2019 JLT Series - Match 1 Gold Coast Suns V Western Bulldogs

[Eastdog]

https://m.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/2019-02-28/jlt-squad-1

Midfielder Tom Liberatore is set to play his first match in twelve months when the Western Bulldogs take on Gold Coast in their 2019 JLT Community Series match on Sunday.

The Bulldogs have named an extended 30-player squad for the clash at Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena.

Liberatore, who sustained an ACL injury in Round 1 last season, has been named in a forward pocket.

The Bulldogs are also set to unveil multiple new faces.

Recruit Sam Lloyd has been named on a half forward flank, with fellow recruit Taylor Duryea named on an extended bench alongside draftees Bailey Smith, Rhylee West, Ben Cavarra, Will Hayes and Lachlan Young.

With up to eight players permitted on the bench for the pre-season matches, the Bulldogs’ extended squad will be reduced to a maximum of 26 players at 5pm tomorrow.

JLT Community Series
Gold Coast Suns v Western Bulldogs
Sunday 3 March, 6.40pm AEST
Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay


Full back E Wood A Naughton D Morris
Half back H Crozier Z Cordy C Daniel
Centreline L Hunter J Macrae E Richards
Half forward B Gowers T English S Lloyd
Full forward T McLean M Bontempelli T Liberatore
Followers J Trengove J Dunkley M Wallis
Interchange M Suckling J Schache P Lipinski
W Hayes R West T Duryea
B Smith B Cavarra T Dickson
L Young B Williams F Greene

[Eastdog]

All match discussion in this thread.

Go Dogs!

[hujsh]

Some good players on that there bench. Not sure who I'd narrow it down to for round 1

[bornadog]

Trengove named as first ruck with English CHF and The Bont FF and Schache on the bench

[Smads57]

Interesting to note La Young in and no sign of Le Young

[Insufficient Intent]

Interesting to note La Young in and no sign of Le Young

Oui, je me demande pourquoi?:confused::confused:

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Oui, je me demande pourquoi?:confused::confused:


Avant Bulldogs, nous étions des Impériaux Français.

[Axe Man]

Interesting to note La Young in and no sign of Le Young

I guess Lewis is still behind Naughton, Cordy and Morris as a tall defender. He should get chances through the year if his form warrants it.

Lachie has received a few wraps during the pre-season so it looks like he is being rewarded with at least a squad spot.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Looking at the side as selected, we need rebound off half back so La Young ahead of Le Young.

[divvydan]

We've reduced our squad down to 24 players.

Emergencies: F.Greene 30, L.Young 40, J.Schache 13, R.West 14, B.Cavarra 25, T.Dickson 29


So new players playing are: Lloyd, Duryea, Hayes and Smith.

[bornadog]

We've reduced our squad down to 24 players.

Emergencies: F.Greene 30, L.Young 40, J.Schache 13, R.West 14, B.Cavarra 25, T.Dickson 29


So new players playing are: Lloyd, Duryea, Hayes and Smith.

I wonder why we aren't going with 8 on the bench??


B: E.Wood 10, A.Naughton 33, D.Morris 38
HB: H.Crozier 9, Z.Cordy 12, C.Daniel 35
C: L.Hunter 7, J.Macrae 11, E.Richards 20
HF: B.Gowers 26, T.English 44, S.Lloyd 22
F: T.McLean 16, M.Bontempelli 4, T.Liberatore 21
Foll: J.Trengove 8, J.Dunkley 5, M.Wallis 3
I/C: M.Suckling 1, B.Smith 6, T.Duryea 15, P.Lipinski 27, W.Hayes 32, B.Williams 34

[Axe Man]

I wonder why we aren't going with 8 on the bench??


B: E.Wood 10, A.Naughton 33, D.Morris 38
HB: H.Crozier 9, Z.Cordy 12, C.Daniel 35
C: L.Hunter 7, J.Macrae 11, E.Richards 20
HF: B.Gowers 26, T.English 44, S.Lloyd 22
F: T.McLean 16, M.Bontempelli 4, T.Liberatore 21
Foll: J.Trengove 8, J.Dunkley 5, M.Wallis 3
I/C: M.Suckling 1, B.Smith 6, T.Duryea 15, P.Lipinski 27, W.Hayes 32, B.Williams 34

Saving money on airfares and accommodation?

[Go_Dogs]

I wonder why we aren't going with 8 on the bench??


B: E.Wood 10, A.Naughton 33, D.Morris 38
HB: H.Crozier 9, Z.Cordy 12, C.Daniel 35
C: L.Hunter 7, J.Macrae 11, E.Richards 20
HF: B.Gowers 26, T.English 44, S.Lloyd 22
F: T.McLean 16, M.Bontempelli 4, T.Liberatore 21
Foll: J.Trengove 8, J.Dunkley 5, M.Wallis 3
I/C: M.Suckling 1, B.Smith 6, T.Duryea 15, P.Lipinski 27, W.Hayes 32, B.Williams 34

Looks like our best 18 has been selected, and there's a few players who'd be very keen to ensure they have a place in the side come round one.

[Testekill]

I wonder why we aren't going with 8 on the bench??


B: E.Wood 10, A.Naughton 33, D.Morris 38
HB: H.Crozier 9, Z.Cordy 12, C.Daniel 35
C: L.Hunter 7, J.Macrae 11, E.Richards 20
HF: B.Gowers 26, T.English 44, S.Lloyd 22
F: T.McLean 16, M.Bontempelli 4, T.Liberatore 21
Foll: J.Trengove 8, J.Dunkley 5, M.Wallis 3
I/C: M.Suckling 1, B.Smith 6, T.Duryea 15, P.Lipinski 27, W.Hayes 32, B.Williams 34

I think that we're trying to get as much time with a proper bench as possible so that players are pacing themselves like the regular season instead of going all in on a longer bench so that more players can get a smaller amount of game time.

[Smads57]

Heading off to Mackay this morning (no room in my bag for you Easty). Club has advised players will be at Great Barrier Reef Arena at 4 pm today for an 'open' Captain's Run (for anyone else travelling/in Mackay).

I also noted the smaller than necessary bench, but Woofers might remember that Bevo played the same card in last years pre season games and his stated aim was to mimic the real season as early as possible.

[Hotdog60]

I was thinking of going but a 10 hrs drive there and 10 hrs back and being on a Sunday night made it no for me.

[Flamethrower]

Heading off to Mackay this morning (no room in my bag for you Easty). Club has advised players will be at Great Barrier Reef Arena at 4 pm today for an 'open' Captain's Run (for anyone else travelling/in Mackay).

I also noted the smaller than necessary bench, but Woofers might remember that Bevo played the same card in last years pre season games and his stated aim was to mimic the real season as early as possible.

I can understand Bevo's thinking in having a reduced bench to best replicate the H&A season, but with such a limited preseason schedule I would be more cognisant of giving as many players as possible some game time at senior level. This would also keep key players as fresh as possible by limiting their game time.


If the governing body allows it take full advantage of the extended squad sizes, especially playing JLT1 in the oppressive conditions of a FNQ summer.

[mjp]

Looks like our best 18 has been selected, and there's a few players who'd be very keen to ensure they have a place in the side come round one.

Dickson isn’t best 18? Schache isn’t best 18? I’m not sure about that...I still think they are messing around.

To me it makes sense to play 24 and have clear roles/rotations for each player. I’m not sure how many people appreciate how hard this gets when you have MORE players...you end up with too many players for ‘minutes’ (game time) and you can’t get the rotations done. Like a game of basketball...if you have too many players who NEED to play, no one gets enough time and you end up being constantly unclear about everyone and how they best fits.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

I wonder why we aren't going with 8 on the bench??


B: E.Wood 10, A.Naughton 33, D.Morris 38
HB: H.Crozier 9, Z.Cordy 12, C.Daniel 35
C: L.Hunter 7, J.Macrae 11, E.Richards 20
HF: B.Gowers 26, T.English 44, S.Lloyd 22
F: T.McLean 16, M.Bontempelli 4, T.Liberatore 21
Foll: J.Trengove 8, J.Dunkley 5, M.Wallis 3
I/C: M.Suckling 1, B.Smith 6, T.Duryea 15, P.Lipinski 27, W.Hayes 32, B.Williams 34

To confuse the opposition, spies and supporters (by default).
I think last year we did the same but gave some guys that missed out a go in next game.

[Jeanette54]

Avant Bulldogs, nous étions des Impériaux Français.

Sorry…. you've got a bucket of what ???

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Sorry…. you've got a bucket of what ???
A bucket of joy from the premiership.

[hujsh]

A bucket of joy from the premiership.

Please don't elaborate further on what this 'joy' consists of.

[Smads57]

Players just finishing up Captains Run. Only thing of note (apart from being no-one here!), was Gowers, Smith and Suckling not joining in all the exercises. GCS also training on nearby oval. I am watching this all unfold from the Mackay Leagues Club (for want of a better description) and it’s full on Nth Qld Cowboy fans who are playing the Storm in an NRL practice match in the same sporting precinct this evening. Real culture lesson for this western suburbs boy!

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Please don't elaborate further on what this 'joy' consists of.

You're not a fan?

[hujsh]

You're not a fan?

Not if it involves buckets

[Insufficient Intent]

Players just finishing up Captains Run. Only thing of note (apart from being no-one here!), was Gowers, Smith and Suckling not joining in all the exercises. GCS also training on nearby oval. I am watching this all unfold from the Mackay Leagues Club (for want of a better description) and it’s full on Nth Qld Cowboy fans who are playing the Storm in an NRL practice match in the same sporting precinct this evening. Real culture lesson for this western suburbs boy!

Nice bit of Our Man on the Spot reporting Smads, thanks!
Hope you survived the night in the deep dark NRL North:):)

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Not if it involves buckets
It doesnt thats Jeanette's sense of humour. It says 'Before we were Bulldogs we were French Imperials.'

[hujsh]

It doesnt thats Jeanette's sense of humour. It says 'Before we were Bulldogs we were French Imperials.'

Yeah I was just joking.

[ratsmac]

I know this is only a practice match but if we don't easily account for the Suns, I'd be concerned a little about our season. The Suns were once again pillaged in the trade period and are pretty much starting all over again.

I really hope to see a functioning forward half. We were so bad for much of last year up forward so you would hope we have worked hard during the preseason. It's a shame Schache isn't front and center today because I would have thought he was being groomed to be our big focal point going forward. Bevo doesn't gift games just because you are the right size, this we know. Who knows what the thinking is behind this! Anyway a organised forward line with good movement is one thing I will be looking for.

I can't wait to see Bailey Smith in action too. Sam Walsh showed why he was the pick of the bunch in his first hit out, let's hope Bailey gives us a glimpse of what to expect as well.

[Eastdog]

Looking forward to the first hit out of 2019.

Will be interested to see how the new recruits go. Bailey Smith a top 10 pick being talked up so like ratsmac will be good to see how he goes. I’ll be keen to see how we go in the ruck tonight.

The forward half is where we need to be better as well as I think we have good midfield potential and look quite good down in the back half.

Let’s do it Bulldogs for my Birthday as well which is tomorrow.

[Dry Rot]

So Foxtel will be televising it at 6.40pm? Asking because I will be travelling to a venue to watch it.

[Eastdog]

7:40pm AEST I believe.

Good on you Smads for making the trip up. That is true Bulldog dedication.

[Dry Rot]

7:40pm AEST I believe.

Good on you Smads for making the trip up. That is true Bulldog dedication.

Thanks. So it is not live but an hour delay?

[Eastdog]

Thanks. So it is not live but an hour delay?

It is live on Fox footy. If you are in Melbourne and Sydney it’s at 7:40 our time but Mackay time in FNQ it starts at 6:40pm. So they are an hour behind us.

[chef]

Thanks. So it is not live but an hour delay?

Its live. 6:40 Queensland time which is 7:40 in NSW/Victoria

[Dry Rot]

Thanks for the replies.

GO DOGS!

[HOSE B ROMERO]

If you want to watch the game for free Kayo sports have a free 14 day trial which seems legit.

[Dry Rot]

If you want to watch the game for free Kayo sports have a free 14 day trial which seems legit.

Does Kayo offer later replays of games as well, or just the live broadcast?

[hujsh]

Does Kayo offer later replays of games as well, or just the live broadcast?

You can replay it later or start watching partway through from the beginning.

Pretty sure the 2018 games are still up too

[Eastdog]

Carn the Dogs!

[Smads57]

At the ground now - weather looks like it should be ok. Humidity for the day has dissipated. Ground is in fantastic nick. Players from both teams have completed a 20 min warm up on the ground. All looks good for the first bounce here in FNQ at 6.40. Not a big crowd and more GCS supporters, it is a great atmosphere however (either that or I have had too many drinks at the bar)! Seriously though it is a great venue for watching local footy and Woofers who like to watch local footy will get my drift.

[Happy Days]

Any ideas on who isn't playing from the selected squad?

[Smads57]

For SC players, Rankine is 37 and Luko 41 for GCS

[HOSE B ROMERO]

You can replay it later or start watching partway through from the beginning.

Pretty sure the 2018 games are still up too

And you can do the split screen thing if you wish. ive just got to figure out how..............

[Smads57]

Any ideas on who isn't playing from the selected squad?
bulldogs website showed Schache, Cavarro, La Young and Dickson and I haven’t seen them in the training drills either

[kruder]

I'm guessing Schache isn't playing due to forecasted conditions? Surprised not to se him there.

[Eastdog]

Good mark Bont but needed to convert.

[Eastdog]

And Hunter misses one!

Still it’s only pre season :)

[GVGjr]

That was an awful error by Hunter that resulted in a great goal to Rankine
Hunter never went with the first option waited and then delivered what should have been an easy kick under knee high.

He needs to be a lot better than that

[jeemak]

Disgusting kicking to start the season.

[Eastdog]

Disgusting kicking to start the season.

Pre season training we have working on that but it needs to come out now.

[Rocket Science]

Oh good, pissing away easy set shots and Daniel isolated deep against taller opponents.

Just like old times.

[jeemak]

How can our skills be so much worse than GC's?

[AshMac]

Couple of simple errors from not taking first option. Ball looks a little slipper and we look a touch off w finesse which you’d expect in JLT.

Been 3 minutes, but like the look of Lloyd.

[ledge]

We are getting caught on the rebound terribly.

[lemmon]

Lipinski has added some real size through the middle. Has that Ryan Griffen-style thick hips and a**e.

English looking to throw himself around too.

[ledge]

Couple of simple errors from not taking first option. Ball looks a little slipper and we look a touch off w finesse which you’d expect in JLT.

Been 3 minutes, but like the look of Lloyd.

Sorry but you can’t use the fitness excuse both sides are the same.

[Eastdog]

Great goal Suckers. That great left foot.

[jeemak]

What a finish from Suckers...…...following two good kicks from Gowers and English.

[jeemak]

Ruckman and ambition is the worst combination on a footy field.

[AshMac]

Sorry but you can’t use the fitness excuse both sides are the same.

Finesse not fitness.

I’m talking about their finishing w easy possessions. You’d hope our fitness was ok at this stage...

[Eastdog]

Hunter seems have had a lot of it but what is his disposal efficiency? Bont been involved. Great to see Libba back.

[GVGjr]

Lipinski has added some real size through the middle. Has that Ryan Griffen-style thick hips and a**e.

English looking to throw himself around too.

Lipinski will be a good player for us.

[Eastdog]

Clever from Macrae to Bont to Gowers Goal!

[bornadog]

How can our skills be so much worse than GC's?

Have you got n AFL Pass? I am in Singapore at the moment and don't have access

[GVGjr]

Easton Wood misses an easy enough set shot earlier on but the commentators let it slide

[jeemak]

Have you got n AFL Pass? I am in Singapore at the moment and don't have access

No......I have a roaming sim card that I'm able to access Foxtel with...…..

[Smads57]

Flukey wind not helping, but both sides have to deal with it. GCS just cleaner and a bit better anticipating the loose ball.

[jeemak]

Easton Wood misses an easy enough set shot earlier on but the commentators let it slide

It looked to be a pretty tough shot actually, given the angle.

[bulldogtragic]

I was pumped at the opening siren. But I've seen this footy before. Poor skill finishing, almost the quarter without a goal, very easy shots being missed. Hopefully we are not following on from last year, and that was just a one off poor quarter against a team of kids and rejects.

[Smads57]

Smith and Williams yet to get a run

[kruder]

Nice to see Bont actually play midfield we are a much better side when he does. Is moving really well. He still seems to have the yips from that final against Adelaide in 15, needs to sort out his goal kicking like many.

[AshMac]

Hayes looks to be running very hard.

Lots of body work on English which he is struggling with. Will only get better

[bulldogtragic]

Hunter already missing an easy set shot, now dribbles one at goal with a GCS player on the line. Maybe we have to accept this is a part of his footy DNA.

[Eastdog]

Nice goal Libba!

[Eastdog]

Had all the forward pressure but need to do more up there and had more possession.

[AshMac]

Lovely composure by Caleb daniel to setup that goal

[GVGjr]

It looked to be a pretty tough shot actually, given the angle.

35 to 40 out and a slight not tight angle. Wallis kicked it from the other end

[bornadog]

No......I have a roaming sim card that I'm able to access Foxtel with...…..

I have my VPN running but errors on foxtel:mad:

[GVGjr]

Tackle count is a bit down

[Eastdog]

Liking Aaron Naughton’s game.

[GVGjr]

Hayes has done OK. Daniel has been very good and Libba will just get better

[GVGjr]

Liking Aaron Naughton’s game.

Same here Easty. He's impressive

[Mantis]

Why we persist with Wallis in the midfield is beyond me... just no spread from the contest nor can he kick it half decently in general play.

[Eastdog]

First proper hit out for the year so can’t be too tough on the team.

[ledge]

Bruise free footy remember, and hardness is one of our strengths so I wouldn’t be to worried.
We don’t want injuries.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Libba looks great. Naughton is impressive in the air but he makes some poor decisions with ball in hand.

Conditions look tough for a first hit out but I’d still like to see more system going forward instead of aimless bombing.

[bornadog]

Some major stats at half time. Daniel and Hunter 21, Macrae 17, Bont, Wallis and Libba 14

[Eastdog]

Some major stats at half time. Daniel and Hunter 21, Macrae 17, Bont, Wallis and Libba 14

Do you know the disposal efficiency rankings so far BAD?

[Smads57]

Need to see a bit more from Dunks and McLean - both having little to no influence. Dunks probably has an excuse as he seems to be the ‘tall’ fwd option which I think will be Schache’s role come Rd 1. Neither English or Trengove look threatening up front

[bornadog]

Do you know the disposal efficiency rankings so far BAD?
Can't help you there

[bornadog]

Need to see a bit more from Dunks and McLean - both having little to no influence. Dunks probably has an excuse as he seems to be the ‘tall’ fwd option which I think will be Schache’s role come Rd 1. Neither English or Trengove look threatening up front
Dunks and Mclean 7 touches and the two big men just 3 each

[Eastdog]

Can't help you there

No worries BAD. Have you got a stream for the game now?

[josie]

A lot riding on young Schache. Geez I hope Boyd recovers quickly.

Anyone notice the number of bouncing/volley handballs from our players? Seems like a deliberate strategy to try and clear it from congested areas.

Great to see Libba and Daniel and Macrae playing so well-our good ball users really stand out. Agree with GVGjr that Lloyd and Hayes look ok.

Looking forward to seeing Smith and Williams play in 2nd half.

And Richards and Naughton look like they are continuing their good form into 2nd year.

Croziers specks a highlight too.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Liking Aaron Naughton’s game.

Just caught up after getting kids to bed.
Naughton has been great aerially, but terrible by foot.
I'm going to keep my powder dry, given the seemingly difficult conditions.
Loving Libba, Wally & Moz's 1st half. Caleb's disposal has been a highlight too.
Looking forward to seeing the Bailey's in action during 2nd half

[lemmon]

Any reason why Schache isn't playing?

[bornadog]

No worries BAD. Have you got a stream for the game now?

Nah but not too worried

[Eastdog]

Any reason why Schache isn't playing?

Played in the VFL practice match today at Whitten Oval and was quite good reading Prince Imperial’s report. Should play next week.

[Smads57]

Hayes off, Smith and Williams kitted up

[GVGjr]

Any reason why Schache isn't playing?

I think he was given some light sessions in the last two weeks. Might be a cautious approach but I think he's playing next week

[Eastdog]

Bailey Smith has just gotten his first touches.

Got the mullet going.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

We still seem to not put a great deal of thoughtfulness in how we approach bringing a footy inside 50.

[Eastdog]

Nice mark and goal from Wally.

[Mantis]

Is it possible that our field kicking has gotten worse over the pre-season?

Maybe the reason for the closed sessions is that everyone would’ve left in amusement if they attended.

[Eastdog]

Great set up from Lloyd just then to hit up Wallis. Kick for goal not so good.

[lemmon]

Superb from Lloyd. That's why we got him.

[hujsh]

Lloyd looking the best of the mature pickups playing today.

[Eastdog]

Lloyd looking the best of the mature pickups playing today.

Yep agree good signs from him tonight.

[GVGjr]

Bailey Smith has just gotten his first touches.

Got the mullet going.

Do a search for pictures when Rohan Smith first played for us, now that was a mullet

Bailey Smith looks good with his pace. We just need hm to get some touches

[Eastdog]

Contested possessions 36-27 in our favour Q3.

Had more inside 50s as well.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Contested possessions 36-27 in our favour Q3.

Had more inside 50s as well.

And worryingly, this presents a similar position to 2017 & 2018, we are behind and looking very anaemic and inefficient going inside 50

[bulldogtragic]

And worryingly, this presents a similar position to 2017 & 2018, we are behind and looking very anaemic and inefficient going inside 50

Not to mention 6.10 when we have shots at goal. I'm hoping its cobwebs, but our historical problems are evident still.

Macrae is averaging 40+ touches against GCS in the last couple of years. 30 to 3 quarter time, so on track again.

[GVGjr]

We are going to need a strong last quarter to grab a win

[comrade]

Hasn’t been much to write home about, has there? Bont looks like he’s playing his first game of footy ever.

[Mantis]

We are going to need a strong last quarter to grab a win

The result isn’t as important as the performance.. and it’s been lacklustre so far. Was hoping for more than this.

[Smads57]

Duyrea the other player taken off at ht

[Eastdog]

And worryingly, this presents a similar position to 2017 & 2018, we are behind and looking very anaemic and inefficient going inside 50

Yes I think up forward and the ruck are the areas that we are a little weaker.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Not to mention 6.10 when we have shots at goal. I'm hoping its cobwebs, but our historical problems are evident still.

Macrae is averaging 40+ touches against GCS in the last couple of years. 30 to 3 quarter time, so on track again.

All i wanted to see pre-season is an indication, that we'd put clear thought into addressing our major deficiencies, being:
* unforced turnovers
* effectively delivering the ball into our forward 50
* conversion rate on goal.

I hope it's just the conditions..but we're 0 and 3 thus far.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

We are the master of over use of ball by hand..

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

I've not seen Hayes before at all. What is his strength?

[GVGjr]

The result isn’t as important as the performance.. and it’s been lacklustre so far. Was hoping for more than this.

Same here, just wanted to get some momentum with a win

[GVGjr]

I've not seen Hayes before at all. What is his strength?

Pace, endurance and kicking

[Eastdog]

Glad we kept Mitch!

[Smads57]

Lippa and Morris off this last qtr

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Wallis has given 150%. That is fantastic to see in a pre-season game. He looks absolutely spent after his goal
Another big year looms for him.

[Mantis]

Pace, endurance and kicking

Maybe it’s a change in pace of the game & slippery conditions, but he’d want to kick it better than this going forward.. or perhaps he’ll fit right in!

[ledge]

I see how we have it in our forward line for 10 minutes don’t score then get caught on the rebound in 30 seconds.

[comrade]

I've not seen Hayes before at all. What is his strength?

Good bloke.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Glad we kept Mitch!

Me too Easty. I think he's been our best.
Hunter & Macrae have had a heap of it, but he Wally has had impact.

[Eastdog]

Hitouts 41-27 not in our favour
Hitouts to advantage 11-8 in our favour

[Eastdog]

Cmon Dogs!

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

I wish Darcy MacP was on our list..

[lemmon]

Gowers has had a shocker

[bulldogtragic]

Wood, Suckling & Hunter still not layed a single tackle with 8 minutes to go.

[bulldogtragic]

I wish Darcy MacP was on our list..

His younger brother is better and will be on our list next year.

Then maybe Darcy wants to come home and play with his brother.

[lemmon]

Onya lad!

[Eastdog]

Bailey Smith!! Gets us in front!

[bulldogtragic]

Macrae with another 40 touches vs Gold Coast. Just loves them.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

So. Gowers is a lock.....providing he's 15 cm's from goal. AND HE'S OUR LEADING GOALKICKER.

[Eastdog]

Great mark Aaron

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Well, my pre season work out is good. My negativity is already honed....bloody hell

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

I sit next to a Gold Coast supporter; work is not looking good tomorrow.

[Mantis]

Well, my pre season work out is good. My negativity is already honed....bloody hell

I feel the same.. should’ve given this one a miss, but having watched it not much to be excited about given how the poor the opposition is.

[Eastdog]

Don’t enjoy losing

[comrade]

Well, I’ll have to write that off as pre season cobwebs + trialling fringe players + greasy conditions. Naughton easily the most exciting thing about us at the moment.

[Eastdog]

I feel the same.. should’ve given this one a miss, but having watched it not much to be excited about given how the poor the opposition is.

Tough conditions. Hopefully we are better next week in Ballarat and at home at Marvel which we need to make into a fortress if we are a chance this year to make it.

[Vred]

If this is what our season has to offer, it's going to be a long one :(

[The Bulldogs Bite]

I don’t care for the result, particularly given the conditions. I would have liked to have seen a bit more of a system in the way we played.

We look one paced with that lineup. Need JJ, Lynch and perhaps Cavarra.

[AshMac]

So good having the dogs back on even if it is only pre season. Conditions clearly impacted skill level but I thought we were generally good at ground level but poor with uncontested disposal efficiency. Nice to see B Smith kick his first goal, Bont, Daniel, Jacko, Moz, McLean, B williams all looked great. English got better as the game went on, still looks too thin to compete this year, nice work on the deck. I liked the look of Hayes and Lloyd who both had some nice touches and looked to have a good work rate. Win would have been nice but irrelevant. Naughton best on ground by a country mile, Bailey smiths hair second best.

[HOSE B ROMERO]

Give Naughton a 5 year contract asap. Our best 1st year key position player since that kid in 1990..what was his name...Grant?

[ratsmac]

Practice only I know but bloody hell, it's gold coast for goodness sake. At least now I have no expectations for this season so any wins are a bonus.

[Vred]

Give Naughton a 5 year contract asap. Our best 1st year key position player since that kid in 1990..what was his name...Grant?

+1 To this.

[bulldogtragic]

Practice only I know but bloody hell, it's gold coast for goodness sake. At least now I have no expectations for this season so any wins are a bonus.

Yeah, that was quite deflating: 'Development Year'.

[jeemak]

Just remember this was GC's second hit out against opposition, and only our first. Given that I'm not too phased by the result and would expect us to improve.

Naughton is going to be a freak, in other good news Gowers and Hunter will have me tearing my hair out with frustration because that's what they do.

[GVGjr]

There were just enough positives from my perspective but I would have liked some more.

Liberatore looks have come back in a big way and I think there could be more improvement to come
Naughton was excellent. Daniel had a good game and Wallis was effective up forward

Lloyd did some nice things, Hunter and Macrae got a lot of it

Need to get some multiple goal kickers though

[Bulldog Revolution]

Sounds a very mixed bag of a night

[ledge]

I saw our delivery into the forward line being a bigger problem with the new rules , I also noticed how we get sucked into having 3 or 4 at the ball, so when it comes out the opposition are all free and get the rebound goal like a practice drill.
As far as players individually I see that as a real positive, they all look very good it’s just the game plan that’s letting us down.

[LostDoggy]

I enjoyed that, good to have footy back and some great signs from the dogs. Naughton, macrame and Libba encouraging

[kruder]

Amazing how good Naughton is, he made our Captain look like a first gamer out there tonight.

What to do with it all those possessions :confused: Kinda feels like we have watched this episode before. We really need Schache/English to develop quickly lets hope our coaches have something up their selves. Time is ticking though.

When JJ is out Richards is wasted forward we need someone to break the lines I would have him off half back tonight. I really hope Lynch pushes for a spot in the next game.

Smith showed enough his attributes are exactly what our midfield needs can't wait to see how he develops.

I'm still not sold on Lippa, looks bigger but was poor again in the contest tonight. Too Vanilla to play the forward/flank role?

[comrade]

Amazing how good Naughton is, he made our Captain look like a first gamer out there tonight.

What to do with it all those possessions :confused: Kinda feels like we have watched this episode before. We really need Schache/English to develop quickly lets hope our coaches have something up their selves. Time is ticking though.

When JJ is out Richards is wasted forward we need someone to break the lines I would have him off half back tonight. I really hope Lynch pushes for a spot in the next game.

Smith showed enough his attributes are exactly what our midfield needs can't wait to see how he develops.

I'm still not sold on Lippa, looks bigger but was poor again in the contest tonight. Too Vanilla to play the forward/flank role?

Definitely can’t have all of Lip, Wallis, Hayes & Lloyd all in the same forward 50. Way too slow & undersized.

[kruder]

Definitely can’t have all of Lip, Wallis, Hayes & Lloyd all in the same forward 50. Way too slow & undersized. Add Dunkley to that list with Libba back he will have to spend more time forward where he isn't suited.

With the amount of ball we are going to win I'd have Richards, Lynch and Smith play round 1 for sure.

[Dry Rot]

I really hope Sweet can ruck at this level, because otherwise we have no decent ruck men this season.

How does Daniel end up getting alone in the goal square with a tall forward?

If we picked small forwards and are no good in the air, why did we continually just bomb into the forward line?

[Jeanette54]

In summary, I thought it was a very poor start to our season. But much more disappointing was that we don't appear to have addressed our shortcomings from last year.

There appeared to be no forward plan/method for scoring, and no real forward pressure to stop GC running the ball out at will.

Our ball handling was abysmal, although admittedly the conditions and our attempts at a quick play on style probably contributed to that looking worse than it was.

There were some individual highlights, which stopped it being all doom and gloom. However as a team effort, I saw little to suggest that we will have a better season than 2018. It will be interesting to see if any changes occur in our next hit out.

[G-Mo77]

Lol. We lost to the GC?

Goal kicking still a real issue in 2019. All I've read is dominated stats and no reward in the scoreboard. Sounds familiar.

[AshMac]

I really hope Sweet can ruck at this level, because otherwise we have no decent ruck men this season.

How does Daniel end up getting alone in the goal square with a tall forward?

If we picked small forwards and are no good in the air, why did we continually just bomb into the forward line?

Yeh, I’d love to sweet come in and play next week so we could all have a look at him

[Remi Moses]

Gold Coast comfortably beat Brisbane last week . I think I’ll save the wrist slashing until the actual season

[whythelongface]

An ok hit out. Not too phased by the result, however our delivery into the forward line still needs serious addressing. Tending to still bomb it long into the forward line. When we did lower the eyes and there were forwards leading for the ball we looked good eg. Daniel to Gowers and Lloyd to Wallis (?).

Sometimes i get the feeling that by getting our hands on the pill and dominating possession is one of our weak points as the opposition clogs up our forward space and rebounds quickly to open space. We are generally really good on the rebound and using space to our advantage, thus maybe this is a tactic that we should employ. The issue then is letting the opposition win clearances and relying on our defence to intercept - a risky strategy.

Back on the game I was impressed with Naughton, Daniel and Lloyd. Macrae and Hunter, as always, get their hands on the pill - would like to see them deliver quickly into the forward line to a solid lead. English took a couple of grabs that i was impressed with - backing into the pack as well as leading - lots to work on but showed good signs.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Judging on what we witnessed yesterday you begin to question the logic of recruiting borderline players in Suckling Gowers Lloyd and Duryrea from other AFL Clubs. Of the new players Hayes impressed the most with his ability to find space to win the ball. Naughton and Daniel were obvious stand outs in defence. Macrae has been clearly our best player over the past 3 seasons and remains so. The forward line apart from Wallis remains a disaster with little signs of improving. It was heartening to see the return of Liberatore in a good performance in an otherwise lack lustre effort. Dunkley’s poor disposal as a midfielder would suggest he might be better suited up forward where he has done well in the past. We need the infusion of JJ Bailey Williams and Smith into the line up plus Schache who remains our single one white hope as a key forward.

[Greystache]

Watched on delay, I'll forget it and move on. Nothing to get excited about from that.

- Skills were worse than last season, which doesn't seem possible. I'll write it off due to the conditions and move on.

- Goal kicking worse again, which isn't possible. I'll blame the age of the players and move on.

- No forward structure again. I'll blame the early stage of the year and move on.

- Continued to blindly bomb long into the forward line to the disadvantage of the forwards. I'll write it off as some cutting edge new strategy that just looked the same as the past 2 years.

Some positives were Naughton looked great (although his foot skills are a major concern especially with our development program). Libba was hard at it. Macrae continued where he left off. Daniel was pretty effective. The game was shorter than a regular season match.

[hujsh]

Watched on delay, I'll forget it and move on. Nothing to get excited about from that.

- Skills were worse than last season, which doesn't seem possible. I'll write it off due to the conditions and move on.

- Goal kicking worse again, which isn't possible. I'll blame the age of the players and move on.

- No forward structure again. I'll blame the early stage of the year and move on.

- Continued to blindly bomb long into the forward line to the disadvantage of the forwards. I'll write it off as some cutting edge new strategy that just looked the same as the past 2 years.

Some positives were Naughton looked great (although his foot skills are a major concern especially with our development program). Libba was hard at it. Macrae continued where he left off. Daniel was pretty effective. The game was shorter than a regular season match.

God it didn't feel like it.

Honestly I got bored in the 3rd quarter and found something else to do before finishing it off like a plate of bad leftovers later.

[Smads57]

Just at the airport and players have come thru check in and everyone is looking healthy (ie. no-one wearing heavy dressings). All players but Libba headed to Loung area whereas he went straight to the bookshop and got himself a book to read - diff cat for sure.

[Mantis]

Watched on delay, I'll forget it and move on. Nothing to get excited about from that.

- Skills were worse than last season, which doesn't seem possible. I'll write it off due to the conditions and move on.

- Goal kicking worse again, which isn't possible. I'll blame the age of the players and move on.

- No forward structure again. I'll blame the early stage of the year and move on.

- Continued to blindly bomb long into the forward line to the disadvantage of the forwards. I'll write it off as some cutting edge new strategy that just looked the same as the past 2 years.

Some positives were Naughton looked great (although his foot skills are a major concern especially with our development program). Libba was hard at it. Macrae continued where he left off. Daniel was pretty effective. The game was shorter than a regular season match.

Very pragmatic thoughts GS.... with just a touch of sarcasm included.

Bevo in his presser explained that we got what we wanted out of the game, which was a hit-out against another team, a look at some new players and some conditioning into the players.. which is setting the bar pretty low, but given the line of questioning from the work experience journo there wasn't much more asked of him which was a shame.

What we didn't see was any connection from defence to attack through over-use of the ball, poor skills and horrible offensive structures.. I was really looking forward to seeing what we had been working on given we've been hidden away for 4 months, but on that I have NFI what changes we've made.

A long way to go, but if that performance is anything to go by it looks like it's going to be another incredibly frustrating year ahead.

[bornadog]

We didn't lose anything, it was a training run, a practise match.

Can't wait for round 1

[Mofra]

Judging on what we witnessed yesterday you begin to question the logic of recruiting borderline players in Suckling Gowers Lloyd and Duryrea from other AFL Clubs.
I must be very different, but I saw real positives in all of those players.

- Gowers demands the ball, has swaagger (we desperately lack it) and topped our goalkicking last year
- Suckling finished last year one of our better players and his left peg is still a weapon
- Lloyd was probably our best inside 50 ball user. Instantly best 22 for mine
- Duryea a significant upgrade on Roarke. I though he was ok.

Then again I have serious concerns over Hayes' kicking even accounting for those conditions. I want to see him again under dryer conditions to see if his kicking is going to limit his effectiveness.

[Mantis]

Was anyone else surprised by our centre bounce attendees/ set-ups?

I haven't referenced checked these numbers so take them on face-value, but sourced from twitter our CBA's were:

Macrae - 21
Libba - 15
Bont - 14
Wallis - 12
Dunkley & McLean - 6
Smith - 1

It would be interesting to see how effetcive we were with each grouping.

[Axe Man]

Was anyone else surprised by our centre bounce attendees/ set-ups?

I haven't referenced checked these numbers so take them on face-value, but sourced from twitter our CBA's were:

Macrae - 21
Libba - 15
Bont - 14
Wallis - 12
Dunkley & McLean - 6
Smith - 1

It would be interesting to see how effetcive we were with each grouping.

Wallis more than expected in place of Dunkley and McLean.

[Mantis]

Wallis more than expected in place of Dunkley and McLean.

Yep was extremely surprised to see Wallis given first crack given how ineffective he was as a mid last year, and how effective he became as a forward.

I also think Macrae is a little high too... going to be interesting to see how this plays out because we really need to win the centre bounce clearances to give our forwards first look.

[Axe Man]

Yep was extremely surprised to see Wallis given first crack given how ineffective he was as a mid last year, and how effective he became as a forward.

I also think Macrae is a little high too... going to be interesting to see how this plays out because we really need to win the centre bounce clearances to give our forwards first look.

I wonder if Wallis will take centre bounces but then drift forward? He's good in close but not as effective on the spread. Then say a Dunkley or McLean drift up from the forward line into the midfield. Also keeps defenders guessing.

I think our A team is Bont, Libba & Macrae, but they can't take every bounce.

[Greystache]

Yep was extremely surprised to see Wallis given first crack given how ineffective he was as a mid last year, and how effective he became as a forward.

And he was also easily the most effective forward on the day. He has the ability to win a contest forward, and given the way we bring the ball into the forward 50, a contest is the best result we can hope for. I'd prefer him to play as little time in the midfield as we can afford with rotations.

Why we have him attending so many centre clearances instead of playing forward, and have Dunkley playing forward and attending so few centre clearances is a mystery that may never be explained.

[Mofra]

And he was also easily the most effective forward on the day. He has the ability to win a contest forward, and given the way we bring the ball into the forward 50, a contest is the best result we can hope for. I'd prefer him to play as little time in the midfield as we can afford with rotations.
He was also one of our most effective forwards in the second half of last year. I was mystified when he continually went into the centre in the first term.

I really though we'd get a look at our 'best' forward set up in JLT 1 but I don't see our best set up excluding both Schache and Dickson.

[Mantis]

I really though we'd get a look at our 'best' forward set up in JLT 1 but I don't see our best set up excluding both Schache and Dickson.

I was pretty pissed that Schache didn't play... taking it on face value that he wasn't selected purely as he was outside our best 24 (given there is pretty much no communication from the club on who is injured or on restricted programs) it really does question what our forward set-up will be this year... understand the conditions in Mackay weren't really suitable to high marking, but you would still think you play Josh just so our forward unit can continue to gel.

[Mofra]

I was pretty pissed that Schache didn't play... taking it on face value that he wasn't selected purely as he was outside our best 24 (given there is pretty much no communication from the club on who is injured or on restricted programs) it really does question what our forward set-up will be this year... understand the conditions in Mackay weren't really suitable to high marking, but you would still think you play Josh just so our forward unit can continue to gel.
A part of modern forward play is about movement and separation of your two talls so you split the tall defenders.

Do we have any of that? It seem to me we just 'kick and hope to find someone'. We talk about making that 'last connection' a good one but if the forwards don't have at least some running patterns pre-determined it is largely moot.

[Greystache]

A part of modern forward play is about movement and separation of your two talls so you split the tall defenders.

Do we have any of that? It seem to me we just 'kick and hope to find someone'. We talk about making that 'last connection' a good one but if the forwards don't have at least some running patterns pre-determined it is largely moot.

Who knows what our ball movement and forward strategy actually is, but from the outside it seems to have been drilled into the players that deep forward 50m entries are the most important thing. It doesn't matter where it goes or to who's advantage, deeper is better so that is the priority.

It's the only explanation for why when a forward is playing from in front 30m from goal that we continuously kick it 15m behind them near the top of the square. It's every player, every game, it can't be a coincidence. It's only natural the forwards will stop leading when regardless of their movement the ball is going high and as long as the player with the ball can kick it.

[ratsmac]

I too are still trying to make sense of not playing Schache, Dickson or Greene (our most natural forwards) in JLT 1. I've been thinking after hearing what Dunks had to say in that interview on the clubs website, you can only presume that we were deliberately going in with a heap of mid fielders rotating between mid and forward. Knowing that the conditions would be greasy and marking would be difficult, maybe the plan was to get the ball on the ground and make it a contest between big defenders against Mid/forwards to try generate some scores that way. Well if so, it didn't work! This is however the time of year to experiment with such scenarios.

All I do know is that I am still very nervous about our forward structures, there seems to be zero improvement from last season after watch our first competitive hitout.

[MrMahatma]

I too are still trying to make sense of not playing Schache, Dickson or Greene (our most natural forwards) in JLT 1. I've been thinking after hearing what Dunks had to say in that interview on the clubs website, you can only presume that we were deliberately going in with a heap of mid fielders rotating between mid and forward. Knowing that the conditions would be greasy and marking would be difficult, maybe the plan was to get the ball on the ground and make it a contest between big defenders against Mid/forwards to try generate some scores that way. Well if so, it didn't work! This is however the time of year to experiment with such scenarios.

All I do know is that I am still very nervous about our forward structures, there seems to be zero improvement from last season after watch our first competitive hitout.

Don’t know why you’d experiment with a scenario you’re unlikely to face all season. Would rather the best 22 worked out how to find each other. Even is Schache couldn’t mark cause of sweat, at least the team would’ve had a chance to work on finding him...

We don’t seem bothered about not winning so doubt we changed our structure in order to win. On the surface for me, this looks like our structure again for 2019 and I’m worried.

[Rocket Science]

Sleep easy, restless souls, for he hath been selected.

https://i.ibb.co/zZS26vM/Screen-Shot-2019-03-07-at-6-37-37-PM.png (https://ibb.co/w4KQcmk)

[jeemak]

Does that mean he's now clearly in our best 24? Or should we just wait until the preseason unfolds...……?