Always Right Match Committee Thread Round 16, Vs Geelong

[Scraggers]

Welcome to the Always Right Match Committee Thread. The Match Committee threads has been named after long time WOOF member Always Right who tragically passed away in March 2018.


If you were on the Western Bulldogs match committee what changes would you make after our Round 15 match against Port Adelaide for our Round 16, 2019 match against Geelong at Marvel Stadium?

For those new to these threads, please give a brief explanation for your changes ... this would add a lot of value to the discussion.

[GVGjr]

Bump

[bulldogtragic]

Based on VFL reports, McLean was BOG and Cavarra kicked a bag.

In: McLean, Cavarra

Outs: Suckling (half back or VFL), Roarke (based on bringing in a small forward for balance)

[hujsh]

Based on VFL reports, McLean was BOG and Cavarra kicked a bag.

In: McLean, Cavarra

Outs: Suckling (half back or VFL), Roarke (based on bringing in a small forward for balance)

Surely Roarke won't be dropped after that game.

[Testekill]

I'd like to bring in Cavarra but there's no way that I'd drop Roarke after today and I feel that Suckling is in just in case we want to rotate him to defense.

[comrade]

IN: Cavarra, McLean, Lew Young

OUT: Suckling, Duryea, Cordy

[bulldogtragic]

Surely Roarke won't be dropped after that game.

Probably not. The other names are Bailey Williams or Duryea. If I were picking the team, I'd like a couple more specialists than a gang of half backers.

[bornadog]

In: Mclean

Out: Richards

[Bumper Bulldogs]

Out Duyra

In McClean.

Suckers yo play on the 1/2 back McClean 1/2 firmware or bust

[LostDoggy]

Maclean has to come in, maybe duryea, hard choice

[westbulldog]

In MacLean Lewis Young
Out Richards Duryea

Cordy needs to lift

[DOG GOD]

In - mclean
Out- duryea

I don’t really rate Roarke, but I thought his ball handling in those conditions were top notch, and would be hard to drop him.

[Ozza]

I was ready to throw Duryea in the bin half way through the second quarter - but thought he was incredibly important in the second half and his position and decision making was really really smart. I'd be surprised if Bevo was unhappy with his overall game, particularly with him spending time on Gray, who was kept fairly quiet.

There will be some sore boys after this game. Think the indication is that Caleb may miss, reckon Suckling goes back if he is out, and McLean comes in to play forward.

We may have others too sore to come up.

[jeemak]

I was ready to throw Duryea in the bin half way through the second quarter - but thought he was incredibly important in the second half and his position and decision making was really really smart. I'd be surprised if Bevo was unhappy with his overall game, particularly with him spending time on Gray, who was kept fairly quiet.

There will be some sore boys after this game. Think the indication is that Caleb may miss, reckon Suckling goes back if he is out, and McLean comes in to play forward.

We may have others too sore to come up.

I was a bit like you, thought Duryea was going to be a bit of a liability but he came good and did some important things.

No changes for mine if everyone's fit and fresh enough. McLean doesn't have to come in from my perspective, largely because I have no idea what the conditions of a return to the senior side are. If he's met them one week at the lower level, I reckon we get him to meet them for two weeks.

[The Pie Man]

Gee it'd be nice to get Cavarra in there, but if Richards was the only casualty you'd imagine McLean would get the nod.

Bound to be someone sore after Saturday. Really keen to blood Cav and see what he can do, it's a position we need and he has the tools.

[1eyedog]

The calls for Piggy out are ridiculous easily best 22. He'll have some off days but what he brings on the good ones is elite. Single-handedly kept us in the game against Carlton with 10 minutes of inspired football. Needs to stay and I can't see Bevo dropping him.

[Grantysghost]

Based on VFL reports, McLean was BOG and Cavarra kicked a bag.

In: McLean, Cavarra

Outs: Suckling (half back or VFL), Roarke (based on bringing in a small forward for balance)

Could Roarke play a deeper role on one of the Cats forward smalls? Dalhaus, Miers, Pick 19? I'd want to make sure we have cover for them.

I wouldn't change after that victory unless injury.

[Happy Days]

The calls for Piggy out are ridiculous easily best 22. He'll have some off days but what he brings on the good ones is elite. Single-handedly kept us in the game against Carlton with 10 minutes of inspired football. Needs to stay and I can't see Bevo dropping him.

Couldn't agree more. He converted his chances on the weekend and is pretty clever with the ball, albeit not a trait coupled with the ability to find the ball. We should be manufacturing ways to get it to him more.

I'd find it hard to drop anyone from what was a tremendous effort in ridiculous conditions, but McLean probably has to come in. If Daniel doesn't get up then we should probably swing Williams back.

[GVGjr]

The calls for Piggy out are ridiculous easily best 22. He'll have some off days but what he brings on the good ones is elite. Single-handedly kept us in the game against Carlton with 10 minutes of inspired football. Needs to stay and I can't see Bevo dropping him.

He's been a good player, I didn't think he played well on the weekend but you shouldn't really even consider dropping him after one below average performance

I'm confident he will bounce back

[bornadog]

Caleb to miss 3 to 4 weeks

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Caleb to miss 3 to 4 weeks

Now that really hurts us. Forget hitouts, losing Caleb for a month is a significant hit to our strategic set up.

[Cyberdoggie]

Cavarra needs to come in, he looks a class above vfl, and we could use some zip around goals.
I think Tory Dickson is struggling to be honest, sure he still kicks straight but he's not the same player he was. Looks slow
and old out there.

[Axe Man]

Cavarra needs to come in, he looks a class above vfl, and we could use some zip around goals.
I think Tory Dickson is struggling to be honest, sure he still kicks straight but he's not the same player he was. Looks slow
and old out there.

Dickson has kicked 2.0 in each of the last 3 games since returning to the team. He's there to kick goals and he's doing just that. If Cavarra came in and kicked 2 goals a game we would all be singing his praises.

[GVGjr]

With Daniel out McLean has to come in...well should come in

[Danjul]

Dickson has kicked 2.0 in each of the last 3 games since returning to the team. He's there to kick goals and he's doing just that. If Cavarra came in and kicked 2 goals a game we would all be singing his praises.

Dickson was one of the best players against Collingwood. Can he be dropped for looking old.

[bulldogtragic]

In: Cavarra, McLean
Out: Daniel (inj), Richards (6 touches)

Looks like:

B: Suckling Trengove Wood
HB: JJ Cordy Crozier
C: Hunter Dunkley B. Smith
HF: Lloyd Schache McLean
F: Cavarra Naughton Dickson
R: English Bontempelli Macrae
Int: Duryea R. Smith Williams Lipinski

[GVGjr]

In: Cavarra, McLean
Out: Daniel (inj), Richards (6 touches)

Looks like:

B: Suckling Trengove Wood
HB: JJ Cordy Crozier
C: Hunter Dunkley B. Smith
HF: Lloyd Schache McLean
F: Cavarra Naughton Dickson
R: English Bontempelli Macrae
Int: Duryea R. Smith Williams Lipinski

I quite like the look of the team but I think we should stick with Richards for another week

Richards had 6 possessions but 7 tackles and Wood has 5 kicks and 1 tackle a week after a similar lackluster performance.
Are we looking at the right players?

[jeemak]

I quite like the look of the team but I think we should stick with Richards for another week

Richards had 6 possessions but 7 tackles and Wood has 5 kicks and 1 tackle a week after a similar lackluster performance.
Are we looking at the right players?

Who do you replace Wood with, and how do you set a structure that can ensure we're not defencively weakened by not having him in the team?

[bulldogtragic]

I quite like the look of the team but I think we should stick with Richards for another week

Richards had 6 possessions but 7 tackles and Wood has 5 kicks and 1 tackle a week after a similar lackluster performance.
Are we looking at the right players?

Wood has no current replacement as far as I can see. If in three weeks he's still under his best, maybe there's an argument for Morris to take his role. Wood, I don't think is avoiding attention for a relatively poor season. But I think the reality of him being captain and a lack of competition for his spots tends to a conclusion that he's not going to be dropped.

The stat sheet I saw Richards had 6 touches, three of them clangers (owing to the conditions). It's a fair question to ask, especially since Richards has 9 touches or less in 3 of his last 4 games. Maybe he needs to work on his game at the VFL level.

In my mind Daniel out, moves Suckling back and brings Cavarra in. I like those moves (not Daniel injured). Then it's, to me, a question of Richards vs McLean. There's arguments for both, I'm leaning to McLean in.

[Grantysghost]

I quite like the look of the team but I think we should stick with Richards for another week

Richards had 6 possessions but 7 tackles and Wood has 5 kicks and 1 tackle a week after a similar lackluster performance.
Are we looking at the right players?

And if you're going by possessions alone Crozier had 14 and 2 tackles so it's not a fair indication of worth to team.

[Mantis]

Dickson has kicked 2.0 in each of the last 3 games since returning to the team. He's there to kick goals and he's doing just that. If Cavarra came in and kicked 2 goals a game we would all be singing his praises.

I think that’s an extremely simplistic way of measuring ones performance given in each of his last 2 games he’s kicked a ‘joe’.

Tory’s hanging on by a thread at present and his ability to apply forward pressure and win a contest is greatly reduced and almost non existent. The mix in the forward line needs to be changed sooner rather than later.

[Hotdog60]

I'd like to see what Cavarra will bring but Dickson is on a knifes edge. He's applying the pressure and kicking his goals but it the handling that is getting to me. In the past he was that one grab type but as of this season he has fumble more often than not and it costs him time he can't afford anymore.
So if Cavarra come in Dickson goes out.
If it's one change Toby comes in and Ed goes to Caleb's role.

[GVGjr]

And if you're going by possessions alone Crozier had 14 and 2 tackles so it's not a fair indication of worth to team.

Crozier made a positive impact and I even had him in our best. Richards has a bad week and is mentioned as a possible out. Wood has had 2 poor weeks and a below average season but is never in the discussion for his spot. Even if he wasn't the captain he would still slide through. He cant play forward, he isn't effective playing deep in the backline or against taller opponents. He's a player that appears to needs things on his own terms before he can produce a half decent game. Williams or Lewis Young could cover him at the moment.

[GVGjr]

Who do you replace Wood with, and how do you set a structure that can ensure we're not defencively weakened by not having him in the team?

Lewis Young could be a suitable replacement. How weakened would we be without him?

[Hotdog60]

Wood has struggled for a while and may be the 6x6 rule has exposed him a bit more one on one.
He flashes in and out of games with a little bit of his old self but we don't see much of the defensive marking anymore and if he wasn't the captain I would have dropped him weeks ago and gave Lewis a longer run at it.
Output wise at worst it would be like for like.

[mjp]

With Daniel out McLean has to come in...well should come in

Well.

If (as we were told) McLean went back to the VFL with a list of things to work on, he should come back in when they are FIXED, not when it is convenient.

[Grantysghost]

Crozier made a positive impact and I even had him in our best. Richards has a bad week and is mentioned as a possible out. Wood has had 2 poor weeks and a below average season but is never in the discussion for his spot. Even if he wasn't the captain he would still slide through. He cant play forward, he isn't effective playing deep in the backline or against taller opponents. He's a player that appears to needs things on his own terms before he can produce a half decent game. Williams or Lewis Young could cover him at the moment.

I actually think Easton has started to look more confident attacking contests and being that intercept spoiling defender in the last few weeks. Hasn't looked as hesitant. I agree with your sentiment though.
Edit : Also I'm a big Crozier fan defended him when he was copping it weekly early doors. We did very well getting him over. Think the same re Duryea too.

[jeemak]

Lewis Young could be a suitable replacement. How weakened would we be without him?

I would say we'd be considerably worse off without him if the answer is to replace him with Lew Young. You'd need to try it to find out, but it's not a risk I'd be willing to take.

Crozier is playing the role Easton played for us a few seasons back, Wood is now playing more defencively out of need.

I know you won't agree and I know it's a hobby horse you'll keep flogging, but I don't see the point in making a change that will likely make our side weaker. It just doesn't make sense to me.

[Happy Days]

I honestly don't think Wood has been that bad. He's not as good as he was in 2015 but he's clearly worth a lot more to the team than his possession total. No way he shouldn't play.

[ratsmac]

Out - Daniel

In - McLean

I'm still not sure why McLean was dropped in the first place. It mustn't have been to work on his forward craft because 30 possessions in the VFL sounds like he played in the midfield and not forward. While he hasn't reached the heights of his 2018 form he is still a quality player. Anyway a run in the two's has helped get others back into alignment in the past so let's just hope it is exactly what Toby needed.

I think he is a logical in unless selection hinges on a specific match up the MC are after. So it's just the one change for me.

I'm keen to get a look at Cavarra but I'd like to see him string some decent form together and not just the one good game.

[Bullies]

Dickson has kicked 2.0 in each of the last 3 games since returning to the team. He's there to kick goals and he's doing just that. If Cavarra came in and kicked 2 goals a game we would all be singing his praises. I think it is what Dickson isn't doing that he used to do is the concern. He is making little impact and going to ground in the contests. He was doing the same last year and when your time is up it comes pretty quickly unless you are one of the elite. Cavarra a different of type of forward with a lot of smarts and good pressure.

[GVGjr]

Well.

If (as we were told) McLean went back to the VFL with a list of things to work on, he should come back in when they are FIXED, not when it is convenient.


I guess if we were that keen for him to work on certain aspects of his game then why was he the emergency for the game against Collingwood?

It wouldn't surprise me either way but I can recall back in 2014 that Macca dropped Easton Wood because of his static ball movement and then set him some specific targets in the VFL. He was recalled the following week after do exactly what he was asked to do (and got injured and missed the balance of the season from memory)

Some are quick learners and injuries do create opportunities

[Axe Man]

I get that Dickson is in decline and isn't quite the player he was but do people seriously want to drop a guy that is kicking goals and doing so accurately when we struggle with these aspects of the game most weeks?

I hope to see Cavarra in the side some time soon, it doesn't necessarily have to be at the expense of Dickson though.

[mjp]

Some are quick learners and injuries do create opportunities

I agree. But if the MC are frustrated with parts of his game, and he gets recalled but does the same 'stuff' (we can only guess as to what that 'stuff' is!) then he will be back in the VFL soon afterwards...

I have faith that he was dropped for a reason. I can't answer your question about the Collingwood game unless it was an attitude based 'thing' but I can tell you that recalling a player before he understands what is required (REALLY understands) does nothing more than create disharmony between player and coach and then you end up with a situation similar to the one Bryce Gibbs finds himself in at Adelaide...even when most observers say he is playing 'well' he still gets dropped...

TEAM > Individual.

[MrMahatma]

I get that Dickson is in decline and isn't quite the player he was but do people seriously want to drop a guy that is kicking goals and doing so accurately when we struggle with these aspects of the game most weeks?

I hope to see Cavarra in the side some time soon, it doesn't necessarily have to be at the expense of Dickson though.

I think there’s value for the whole forward line in having some older heads down there also. So Dickson and Lloyd being able to help with set ups and direction for some of the younger guys can’t hurt.

I’d keep Dickson in.

[The Pie Man]

I quite like the look of the team but I think we should stick with Richards for another week

Richards had 6 possessions but 7 tackles and Wood has 5 kicks and 1 tackle a week after a similar lackluster performance.
Are we looking at the right players?

Found it interesting on Saturday night when Wood lost a bad one on one in their F50 in the 2nd quarter - the camera focused on Bevo who did a 180 so not to be in front of the camera for whatever it was he spat out.

Now he might 've been bemoaning the lack of accountability up the ground or the loss of defensive structure that allowed a high ball one on one....but I thought it was a bad effort from Easton in the moment, and I suspect the coach thought likewise.

Still can't see him dropped though

[bornadog]

Found it interesting on Saturday night when Wood lost a bad one on one in their F50 in the 2nd quarter - the camera focused on Bevo who did a 180 so not to be in front of the camera for whatever it was he spat out.

Now he might 've been bemoaning the lack of accountability up the ground or the loss of defensive structure that allowed a high ball one on one....but I thought it was a bad effort from Easton in the moment, and I suspect the coach thought likewise.

Still can't see him dropped though

Robbie Gray out bodied him in that one. I thought Easton misjudged that completely.


https://twitter.com/i/status/1145565165712134144

[Danjul]

Robbie Gray out bodied him in that one. I thought Easton misjudged that completely.



And the kick by Dixon was brilliant, made it impossible for a backman to spoil without infringing. Want to see more of that in our forward line!

[jeemak]

It was good body work from Gray but Easton went too hard too early. He needed not to make body contact as that was what he was clearly being set up for.

[Rocco Jones]

Well.

If (as we were told) McLean went back to the VFL with a list of things to work on, he should come back in when they are FIXED, not when it is convenient.

Was he told? Legitimate question.

The week before, he was the non playing emergency. To me that indicated that he was simply the 23rd player picked.

[bornadog]

Was he told? Legitimate question.

The week before, he was the non playing emergency. To me that indicated that he was simply the 23rd player picked.

A lot of people were dirty on Bevo dropping Mclean, however his performance this year has been below par, and he needed to be dropped. MJP asks a legitimate question, one game in the VFL, has he addressed his deficiencies? Very difficult to tell as the VFL is a lower standard.

[Bullies]

Could Roarke play a deeper role on one of the Cats forward smalls? Dalhaus, Miers, Pick 19? I'd want to make sure we have cover for them.

I wouldn't change after that victory unless injury. I am not a fan of Roarke but happy to give him another opportunity. I think the conditions favored him last weekend as I think his skill level is ordinary. Will be interesting to see how he goes against Geelong on a fast and dry track. Hope to be proven wrong.

[Mofra]

A lot of people were dirty on Bevo dropping Mclean, however his performance this year has been below par, and he needed to be dropped. MJP asks a legitimate question, one game in the VFL, has he addressed his deficiencies? Very difficult to tell as the VFL is a lower standard.
What was his deficiency though - if it was 'show us you can still be in the play for 120 minutes' than I'd suggest he's done that.

Given he was the travelling emergency when dropped I don't think it was a flaw-fixing exercise like (for example) Lipinski who had to work on his inside game before getting another shot at the seniors.

[bornadog]

What was his deficiency though - if it was 'show us you can still be in the play for 120 minutes' than I'd suggest he's done that.

Given he was the travelling emergency when dropped I don't think it was a flaw-fixing exercise like (for example) Lipinski who had to work on his inside game before getting another shot at the seniors.

I am only guessing.

Maybe he was just dropped for bad form.

[Mofra]

I am only guessing.

Maybe he was just dropped for bad form.
Ditto.
He had patches in games where he just wasn't involved and I know that Bevo is big on the 'get involved somehow' mantra.

Naughton chases and harasses when he doesn't have the ball, Schache was dropped as he wasn't doing that for two games in a row. There's a consitency to it.

[westdog54]

What was his deficiency though - if it was 'show us you can still be in the play for 120 minutes' than I'd suggest he's done that.

Given he was the travelling emergency when dropped I don't think it was a flaw-fixing exercise like (for example) Lipinski who had to work on his inside game before getting another shot at the seniors.

Unless the MC didn't think there was anyone else who'd earned that 23rd spot at the time.

Its all a little confusing.

[Grantysghost]

Found it interesting on Saturday night when Wood lost a bad one on one in their F50 in the 2nd quarter - the camera focused on Bevo who did a 180 so not to be in front of the camera for whatever it was he spat out.

Now he might 've been bemoaning the lack of accountability up the ground or the loss of defensive structure that allowed a high ball one on one....but I thought it was a bad effort from Easton in the moment, and I suspect the coach thought likewise.

Still can't see him dropped though

I did see that, absolute classic. First time I've really seen him lose it in the box. Fair to say the honey moon is over. Think he might be using the just for men as well he's completely grey under there !

He did the complete 180, leaned forward and spewed his anger onto the coaches box floor. My immediate thought was it was Easton's poorly timed spoiling attempt but it was more likely a series of things culminating in that. Can't recall if Dixon got a free just before as he was the one who centered it. Good to see some emotion from the coach.

[Grantysghost]

What was his deficiency though - if it was 'show us you can still be in the play for 120 minutes' than I'd suggest he's done that.

Given he was the travelling emergency when dropped I don't think it was a flaw-fixing exercise like (for example) Lipinski who had to work on his inside game before getting another shot at the seniors.

Carlton game his decision making and skill level was well below par under pressure. Live at the ground he was mentioned by some neutrals I had with me in regards to this. I'm just guessing this is part of the stuff they want him to work on.

[GVGjr]

A lot of people were dirty on Bevo dropping Mclean, however his performance this year has been below par, and he needed to be dropped. MJP asks a legitimate question, one game in the VFL, has he addressed his deficiencies? Very difficult to tell as the VFL is a lower standard.

But if he needs to go back and work on some aspects of his game why would you have him in the non playing emergency role for the first week? It sort of makes sense but not complete sense

[Happy Days]

Maybe McLean was just dropped. Not dropped to work on anything, just dropped for poor performance? Was admittedly pretty stiff to have to be the 23rd man but a game of VFL is probably worth more to the other emergencies than McLean (plus, ya know, what if we actually needed to use the emergency).

[GVGjr]

Maybe McLean was just dropped. Not dropped to work on anything, just dropped for poor performance? Was admittedly pretty stiff to have to be the 23rd man but a game of VFL is probably worth more to the other emergencies than McLean (plus, ya know, what if we actually needed to use the emergency).

I think there was a mention that he needed to work on some aspects of his game (and he probably did) but it loses a bit in the translation when you make him the non playing emergency against Collingwood

[Happy Days]

I think there was a mention that he needed to work on some aspects of his game (and he probably did) but it loses a bit in the translation when you make him the non playing emergency against Collingwood

Could've just been boilerplate for the fans to be honest. When you drop a "good" premiership player you're probably going to need to have something to say to inevitable questions about it.

[FrediKanoute]

What was his deficiency though - if it was 'show us you can still be in the play for 120 minutes' than I'd suggest he's done that.

Given he was the travelling emergency when dropped I don't think it was a flaw-fixing exercise like (for example) Lipinski who had to work on his inside game before getting another shot at the seniors.

McLean was dropped for team balance. WIth Dicko and Reid there is limited space available for him in the forward line; With a midfield that has Hunter, Bont, Macrae, Richards, Dunkley, Smith (both), Williams rolling through it there is no spot for him. McLean is a victum of a guy who hasn't really ever nailed one position - he is a modern day Ricky Olawrenshaw - a good skillful player, not quite a forward and not quite a mid.

[Danjul]

McLean was dropped for team balance. WIth Dicko and Reid there is limited space available for him in the forward line; With a midfield that has Hunter, Bont, Macrae, Richards, Dunkley, Smith (both), Williams rolling through it there is no spot for him. McLean is a victum of a guy who hasn't really ever nailed one position - he is a modern day Ricky Olawrenshaw - a good skillful player, not quite a forward and not quite a mid.

McLean had over 500 possessions last year, twice as many as Richards (who has not had a good season this year either ).

[bornadog]

McLean had over 500 possessions last year, twice as many as Richards (who has not had a good season this year either ).

That was last year, this year he has had some poor games. He will be back. Players get dropped, it is all part of playing footy.

[FrediKanoute]

McLean had over 500 possessions last year, twice as many as Richards (who has not had a good season this year either ).

I don't see how 500 possessions this year is relevant to him being dropped, other than to suggest he is capable of much better than what he is showing. I will say though that neither Richards or McLean have particularly impressed this year.

[Danjul]

I don't see how 500 possessions this year is relevant to him being dropped, other than to suggest he is capable of much better than what he is showing. I will say though that neither Richards or McLean have particularly impressed this year.

Exactly my point.
The guy has ability and should be among the best players.

The logical next step is to ask why his contributions have halved.
Personally I think it is the beard.

[Axe Man]

McLean was dropped for team balance. WIth Dicko and Reid there is limited space available for him in the forward line; With a midfield that has Hunter, Bont, Macrae, Richards, Dunkley, Smith (both), Williams rolling through it there is no spot for him. McLean is a victum of a guy who hasn't really ever nailed one position - he is a modern day Ricky Olawrenshaw - a good skillful player, not quite a forward and not quite a mid.

Who?

I think you are right though. We have a glut of players that are good in the midfield but not that good forward. We can't play them all in the mids all the time, but by and large they are too talented not to be getting a game, despite their lack of forward craft.

[hujsh]

That was last year, this year he has had some poor games. He will be back. Players get dropped, it is all part of playing footy.
No Danjul is right on here. You said we needed Richards a d Williams in the midfield but McLean has shown more as a mid than either of them. He clearly struggles to get involved as a forward when plonked there but plays seriously good footy in the middle. Also hard to understand why room was made for Smith over McLean. Don’t get me wrong it’s been great to see him play and grow but is he really a better midfielder NOW than McLean?

[bornadog]

You said we needed Richards and Williams in the midfield

Did I, I can't remember.

[Mofra]

McLean was dropped for team balance. WIth Dicko and Reid there is limited space available for him in the forward line; With a midfield that has Hunter, Bont, Macrae, Richards, Dunkley, Smith (both), Williams rolling through it there is no spot for him. McLean is a victum of a guy who hasn't really ever nailed one position - he is a modern day Ricky Olawrenshaw - a good skillful player, not quite a forward and not quite a mid.
No disrespect, but sometimes I think 'team balance' is a cop-out.
He just wasn't staying involved enough in the play (was he carrying a niggle?) and going back and dominating at VFL level shows he can do it.

Roarke mentioned he and Williams were swapping wing/forward, surely Williams can go back and McLean can play that role. He actually had a bit of attacking flair at u18 level and was predominantly a forward in 2016. I actually think he's a lot better overhead than he's shown this year so if he can start getting a run and jump at the ball it might help him show what he can do.

[hujsh]

Did I, I can't remember.
My bad. Wasn’t you. Conflating two posters in one.

[Mantis]

That was last year, this year he has had some poor games. He will be back. Players get dropped, it is all part of playing footy.

If I was Toby I'd be putting out feelers for a new club given both Wallis & Gowers were preferred to him in midfield rotations earlier in the year.

I have no idea on how he performed in the pre-season, but given how good he was in the midfield last year before injury the push back into playing as a forward has done absolutely nothing for his development.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

If I was Toby I'd be putting out feelers for a new club given both Wallis & Gowers were preferred to him in midfield rotations earlier in the year.

I have no idea on how he performed in the pre-season, but given how good he was in the midfield last year before injury the push back into playing as a forward has done absolutely nothing for his development.

If I was Toby, I'd take on board coaching feedback, and work my butt off to get back in the side.
It's not like the coaching group have a vendetta against him; he's clearly in the club's preferred best 22.
He hasn't performed this year. He's being asked to play a role he has plaued before. Clearly the club is aware of his performances last year, and I suspect notwithstanding his possession count last season still saw fit to move him. I'd say given the crap year we had last season the club have reviewed his output and thought it was lacking in some areas, and that we'd be better served with others in that primary role.

[Bulldog4life]

Jack Macrae was dropped and took it on the chin. I am sure Toby will too.

[mjp]

If you are dropped for poor performance, well, it means you have things to work on.
If you are dropped for team balance, it means you have things to work on (otherwise someone else would have been dropped for team balance).

I refuse to believe any player who is left out isn't given details as to WHY they have been left out and what they need to improve. And I further refuse to believe that that message wouldn't be consistent from the footy manager to the development coaches.

It's OK to be dropped - it really is. I am sure when he is ready to go he will be back in. I can't explain why he didn't play VFL in his first week out - who can apart from Bevo? - but I am sure he is working off a development plan...

[Rocco Jones]

It's OK to be dropped - it really is. I am sure when he is ready to go he will be back in. I can't explain why he didn't play VFL in his first week out - who can apart from Bevo? - but I am sure he is working off a development plan...

Only thing I can think of is that he was the 23rd guy picked. Bevo wanted the next best available.

[The Pie Man]

Going to take a stab that Cavarra won't debut yet - surely they would've announced that already.

[S Coast Simon]

Williams to move back to replace Daniel and then Maclean comes into the bench. Would love to see Williams delivering 55m passes through the middle on Saturday. This is one game I would like to see Naughton go back onto Hawkins. Trengove to the bench and resting forward when not rucking. Instruct the boys to be lowering their eyes and hitting up hard leads in the forward line. Not sure what Hansen is doing this year but it kills me how many times out forwards are all standing around in equal amounts of space waiting for the kick to come in to see if they should have a go at it or not. Hansen would have abused everyone if they got in his leading path when he played. They should all be on the move blocking and making space for each other. Every other team seems to do it to us till someone opens up a little hole. We need kickers that can see where it needs to be in 3 seconds.

[Axe Man]

Williams to move back to replace Daniel and then Maclean comes into the bench. Would love to see Williams delivering 55m passes through the middle on Saturday. This is one game I would like to see Naughton go back onto Hawkins. Trengove to the bench and resting forward when not rucking. Instruct the boys to be lowering their eyes and hitting up hard leads in the forward line. Not sure what Hansen is doing this year but it kills me how many times out forwards are all standing around in equal amounts of space waiting for the kick to come in to see if they should have a go at it or not. Hansen would have abused everyone if they got in his leading path when he played. They should all be on the move blocking and making space for each other. Every other team seems to do it to us till someone opens up a little hole. We need kickers that can see where it needs to be in 3 seconds.

Trengove is a good match for Hawkins, I would leave that be.

We are third in the league for marks inside 50, spotting up forward targets is not high on the list of issues we face. A much bigger problem is we are number 1 for marks conceded to the opposition inside their forward 50.

[bornadog]

In Mclean
out Daniel

[GVGjr]

In Mclean
out Daniel

I think he was the only option. I'll be interested to see how we might use Richards this week

[ratsmac]

Out - Daniel

In - McLean

I'm still not sure why McLean was dropped in the first place. It mustn't have been to work on his forward craft because 30 possessions in the VFL sounds like he played in the midfield and not forward. While he hasn't reached the heights of his 2018 form he is still a quality player. Anyway a run in the two's has helped get others back into alignment in the past so let's just hope it is exactly what Toby needed.

I think he is a logical in unless selection hinges on a specific match up the MC are after. So it's just the one change for me.

I'm keen to get a look at Cavarra but I'd like to see him string some decent form together and not just the one good game.

Nailed it!!! First time ever under Bevo. It must be a sign that we are going to win. And by a lot.

[merantau]

Our team this week comprises just 9 of the 22 who played in the Premiership win. We need to keep that in mind when assessing team performance. Are we now less experienced than the Premiership team? I think we are for sure.

[Danjul]

Our team this week comprises just 9 of the 22 who played in the Premiership win. We need to keep that in mind when assessing team performance. Are we now less experienced than the Premiership team? I think we are for sure.

How experienced was the premiership team? I thought we were told it was inexperienced.

[bornadog]

How experienced was the premiership team? I thought we were told it was inexperienced.

Just checked - the 2016 premiership team had an average of 82 games, and so does this weeks team. Geelong BTW have 125 games average. Geelong are actually not well balanced with 8 players less than 50 games (same as us), but have 9 players over 150 games, which means not much in the middle ie 50 to 150. We have 3 players with more than 150.

[Hotdog60]

If we can get over the Cats I can see this game being one of those pivotal games that will shape how the rest of our season goes.

Even a narrow loss but with all the right KPIs will have an influence.

[Eastdog]

How experienced was the premiership team? I thought we were told it was inexperienced.

Yes we were one of the more younger premiership sides.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Our team this week comprises just 9 of the 22 who played in the Premiership win. We need to keep that in mind when assessing team performance. Are we now less experienced than the Premiership team? I think we are for sure.

Ha ha. A bit of a double negative that begs a negative answer. Yes we are less experienced than 2016.

[Axe Man]

What Toby needs to do to stay in the team (https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-07-05/what-toby-needs-to-do-to-stay-in-the-team)

WESTERN Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has demanded more influence from Toby McLean after the premiership forward forced his way back in for Saturday night's clash against Geelong.

Dropped after playing the first 12 games this season, McLean delivered a sparkling best-on-ground performance last week in the VFL to earn a recall for the Marvel Stadium battle.

The 23-year-old's output has dropped from 23.9 disposals a game last year to just 17.3 this year, having been asked to return to a more permanent forward role.

Now, with several key injuries, Beveridge hinted at McLean receiving more midfield minutes against the Cats.

"It's (the message to McLean) one of praise, initially, it's a difficult thing to digest when you get omitted," Beveridge said on Friday morning.

"Toby over the course of time has been an important player for us (but) we think he can be more influential than he has been.

"The challenge for Tobes is to be that player that really forces the issue and ensures that we win more games than we lose, and he's more than capable of that.

"The way he played last week for Footscray indicated that he took the news of the omission on board, and accepted it, and played really well as a midfielder.

"With Tom Liberatore and Mitch Wallis out of the team, there are some opportunities in that midfield area and Toby will probably spend more time in there this time around."

McLean replaces injured defender Caleb Daniel with Beveridge identifying Matt Suckling, Ed Richards and Bailey Williams as contenders to assume his role as chief distributor across half-back.

The Dogs face Geelong just seven weeks after allowing the Cats their highest score of the season (133) in the 44-point loss at GMHBA Stadium.

"We've reflected on that game when we played them and identified what our vulnerabilities were," he said.

"We've been a bit vulnerable defensively (this season) and we gave up too much score last time against them.

"We were able to score a bit down there at Kardinia Park, which is a good sign for us, but we'll need to minimise that scoreline for them this time around."

Despite Geelong being unchanged, Beveridge said he was anticipating emergency Gary Rohan to be a late inclusion for the Cats.



Dangerfield in some doubt, could be a late out for Rohan?

[SquirrelGrip]

Who else thinks we’ll see Lachie Hunter play Caleb’s distributor role over the next few weeks?

[Hotdog60]

Who else thinks we’ll see Lachie Hunter play Caleb’s distributor role over the next few weeks?
Would he think quick enough to distribute. Caleb not that quick either but he has a knack of being able give himself time and most of the time pick the right option.
Lachie stops props and spins too much.

[bulldogtragic]

Who else thinks we’ll see Lachie Hunter play Caleb’s distributor role over the next few weeks?


Would he think quick enough to distribute. Caleb not that quick either but he has a knack of being able give himself time and most of the time pick the right option.
Lachie stops props and spins too much.

Also I think it might hurt his strength of covering major ground a game. His kicking might be a bit too loopy/dinky, which is more of an issue down back. My dark horse for it is Richards. I seem to recall a highlights video in his last TAC Cup season, where he was playing a very similar quarter back role. It might be good for him especially to throw him into the action too with 9 or less disposals in 3 of his last 4 games.

[Happy Days]

Who else thinks we’ll see Lachie Hunter play Caleb’s distributor role over the next few weeks?

We did that once, against North in 2016. Hunter had 44, it was brutal, we kicked 6 goals for the game and lost.

I vote we accept Caleb and his unique talents are out of the side and adjust rather than replace.

[bornadog]

Who else thinks we’ll see Lachie Hunter play Caleb’s distributor role over the next few weeks?

I wouldn't be surprised, he often plays that role in small stints, but more around the HBF line rather than the deeper role Caleb plays.

I expect Williams to play down there.

[Bulldog4life]

I would like to see Suckers down back. That leg cannon can be dangerous.

[SquirrelGrip]

What will be interesting is if we have some one play Caleb’s role or change our game style because he’s too unique a player. It’s more than possible someone else takes the role and is more damaging (e.g Suckling breaking the lines), forcing Caleb into a different role when he returns.

[bornadog]

What will be interesting is if we have some one play Caleb’s role or change our game style because he’s too unique a player. It’s more than possible someone else takes the role and is more damaging (e.g Suckling breaking the lines), forcing Caleb into a different role when he returns.

No doubt Bevo will be changing the game plan for tonight. Last week we switched to a territory game due to the conditions. We had a different game plan for Collingwood which would have worked if it wasn't for bad kicking.

Geelong may get a surprise tonight.

[1eyedog]

I hoping Pig moves into Daniel's role and we play deep to him to optimise his kicking ability. I don't want pig kicking 15m passes.

[bornadog]

Dogs no change
as predicted by Bevo, Rohan comes in

[Rocket Science]

If we look to deploy someone in Daniel's 'QB' role, for mine Williams and Suckers are territory users whose usefulness is going long in straight lines, not that that can't work exiting defensive fifty, but you don't want either trying to dissect a zone or direct play in traffic, they're instinctive get-it-and-go players.

If we want someone with Caleb's dare and ability to create with sneaky dishes by hand and foot as BT suggests Ed's the most logical go. What he lacks in Daniel's work by foot he makes up for with run and carry. His form's been iffy but he's got it in him.

If the game plan relies on someone in the gig, give him the job and watch him respond.