error exist?

[The Adelaide Connection]

Something is definitely wrong. I tried to copy and paste it in a number of different ways and kept getting the same ‘Forbidden 403’ message.

I wouldn’t even let me quote anyone without the error code coming up (and I had the same problem the other night in the fitness thread).

[GVGjr]

All,

The problem will be fixed by the end of the month

[bulldogtragic]

Well, Buckanara says we are the real deal next year and going on. Good analysis. Thinks some ruck insurance for Tim would be nice and a small forward would round us off nicely. Thinks Josh Schache will soon flourish. Our list is among the best.

[GVGjr]

Gary Buckenara - The Bulldogs are building something special and we could see another piece of silverware heading to Whitten Oval as soon as next year.

I rate the list so highly. We saw glimpses of what this group of players — led by stars Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae, Jason Johannisen and Easton Wood — is capable of in the second half of the season, despite bowing out in the first week of the finals. Buckenara analyses the Western Bulldogs’ list after the 2019 season

The Bulldogs have been able to overcome adversity in the years since its 2016 premiership and again endured disruptions this season with the retirements of Liam Picken and Tom Boyd and injuries to key players, including Tom Liberatore and Caleb Daniel.

After missing the finals in 2017, the club has been able to rejuvenate its list in the space of two years and I expect Luke Beveridge’s team to be a serious premiership threat in 2020.

The emergence of Aaron Naughton, who is going to be a superstar, Josh Dunkley, Bailey Smith, Ed Richards, Bailey Dale and Tim English has the Bulldogs in the enviable position of having one of the most exciting young lists in the AFL.

The signs for Josh Schache are also positive after struggling at Brisbane and despite being in and out of the senior side this year. He kicked 24 goals in 14 matches, including hauls of four and three goals in four games and was held goalless just three times. His last quarter against Hawthorn in Round 2, where he kicked three goals in the final term to finish with four for the game, showed exactly what he’s capable of. I’m really excited to see what he can produce over the next 6-7 years.

I see eight potential stars of the future on this current Bulldogs list, players who have the talent to develop into A or B-grade players, and if they can realise their potential then they will form the nucleus of a seriously good side as they play alongside already established stars Bontempelli (23 years old), Macrae (24), Johannisen (26) and Liberatore (27).

The Bulldogs have gone into this year’s trade period with a plan and have a clear understanding of what their list needs and will address two needs — key-position players forward and back through the expected additions of Josh Bruce from St Kilda and Alex Keath from Adelaide.

Bruce is a flexible player who is athletic for his size and has been a good goal kicker for the Saints.

He’ll form a nice partnership with Naughton and Schache and will likely get the second or third defender. This forward line is going to create some serious headaches for opposition coaches in the coming years. I think the Dogs’ pick No.32 is a fair trade.

Keath is an interesting one. He’s shown good signs as a key defender who can intercept mark but he’s only really played one good season, and that was this year.

He will shore up the Dogs’ defence and be the man who can play on the bigger forwards. The Crows will want top dollar for him but I’d offer pick No.44 or a future second or third-round pick.

[Rocket Science]

Yay. Expectation. What could possibly go wrong.

Forgive me, it's pretty much genetic when you support this club.

[jeemak]

I honestly believe we'll come out at the start of next year like we did at the start of 2016, easily in the top couple or so teams in the competition - which we were then before the injuries kicked in.