WB Game Day V Gold Coast Suns R5 2021

[Eastdog]

Margin:
Our first goal:
Our best on ground:

[Eastdog]

Bump

[Vred]

Margin: Dogs by 69
Our first goal: Bruce
Our best on ground: Bailey, pick one.

[Eastdog]

I'll go early:

Margin: Dogs by 45 points
Our first goal: Naughton
Best on ground: Bontempelli

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Can’t afford to drop our next two. North you can take lightly and get away with it. Pretty much any other team and you can be found out. Hope we’re switched on and head into the Richmond clash 6-0.

[DOG GOD]

GC tend to get the jump on us, so we certainly need to be switched on right off the bat. Sexton always gets off the leash, and we can’t let that happen.

If we play the way we have been playing, we should have a 5+ goal win, but I don’t think it will be that easy somehow...so

Dogs by 13
First goal - Bruce
Bog- macrae

[Happy Days]

Margin: Dogs by 69
Our first goal: Bruce
Our best on ground: Bailey, pick one.

Hell yeah

[The Adelaide Connection]

Dogs by 28
First Goal: English
BOG: Martin

[bornadog]

Dogs by 35

First goal: Smith

BOG The Bont

[Mofra]

Dogs by plenty
BOG: Naughton

Gold Coast's best KPD is as slow as a wet week (Collins) and nobody else can go with him in the air.
For all the English talk (which is justified, considering he now leads the AFL in contested marks) Naughton had 7 shots on goal last week. He's primed for a big one.

[bornadog]

Dogs by plenty
BOG: Naughton

Gold Coast's best KPD is as slow as a wet week (Collins) and nobody else can go with him in the air.
For all the English talk (which is justified, considering he now leads the AFL in contested marks) Naughton had 7 shots on goal last week. He's primed for a big one.

You know I missed that 2 goals 5 - thanks for pointing it out

[comrade]

Suns have some very talented players but injury has devastated them and we really should put them to the sword this week. Hope we show some killer instinct and win big.

Dogs by 54
BOG: Naughton with 7 goals
FG: Naughton

[SquirrelGrip]

Dogs by 57
BOG Bont
First Goal Bruce

[DOG GOD]

The first quarter will be important. Last time at Marvel they jumped out and I think scored 5 goals in the first quarter and we just couldn’t peg it back. Get off to a good start and we should be good. Sexton loves our defence, so need to stop him.

[comrade]

The first quarter will be important. Last time at Marvel they jumped out and I think scored 5 goals in the first quarter and we just couldn’t peg it back. Get off to a good start and we should be good. Sexton loves our defence, so need to stop him.

Good point, who takes Sexton?

[Happy Days]

Us in this form, plus no Billy Gowers actively trying to win the game for Gold Coast, should mean a pretty significant win.

Dogs by 65
First goal - Naughton
BOG - Naughton (I also like his chances this week)

[comrade]

Us in this form, plus no Billy Gowers actively trying to win the game for Gold Coast, should mean a pretty significant win.

Dogs by 65
First goal - Naughton
BOG - Naughton (I also like his chances this week)

Lol that Gowers kick at the death was the worst kick I’ve ever seen from a Bulldogs player in my time.

[chef]

Dogs by 85
First Goal The Bont
BOG Treloar

[Axe Man]

Good point, who takes Sexton?

Other than King they don't really have much height in their forward line (or anywhere for that matter), so the likes of Wood, Williams or Crozier if he plays won't have to play tall and should matchup ok against Sexton. I would probably give Wood the job of shutting him down.

[comrade]

Other than King they don't really have much height in their forward line (or anywhere for that matter), so the likes of Wood, Williams or Crozier if he plays won't have to play tall and should matchup ok against Sexton. I would probably give Wood the job of shutting him down.

Yeah, Woody was my first thought but I like him on the dangerous smalls these days. I’d send him to Rankine and give Dale the job on Sexton. Good challenge for him.

[Axe Man]

Yeah, Woody was my first thought but I like him on the dangerous smalls these days. I’d send him to Rankine and give Dale the job on Sexton. Good challenge for him.

Duryea has been doing a great job on the dangerous smalls (Charlie Cameron a case in point), so I think Rankine is a matchup for the doctor. Dale I would prefer to give a lesser matchup so he can concentrate more on intercepting and rebounding, especially in the absence of Caleb.

[AshMac]

Lol that Gowers kick at the death was the worst kick I’ve ever seen from a Bulldogs player in my time.

Don’t forget using the full 30 seconds with us 5 points down with 35 seconds to go!

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

I read today, not since 1946 have we started a season 5-0.
Its Bonts 150th, and we have got a chance to break a 75yr old record!
C'mon Dogs, let's get it done.

[1eyedog]

Yeah, Woody was my first thought but I like him on the dangerous smalls these days. I’d send him to Rankine and give Dale the job on Sexton. Good challenge for him.

Duryea to Rankine. Ryan didn't get a kick on him and neither did Charlie Cameron. In rare form.

[comrade]

Wood had Cameron for periods on the weekend.

[FrediKanoute]

Suns by 1pt - smacks of a real danger game for the Doggies - weakened team, us on a 4 game winning streak, expected to win
First goal - Naughton
BOG - Harbrow

[comrade]

I hope our blokes took notice of how the Tigers put the foot on the throat of a vulnerable opponent tonight.

[Topdog]

I hope our blokes took notice of how the Tigers put the foot on the throat of a vulnerable opponent tonight.

Kind of like how we did to North 2 weeks ago

[Axe Man]

Wood had Cameron for periods on the weekend.

Do our backline matchups ever stay static for an entire game? I don't study them in detail but gut feel is they swap around quite a bit, even if one defender is the primary marker for an opposition forward.

[1eyedog]

Wood had Cameron for periods on the weekend.

Just on that what do people think about Wood's return this year? I think he's been solid and very good defensively and I'm feeling, admittedly its a small sample size, Lewy's ability under the high ball potentially alleviates a lot of pressure off him having to constantly be the third man up.

[bornadog]

Just on that what do people think about Wood's return this year? I think he's been solid and very good defensively and I'm feeling, admittedly its a small sample size, Lewy's ability under the high ball potentially alleviates a lot of pressure off him having to constantly be the third man up.

I thought he played really well against Brisbane and read the play so well. Has been very solid down back, and his experience is what we need.

[jazzadogs]

Us in this form, plus no Billy Gowers actively trying to win the game for Gold Coast, should mean a pretty significant win.


He's playing for Southport in the VFL this year - maybe he was playing the long game, trying to get in the locals' good books.

I think we will win comfortably, 40+ points. Players to note from GC:
- Jack Bowes has started the year well at half-back. Getting plenty of the ball (they love to chip around and maintain possession, trying to break the zone - should play into our hands) and uses it well
- Touk Miller and Hugh Greenwood are playing a highly contested game in the middle - 13 and 10 tackles respectively last week. Greenwood loves to take on a tackle though and often gets caught HTB.
- their forward line should not cause us any issues. Ben King is good, but Sexton/Rankine/Ainsworth have all started the year poorly and our defence has held strong against better teams already this year.


BOG: take your pick of our mids. Ruck dominance should mean that we almost clean sweep the centre clearances. I'll go Treloar for 30+ and 3+ goals.

First goal: Juicy to kick another 10

[comrade]

He's playing for Southport in the VFL this year - maybe he was playing the long game, trying to get in the locals' good books.

I think we will win comfortably, 40+ points. Players to note from GC:
- Jack Bowes has started the year well at half-back. Getting plenty of the ball (they love to chip around and maintain possession, trying to break the zone - should play into our hands) and uses it well
- Touk Miller and Hugh Greenwood are playing a highly contested game in the middle - 13 and 10 tackles respectively last week. Greenwood loves to take on a tackle though and often gets caught HTB.
- their forward line should not cause us any issues. Ben King is good, but Sexton/Rankine/Ainsworth have all started the year poorly and our defence has held strong against better teams already this year.


BOG: take your pick of our mids. Ruck dominance should mean that we almost clean sweep the centre clearances. I'll go Treloar for 30+ and 3+ goals.

First goal: Juicy to kick another 10

Greenwood is very likely playing a fair portion of his time in the ruck this week.

[Mofra]

Greenwood is very likely playing a fair portion of his time in the ruck this week.
He's been a good pick up for them. Big body to protect the kids and plays anywhere he is asked to.
He's not in the class of our midfield rotations but I like him as a player.

We should have one forward get off the chain this week though. They just don't have enough fit KPDs, especially with their ruck issues. We really need to be mentally switched on though as we've dropped a couple of early season GCS games in recent years.

[Axe Man]

We should have one forward get off the chain this week though. They just don't have enough fit KPDs, especially with their ruck issues. We really need to be mentally switched on though as we've dropped a couple of early season GCS games in recent years.

Agreed although it was just the one early season game in 2019. It was especially disappointing though so maybe it felt like 2 losses? ;)

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Make them pay for taking Jarrod Harbrow and being an expansion team when we needed and deserved recruits.

[westbulldog]

Dogs by 40
1st Goal Bruce
BOG Naughton

[Grantysghost]

Sweet is in.

[The Adelaide Connection]

Dogs by 28
First Goal: English
BOG: Martin

Edit: Dogs by 28
First Goal: English
BOG: Sweet

[1eyedog]

Dogs by 10-12 goals
First goal: Jooce
BOG: Jacko

[Bulldog Revolution]

Sweet is in.

I like it - be good to see him get a run

[Grantysghost]

For anyone who wants GA and is not a member, there are $15 tickets available for the game.

https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/event/25005A88AC7C4278?did=bont150

[Grantysghost]

Dogs by 50 (7 goals 8).
BOG : Liberatore.
FG : McNeil.

[bornadog]

For anyone who wants GA and is not a member, there are $15 tickets available for the game.

https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/event/25005A88AC7C4278?did=bont150

Sounds like a weak crowd will be showing up

[Mofra]

Just booked my ticket. Not too far from my normal level 2 seat

[bornadog]

Just booked my ticket. Not too far from my normal level 2 seat

What aisle?

[comrade]

No Lipinski or Cavarra in VFL, expect a late change.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

I am getting a Cavarra vibe.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Dogs by 51pts.
First goal: Cavarra
BOG: 150th man.

[comrade]

Do we know the sub? Any late change?

[divvydan]

Saturday AFL action gets underway in just under an hour and the final teams are in for #AFLDogsSuns.

Laitham Vandermeer is out and has been replaced by Pat Lipinski.

The medical substitutes are Ben Cavarra (@westernbulldogs) and Sam Flanders (@GoldCoastSUNS).

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Saturday AFL action gets underway in just under an hour and the final teams are in for #AFLDogsSuns.

Laitham Vandermeer is out and has been replaced by Pat Lipinski.

The medical substitutes are Ben Cavarra (@westernbulldogs) and Sam Flanders (@GoldCoastSUNS).

Any word on why Vanders is out?

[EasternWest]

Any word on why Vanders is out?

Says "injury" on AFL app

[Bumper Bulldogs]

Dogs by 46 points
BOG Libba
1st Goal Naughton

[bulldogtragic]

Any word on why Vanders is out?

Back spasm

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Up and about. Shopping early.

[EasternWest]

Bailey Dale kicks like a rocket out of the back line and I am here for it.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

OMG.
This could be all over. A knockout in the first round except it is not boxing.

[divvydan]

Not sure about not using English as 2nd ruck. I get GC are using a mid but prefer English being able to run around the ground a little more, not just sitting deep at FF.

[DOG GOD]

Good start, but pretty lacklustre in that last 10 mins. If we think we just have to bomb into 50 and we will mark everything, then that’s not gunna happen. We just need to be a bit more composed with ball in hand, as some of the disposal has been pretty avge.

[DOG GOD]

Not sure about not using English as 2nd ruck. I get GC are using a mid but prefer English being able to run around the ground a little more, not just sitting deep at FF.

Agree. If Witts was playing, Young would not be rucking.

[DOG GOD]

Treloar and Bont in everything, but our mids just need to be a bit more focused.
Scott and McNeil showing why they’re selected ;)

[Bumper Bulldogs]

We slowed up when the Bont came off. If we left him rest forward we would be 10 goals first quarter.

[Grantysghost]

Not sure who kicked that Banana goal but I like him.

[bulldogtragic]

Live ladder 197.5%

[EasternWest]

Not sure who kicked that Banana goal but I like him.

You should change your profile picture to him then and get rid of that lifeguard guy from Stranger Things.

[GVGjr]

I hope we maintain this effort in the 2nd half

[chef]

Booo

[Rocket Science]

What a terrifying half of football.

Come for the 10 goal half time buffer.

Stay for the Bont dishing out don't argues on a hapless Ellis all arvo.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Live ladder 197.5%

Oh no. I hate dealing with expectations. Makes the unexpected losses to saints and blues harder to swallow!

It’s hard to deny how good we look though. It just makes me feel uneasy.

[GVGjr]

I heard a whisper that Collingwood are paying a fair chunk of Treloars salary? Surely that cant be right :)

[DOG GOD]

We have some massive games coming up. GWS (away) and Rich (mcg). Let’s hope this game doesn’t turn into a lethargic waltz. We need to continue to work hard, play as a team, and hit the scoreboard.

Yes, the scoreboard looks great at the moment, but look who we are playing. I’m not getting carried away.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Fair first half and I'd argue we aren't even playing our best.

Scary how good this team could be.

[josie]

Oh no. I hate dealing with expectations. Makes the unexpected losses to saints and blues harder to swallow!

It’s hard to deny how good we look though. It just makes me feel uneasy.

Got a feeling this year is different. Only hubris is our enemy....

[bornadog]

I heard a whisper that Collingwood are paying a fair chunk of Treloars salary? Surely that cant be right :)
thanks Eddie ��

[bornadog]

I wonder if we will get more than 1 minute onAFL360

[The Bulldogs Bite]

I wonder if we will get more than 1 minute onAFL360

Come on BAD, this week will be all about how bad the Sun's are.....

[DOG GOD]

Not an impressive start to the 3rd. Cmon dogs. Foot on the throat.

[DOG GOD]

Cue is in the rack ?

[hujsh]

That was a terrible call by the umpire there. Corbett holds Wood and gets the free even though Wood is in front and would barely be able to hold Corbett

Lukocious has been huge for them

[Rocket Science]

Cue is in the rack ?

They've kicked 6 of the last 7 soooo ...

[DOG GOD]

They've kicked 6 of the last 7 soooo ...

Yep, I posted that 10 mins ago. The writing was on the wall.

[chef]

Did we swap jumpers at half time?

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Started drinking our own bath water at half time.

[GVGjr]

We will need to lift thw work rate in the last quarter. Its strange we started Sweet on thd bench that quarter. I think it took him nearly 10 minutes to get on.

[hujsh]

Our dream of getting on AFL360 may have to wait another week...

[DOG GOD]

Did we swap jumpers at half time?

Lazy, lethargic play. Absolutely disgusting quarter. We still had another level, and we slopped mediocre work rate. A lot of players treading water that quarter. Having GC kick 6 goals in a quarter just shows where our minds were at. They deserve an absolute rocket.
Let’s see what the 4th brings. I won’t be surprised if we are outscored.

[GVGjr]

I think we will get this back on track in the last quarter.

[Grantysghost]

Suns mids stood up they aren't too bad in the guts.

Lets bring it home and level out the second half.

[Grantysghost]

Cavarra on for who?

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Lazy, lethargic play. Absolutely disgusting quarter. We still had another level, and we slopped mediocre work rate. A lot of players treading water that quarter. Having GC kick 6 goals in a quarter just shows where our minds were at. They deserve an absolute rocket.
Let’s see what the 4th brings. I won’t be surprised if we are outscored.

Allowing nearly 0 goals in a half and then 6 in one quarter isn't great. There is a bit of us relaxing and gold coast lifting a notch which, whilst not ideal, can be understandable. What will be important is our response in the last quarter.

[divvydan]

Bailey Williams subbed off, shoulder injury

[Grantysghost]

Not sure Crozier's a walk up start now.

[Scraggers]

That’s four goals to Gold Coast courtesy of absolute crap umpiring.

[Rocket Science]

That might've been the best game Bailey Dale's played for the club.

[GVGjr]

I'm happy enough with the way we finished this game off.
A big win but there is still plenty to work on.
GWS beat Sydney so we have seen the unbeaten run thinned

[GVGjr]

That might've been the best game Bailey Dale's played for the club.

There were plenty writing him off, he's an improving player

[NoseBleed]

Hawaiian shirt to work tomorrow...

[bornadog]

There were plenty writing him off, he's an improving player
Rightly so as a forward but he is has been a revelation in the back line

[BornInDroopSt'54]

I wonder if we will get more than 1 minute onAFL360
Better off listening to Mark Maclure on ABC 774 but your point is membership, sponsors and exposure.
I wouldn't worry. We will create our own irresistable electricity.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

I think it was good in hindsight that Gold Coast found some spirit in the 3rd.
Should make it relatively easy to use that to remind the group what happens when you just think it's all going to just happen.
Good response in the last.

[GVGjr]

Rightly so as a forward but he is has been a revelation in the back line

Its not his fault he was played out of position and for its worth, I thought he did a pretty good job up forward.
Never quite grasped why he was one of the whipping boys.

[Grantysghost]

18k crowd little bit dissapointing? We've for 41k + members thought we could at least crack the 20.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

18k crowd little bit dissapointing? We've for 41k + members thought we could at least crack the 20.

Agree, I wonder if the 4:30 timeslot was a factor. It's an awkward time

[GVGjr]

18k crowd little bit dissapointing? We've for 41k + members thought we could at least crack the 20.

Poor result. Should have been 24k plus
I wonder what might have turned some people away

[bornadog]

Its not his fault he was played out of position and for its worth, I thought he did a pretty good job up forward.
Never quite grasped why he was one of the whipping boys.

Because he would kick goals some weeks and disappear other weeks. He was completely inconsistent.

[GVGjr]

Because he would kick goals some weeks and disappear other weeks. He was completely inconsistent.

No others players like that?

[jeemak]

Poor result. Should have been 24k plus
I wonder what might have turned some people away

Honestly if I could guess it would be the timeslot and the fact the game day experience leaves a lot to be desired as you're constantly being shouted at with incessant and high pitched bullshit. I went to the WC game and whilst the game itself was fantastic the "entertainment" was utter rubbish and made me not want to go to every game.

Now it could be that it's something I've got to get used to again, and perhaps some folks are like me and might take a bit of time after the last year we've had, but watching from the couch - commentary notwithstanding - isn't nearly as offencive to the senses.

[jeemak]

Thought it was a great result, albeit with some blemishes that we need to take notice of and ensure we can tighten up to avoid in the future.

We're 5-0 and our percentage is fantastic. Pretty happy right now.

[Eastdog]

Back home from the game now.

Top of the ladder 5-0 178.6%. Great stuff!

Planning tomorrow on going to a pub in the inner west to celebrate tomorrow.

Go Dogs!

[Grantysghost]

Poor result. Should have been 24k plus
I wonder what might have turned some people away

I know my elderly mum and auntie don't go because they can't be bothered with the ticketing, even though I would organise. They are members.
Spoke to a gent walking from the WO to the station today and he said the same thing. He's a member but doesn't have a smart phone (had an older one) and couldn't be bothered. I said it was pretty straight forward for me but understood the angst.
Maybe school hols too?
I thought it was really a poor crowd.

[Grantysghost]

Back home from the game now.

Top of the ladder 5-0 178.6%. Great stuff!

Planning tomorrow on going to a pub in the inner west to celebrate tomorrow.

Go Dogs!

Giants knocked of the Swans, they're in decent form be a good game next week.

[The bulldog tragician]

One of the more ordinary 10 goal wins :)

We got complacent in the third which was disappointing but it happens. I’m glad we finished strongly as those kind of sloppy efforts can become just as contagious as better habits can. I think we’ve become a little over- confident in all those talls. We had plenty of time in the first half and still just bombed away. A better side would have made us pay. Still, a great start to the year.

Really disappointed with the crowd given how we’re playing, and Bont’s milestone.

I said on Twitter that the noise level from the “entertainment” was intolerable. It was impossible to have a conversation. I’m against it on principle, it adds nothing to force feed us this tripe, but if it’s going to happen, can the decibel level be reduced because it came close to ruining the afternoon.

[Eastdog]

Giants knocked of the Swans, they're in decent form be a good game next week.

Next 2 matches for us will be good challenges.

[1eyedog]

One of the more ordinary 10 goal wins :)

We got complacent in the third which was disappointing but it happens. I’m glad we finished strongly as those kind of sloppy efforts can become just as contagious as better habits can. I think we’ve become a little over- confident in all those talls. We had plenty of time in the first half and still just bombed away. A better side would have made us pay. Still, a great start to the year.

Really disappointed with the crowd given how we’re playing, and Bont’s milestone.

I said on Twitter that the noise level from the “entertainment” was intolerable. It was impossible to have a conversation. I’m against it on principle, it adds nothing to force feed us this tripe, but if it’s going to happen, can the decibel level be reduced because it came close to ruining the afternoon.

Yeah it really is intolerable and its why I dont bother going to matches that often.

[jeemak]

I said on Twitter that the noise level from the “entertainment” was intolerable. It was impossible to have a conversation. I’m against it on principle, it adds nothing to force feed us this tripe, but if it’s going to happen, can the decibel level be reduced because it came close to ruining the afternoon.

Well I'm glad I'm not the only grump!! :)

[The bulldog tragician]

Yeah it really is intolerable and its why I dont bother going to matches that often.

We should let the club know. Not sure anyone will listen but at least they will know that the “audience” they think they’re “entertaining” don’t want every second filled with inane drivel.

[josie]

Whenever AFL send those surveys out I always blast them for the volume. I’ve taken to wearing noise cancellation headphones. Folks have no idea how much damage you can do to your hearing. I am concerned every time I see really young kids ie babies or toddlers without hearing protection.

[josie]

I think we will get this back on track in the last quarter.

Well predicted.

[GVGjr]

Honestly if I could guess it would be the timeslot and the fact the game day experience leaves a lot to be desired as you're constantly being shouted at with incessant and high pitched bullshit. I went to the WC game and whilst the game itself was fantastic the "entertainment" was utter rubbish and made me not want to go to every game.

Now it could be that it's something I've got to get used to again, and perhaps some folks are like me and might take a bit of time after the last year we've had, but watching from the couch - commentary notwithstanding - isn't nearly as offencive to the senses.

Thanks for the insight.

I enjoy the 4.30ish time slot but maybe it doesn't suit enough. I listen to the radio so I really enjoyed the experience.

[GVGjr]

I know my elderly mum and auntie don't go because they can't be bothered with the ticketing, even though I would organise. They are members.
Spoke to a gent walking from the WO to the station today and he said the same thing. He's a member but doesn't have a smart phone (had an older one) and couldn't be bothered. I said it was pretty straight forward for me but understood the angst.
Maybe school hols too?
I thought it was really a poor crowd.

I must admit I'm not a fan of the ticketing process either, I can see why that might be an issue for some.
The double header was great from my perspective. I've missed footy more than I care to admit.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Heard Bevo say they think Bailey Williams has a crack in his collarbone, but don't yet know the details until he has a scan.
Going to miss him whilst he's out.
Bevo also reckons some of the players looked a bit tired at stages in the 3rd and not covering the ground, and then referenced the 6 day break til our next game.
Fair chance we'll see a few changes for Friday night's game.
Wonder if Buku is a chance?

[Grantysghost]

The game day stuff is fine by me I barely notice it. It's standard fare for all sports now.
How can you not like oblivious cam!

[SonofScray]

The absolute assault on your senses, and efforts to stop spontaneous, collective engagement with the game has got out of control. Not satisfied with stripping the joy and anticipation of game day through bullshit ticketing they now want to ruin your ability to even converse with the people around you.

There’s just no restraint shown. It’s like a novice guitarist using all their pedals at once, amp turned up to 10. Any criticism is hand waved away as being “family friendly” “for the kids” and a whole host of absolute wankery.

No music between goals was a relief,

Thank goodness we’re having our best start since 1946. Otherwise I think I’d be really grumpy by now.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Not sure Crozier's a walk up start now.
He is after William's injury.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

18k crowd little bit dissapointing? We've for 41k + members thought we could at least crack the 20.

I still haven't received my membership.

[jeemak]

I still haven't received my membership.

Hahaha, neither have I!

You can use the barcode they messaged you via email prior to round one, however.

[josie]

The game day stuff is fine by me I barely notice it. It's standard fare for all sports now.
How can you not like oblivious cam!

That’s about the only one that’s not at blast your ears out doof doof level.

[Twodogs]

One of the more ordinary 10 goal wins :)

We got complacent in the third which was disappointing but it happens. I’m glad we finished strongly as those kind of sloppy efforts can become just as contagious as better habits can. I think we’ve become a little over- confident in all those talls. We had plenty of time in the first half and still just bombed away. A better side would have made us pay. Still, a great start to the year.

Really disappointed with the crowd given how we’re playing, and Bont’s milestone.

I said on Twitter that the noise level from the “entertainment” was intolerable. It was impossible to have a conversation. I’m against it on principle, it adds nothing to force feed us this tripe, but if it’s going to happen, can the decibel level be reduced because it came close to ruining the afternoon.

I work with people with autism and I used to take quite a lot to the football. I wouldn't even consider taking someone on the ASD to an AFL game at the moment with the blaring noise. They just wouldn't be able to cope with it.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

That’s about the only one that’s not at blast your ears out doof doof level.

We really need to give some feedback to the club about this.

[hujsh]

Poor result. Should have been 24k plus
I wonder what might have turned some people away

Personally time just doesn't work with a commitment I have at 7 on Saturdays. But having to purchase a ticket on top of the membership doesn't appeal.

[The bulldog tragician]

I work with people with autism and I used to take quite a lot to the football. I wouldn't even consider taking someone on the ASD to an AFL game at the moment with the blaring noise. They just wouldn't be able to cope with it.

I commented on that aspect too. The flashing lights don’t help either. Many babies and young kids would find it upsetting as well.

[bornadog]

Not only the noise level and flashing lights give me the shits, but the AFL really dropped the ball today. The AFLW Gf was on and the TVs were showing cricket and some other sport. We asked the guy in the bar to change the channel and he said the stadium controls the TV. This is really pathetic.

[Eastdog]

Poor result. Should have been 24k plus
I wonder what might have turned some people away

A few things I reckon:

- People avoiding public transport still due to Covid etc
- The start of local footy season
- The process in getting the tickets for the matches can be a hassle
- The game day experience as a few have mentioned with all the music/flashing lights etc

[jeemak]

I commented on that aspect too. The flashing lights don’t help either. Many babies and young kids would find it upsetting as well.

You mean the fencing signage the AFL put in place and made the clubs pay for because of improvements to the fan experience?

[jeemak]

A few things I reckon:

- People avoiding public transport still due to Covid etc
- The start of local footy season
- The process in getting the tickets for the matches can be a hassle
- The game day experience as a few have mentioned with all the music/flashing lights etc

Not bad points E'Dawg. The first two probably haven't been considered too much around here as yet.

[G-Mo77]

Poor result. Should have been 24k plus
I wonder what might have turned some people away

Not sure. For me personally it's the treatment of members post COVID. We went through harder times than this and always seem to reward our members even if it was something small. This year after donating close to 3k in a season I knew I couldn't attend I got a sticker 3 months late. I don't know, I'd like to go and watch footy again but driving back and forth through traffic, finding and paying for a park, buying food etc seems too much considering the club only thinks I'm worth 1 lousy sticker. I got more from Melbourne United in 1 game when I rocked up and watches them play here in Bendigo. Lots will disagree but I find it pretty sad and it's put me off a lot.

The ticketing can just go and get stuffed as well. I understand I can't have my own seat, that's fine. I'm not real keen on paying more for an inferior seat though. The booking fee is an absolute rort!

[1eyedog]

The absolute assault on your senses, and efforts to stop spontaneous, collective engagement with the game has got out of control. Not satisfied with stripping the joy and anticipation of game day through bullshit ticketing they now want to ruin your ability to even converse with the people around you.

There’s just no restraint shown. It’s like a novice guitarist using all their pedals at once, amp turned up to 10. Any criticism is hand waved away as being “family friendly” “for the kids” and a whole host of absolute wankery.

No music between goals was a relief,

Thank goodness we’re having our best start since 1946. Otherwise I think I’d be really grumpy by now.

Who needs music when you've got the Gold Coast drummer? I do not condone violence of any type and this is what I kept reminding myself of throughout most of the game.

[merantau]

I absolutely agree with all posters regards the awfulness of the "fan experience". The experience is the game itself. We don't need the razzamatazz. The noise is deafening. Imagine trying to take a telephone call re a family emergency or such like? You couldn't. You can barely hear a message on your phone. The introduction of the players one-by-one is excruciating. If it must be done, do it in groups - "Let's hear it for the Bulldog's defenders!" etc.
A replay of some game highlights is all that is needed.

Re the game. There were two absolute howlers that gifted GC goals. Apart from that I thought they played very well in the 3rd and at full strength they will win a fair few games. They made very few unforced errors during the game, kick well, move the ball quickly and run hard.
They just didn't get enough use of the ball due to our midfield dominance particularly in the first half and the last. I thought our defence worked very well together to shut them down when the ball got inside defensive 50. Crozier had a very good first game back. All defeders played well with Dale playing his best game this year.

[Grantysghost]

I still haven't received my membership.

Wow that's terrible. Very poor.

That's completely the clubs fault and I'd be giving them strong feedback if I were you.

Re the ticketing, that's just a fact of Covid life unfortunately. It's tough on some for sure, but I do balance that with how lucky we are to be able to attend at all in comparison to others so ok to cop it.

Going to the VFL yesterday and then onto the AFL with very little restriction was just sensational.

Re reward for last season I somewhat agree.

I'm not sure what to expect but some individual recognition of members loyalty during 2020 wouldn't hurt. Especially considering the club actually made a profit on the back of many of our donations.

I remember the Victory once had an inaugural members wall at a game with all the names of people who were first year members.

Went down well, people were getting photos, looking for their names etc. Surely we can do something?

Hard with some many people not to make it too tokenistic I guess but something would be nice.

[Grantysghost]

That’s about the only one that’s not at blast your ears out doof doof level.

Haha true it's like chapel st on a Saturday night. I prefer it not to be there but accept it. It's part of all sports aleague, nrl, nbl etc. VFL was nice for the old school vibes :cool:

[comrade]

Not sure. For me personally it's the treatment of members post COVID. We went through harder times than this and always seem to reward our members even if it was something small. This year after donating close to 3k in a season I knew I couldn't attend I got a sticker 3 months late. I don't know, I'd like to go and watch footy again but driving back and forth through traffic, finding and paying for a park, buying food etc seems too much considering the club only thinks I'm worth 1 lousy sticker. I got more from Melbourne United in 1 game when I rocked up and watches them play here in Bendigo. Lots will disagree but I find it pretty sad and it's put me off a lot.

The ticketing can just go and get stuffed as well. I understand I can't have my own seat, that's fine. I'm not real keen on paying more for an inferior seat though. The booking fee is an absolute rort!

This is a genuine question: what would you have liked to have received from the club as a reward/gesture of appreciation after last year?

[AshMac]

Not sure. For me personally it's the treatment of members post COVID. We went through harder times than this and always seem to reward our members even if it was something small. This year after donating close to 3k in a season I knew I couldn't attend I got a sticker 3 months late. I don't know, I'd like to go and watch footy again but driving back and forth through traffic, finding and paying for a park, buying food etc seems too much considering the club only thinks I'm worth 1 lousy sticker. I got more from Melbourne United in 1 game when I rocked up and watches them play here in Bendigo. Lots will disagree but I find it pretty sad and it's put me off a lot.

The ticketing can just go and get stuffed as well. I understand I can't have my own seat, that's fine. I'm not real keen on paying more for an inferior seat though. The booking fee is an absolute rort!

Agree with all your points G-Moz. I’ve been a 10 year AFL member (35 year dogs member), just snuck into 2016 GF. There was a chance my dad - 50 year member, rarely missed a Melbourne based game in that time - could have missed out. I realised at that time what being a “member of the AFL” meant to the league. Different narrative last year when the corporate sponsors couldn’t prop the league up and the members were needed. Still - even now, nothing really showing any appreciation.

As for the club - same deal tbh. This year in particular has been pretty pathetic. I don’t need a scarf a every year but something that indicated they appreciated us wouldn’t go astray. I spoke w the head of member “something” about 8 years ago - voiced all this directly to him (work meeting) and was assured there is a lot in the works yada yada - nothing. It seems again, the focus is on new members rather than existing.

As for ticket booking fee on a site which is the only way to reserve (not buy) a ticket - it’s disgraceful!

[1eyedog]

This is a genuine question: what would you have liked to have received from the club as a reward/gesture of appreciation after last year?

I'd like Dinner with the Bont followed by reds at Bevo's.

[kruder]

How did people view Young's game? Was at a wedding last night didn't get to see it, have my fingers crossed he can cement himself its probably the area where we are most thin.

[Hotdog60]

He wasn't as prominent as last week. He seemed on the small screen to be making position to receive a few times and either wasn't seen or over looked. I would rate it as average but I wouldn't drop him this week against GWS.

[G-Mo77]

This is a genuine question: what would you have liked to have received from the club as a reward/gesture of appreciation after last year?

For starters actually sending something to me. I'm not that hard to please, even a small gesture of sending me one scarf or hat instead of emailing me something with $20 voucher typed on it would be a good start. A small token can go a long way, we didn't even get a token at all. Everything seems so inpersonal and robotic this season, I feel we've lost touch with our supporter base and that seems to be reflected in our poor membership figures. Like I said in my post. I felt more appreciated in 1 game at Melbourne United in Bendigo than I have this year after almost 2 decades of being a member at a football club.

Dinner with a player and drinks with the coach sounds perfect 1eye. Haha

[Mantis]

At the start of the game if you’d have given me a 10 goal win I’d have taken it and moved on.

The first half was very good, but we slipped a bit in intensity and execution after the main break and suffered from that. Sweet spending lots of time in the 3rd qtr meant we went small in the front half and we didn’t connect well and made some poor decisions and then got caught out on the counter, but we kicked 2.5 to 6.1 in the 3rd so things could’ve been quite different if the conversion rates were equalised. To the credit of GC they played some good footy in the 2nd half with precision (and risky) ball movement, but also had some luck with some lucky breaks. Would’ve been nice to kick straighter than 4.7 in the last, but as we know our goal kicking isn’t something we can rely on yet.

We’re still a work in progress, but banking wins & percentage has us in an extremely strong position as we work our way towards a tough stretch of games where we will we find out a fair bit more about this group.

[merantau]

Young must be persevered with IMO. He was used in the ruck as well as in defence. He was not prominent but neither was he a liability. He has size, he can mark and he has pace and agility. A definite keeper as we have put a fair bit into him over four years and the pay off time has come.

[comrade]

For starters actually sending something to me. I'm not that hard to please, even a small gesture of sending me one scarf or hat instead of emailing me something with $20 voucher typed on it would be a good start. A small token can go a long way, we didn't even get a token at all. Everything seems so inpersonal and robotic this season, I feel we've lost touch with our supporter base and that seems to be reflected in our poor membership figures. Like I said in my post. I felt more appreciated in 1 game at Melbourne United in Bendigo than I have this year after almost 2 decades of being a member at a football club.

Dinner with a player and drinks with the coach sounds perfect 1eye. Haha

That's all fair enough, the organisation focus does seem to be on attracting new members rather than accomodating the die hards.

What did Melbourne United do for you in Bendigo?

[G-Mo77]

That's all fair enough, the organisation focus does seem to be on attracting new members rather than accomodating the die hards.

What did Melbourne United do for you in Bendigo?

They left gifts on every seat, a clapper and a poster. There were people there greeting you when you came in and offering you freebies which we declined much to my sons disgust but I didn't want more clutter in the house. LOL. They made you feel wanted while you were there. I really can't comment on what WB game day interaction is like as I have not been there yet but I hope we are making every effort to make the people coming each week feel like they are wanted. I've been to a couple of NBL games in Melbourne and it's even more welcoming than what it was in Bendigo, I plan on becoming a member there next season so small gestures go a long way with me, going the other way is the opposite and for me personally that kind of hurts.

[GVGjr]

Regarding the game day experience, I wonder if people also got used to sitting at home last season and watching the games and unless all the planets align it's now seen as a more than viable option.

Last week up at Ballarat it took a long time for many supporters to get into the venue
It very clear that many people also don't like the seating options and game day experience
On top of all that, 5 rounds in and some members haven't received their memberships

We have always been a resilient supporter base but perhaps until these issues are resolved attendances won't be where they otherwise should be. And remember this is after a fast start. What might the numbers be if we were struggling with 2 wins and 3 losses?

[angelopetraglia]

The ticketing situation is definitely an issue. The family group I go to the football with is greater than six. That we can't purchase tickets to all sit together is an issue. I'm sure others are in a similar situation. Also, it is not difficult to navigate the ticketing process for those who are digital natives, but my father would really struggle with it if we were not organising the tickets for him. If he was on his own in regards to tickets, he would probably choose just to sit at home.

I have been to four of the first five games (missed the NMFC game as we went away for Easter) and it has been so good to be back at the footy. I knew I missed the ritual of game day, watching the game in person and the overall atmosphere last year but I didn't realise how much until we have had the chance to go back this year. So many reasons, but one big reason ... it brings my wider family together each week to share in our joint passion of supporting the Western Bulldogs.

[comrade]

They left gifts on every seat, a clapper and a poster. There were people there greeting you when you came in and offering you freebies which we declined much to my sons disgust but I didn't want more clutter in the house. LOL. They made you feel wanted while you were there. I really can't comment on what WB game day interaction is like as I have not been there yet but I hope we are making every effort to make the people coming each week feel like they are wanted. I've been to a couple of NBL games in Melbourne and it's even more welcoming than what it was in Bendigo, I plan on becoming a member there next season so small gestures go a long way with me, going the other way is the opposite and for me personally that kind of hurts.

I imagine that is a lot easier to do at a regional basketball game, to be fair.

I'm not sure how the club can replicate that sort of intimate experience on a larger scale with 10s of thousands of fans at a huge football stadium. A token gift sounds manageable though, something to say thanks for sticking fat in 2020. I imagine every member would appreciate that.

[ratsmac]

I can't say I like the "fan experience" nor do I hate it. It's just something they do at half time nowadays. My son has done some filming at the basketball of some Australian up and come artists. They sing I think 2 songs but it's effective and fun and the younger generation look to love it. Dunno if it would work at AFEL games but it couldn't be worse.

What would you guys like to see at half time? Genuine question. Complete silence? Hyde St Band? Crusty demons? Half time raffle? Kiss cam and oblivious cam is the sort of thing that works in American sports (I think) and we always seem to copy them for some reason. I get a giggle out of it now and then.

I've never noticed how l loud everyone is saying it is either but 30 years in construction will do that to one's ears.

[The bulldog tragician]

Regarding the game day experience, I wonder if people also got used to sitting at home last season and watching the games and unless all the planets align it's now seen as a more than viable option.

Last week up at Ballarat it took a long time for many supporters to get into the venue
It very clear that many people also don't like the seating options and game day experience
On top of all that, 5 rounds in and some members haven't received their memberships

We have always been a resilient supporter base but perhaps until these issues are resolved attendances won't be where they otherwise should be. And remember this is after a fast start. What might the numbers be if we were struggling with 2 wins and 3 losses?
I’m really puzzled by the ticketing situation. I’m a silver social club member yet within a couple of hours of tickets becoming available I can only get spots in the nosebleed section for a match that is so poorly attended. Each week my group has been pressed up against another family group ie no space between us so what’s the COVID point? In the collingwood match for example there were four of us sitting right next to a single ticket holder.

You can’t move from section to section meaning there are long queues where we are all standing together for long periods of time. Ballarat was particularly ridiculous. A staff member eventually moved along the line giving a cursory look in bags and then told us: just tell them your bag has already been searched. It just all seems very amateur.

I don’t understand the obsession with filling every second with noise. It actually dilutes the real and best noises of the match, such as the roar when the players come out. When we played West Coast the din in the last quarter as we came back, and the sight of red white and blue sections rising in a great big wave is the only “ match day experience” that really matters because it’s authentic and real.

PS I also abhor violence but that Gold Coast drummer....:mad:

[1eyedog]

How did people view Young's game? Was at a wedding last night didn't get to see it, have my fingers crossed he can cement himself its probably the area where we are most thin.

I'm a massive Lew Young fan I just think he provides a point of different in the key defender role in our back half. He's over 195cm and can (and will at every opportunity) intercept. Keathy is a great player but he's transitioned from an interceptor to a defend-first key style of player for the benefit of the team. We have other interceptors (Wood once upon a time), Crozier et al. but these guys are under-sized. Lewy Young provides a point of difference on Keath and Gardner's defend-first policy with his ability to play on mobile bigs as well as having the confidence to go for his marks. Talls who can mark with confidence in the back half are rare breeds and worth their weight in gold and it's why I love him so much, and why others see so much potential in him.

Tbh he was ordinary yesterday, was found out of position too often for my liking but to be fair GC did not go long into F50 at all so their i50s yesterday did not play to his strengths. Lewy deserves the same opportunity to impress afforded to others over the past 18 months. He needs to be played at least until the point that Gardner is fit (a block of 4-5 weeks). Then we make an assessment who fits the team structure better.

[bornadog]

Not sure. For me personally it's the treatment of members post COVID. We went through harder times than this and always seem to reward our members even if it was something small. This year after donating close to 3k in a season I knew I couldn't attend I got a sticker 3 months late. I don't know, I'd like to go and watch footy again but driving back and forth through traffic, finding and paying for a park, buying food etc seems too much considering the club only thinks I'm worth 1 lousy sticker. I got more from Melbourne United in 1 game when I rocked up and watches them play here in Bendigo. Lots will disagree but I find it pretty sad and it's put me off a lot.

The ticketing can just go and get stuffed as well. I understand I can't have my own seat, that's fine. I'm not real keen on paying more for an inferior seat though. The booking fee is an absolute rort!

Are you a Gold Member with seats?

Gold members received a discount of $120 but to book a seat you have to add on $10 to book level 2?

Also, away games are free.

Not sure what else the club could do?

PS; I haven't checked the other levels of membership and what they received.

[Grantysghost]

Are you a Gold Member with seats?

Gold members received a discount of $120 but to book a seat you have to add on $10 to book level 2?

Also, away games are free.

Not sure what else the club could do?

PS; I haven't checked the other levels of membership and what they received.

Yes that's right, memberships were cheaper initially then you paid more as you go.

[bornadog]

Yes that's right, memberships were cheaper initially then you paid more as you go.

If you don't go you don't pay the extra.

[EasternWest]

I'd like Dinner with the Bont followed by reds at Bevo's.

And Easton Wood to tuck me in and read to me as I drift off to sleep.

[Happy Days]

That was going to be a 140 point win until the AFL deep state conspiracy set in to stop us from becoming too powerful.

Naughton getting a goal overturned on ARC from a spike from the noise when he kicked it? Macrae getting a free against for shrugging a tackle? English getting done for working his man under the ball in the goalsquare?

Open your third eye people.

(We really let a good chance slip here to set up our percentage for the year)

[comrade]

That was going to be a 140 point win until the AFL deep state conspiracy set in to stop us from becoming too powerful.

Naughton getting a goal overturned on ARC from a spike from the noise when he kicked it? Macrae getting a free against for shrugging a tackle? English getting done for working his man under the ball in the goalsquare?

Open your third eye people.

(We really let a good chance slip here to set up our percentage for the year)

https://i.ibb.co/VHwq0Yc/maxresdefault-0.jpg (https://ibb.co/3fRC5m9)

[bulldogsthru&thru]

What the hell was the 50 against Crozier for? There were so many weird calls.

[comrade]

What the hell was the 50 against Crozier for? There were so many weird calls.

He dropped his shoulder into the players back late. It was soft, but there.

[Grantysghost]

He dropped his shoulder into the players back late. It was soft, but there.

It was a clear 50 to me not sure what he was thinking.

[Hotdog60]

To honest I had no idea what it was for until I saw the third angle on the replay.

[Eastdog]

Back home from the game now.

Top of the ladder 5-0 178.6%. Great stuff!

Planning tomorrow on going to a pub in the inner west to celebrate tomorrow.

Go Dogs!

Celebrating our great start now at the Prince Albert Hotel in Williamstown.

[KT31]

Celebrating our great start now at the Prince Albert Hotel in Williamstown.

Was enjoying a beverage or two myself there the other night Eastie.
Wave as you drive past and Enjoy your Parma.:)

[jeemak]

That was going to be a 140 point win until the AFL deep state conspiracy set in to stop us from becoming too powerful.

Naughton getting a goal overturned on ARC from a spike from the noise when he kicked it? Macrae getting a free against for shrugging a tackle? English getting done for working his man under the ball in the goalsquare?

Open your third eye people.

(We really let a good chance slip here to set up our percentage for the year)

I think the Jacko free kick was a down field from something that happened in our forward line, rather than holding the ball...........although the confusion enabled Nick Riewoldt to show his true anti-Bulldogs colours with his insistance that a player who isn't effectively tackled relinquishes prior opportunity if he avoids an ineffective tackle........

The English free kick was definitely there, given he worked his man under the ball but didn't make a realistic attempt to mark the thing. Seriously indicative of our attitude in the third quarter, not doing the basic thing of slamming it over the line with a defencive punch.

[bornadog]

He dropped his shoulder into the players back late. It was soft, but there.

Just as bad as the 50 in the VFL when our player (can't remember who), went for the spoil and his arm was over the shoulder of the GC player and the ump gave them 50. Absolute stupidity.

As for Crozier's, was soft as butter and very harsh. It is a contact sport, and the players are not robots that they can stop on the spot. He was trying to avoid crashing in and barely touched the GC player. The GC player should have been done for faking.

The umps have lost the plot and are being too technical.

[Mantis]

I think the Jacko free kick was a down field from something that happened in our forward line, rather than holding the ball...........although the confusion enabled Nick Riewoldt to show his true anti-Bulldogs colours with his insistance that a player who isn't effectively tackled relinquishes prior opportunity if he avoids an ineffective tackle........


A free was paid against Josh Bruce... must’ve been for a holding or high contact when he was trying to make a lead. Didn’t see the incident, but did see the non-officiating umpire talking to Bruce and pointing up the field to where Macrae was.

[jeemak]

A free was paid against Josh Bruce... must’ve been for a holding or high contact when he was trying to make a lead. Didn’t see the incident, but did see the non-officiating umpire talking to Bruce and pointing up the field to where Macrae was.

On the replay I heard the words downfield via an official's mic.

[1eyedog]

And Easton Wood to tuck me in and read to me as I drift off to sleep.

Yeah he can softly spoken word me the entire 2016 Western Bulldigs finals series.

[Twodogs]

I commented on that aspect too. The flashing lights don’t help either. Many babies and young kids would find it upsetting as well.

The flashing lights are troublesome for people with epilepsy. I had one guy I had to stand right up the back behind the seating with where the scoreboard and lighting was blocked from his line of sight but we could still see the game. At least that was a problem that was solvable. Apart from noise cancelling earphones the noise level is too much. But who wants to wear headphones for 3.5 hours?

[Eastdog]

Was enjoying a beverage or two myself there the other night Eastie.
Wave as you drive past and Enjoy your Parma.:)

Was a very good Parma KT31. I have been also to the Steam Packet Hotel as well in Willy. Being a Dogs supporter growing up in the east it is great now to be discovering much more of the west.

[merantau]

The Bont strikes. Thanks Al.
https://youtu.be/pPd_985ztrc

[CarnTheScray]

18k crowd little bit dissapointing? We've for 41k + members thought we could at least crack the 20.
I wouldn’t worry about it. Crowds are down for every team in the state at the moment. I don’t think we even drew this low in 2018.

[Grantysghost]

Team song in AR.


https://youtu.be/aGbZsOjUxwQ

Works best in the YouTube app.

[comrade]

Team song in AR.


https://youtu.be/aGbZsOjUxwQ

Libba really relished that Powerade shower for Sweety, didn’t he? Didn’t waste a drop.

[Grantysghost]

Libba really relished that Powerade shower for Sweety, didn’t he? Didn’t waste a drop.

Ha true. We all know that guy.

[Ozza]

At the start of the game if you’d have given me a 10 goal win I’d have taken it and moved on.

The first half was very good, but we slipped a bit in intensity and execution after the main break and suffered from that. Sweet spending lots of time in the 3rd qtr meant we went small in the front half and we didn’t connect well and made some poor decisions and then got caught out on the counter, but we kicked 2.5 to 6.1 in the 3rd so things could’ve been quite different if the conversion rates were equalised. To the credit of GC they played some good footy in the 2nd half with precision (and risky) ball movement, but also had some luck with some lucky breaks. Would’ve been nice to kick straighter than 4.7 in the last, but as we know our goal kicking isn’t something we can rely on yet.

We’re still a work in progress, but banking wins & percentage has us in an extremely strong position as we work our way towards a tough stretch of games where we will we find out a fair bit more about this group.

Yep, this pretty much sums it up for me.

I was really impressed with how the Suns kicked the ball in the third. Some of their linking up from half back to half forward was several centimetre perfect kicks in a row. And although we were a bit down for the quarter on intensity, we did still have as many scoring shots. Also agree with the comment that we are still a work in progress. Who would have though we'd be so ho-hum about a 10 goal win, and be sitting here 5-0 with an outrageous percentage.

Get the win v GWS this week. And 6-0 and ready to see where we are at vs the best in the business on a Friday night in round 7.

[Grantysghost]

AFLCA votes :

10 Josh Dunkley (WB)

8 Marcus Bontempelli (WB)

5 Alex Keath (WB)

3 Adam Treloar (WB)

3 Jack Macrae (WB)

1 Jack Lukosius (GCFC)

[comrade]

Yep, this pretty much sums it up for me.

I was really impressed with how the Suns kicked the ball in the third. Some of their linking up from half back to half forward was several centimetre perfect kicks in a row. And although we were a bit down for the quarter on intensity, we did still have as many scoring shots. Also agree with the comment that we are still a work in progress. Who would have though we'd be so ho-hum about a 10 goal win, and be sitting here 5-0 with an outrageous percentage.

Get the win v GWS this week. And 6-0 and ready to see where we are at vs the best in the business on a Friday night in round 7.

The Suns first goal of the game (late in the second qtr) originated from an absolutely beautiful kick deep in defence that hit a running player 50 metres away. I'm ok with conceding goals where the opposition has to play perfect footy to achieve it.

[bornadog]

Bailey Dale:



27 disposals at 92% efficiency (equal career-high)
Nine marks
Nine rebound 50s
Nine score involvements
666 metres gained

[ratsmac]

A 10 goal win against a team we have struggled with for probably 3 years even though they haven't been much chop. I'll take that any day!

[comrade]

Garry Loinchop again refusing to give us anything on On The Couch :D

I hope the Tigers rip the Demons to shreds and pull him down a peg.

[Grantysghost]

Garry Loinchop again refusing to give us anything on On The Couch :D

I hope the Tigers rip the Demons to shreds and pull him down a peg.

They will, most had the Demons 10 - 16 they've beat up some average sides so far. I'd be on the Tigers 40+.

[Mantis]

They will, most had the Demons 10 - 16 they've beat up some average sides so far. I'd be on the Tigers 40+.

Does it really matter where the so called experts predict a team to come?

And the same could be said about us in regard to who we've played... all you can do is beat what is front of you and so far Melbourne have been pretty impressive, but like us the true tests are ahead.

[Grantysghost]

Does it really matter where the so called experts predict a team to come?

And the same could be said about us in regard to who we've played... all you can do is beat what is front of you and so far Melbourne have been pretty impressive, but like us the true tests are ahead.
I've got cash on the 40+ so I'm calling my own bluff.

[jeemak]

Garry Loinchop again refusing to give us anything on On The Couch :D

I hope the Tigers rip the Demons to shreds and pull him down a peg.

What were our deficiencies/ questions unanswered this week?

[boydogs]

Melbourne have a good spine in a year where the Stand rule has helped talls

I'm not sure Gardiner gets back in for Lewis Young now

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

What were our deficiencies/ questions unanswered this week?

Robbo thought we were 'fun to watch'.. It was quite patronising.
That's okay. I hope the club use the lack of belief from the media as fuel to keep the team focused on what's ahead.

[Axe Man]

Does it make you guys feel any better that Kane Cornes thinks we can win the flag?

CORNES NAMES THE FOUR TEAMS THAT CAN WIN THE FLAG AND THE ONE IN THE MIX (https://www.sen.com.au/news/2021/04/20/cornes-names-the-four-teams-that-can-win-the-flag-and-the-one-in-the-mix/)


Kane Cornes has gone through what he has learned after five rounds of footy, suggesting the top eight is set bar one change.

Cornes also believes there are currently only four teams who can win the flag, on current form, with a fifth team in the mix if they get healthy.

2020 Preliminary Finalists Geelong and Brisbane are not among his contenders as it stands.

“My biggest thing is just that I’m not sure how many good teams there are. I’m not even sure if there’s a top eight,” Cornes told SEN SA Breakfast.

“I think there’s a top six. How many teams can genuinely win the premiership after Round 5? There’s probably four or five.

“The Western Bulldogs can no doubt win it, Melbourne with what we’re seeing can win it and they have enough good players and are playing a premiership style of football, they’ll be tested throughout the year.

“Port Adelaide can definitely win it, Richmond can win it and then maybe West Coast, but who knows about West Coast away from home with an ageing list and with their injuries they’ve got.

And David King has plenty of praise for us:

HOW BULLDOGS BECAME COMPETITION’S HOTTEST TEAM WITH A “MAKESHIFT” FORWARD (https://www.sen.com.au/news/2021/04/19/how-bulldogs-became-competitions-hottest-team-with-a-makeshift-forward/)


The top-of-the-table Western Bulldogs continue to dazzle fans and pundits alike in what is their best start to a season in 75 years.

Luke Beveridge has his side humming – they’re the No.1 ranked team in defence and attack after five rounds and boast one of the deepest – if not the deepest – midfield brigade in the competition.

While tougher challenges lie ahead, the Bulldogs are the hottest ticket in town led by their captain Marcus Bontempelli who is in Brownlow Medal-winning form.

David King is intrigued by the make-up of the Bulldogs’ forward line and how Beveridge has been able to put all the pieces together.

“You’ve got to see the Dogs live. If you love your footy, go and watch the Dogs live. I don’t care who you barrack for,” King told SEN’s Whateley.

“I look forward of centre, in their forward 50 they’ve got centre half-backs: (Josh) Bruce and (Aaron) Naughton, they’re their prime targets. They’ve got a ruckman down there that’s the third target, (Tim) English.

“There’s no John Coleman or Tony Lockett down there, so they’ve got two centre half-backs and a ruckman, and then they’ve got all these smalls that are pre-season picks or rookie selections, Anthony Scott and Lachie McNeil, these guys just putting pressure on, and then there’s a whole host of others.

“(Ben) Cavarra, who was at pick 45, (Laitham) Vandermeer didn’t play on the weekend, but he’s a pick 40 or so, it’s a makeshift forward line. If you were writing down at the start of the year their forward six, there’s no way you would have written those six players down – they’re the No.1 attack in the competition.

“If they’re No.1 (forward) and No.1 (defence), then how good a coaching performance is that?

“They’re going to challenge the Tigers in two weeks, that’s most anticipated game for me for a long, long time, to see whether this can compete with the absolute best.”

The Dogs will look to make it six wins on the spin when they travel to Canberra to play GWS on Friday night.

WHATELEY AND KING RANK THEIR TOP FOUR SEEDS AFTER ROUND 5
(https://www.sen.com.au/news/2021/04/19/whateley-and-king-rank-their-top-four-seeds-after-round-5/)

Gerard Whateley and David King have named their top four seeds in the AFL after Round 5.

These are the four teams they have the most confidence in going forward, coupled with what the teams have shown so far.


"We've both got five teams we think can win it (the flag)," King told SEN's Whateley.

See their seedings below:

King

1. Western Bulldogs

King praised the Bulldogs earlier on SEN’s Whateley.

2. Richmond

"It’s not a move backwards for the Tigers, it’s just that the Dogs are playing the best of anyone right now.

"In a fortnight’s time that form gets franked against the Tigers."

3. Port Adelaide

"They’re the great seduces, but I do think they’ve got such depth, spark and talent – wildcard talent – in that forward line."

4. Melbourne

"Because the captain (Max Gawn) is now endorsed as the man. In the crunch, I am your man.

"It just formats the structure of a football club when the captain kicks a goal from 50m out to give you a two-goal buffer."

Whateley

1. Richmond

"I just won’t hear of Richmond not being one.

"Because of that first hint of, ‘alright, let’s assess Richmond after two losses on the trot’ and they just destroyed St Kilda.

"It’s easy to overlook just how good Richmond were – their system is awesome and it was the ruthlessness."

2. Port Adelaide

"1 v 2 played each other last week in Round 4 on the Friday night.

"I’ve got Port at two."

3. Western Bulldogs

"It’s just exhilarating the way that they play."

4. West Coast

"I’m not unconditional on West Coast, but I love what they do at Optus (Stadium)."

[Grantysghost]

Easton went the Jackie Chan on entrance to the ground :

https://i.postimg.cc/prC18XgN/esaton.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[EasternWest]

Easton went the Jackie Chan on entrance to the ground :

https://i.postimg.cc/prC18XgN/esaton.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

Reminiscent of that great goal against Sydney.

[bornadog]

GWS will spread the physical love further than Bont': Dogs bracing for fireworks (https://www.afl.com.au/news/599038?mi_u=98002c4ed19c7b42962e1b53a2293b1f080d2c5c&mi_ecmp=aflrunner&spMailingID=6819340&spUserID=Mjc3NTkxNjgyNjQ4S0&spJobID=1240963870&spReportId=MTI0MDk2Mzg3MAS2&mi_cmp=5e0736ee0a34ecd4&mi_sc=t)

WESTERN Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge expects GWS to look beyond purely targeting skipper Marcus Bontempelli when the fierce rivals face off in Canberra.

The two teams have built a memorable modern-day rivalry, marked by physicality, thrilling clashes and trading barbs on and off the field - and GWS going after Bontempelli.

The Bulldogs skipper avoided suspension for a bump that left Nick Haynes with a fractured larynx in 2019 but the Giants successfully targeted Bontempelli and bullied the Bulldogs in that year's elimination final.

Bontempelli's Bulldogs got revenge by winning a spiteful clash last year, where 15 players received fines for being part of a melee.

"You'd have to ask him (if Bontempelli gets up for the Giants games more) - he consistently just fronts up and if he's not at his best, with the outcomes, statistically in the game it doesn't mean he's tried any less because he's just such a great competitor," Beveridge told reporters.

"But he's been central to the some of the friction, historically.

"That was one of the critical things from our group last year is they embraced that, a little bit more - (maybe) they weren't as aware of it as they should have been in the final the previous year.

"But with the depth of our group and what they've been doing, I'm sure that GWS will spread the physical love further than Marcus."

The Bulldogs are 5-0 for the first time since 1946 but GWS are coming off back-to-back wins including a stunning late derby upset over the previously undefeated Swans.

"Maybe he's relishing that that formal title of leading the troops out," Beveridge said.

"We're not seeing a different Toby Greene as far as performance goes - he's always been able to influence games.

"So that'll be an important undertaking for us to make sure that we quell his influence - obviously he missed a few last week but he can win them off his own boot."

Bailey Williams (collarbone) is sidelined for a month but Beveridge flagged Easton Wood, Hayden Crozier, Taylor Duryea and Bailey Dale as potential options to tackle Greene.

Caleb Daniel will return from a week's suspension for a dangerous tackle that Beveridge jokingly referred to as "the suplex", while Stefan Martin will play after being managed last week.

Speedster Laitham Vandermeer could return from a back spasm but Josh Schache won't be immediately called upon after booting 5.4 and taking 12 marks in the VFL.

[AshMac]

Such a shame the game isn’t in Melbourne and I could have let the GWS players know what I think of them in person.

Had last years game circled in the calendar from fixture release. Bloody Covid!

[Ghost Dog]

Jackie Chan style is Toby Green's speciality.

Hoping for a Naughton bag.

[AshMac]

Jackie Chan style is Toby Green's speciality.

Hoping for a Naughton bag.

No Davis will help that along - he’s had the best of naughts the last few outings.

No Cogs and De Boer a help. Wonder if they’ll bother trying to tag someone know. Problem is who....?

[Ghost Dog]

It's a grand time to be a Dogs supporters. Jealous of all you who get to go to games.