Always Right Match Committee - Finals Week 1

[DOG GOD]

If Draper is against Young/English, I’d have the 3 mids set up like a wall on the defensive side. We ain’t getting the ball, but at least we might be able to stop them just running out of the square freely ;)

[Danjul]

If Draper is against Young/English, I’d have the 3 mids set up like a wall on the defensive side. We ain’t getting the ball, but at least we might be able to stop them just running out of the square freely ;)
In the last two games the team had a total of 33 hitouts.

Put any two of Sweets games together and his total is not lower, and that includes his game against Gawn.

Bevo’s strategy is failing the supporters.

[Bullies]

Then play Sweet I've come around to Sweet as well. He can't go any worse than Young. He is strong and will give Draper a contest. Does have smarts in the tap outs as well.

Young can go back if needed people will say but to do what? He is not in our best 22.

[Grantysghost]

Is he even 75% fit? I get wanting a ruck, I really do, but do we want a guy who literally can't move around the ground well enough? He is sound less mobile/effective than Sweet outside of the ruckwork.

It's got Trengove vibes. His gps numbers were an issue with the MC so he didn't get a look in.

Clearly that is a non negotiable for Bevo.

Meanwhile we play an average defender in the ruck in the lead up to finals. I'm not sure what to think.

[josie]

I’d rather Young than Cordy.

[Danjul]

I've come around to Sweet as well. He can't go any worse than Young. He is strong and will give Draper a contest. Does have smarts in the tap outs as well.

Young can go back if needed people will say but to do what? He is not in our best 22.

12, 13, 13, 14, 15, 17 is YoungÂ’s disposals this year.

ThatÂ’s without having a position in the team.

He has played forward, back, and No1 ruck. who else can be thrown around and be as consistent?

He has given his best and in my opinion is in best 22.

This isnÂ’t a criticism of Naughton but since his concussion he has had 5,8,8,9,9,11

we might have been better off resting Naughton longer and using Young for an extra game or two.

[bornadog]

12, 13, 13, 14, 15, 17 is YoungÂ’s disposals this year.

ThatÂ’s without having a position in the team.

He has played forward, back, and No1 ruck. who else can be thrown around and be as consistent?

He has given his best and in my opinion is in best 22.

This isnÂ’t a criticism of Naughton but since his concussion he has had 5,8,8,9,9,11

we might have been better off resting Naughton longer and using Young for an extra game or two.

Stats for Sweets last game - 3 disposals

[Danjul]

Stats for Sweets last game - 3 disposals
Hannan’s worst: 6,6,7,7,7
Sweet’s worst: 3,8,9,9,14

And sweet gets a few hitouts. On the weekend Hannan was used in 10 ruck contests for zero hitouts.

Comparison result. Sweet a much more valuable inclusion.

He can replace Hannan.

[MrMahatma]

Is he even 75% fit? I get wanting a ruck, I really do, but do we want a guy who literally can't move around the ground well enough? He is sound less mobile/effective than Sweet outside of the ruckwork.

It’s not like he’s a 1st year player with no tank. He may not be cherry ripe but we don’t really know how far off his best he is, do we?

[Grantysghost]

This video clears it all up (the ruck).


https://youtu.be/Qf__r_e4sq4

[Grantysghost]

Roarke Smith domestique.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

This video clears it all up (the ruck).


https://youtu.be/Qf__r_e4sq4

So you’re saying there’s still a chance….

[dog town]

It’s not like he’s a 1st year player with no tank. He may not be cherry ripe but we don’t really know how far off his best he is, do we?

Wind and rain forecast could potentially help with any decision on Martin. Ball traditionally transitions a bit slower in those conditions.

[Grantysghost]

So you’re saying there’s still a chance….

Haha. Do you think Bevo had a quiet word with the media team and said "just squeeze a few Stef shots in there to keep em guessing"?

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Haha. Do you think Bevo had a quiet word with the media team and said "just squeeze a few Stef shots in there to keep em guessing"?

Will it be Young?….or Martin?
Young? or Martin?
Young?
Martin?
Young, Martin, Young, Martin, Young, Martin, Young, Martin.

[bornadog]

Will it be Young?….or Martin?
Young? or Martin?
Young?
Martin?
Young, Martin, Young, Martin, Young, Martin, Young, Martin.

Martin in, Young second ruck

[Danjul]

Just watched the last forward move against Port. Young took a great contested mark, quick handball to Smith.

I would be happy to have Young as a forward. He has been improving in the couple of games he has been given.

[The bulldog tragician]

Bevo defending Bont from the harsh criticism, and expands his views about the ruck.

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/beveridge-defends-bontempelli-as-bulldogs-weigh-up-huge-risk-at-selection-20210824-p58lc3.html?btis

[The Pie Man]

Stats for Sweets last game - 3 disposals

It was as comprehensive a bath one can get in the ruck that night - he was decent against Ryder the week previous, before coming up against big Max.

One (admittedly horrible) game and that’s it?

[Danjul]

It was as comprehensive a bath one can get in the ruck that night - he was decent against Ryder the week previous, before coming up against big Max.

One (admittedly horrible) game and that’s it?
We have to ask ourselves if we would accept Draper if he was offered as a trade for Young. The Bombers still have Wright.

[azabob]

We have to ask ourselves if we would accept Draper if he was offered as a trade for Young. The Bombers still have Wright.

Huh? Are you asking if we would trade Young for Draper?
I’d consider a trade of English for Draper

[comrade]

Huh? Are you asking if we would trade Young for Draper?
I’d consider a trade of English for Draper

Same but Essendon wouldn’t.

Draper has what every good ruckman needs, aggression. Timmy not so much.

[Danjul]

Same but Essendon wouldn’t.

Draper has what every good ruckman needs, aggression. Timmy not so much.

Sweet against Gawn: 3. disposals, Hitouts. 17, Time on ground 67%

Draper against Port: 3 disposals. Hitouts 17 Time on ground 65%.

For both it was their worst performance for the year.

For one it was season ending.

[comrade]

Sweet against Gawn: 3. disposals, Hitouts. 17, Time on ground 67%

Draper against Port: 3 disposals. Hitouts 17 Time on ground 65%.

For both it was their worst performance for the year.

For one it was season ending.

Unfortunately, some players under Bevo get a lot more rope than others.

Sweet should have played at least a few more after the Melbourne disaster.

[The Pie Man]

Unfortunately, some players under Bevo get a lot more rope than others.

Sweet should have played at least a few more after the Melbourne disaster.

Seems so - the inconsistency of it, then the arrogant ‘you just don’t understand’ messaging when asked is wearing very thin.

[G-Mo77]

Unfortunately, some players under Bevo get a lot more rope than others.

Sweet should have played at least a few more after the Melbourne disaster.

This, should have played nearly every game while Martin has been out. Now we're left with the cupboard bare.

[EasternWest]

We have to ask ourselves if we would accept Draper if he was offered as a trade for Young. The Bombers still have Wright.

I'd pack Lew's bags myself if there were even a sniff of this happening.

[Danjul]

I'd pack Lew's bags myself if there were even a sniff of this happening.

The only reason for the question was to lead to the comparison in #273.

Draper is really no better than Sweet. He has been developed more carefully by someone who appreciates the ruck. And now Essendon is reaping some benefits.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Looking at the still images (haven't checked the presser out yet), Bevo looks more weathered by the day.

[azabob]

Looking at the still images (haven't checked the presser out yet), Bevo looks more weathered by the day.

He actually looked ok in the footage.

[EasternWest]

The only reason for the question was to lead to the comparison in #273.

Draper is really no better than Sweet. He has been developed more carefully by someone who appreciates the ruck. And now Essendon is reaping some benefits.

I like your work Danjul but Draper's miles better than Sweet.

I still think there's hope for Sweet but right now one's an AFL ruckman and one isn't.

[Danjul]

I like your work Danjul but Draper's miles better than Sweet.

I still think there's hope for Sweet but right now one's an AFL ruckman and one isn't.

Probably true, but my point is that it didn’t have to be that way.

[EasternWest]

Probably true, but my point is that it didn’t have to be that way.

Also probably true, but right now it is that way.

So yes, Young for Draper in a heartbeat :).

[jeemak]

This is by no means a knock on posters, and posters can post what they want.

However, I think it's much less likely that favouritism (or the opposite of) is the governing philosophy for selection, over measurable performance, continual feedback to players on how to improve perceived deficiencies, and talent. The problem is, we don't know what those metrics are, irrespective of what we can see and the ever improving data available to us. There's just so much we don't know.

It boggles my mind that some can fixate on this stuff in lieu of not knowing what's actually going on - and seriously believe that what they're fixating on is the truth without access to some more information. Or pick one possible cause for what's being seen and just stick with it.

Maybe it comes down to personality types (and this place is a microcosm of different personalities). For instance, we just did DISC personality assessments at work and when going through those assessments I end up biased towards the stability (not mentally, as you'd have figured out) side of things and that's kind of how my views here play out.

So again, this isn't a crack at anyone, more an expression of curiosity and/ or fascination.

[Danjul]

Also probably true, but right now it is that way.

So yes, Young for Draper in a heartbeat :).

Young competed in 53 ruck contests against Port. He won 13. But he prevented his opponents from placing the ball. So our midfielders were able to even the clearances.

centre clearances 9:9

If he can do that again we win.

It will be interesting to see how he goes against an opponent who engineered our loss two weeks ago.

[jeemak]

Young competed in 53 ruck contests against Port. He won 13. But he prevented his opponents from placing the ball. So our midfielders were able to even the clearances.

centre clearances 9:9

If he can do that again we win.

It will be interesting to see how he goes against an opponent who engineered our loss two weeks ago.

But he also hit it too far away from the contest a couple of times he won, I think DBJ mopped up two of them quite easily.

It wasn't a bad showing from him for a first full game, or thereabouts in the ruck, he can improve upon it for sure.

[bornadog]

Young competed in 53 ruck contests against Port. He won 13. But he prevented his opponents from placing the ball. So our midfielders were able to even the clearances.

centre clearances 9:9

If he can do that again we win.

It will be interesting to see how he goes against an opponent who engineered our loss two weeks ago.

We lost the game against Essendon not because of the rucks, but rather not taking our opportunities in the forward line with bad kicking. 60 inside 50s to 39 and 20 marks inside 50. Essendon kicked straight, we fluffed it.

[Danjul]

This is by no means a knock on posters, and posters can post what they want.

However, I think it's much less likely that favouritism (or the opposite of) is the governing philosophy for selection, over measurable performance, continual feedback to players on how to improve perceived deficiencies, and talent. The problem is, we don't know what those metrics are, irrespective of what we can see and the ever improving data available to us. There's just so much we don't know.

It boggles my mind that some can fixate on this stuff in lieu of not knowing what's actually going on - and seriously believe that what they're fixating on is the truth without access to some more information. Or pick one possible cause for what's being seen and just stick with it.

Maybe it comes down to personality types (and this place is a microcosm of different personalities). For instance, we just did DISC personality assessments at work and when going through those assessments I end up biased towards the stability (not mentally, as you'd have figured out) side of things and that's kind of how my views here play out.

So again, this isn't a crack at anyone, more an expression of curiosity and/ or fascination.

we know Hannan competed in 10 ruck contests and lost every one, giving Port some good clearances out of our forward line.. We saw it.

It would be a dereliction of duty not to question the logic behind such a tactic seeing it might have cost us the game. That’s the truth.

I can’t offer any explanation (except that at least it wasn’t Dunkley). So the club should. But never does.

Supporters are shareholders, and as in business deserve some details about what they are buying.

[jeemak]

we know Hannan competed in 10 ruck contests and lost every one, giving Port some good clearances out of our forward line.. We saw it.

It would be a dereliction of duty not to question the logic behind such a tactic seeing it might have cost us the game. That’s the truth.

I can’t offer any explanation (except that at least it wasn’t Dunkley). So the club should. But never does.

Supporters are shareholders, and as in business deserve some details about what they are buying.

I couldn't think of a worse example than a shareholding in a company to articulate the point, but that's by and by.

So you admit you don't have all of the information, but some key points you feel are enough to make up your mind. In light of that you assume professional bias at best or misconduct/ negligence at worst.

All I'm saying is I find that fascinating.

[Ghost Dog]

I have no words to express how I feel about him in the ruck ( or Dunkley for that matter ).

It will truly cement his status as whipping boy on these boards.
I may have to order some of his T-shirts because it makes me truly depressed.
Just kidding. Sorry Mitch, well done for doing something for mental health. Stick at it fella….

Am sure Bevo has a reason but seems to defy logic.

[SonofScray]

Hannan plays in the ruck now because Bevo is too scared to send Dunkley back in there, given he (rightfully) sooked up and wanted to quit the club over it. It’s the next best option in his failed ruck strategy.

[azabob]

This is by no means a knock on posters, and posters can post what they want.

However, I think it's much less likely that favouritism (or the opposite of) is the governing philosophy for selection, over measurable performance, continual feedback to players on how to improve perceived deficiencies, and talent. The problem is, we don't know what those metrics are, irrespective of what we can see and the ever improving data available to us. There's just so much we don't know.

It boggles my mind that some can fixate on this stuff in lieu of not knowing what's actually going on - and seriously believe that what they're fixating on is the truth without access to some more information. Or pick one possible cause for what's being seen and just stick with it.

Maybe it comes down to personality types (and this place is a microcosm of different personalities). For instance, we just did DISC personality assessments at work and when going through those assessments I end up biased towards the stability (not mentally, as you'd have figured out) side of things and that's kind of how my views here play out.

So again, this isn't a crack at anyone, more an expression of curiosity and/ or fascination.

Have you interneted before?

In all seriousness I think it comes down the being on a forum we are all passionate about and perhaps the only doggies discussion some of us get to have - in this depth at least.
Reality is 95% on this forum have no access to inside the club and all we have to do is spit ball theories why x player is or isn't getting played.

[comrade]

Have you interneted before?

In all seriousness I think it comes down the being on a forum we are all passionate about and perhaps the only doggies discussion some of us get to have - in this depth at least.
Reality is 95% on this forum have no access to inside the club and all we have to do is spit ball theories why x player is or isn't getting played.

And who knows what is right and what isn’t? The coaches aren’t perfect, they have blind spots and biases like anyone.

All we can go by are the performances we see on field and if the same players are underperforming/having no influence yet getting picked, well it should be questioned by the fan base rather than just accepted as ‘they know more than us’. If it was Hardwick in 2020 or Clarko in 2015, sure but Bevo and the coaching group’s record doesn’t warrant blind acceptance.

[DOG GOD]

We lost the game against Essendon not because of the rucks, but rather not taking our opportunities in the forward line with bad kicking. 60 inside 50s to 39 and 20 marks inside 50. Essendon kicked straight, we fluffed it.

Correct..
Essendon kicked 10.1 from set shots
Dogs kicked 4.9

[Danjul]

We lost the game against Essendon not because of the rucks, but rather not taking our opportunities in the forward line with bad kicking. 60 inside 50s to 39 and 20 marks inside 50. Essendon kicked straight, we fluffed it.
True, we lost it because of the forwards but they won it because of the ruck.

Essendon needed both. Remove either factor and we win easily.

[Danjul]

I couldn't think of a worse example than a shareholding in a company to articulate the point, but that's by and by.

So you admit you don't have all of the information, but some key points you feel are enough to make up your mind. In light of that you assume professional bias at best or misconduct/ negligence at worst.

All I'm saying is I find that fascinating.

The example I gave says Hannan had 10 failed ruck contests. We saw English walk away. Why? It is important to know because it probably cost us the game, and double chance.

Who thought it would be a good idea and why? In the absence of supporting information it looks like a massive blunder.

It would take 30 words and 2 minutes to put the supporters minds at ease, but I can’t think of one occasion when it has been done. Can anybody?

It seems to be a deliberate policy to make sure nobody understands what is happening.

[Mantis]

This is by no means a knock on posters, and posters can post what they want.

However, I think it's much less likely that favouritism (or the opposite of) is the governing philosophy for selection, over measurable performance, continual feedback to players on how to improve perceived deficiencies, and talent. The problem is, we don't know what those metrics are, irrespective of what we can see and the ever improving data available to us. There's just so much we don't know.

It boggles my mind that some can fixate on this stuff in lieu of not knowing what's actually going on - and seriously believe that what they're fixating on is the truth without access to some more information. Or pick one possible cause for what's being seen and just stick with it.

Maybe it comes down to personality types (and this place is a microcosm of different personalities). For instance, we just did DISC personality assessments at work and when going through those assessments I end up biased towards the stability (not mentally, as you'd have figured out) side of things and that's kind of how my views here play out.

So again, this isn't a crack at anyone, more an expression of curiosity and/ or fascination.

So lets just shut this place down and stare at the walls all day.. FMD!

Posters are allowed to make informed opinions based on what they see and as long as those opinions have some sort of logical reasoning that supports then go your hardest.

But maybe we all just sing happy songs?

[jeemak]

So lets just shut this place down and stare at the walls all day.. FMD!

Posters are allowed to make informed opinions based on what they see and as long as those opinions have some sort of logical reasoning that supports then go your hardest.

But maybe we all just sing happy songs?

Where did I say shut the place down? Where did I say we should all sing happy songs?

Posters can post what they like, and other posters can be surprised by what is posted and comment on it.

[bornadog]

So lets just shut this place down and stare at the walls all day.. FMD!

Posters are allowed to make informed opinions based on what they see and as long as those opinions have some sort of logical reasoning that supports then go your hardest.

But maybe we all just sing happy songs?

Except in the game day thread of course :D

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Except in the game day thread of course :D

If anyone has the calmness to post something logical in the game day thread then they should be idolised as high as Gandhi.

[Bulldog4life]

This is by no means a knock on posters, and posters can post what they want.

However, I think it's much less likely that favouritism (or the opposite of) is the governing philosophy for selection, over measurable performance, continual feedback to players on how to improve perceived deficiencies, and talent. The problem is, we don't know what those metrics are, irrespective of what we can see and the ever improving data available to us. There's just so much we don't know.

It boggles my mind that some can fixate on this stuff in lieu of not knowing what's actually going on - and seriously believe that what they're fixating on is the truth without access to some more information. Or pick one possible cause for what's being seen and just stick with it.

Maybe it comes down to personality types (and this place is a microcosm of different personalities). For instance, we just did DISC personality assessments at work and when going through those assessments I end up biased towards the stability (not mentally, as you'd have figured out) side of things and that's kind of how my views here play out.

So again, this isn't a crack at anyone, more an expression of curiosity and/ or fascination.

Great post Jee. Agree whole heartedly.

[1eyedog]

Where did I say shut the place down? Where did I say we should all sing happy songs?

Posters can post what they like, and other posters can be surprised by what is posted and comment on it.

Absolutely agree but I'm interested in the comment 'It boggles my mind that some can fixate on this stuff in lieu of not knowing what's actually going on' and how that comment extrapolates across anything and everything else in your life that you know nothing about. I mean, why bother knowing anything and why bother trying to find out about it or forming an opinion. Right that's it! No more posts until Jeemak talks to Bevo!

[jeemak]

Absolutely agree but I'm interested in the comment 'It boggles my mind that some can fixate on this stuff in lieu of not knowing what's actually going on' and how that comment extrapolates across anything and everything else in your life that you know nothing about. I mean, why bother knowing anything and why bother trying to find out about it or forming an opinion. Right that's it! No more posts until Jeemak talks to Bevo!

Finally!

As for your question, what I'm saying is I'm prepared to keep an open mind when I know I don't have sufficient information to form a solid opinion. It doesn't mean I don't want to know more of things.

[Grantysghost]

Finally!

As for your question, what I'm saying is I'm prepared to keep an open mind when I know I don't have sufficient information to form a solid opinion. It doesn't mean I don't want to know more of things.

Can you ask Bevo for my mum why he's playing that poor boy Young in the ruck? ;)

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Can you ask Bevo for my mum why he's playing that poor boy Young in the ruck? ;)

Maybe we should get your mum in as a senior advisor to Bevo. Tell him what’s what.

[comrade]

Can you ask Bevo for my mum why he's playing that poor boy Young in the ruck? ;)

Bevo:

https://i.ibb.co/PNK2FgM/you-wouldnt-get-it-joker.gif (https://ibb.co/80qyN9b)

[mjp]

Can you ask Bevo for my mum why he's playing that poor boy Young in the ruck? ;)

Well - If you ask Young whether he would prefer to play in the Ruck or at Footscray I'm pretty sure he would say 'RUCK'.

I know we're all pretty dismissive of the 'Young in the ruck' move, but:

He's really (really) tall.
Reads the ball well.
Has a good set of hands.
Contributes well in transition.
Understands/is capable of impacting on a contest defensively so opposition ruckman unlikely to kick goals on him.

(I mean...."SSHHHHHH - I actually don't mind it." But please don't tell anyone).

Did I wish we pulled the lever during the 2021 pre-season and let him grow into the role all year? Well - of course. But right at the moment it's not like there is anyone else...

[Grantysghost]

Maybe we should get your mum in as a senior advisor to Bevo. Tell him what’s what.

God I wouldn't wish that on our Luke.

She's a veteran of two flags live though so she'd have some interesting insights.

Kick it! Is her common catch cry :)

[Grantysghost]

Well - If you ask Young whether he would prefer to play in the Ruck or at Footscray I'm pretty sure he would say 'RUCK'.

I know we're all pretty dismissive of the 'Young in the ruck' move, but:

He's really (really) tall.
Reads the ball well.
Has a good set of hands.
Contributes well in transition.
Understands/is capable of impacting on a contest defensively so opposition ruckman unlikely to kick goals on him.

(I mean...."SSHHHHHH - I actually don't mind it." But please don't tell anyone).

Did I wish we pulled the lever during the 2021 pre-season and let him grow into the role all year? Well - of course. But right at the moment it's not like there is anyone else...

Totally with you MJP. I was in favour of it after the Sydney game he looked like he positioned himself well and read the ball in the air.

I think my mum is very protective of young Lewis, maybe for more reasons than just footy!

[mjp]

Some of that is of course ridiculous but there is a perception that he’s stubborn with positioning & selection and doesn’t listen to other voices. Who would know what the MC meetings are like, but I’m convinced something needs to change

So what if you were told the Match Committee meetings were very vocal and there was lots of dissent...but ultimately the coach will get his way ('cos that's the way its always been and the way it always WILL be).

I mean - don't you want the coach to have a clear sense of what he believes in/what he wants? I mean, of course he's stubborn. Of course he wants things done 'his way'. That's why he's the coach. If he wanted to make suggestions he would have remained an assistant with Hawthorn. He wanted to make decisions so he applied himself to the task of becoming a senior coach.

I get the criticism and have often joked about team selection being based on a Bingo card (I know it isn't but as a clear outsider it does seem that way) and I regularly use phrases (usually after the team is announced) "don't EVER change Bevo" as yet another surprise is sprung upon us...but I 100% don't want the person in charge to be indecisive and generally wishy washy...if 'stubborn' is the alternative (and it probably is) then I'm in the camp for stubborn.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Well - If you ask Young whether he would prefer to play in the Ruck or at Footscray I'm pretty sure he would say 'RUCK'.

I know we're all pretty dismissive of the 'Young in the ruck' move, but:

He's really (really) tall.
Reads the ball well.
Has a good set of hands.
Contributes well in transition.
Understands/is capable of impacting on a contest defensively so opposition ruckman unlikely to kick goals on him.

(I mean...."SSHHHHHH - I actually don't mind it." But please don't tell anyone).

Did I wish we pulled the lever during the 2021 pre-season and let him grow into the role all year? Well - of course. But right at the moment it's not like there is anyone else...

I think Young has done exceptionally well in the ruck for a guy who doesn’t play the position and has barely had a steady game for us at all. The ruck situation isn’t his fault. To quote grantysghosts mum, that "poor boy".

[GVGjr]

Well - If you ask Young whether he would prefer to play in the Ruck or at Footscray I'm pretty sure he would say 'RUCK'.

I know we're all pretty dismissive of the 'Young in the ruck' move, but:

He's really (really) tall.
Reads the ball well.
Has a good set of hands.
Contributes well in transition.
Understands/is capable of impacting on a contest defensively so opposition ruckman unlikely to kick goals on him.

(I mean...."SSHHHHHH - I actually don't mind it." But please don't tell anyone).

Did I wish we pulled the lever during the 2021 pre-season and let him grow into the role all year? Well - of course. But right at the moment it's not like there is anyone else...

I didn't think he went too badly at all and I'd be doing what I can to keep him and develop him as a ruckman
We need a ruck teacher at the club for a year or so.

[SonofScray]

I didn't think he went too badly at all and I'd be doing what I can to keep him and develop him as a ruckman
We need a ruck teacher at the club for a year or so.

I am OK with Young in the ruck, so long as there is another ruckman paired up with him that is an actual actual ruck, not Hannan.

On the weekend, English effectively became Bruce. So even though we got him forward like we all hoped could happen, we didn’t get that ruck combo of athletic, tall mid PLUS big man at the coal face.

[Rocco Jones]

I am OK with Young in the ruck, so long as there is another ruckman paired up with him that is an actual actual ruck, not Hannan.

On the weekend, English effectively became Bruce. So even though we got him forward like we all hoped could happen, we didn’t get that ruck combo of athletic, tall mid PLUS big man at the coal face.

100%. It's not Lewy, it's Lewy combined with guys who shouldn't be in the ruck. Really a target on our heads.

[Rocco Jones]

Well - If you ask Young whether he would prefer to play in the Ruck or at Footscray I'm pretty sure he would say 'RUCK'.


I don't get the 'Lewy should pack his bags ASAP if he hasn't done so already crowd.

He is still only 22 AND quite raw. Not exactly killing it with his chances. A bit of a victim of his own early success. Yes, we could have shown more faith in selecting him. I don't see going him in the ruck an issue, like yourself. He has played 7 games for the season. If he is selected again this week, it'll be the most games he has played in a season and shows we trust him in a big one. Even if not, I really don't have him in the 'we don't value him basket' (unless he is treated like crap behind closed doors).

Of course he has the right to look elsewhere, I wouldn't blame him, like any fringe-ish player really big career decisions for them to stay or move. Hard to be loyal when your career can be greatly impacted.

[Mofra]

100%. It's not Lewy, it's Lewy combined with guys who shouldn't be in the ruck. Really a target on our heads.
So... we are a real chance of no change going into the final?

Bevo has been pouring cold water on the Martin idea. I suspect if Sweet was in the frame he would have played last week in place of Lewie.

Roarke played well enough to keep his spot and I can't see us dropping Dunkley on the back of a 4 tackle, 4 clearance game as a second rotation mid playing half the game in the HF dead zone.
VDM for a McNeill/Scott/Garcia type might be the only consideration but we really do rate forward half pace.

[Bulldog4life]

God I wouldn't wish that on our Luke.

She's a veteran of two flags live though so she'd have some interesting insights.

Kick it! Is her common catch cry :)

The kick it yell was very popular from doggie supporters during the 60's. 70's and

80's on the terraces at Footscray. No one thought of saying handball.;)

[comrade]

So... we are a real chance of no change going into the final?

Bevo has been pouring cold water on the Martin idea. I suspect if Sweet was in the frame he would have played last week in place of Lewie.

Roarke played well enough to keep his spot and I can't see us dropping Dunkley on the back of a 4 tackle, 4 clearance game as a second rotation mid playing half the game in the HF dead zone.
VDM for a McNeill/Scott/Garcia type might be the only consideration but we really do rate forward half pace.

Wood has to come out, can not be selected off the form he’s produced the last few weeks.

[mjp]

I don't get the 'Lewy should pack his bags ASAP if he hasn't done so already crowd.
...
Of course he has the right to look elsewhere, I wouldn't blame him, like any fringe-ish player really big career decisions for them to stay or move. Hard to be loyal when your career can be greatly impacted.

If my post sounded like it was implying ANY of this, it wasn't. I like him fine.

[mjp]

Wood has to come out, can not be selected off the form he’s produced the last few weeks.

I would be shocked if Wood was left out.

[Go_Dogs]

No change I suspect.

Agree re Lew in ruck. Think it’s a good fit and he can become a genuine option there for us. He will do Ok this week if we pick him.

[bornadog]

I didn't think he went too badly at all and I'd be doing what I can to keep him and develop him as a ruckman
We need a ruck teacher at the club for a year or so.

Martin

[bornadog]

The kick it yell was very popular from doggie supporters during the 60's. 70's and

80's on the terraces at Footscray. No one thought of saying handball.;)

Yeah, football was different then

[Grantysghost]

So... we are a real chance of no change going into the final?

Bevo has been pouring cold water on the Martin idea. I suspect if Sweet was in the frame he would have played last week in place of Lewie.

Roarke played well enough to keep his spot and I can't see us dropping Dunkley on the back of a 4 tackle, 4 clearance game as a second rotation mid playing half the game in the HF dead zone.
VDM for a McNeill/Scott/Garcia type might be the only consideration but we really do rate forward half pace.

I get the feeling this is the team we want, and I doubt there will be any changes.

Martin is a longshot after watching the press conference, although I'd like him to come in.

But am I fantasising about a Martin who had a pre-season under his belt and was champing at the bit? Probably.

34 yr old depths of Winter, long layoff Martin isn't the same proposition unfortunately. That turnover game line as mentioned is the nail.

So I'd say no change yep.

[Bulldog4life]

Yeah, football was different then

For the better or worse? Probably a thread in that question. Players could kick bags irrespective of the conditions too.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

I get the feeling this is the team we want, and I doubt there will be any changes.

Martin is a longshot after watching the press conference, although I'd like him to come in.

But am I fantasising about a Martin who had a pre-season under his belt and was champing at the bit? Probably.

34 yr old depths of Winter, long layoff Martin isn't the same proposition unfortunately. That turnover game line as mentioned is the nail.

So I'd say no change yep.

I still think it's a risk we should take but only because our other options are putrid.

I haven't forgotten how awful he looked v Richmond though.

[bornadog]

I get the feeling this is the team we want, and I doubt there will be any changes.

Martin is a longshot after watching the press conference, although I'd like him to come in.

But am I fantasising about a Martin who had a pre-season under his belt and was champing at the bit? Probably.

34 yr old depths of Winter, long layoff Martin isn't the same proposition unfortunately. That turnover game line as mentioned is the nail.

So I'd say no change yep.

If he did come in, who would go out?

I would drop Wood, and Roarke can take his spot on the HBF

[comrade]

I would be shocked if Wood was left out.

I’d be shocked and very concerned if he’s selected after that performance.

[Rocco Jones]

If my post sounded like it was implying ANY of this, it wasn't. I like him fine.

No, I was agreeing with you.

[The Pie Man]

So what if you were told the Match Committee meetings were very vocal and there was lots of dissent...but ultimately the coach will get his way ('cos that's the way its always been and the way it always WILL be).

I mean - don't you want the coach to have a clear sense of what he believes in/what he wants? I mean, of course he's stubborn. Of course he wants things done 'his way'. That's why he's the coach. If he wanted to make suggestions he would have remained an assistant with Hawthorn. He wanted to make decisions so he applied himself to the task of becoming a senior coach.

I get the criticism and have often joked about team selection being based on a Bingo card (I know it isn't but as a clear outsider it does seem that way) and I regularly use phrases (usually after the team is announced) "don't EVER change Bevo" as yet another surprise is sprung upon us...but I 100% don't want the person in charge to be indecisive and generally wishy washy...if 'stubborn' is the alternative (and it probably is) then I'm in the camp for stubborn.

I don’t disagree with this mjp - you want strong leadership from your manager, who has a identifiable vision and communicates direction clearly.

I’m not sure preferring makeshift options with little training in alternate roles this deep into the season screams that. Perhaps I’m looking for some common sense, which you hope some of the voices around him might be able to sell.

[comrade]

I don’t disagree with this mjp - you want strong leadership from your manager, who has a identifiable vision and communicates direction clearly.

I’m not sure preferring makeshift options with little training in alternate roles this deep into the season screams that. Perhaps I’m looking for some common sense, which you hope some of the voices around him might be able to sell.

Agree. Shoehorning Young (who has been ok) into an unfamiliar ruck role 2 weeks from finals is the antithesis of strong decision making and leadership imo. Screams of a coaching group grasping at straws.

[jeemak]

If Stef hasn't come on as we'd hoped and with English seemingly affected adversely by his lay off form wise, putting Lewy into this position says as much about the MC's faith in Sweet as it does anything else. If they thought he was any good he'd be playing and we wouldn't have to go to Young.

Given he's out of contract this year it will be interesting if we retain him or move on.

[G-Mo77]

They can't play Sweet now. Hasn't played since round, what 11? 12? Hardly any VFL games over that period. We tied our own hands by being so short sited and not giving him more opportunities so Young stays as our first ruck if Martin doesn't get up.

[Go_Dogs]

If Stef hasn't come on as we'd hoped and with English seemingly affected adversely by his lay off form wise, putting Lewy into this position says as much about the MC's faith in Sweet as it does anything else. If they thought he was any good he'd be playing and we wouldn't have to go to Young.

Given he's out of contract this year it will be interesting if we retain him or move on.

Surely he continues on with an extension. Not the stage of his development you get rid of him…

[1eyedog]

Surely he continues on with an extension. Not the stage of his development you get rid of him…

Yeah he's a long-term project taking up a list spot but costing next to nothing. We thought he was good enough to rookie list based on his SANFL form and Bevo obviously gave him a good look over. He hasn't progressed as we'd hoped maybe but he'll definitely be offered a new contract.

[Bullies]

I would be shocked if Wood was left out. He is well and truly cooked. Can't play on his past performances. He has no touch nor confidence.

[bulldogtragic]

Surely he continues on with an extension. Not the stage of his development you get rid of him…

The new and temporary fourth year rookie category surely keeps him around. Let him reset over summer, hit the VFL with momentum (which is hopefully not shutdown regularly) and see where 2022 takes him.

It must be hard for his confidence about whether he belongs at the level. He’s the only fit #1 ruck for ages and he’s overlooked for a defender whose played 20 games in 5 years. Hopefully he process that without being broken by it.

[Rocco Jones]

Sweet played 0 games in his first two years and 5 this year. Yes, it’s disappointing for him to end the season like this but also not hard to sell/see the progress he has made.

[jeemak]

I'm not advocating for him to be let go, and this isn't the thread for it, but I'm just wondering if he will.

Looking at it from an angle that doesn't assume the MC's crazy, knowing that having a ruck has helped our structure with Tim forward, if he's not been able to get a game under these circumstances I'm wondering if a line has been put through him.

[MrMahatma]

Agree. Shoehorning Young (who has been ok) into an unfamiliar ruck role 2 weeks from finals is the antithesis of strong decision making and leadership imo. Screams of a coaching group grasping at straws.

Probably because team structure got messed up with Bruce being injured?

[bornadog]

Don't be surprised if Schache comes in, instead of Martin;)

[MrMahatma]

Don't be surprised if Schache comes in, instead of Martin;)

3 headed monster v2.

[mjp]

Don't be surprised if Schache comes in, instead of Martin;)

He's a versatile player but I WILL be surprised if that happens.

[Go_Dogs]

He's a versatile player but I WILL be surprised if that happens.

It’s what I’m leaning towards too. Schache in, not sure for who. But his ability to play back, forward and chop in the ruck keeps Tim forward and can give us a different look up front too.

[1eyedog]

Don't be surprised if Schache comes in, instead of Martin;)

I'm glass half full. All this talk of a big risk selecting Martin but my feeling is, given our deplorable ruck situation, we are actually taking a bigger risk not selecting him.

[bornadog]

I'm glass half full. All this talk of a big risk selecting Martin but my feeling is, given our deplorable ruck situation, we are actually taking a bigger risk not selecting him.

I have heard, not looking good.

[1eyedog]

I have heard, not looking good.

You've heard that Martin won't be selected?

[bornadog]

You've heard that Martin won't be selected?

Very unlikely, but who know with Bevo.

[ratsmac]

I'd select Martin and have Schache as medi sub. If Martin is struggling pull a shifty injury sub saying his shoulder or groin is playing up.

[kruder]

If Schache comes in to play the third tall in defence then it only makes sense that Easton Wood is out.

[The bulldog tragician]

Will just a squad be announced tonight extending our angst?

[bornadog]

Will just a squad be announced tonight extending our angst?

I think so. Depends who has flown to Tassie too.

[mjp]

I'd select Martin and have Schache as medi sub. If Martin is struggling pull a shifty injury sub saying his shoulder or groin is playing up.

Yeah...but what if we lose someone at the first bounce and the medi sub is needed straight away.

I get what you are saying but if we are planning to use a 'SUBSTITUTE' for a 'set rotation', well...nothing else had better go wrong. If I was coaching I just wouldn't like this idea.

[1eyedog]

Yeah...but what if we lose someone at the first bounce and the medi sub is needed straight away.

I get what you are saying but if we are planning to use a 'SUBSTITUTE' for a 'set rotation', well...nothing else had better go wrong. If I was coaching I just wouldn't like this idea.

Nothing worse than having to play one down for real halfway through the first quarter.

[ratsmac]

Yeah...but what if we lose someone at the first bounce and the medi sub is needed straight away.

I get what you are saying but if we are planning to use a 'SUBSTITUTE' for a 'set rotation', well...nothing else had better go wrong. If I was coaching I just wouldn't like this idea.

I think we have enough mid sized players to cover a mid injury but if a tall goes down we would be trouble. Schache makes sense imo either way

[Grantysghost]

Yeah...but what if we lose someone at the first bounce and the medi sub is needed straight away.

I get what you are saying but if we are planning to use a 'SUBSTITUTE' for a 'set rotation', well...nothing else had better go wrong. If I was coaching I just wouldn't like this idea.

That's a very good point. Based on that I wouldn't do it either.

[Rocco Jones]

I see the Stef medi-sub thinking but he seems to have a legit issue with even getting to contests. Do do get him a scooter as well?

[Mantis]

I see the Stef medi-sub thinking but he seems to have a legit issue with even getting to contests. Do do get him a scooter as well?

Can we get 2 for 1 and give the other to Zaine?

[DOG GOD]

I heard that the whole squad, minus Bruce were all coming down…as they’ve been told they won’t be going home til they literally lose..so could be 5 weeks away from Vic.

[Rocco Jones]

Can we get 2 for 1 and give the other to Zaine?

Brilliant idea.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Matt Lloyd or perhaps it was Ross Lyon suggesting Wood to Stringer.

[Cyberdoggie]

Can we get 2 for 1 and give the other to Zaine?

He needs a jet pack

[comrade]

Matt Lloyd or perhaps it was Ross Lyon suggesting Wood to Stringer.

Huh? So Woody goes into the middle?

[Mofra]

We'll find out soon but 7 reporting no Martin, Schache or Marra

[bornadog]

We'll find out soon but 7 reporting no Martin, Schache or Marra

lns West, Gardner Scott

Schache still in from last week. Looks like my mail correct

[bulldogtragic]

Bench:

JJ vs Scott

Gardner vs Schache vs Wood

R. Smith

West vs Hannan

[comrade]

Meh.

[bulldogtragic]

Meh.

Young rucking thee games in a row not doing it for you?

[Testekill]

We're running with the same team that hasn't fired a shot in 3 weeks. Now I know not to expect us to win if we're rewarding mediocre form.

[angelopetraglia]

So extended bench is:

Shaq
Scott
JJ
Roarke
Gards
West
Hannan
Wood

Who plays?

[DOG GOD]

Meh.

Agree…at least Wood is on extended bench, so there’s a 1% chance he might be dropped ;)

[comrade]

Young rucking thee games in a row not doing it for you?

As concerning as it is, Young and the ruck situation in general is probably 3rd or 4th down my list.

[bulldogtragic]

Agree…at least Wood is on extended bench, so there’s a 1% chance he might be dropped ;)

I’ll take sub after last week if dropping altogether is not an option.

[angelopetraglia]

I'm just looking at the talent in our team. I still don't see how a team that has:

Bont
Macrae
Libba
Dunks
Treloar
Hunter
Smith

Can be obliterated around the ball in stoppages and break away from congestion in the last few weeks? It is perplexing.

[comrade]

So extended bench is:

Shaq
Scott
JJ
Roarke
Gards
West
Hannan
Wood

Who plays?

Who should?

Roarke
Schache
Scott
Hannan

Who will?

JJ
Roarke
Hannan
Wood

[bulldogtragic]

As concerning as it is, Young and the ruck situation in general is probably 3rd or 4th down my list.

I’m not sure what I expected. But keep backing them in again wasn’t really what I was hoping for. I was hoping my expectations about the result would change tonight. I’m not feeling great still.

[comrade]

I’m not sure what I expected. But keep backing them in again wasn’t really what I was hoping for. I was hoping my expectations about the result would change tonight. I’m not feeling great still.

I’ll wait until the team is finalised but it’s underwhelming if pretty much as expected to be honest.

[DOG GOD]

No one truely expected Cordy, Hannan, Wood and JJ 100% dropped did they ?
Was never gonna happen.
Should’ve, but was never going to happen.

These calls should’ve been made 3 weeks ago. I guess it’s too late now.

[G-Mo77]

We're running with the same team that hasn't fired a shot in 3 weeks. Now I know not to expect us to win if we're rewarding mediocre form.

Shouldn't have last week in H&A and now first final it's pretty much the same. I mean we're still a chance, we have talent there but yeah......

[azabob]

ELIMINATION FINAL SQUAD

Western Bulldogs v Essendon
Sunday 29 August, 3.20pm AEST
UTAS Stadium, Launceston

B: Taylor Duryea, Alex Keath, Bailey Williams
HB: Caleb Daniel, Zaine Cordy, Bailey Dale
C: Adam Treloar, Josh Dunkley, Lachie Hunter
HF: Laitham Vandermeer, Aaron Naughton, Bailey Smith
F: Tom Liberatore, Tim English, Cody Weightman
Foll: Lewis Young, Jack Macrae, Marcus Bontempelli
Int (ext): Josh Schache, Anthony Scott, Jason Johannisen, Roarke Smith, Ryan Gardner, Rhylee West, Mitch Hannan, Easton Wood

In: Anthony Scott, Ryan Gardner, Rhylee West
Out:

[Jeanette54]

Surely Roarke Smith did enough last week to keep his place in the team. It would say a bit about our selection methods, ie. choosing ""name players", over performers if he misses out.

[DOG GOD]

JJ, Hannan, Wood definitely.

1 of Schache , Gardner


west, scott, Smith just names on paper

[1eyedog]

The Rhylee West selection is just weird. Hasn't been selected in forever, everyone else is in front of him and then out of the blue gets selected as a potential in for an EF. Lol. So we don't play him but that's just weird or he plays with a very specific negating role?

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Imagine if Essendon play Phillips and Draper. We'll be reamed more than we were a few weeks ago in the ruck. Phillips isn't great but he's a big bastard.

IF we lose, the heat on Bevo will be enormous.

[Mantis]

It's a ''safe'' team... not sure it gives us our best chance of winning based on the current form of our team, but all will be revealed on Sunday afternoon.

[Grantysghost]

The Rhylee West selection is just weird. Hasn't been selected in forever, everyone else is in front of him and then out of the blue gets selected as a potential in for an EF. Lol. So we don't play him but that's just weird or he plays with a very specific negating role?

McNeil and Richards were named as emergencies last week so looks like maybe Ed's injury could be one reason. Not sure what McNeil did at training !

[Mofra]

Imagine if Essendon play Phillips and Draper. We'll be reamed more than we were a few weeks ago in the ruck. Phillips isn't great but he's a big bastard.

IF we lose, the heat on Bevo will be enormous.
I hope they do. Phillips robs them of run and Launceston is a big ground.

[bornadog]

Int (ext): Josh Schache, Anthony Scott, Jason Johannisen, Roarke Smith, Ryan Gardner, Rhylee West, Mitch Hannan, Easton Wood

I will predict:

Schache, JJ, Smith and Hannan medical Wood

[Rocco Jones]

I hope they do. Phillips robs them of run and Launceston is a big ground.

Yeah, I hope they do too. They won’t though. Phillips always seems to be there as an emergency.

[Doc26]

Albeit limited options at this time of the year, little if any changes to address our issues in the engine room starting with having no ascendency in the ruck nor the benefits of having a bigger body ruckman around the stoppages. The MC are obviously backing in Libba and Bont to rise above the slump brought about by the work that our opponents are, and will continue to put into them, and hoping to see a lift from Dunkley and B Smith. Quite a lot riding on a form reversal with no fortification from the ruck.

[Rocco Jones]

I’m guessing
Schache, Roarke, Wood, JJ
Medi-Sub: Hannan

[SonofScray]

Deflating and a little mystified.

I am happy for West to come in at this point and see if he can offer us a different look at things. Feels like the Hooper inclusion Eade pulled for that Sydney final back in the day.

[divvydan]

Western Bulldogs: "He did play a practice match on Saturday & he's pulled up sore"

Bulldogs Snr coach Luke Beveridge on Stefan Martin via AFL360

[DOG GOD]

Western Bulldogs: "He did play a practice match on Saturday & he's pulled up sore"

Bulldogs Snr coach Luke Beveridge on Stefan Martin via AFL360

Just announce his retirement and be done with it…he will never play again.

[josie]

Int (ext): Josh Schache, Anthony Scott, Jason Johannisen, Roarke Smith, Ryan Gardner, Rhylee West, Mitch Hannan, Easton Wood

I will predict:

Schache, JJ, Smith and Hannan medical Wood


I’m hoping Schache, Smith, West and Gardner. With Scott or Hannan or JJ as sub. I love Woody but his last few weeks have been atrocious & he looks close to the end to me. Perhaps West &/or Smith in tagging roles?

If it’s wet I can understand them not going for Sweet and if Martin is not ready so be it. Go Dogs!!

[Bumper Bulldogs]

Quite annoyed really. Bevo. I hope you know what your doing. How JUH can’t get in is truely amazing

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

I would have preferred Wallis and Lipinski to West and Scott. Gardner if fit is important to our defence with his extra height. For us to win it will require dominant games from English Naughton Bont Libba Dunkley and Treloar as keys to our success.
Using Roarke Smith on either Merrett or Parish as a tagger could also be integral towards winning.

[DOG GOD]

How is that fwd line going to kick a winning score ?
We will be lucky to kick 9 goals

[jeemak]

Quite annoyed really. Bevo. I hope you know what your doing. How JUH can’t get in is truely amazing

He's clearly said JUH can't run out the required minutes, and you can't have that at this time of year.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

He's clearly said JUH can't run out the required minutes, and you can't have that at this time of year.

Don’t matter if your up by 6 goals and broken them by 3/4 time. Anyway I’m still thinking he would be able to contribute across 4 quarters and be a match winner

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Just announce his retirement and be done with it…he will never play again.

Not yet he may be useful in the granny v Gawn.

[Mantis]

He's clearly said JUH can't run out the required minutes, and you can't have that at this time of year.

But could he have 2 or 3 important moments that help us get over the line?

[whythelongface]

Expect Schache and Gardner to play. Think we will rotate Schache and Young between defence and ruck. Gardner will provide support in defence. This will allow Schache/ Young to rest and also drift forward at stages.

[comrade]

But could he have 2 or 3 important moments that help us get over the line?

I’d prefer to play someone that can generate multiple chances and keep a defender occupied over someone who can run out a game yet have minimal impact.

[1eyedog]

How is that fwd line going to kick a winning score ?
We will be lucky to kick 9 goals

Agreed. One true forward. Cody Weightman. No Marra no Schache the MC is taking the piss. Our forward line is filled in with Bailey Smith and Libba. It's a joke.

[jeemak]

But could he have 2 or 3 important moments that help us get over the line?

I'm just saying what Bevo communicated. He places a premium on being able to cover ground, if a player can't do that he's unlikely to play them.

If anything this is the thing he's been most consistent on in his tenure with us. If he's saying that it's keeping JUH out I reckon it's probably true.

I guess it's the same with Martin as well, if he can't be trusted to get up and down the field he's not going to be picked.

[whythelongface]

Agreed. One true forward. Cody Weightman. No Marra no Schache the MC is taking the piss. Our forward line is filled in with Bailey Smith and Libba. It's a joke.

Schache is on the extended interchange list so can still make the final cut.

[jeemak]

I’d prefer to play someone that can generate multiple chances and keep a defender occupied over someone who can run out a game yet have minimal impact.

Without being at the games and really concentrating on what's going on you can't really tell how much of an impact it has, but a player who can't keep up with transition can open up too much of the ground and make it too easy. They can generate a few opportunities, sure, but they spend the rest of the time giving away territory.

When we get consistently exposed it's the easy ball we seem to give away between our half forward and half back lines when we don't have it that appears to create the most damage (think the Sydney game was a good example, or bad one.....even the second North game the week before). Sides waltz it through but the poor defencive running and the weaknesses happen closest to our goals and then cascade through the rest of the defence, and that's possibly where someone like JUH not being conditioned well enough lets us down.

Anyway, that's the best I can do to explain why it might be better to not have him in the side. It's peripheral and in my view if we show up we're good enough for it not to be a factor.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Albeit limited options at this time of the year, little if any changes to address our issues in the engine room starting with having no ascendency in the ruck nor the benefits of having a bigger body ruckman around the stoppages. The MC are obviously backing in Libba and Bont to rise above the slump brought about by the work that our opponents are, and will continue to put into them, and hoping to see a lift from Dunkley and B Smith. Quite a lot riding on a form reversal with no fortification from the ruck.
Yep this team means Libba and Bont must rise above whatever tactics used to negate them and that will be Essendon's focus.
We will live or die by how these two go. Unlikely that Dunkley can lift significantly. Treloar can be relied on but really comes down to Bont and Libba. Macrae will do his usual.

[Vred]

To say I'm flat at team selection is an understatement.

To say that I feel we're about to give Essendon their first finals win in two decades, makes me want to give up AFL forever.

[dog town]

On JUH I wouldn’t have played him either. I get the temptation to get a natural forward in I just don’t think he plays tall enough yet to justify what you lose defensively. If he was squaring 50/50 balls all night and even taking contested marks then yeah it is worth it but in his last two games he was not a threat in the air and was non existent defensively.

The fumbles under pressure I could handle as he also produces the odd moment of brilliance but right now I think not playing him is the right call.

[comrade]

On JUH I wouldn’t have played him either. I get the temptation to get a natural forward in I just don’t think he plays tall enough yet to justify what you lose defensively. If he was squaring 50/50 balls all night and even taking contested marks then yeah it is worth it but in his last two games he was not a threat in the air and was non existent defensively.

The fumbles under pressure I could handle as he also produces the odd moment of brilliance but right now I think not playing him is the right call.

Wait, are we talking about Hannan or Marra here because it could apply equally to both.

[GVGjr]

On JUH I wouldn’t have played him either. I get the temptation to get a natural forward in I just don’t think he plays tall enough yet to justify what you lose defensively. If he was squaring 50/50 balls all night and even taking contested marks then yeah it is worth it but in his last two games he was not a threat in the air and was non existent defensively.

The fumbles under pressure I could handle as he also produces the odd moment of brilliance but right now I think not playing him is the right call.

Agree with all that, he will be in a far better position after another pre-season.

[MrMahatma]

Wait, are we talking about Hannan or Marra here because it could apply equally to both.

I reckon that’s a fair call. I mean, the reasons for not picking guys seem to make sense. But the reasons for picking others is puzzling…

[dog town]

Wait, are we talking about Hannan or Marra here because it could apply equally to both. I wouldn’t play Hannan either but he is contributing with closing space defensively and halving aerial contests, more than Marra was anyway. The issue with Hannan is hitting the scoreboard or helping others to do that.

I am very excited by JUH for next year he is going to be extremely dangerous just not sure we can carry him right now.

[1eyedog]

Schache is on the extended interchange list so can still make the final cut.

Surely he'll play back if selected. Tim is our second tall and has been terribly underwhelming. It's like we're trying to hide him. If he doesn't play forard now he doesn't play. We won't play Schache, English and Naughton forward.

[SonofScray]

Agree with all that, he will be in a far better position after another pre-season.
If you are good enough you are fit enough.

[1eyedog]

Wait, are we talking about Hannan or Marra here because it could apply equally to both.

Yeah I agree. I think Hannan was better v Port but I'm really concerned we have zero forward craft down there. It's real makeshift and it makes me nervous. Marra may be young and raw but he can kick, lead up and is smart in tight. If Hannan plays defensively fair enough but I'd be keen to play a real forward up there and shuffle one of the extra smalls we have from the interchange.

Sunday might very well reflect what we witnessed against Port where very few goals are kicked and long periods of the match are played out in a stale mate fashion. Having a true forward possessing true forward craft to take that mark, take one on the lead or fashion something opportunistically may very well make all the difference. I mean, maybe it won't, but what we've been trying isn't working either. Like many have said it's a safe team, but it's still unbalanced and really, c'mon, is anyone else concerned we're playing two midfielders, likely a defensive forward, a backman and a failed ruckman down there?

If Schache comes in maybe he can play forward. I'd feel better about it but I think if he plays he's destined for the backline. Schache and Gardner in would be interesting though.

[bornadog]

Yeah I agree. I think Hannan was better v Port but I'm really concerned we have zero forward craft down there. It's real makeshift and it makes me nervous. Marra may be young and raw but he can kick, lead up and is smart in tight. If Hannan plays defensively fair enough but I'd be keen to play a real forward up there and shuffle one of the extra smalls we have from the interchange.

Sunday might very well reflect what we witnessed against Port where very few goals are kicked and long periods of the match are played out in a stale mate fashion. Having a true forward possessing true forward craft to take that mark, take one on the lead or fashion something opportunistically may very well make all the difference. I mean, maybe it won't, but what we've been trying isn't working either. Like many have said it's a safe team, but it's still unbalanced and really, c'mon, is anyone else concerned we're playing two midfielders, likely a defensive forward, a backman and a failed ruckman down there?

If Schache comes in maybe he can play forward. I'd feel better about it but I think if he plays he's destined for the backline. Schache and Gardner in would be interesting though.

We are the second highest scoring team and only missing Bruce in the forward line.

Naughton is the issue at the moment. We need him to have a big game.

[dog town]

Yeah I agree. I think Hannan was better v Port but I'm really concerned we have zero forward craft down there. It's real makeshift and it makes me nervous. Marra may be young and raw but he can kick, lead up and is smart in tight. If Hannan plays defensively fair enough but I'd be keen to play a real forward up there and shuffle one of the extra smalls we have from the interchange.

Sunday might very well reflect what we witnessed against Port where very few goals are kicked and long periods of the match are played out in a stale mate fashion. Having a true forward possessing true forward craft to take that mark, take one on the lead or fashion something opportunistically may very well make all the difference. I mean, maybe it won't, but what we've been trying isn't working either. Like many have said it's a safe team, but it's still unbalanced and really, c'mon, is anyone else concerned we're playing two midfielders, likely a defensive forward, a backman and a failed ruckman down there?

If Schache comes in maybe he can play forward. I'd feel better about it but I think if he plays he's destined for the backline. Schache and Gardner in would be interesting though.
It’s definitely not an ideal mix. I actually think English is a natural forward but I expect him to play more in the ruck this week with no Allir to keep busy.

[comrade]

Yeah I agree. I think Hannan was better v Port but I'm really concerned we have zero forward craft down there. It's real makeshift and it makes me nervous. Marra may be young and raw but he can kick, lead up and is smart in tight. If Hannan plays defensively fair enough but I'd be keen to play a real forward up there and shuffle one of the extra smalls we have from the interchange.

Sunday might very well reflect what we witnessed against Port where very few goals are kicked and long periods of the match are played out in a stale mate fashion. Having a true forward possessing true forward craft to take that mark, take one on the lead or fashion something opportunistically may very well make all the difference. I mean, maybe it won't, but what we've been trying isn't working either. Like many have said it's a safe team, but it's still unbalanced and really, c'mon, is anyone else concerned where playing two midfielders, likely a defensive forward, a backman and a failed ruckman down there?

If Schache comes in maybe he can play forward. I'd feel better about it but I think if he plays he's destined for the backline. Schache and Gardner in would be interesting though. .

I'm with you. Against Port, we kicked 4 goals in the first 10 minutes, 3 in another 15 minute burst and the other 3 in about 100 minutes of footy. We obviously struggled to get it inside 50 for a large portion of the night, but to me that says you need MORE forward craft, not less, to ensure those entries are more effectively converted.

The side is completely out of whack, with way too many out of form mids, not enough forwards, no height in the backline and a completely cooked ruck situation. We'll be lucky to beat Essendon, despite us having 4 wins and 25% on them

[1eyedog]

It’s definitely not an ideal mix. I actually think English is a natural forward but I expect him to play more in the ruck this week with no Allir to keep busy.

Interesting. I'm not sure what he was like as a player between the ages of 15-18 but I know he did grow 20cm in his teens. He played as a ruck rover essentially through the champs and for South Fremantle (extra mid who incidentally was tall enough to take the ruck contests) before and when he was drafted in 2016. He was slated as a Dean Cox type minus the tap ability back then and there is no reference ever of him being a forward. It would be awesome if he could develop into a key forward. Hopefully it works this week.

All we need him to do is hold onto two and kick straight.

[dog town]

Interesting. I'm not sure what he was like as a player between the ages of 15-18 but I know he did grow 20cm in his teens. He played as a ruck rover essentially through the champs and for South Fremantle (extra mid who incidentally was tall enough to take the ruck contests) before and when he was drafted in 2016. He was slated as a Dean Cox type minus the tap ability back then and there is no reference ever of him being a forward. It would be awesome if he could develop into a key forward. Hopefully it works this week.

All we need him to do is hold onto two and kick straight.
Not saying he has played much as a forward I am aware that it isn’t the case BUT he has decent instincts as forward. Knows when to come at the ball and meets it well for a guy that size. He is more of a forward than a ruck in terms of his attributes at this stage.

[MrMahatma]

It’s seemingly random that he’s an inclusion, but I hope West gets a run. I like his style. Would take him over Hannan depending on the KPIs being put on each of them. I’d say West is more of a scoring threat.

[jeemak]

It’s seemingly random that he’s an inclusion, but I hope West gets a run. I like his style. Would take him over Hannan depending on the KPIs being put on each of them. I’d say West is more of a scoring threat.

Seeing his inclusion startled me, to be honest. Thinking he's going to be performing a specific role if selected, but because I detest Essendon so much I can barely watch them, let alone take interest in specifics/ nuances that may tell me what that roll could be.

What's everyone thinking?

[Danjul]

We are the second highest scoring team and only missing Bruce in the forward line.

Naughton is the issue at the moment. We need him to have a big game.
Is that for the whole season?

We haven’t scored as heavily in the second half. Both Bruce and Naughton got 70% of their goals in the first half.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Watching Bevo and Bruce on 360, I still think both look flat. The whole club has looked flat by and large for a while now.

[1eyedog]

Seeing his inclusion startled me, to be honest. Thinking he's going to be performing a specific role if selected, but because I detest Essendon so much I can barely watch them, let alone take interest in specifics/ nuances that may tell me what that roll could be.

What's everyone thinking?

Tagger. If he plays we go against the grain and send him to someone in a negating role.

[jeemak]

Tagger. If he plays we go against the grain and send him to someone in a negating role.

Tagging who do you think? Merrett or Parish?

[Mantis]

Tagging who do you think? Merrett or Parish?

It would be a bold (crazy) decision to play him in a role he's never played in for our most important game of the season.

[DOG GOD]

If we are going to win, we need a multitude of “running goals”. I’m looking at Bont, JJ, Vanders and Treloar. Players who can burst over the 50 and shoot. We don’t have the fwds to be “clever and precise”. The bomb to Naughton/English should be used as last resort.

I don’t expect Naughton to kick 5, so we will need a big mix of players kicking goals…

[jeemak]

Unchanged.

Not sure this'll be popular.

[Vred]

Unchanged.

Not sure this'll be popular.

How the hell did JJ and Wood somehow keep their spots I'll never know...

[bulldogtragic]

Unchanged.

Not sure this'll be popular.

How do you feel about it?

[bornadog]

Unchanged.

Not sure this'll be popular.

6 Changes from last time we played them

[Mantis]

Unchanged.

Not sure this'll be popular.

Bevo sending a big ''up yours'' to the haters... Live by the sword!

[DOG GOD]

WOW….Wood remains…was always going to happen though.

[bulldogtragic]

WOW….Wood remains…was always going to happen though.

And JJ. The ‘forward’ who barely kicks one across every two games and has the speed to run down players, and has low tackle numbers.

Nothing like doubling down as you are losing.

[bulldogtragic]

Look at the bench. It’s a whose who of Bevo’s most favoured players. Cordy stiff to miss out.

[bornadog]

Look at the bench. It’s a whose who of Bevo’s most favoured players. Cordy stiff to miss out.

I am really not worried about the overall team. Yes would have been good if Martin was fit, and you can drop some and bring in others, but it is the mids we need to fire up.

We need Bont playing at his best and Libba firing, with contributions from the other mids.

Listening to Bevo during the week when asked about Bont. He said he is giving is all for the team. I think he is trying to do it all. He needs others to do their jobs. Bont is forward, back, middle covering huge amount of ground and I think overdoing it, and running out of puff.

[DOG GOD]

Ok…it’s ok to have preconceived faith in your players, but what sort of message is this giving to the playing group? Guys on the fringe are continually seeing guys like JJ, Wood, Hannan etc picked weekly and performing poorly for weeks on end, whereas Wallis, Lipinski, Schache have been in a revolving door all year.

Whatever the MC are seeing in the games of JJ etc certainly isn’t what I’m seeing. JJ, in this role, should be a tackling machine, but he’s nowhere near it. Plays maybe 15 really good mins a game.

I could go on, but it just depresses me the more I think about it.

JJ, Hannan, Wood and possible Cordy should NOT be in the team this week, and if we were dead serious about beating Essendon and going deep to the GF, they wouldn’t be.

[jeemak]

How do you feel about it?

I understand going for stability, and I don't think the likes of Cordy or Wood are going to be replaced by anyone who's going to do much better (but possibly these guys are a blind spot for me as I don't think they've been as horrible as others think they've been).

The effort against Port was there, though the execution wasn't and I think we're taking a gamble by thinking that will improve to the level required. So it makes me a bit nervous.

However we weren't bringing in Sweet, and without Bringing in Martin there's no change to the ruck on paper. We've lacked cohesion up forward, but making more changes to an already unsettled forward line has its drawbacks. Banking on the cohesion improving is reasonable but fraught with danger, so it makes me a bit nervous.

So overall it's a conservative approach, which won't make a material difference to our prospects given we live and die on the back of how well our engine room competes.

Have I mentioned I'm nervous?

[comrade]

Who should?

Roarke
Schache
Scott
Hannan

Who will?

JJ
Roarke
Hannan
Wood

Completely predictable.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Meh….expected nothing less. We haven’t mixed things up for 5 years so why would Bevo start now?

[bornadog]

Meh….expected nothing less. We haven’t mixed things up for 5 years so why would Bevo start now?

I don't understand this comment?

[bulldogtragic]

Does this make us predictable then?

Currently substandard defenders and forwards picked. If you can shut our mids down or quieten them enough, then that’s the ball game. The rest could take care of itself if they set up well enough in defence and attack. Shut down or blunt our engine room is job 1, 2 & 3.

[bulldogtragic]

Completely predictable.

You win. Or lose. Both?

[bulldogsthru&thru]

I understand going for stability, and I don't think the likes of Cordy or Wood are going to be replaced by anyone who's going to do much better (but possibly these guys are a blind spot for me as I don't think they've been as horrible as others think they've been).

The effort against Port was there, though the execution wasn't and I think we're taking a gamble by thinking that will improve to the level required. So it makes me a bit nervous.

However we weren't bringing in Sweet, and without Bringing in Martin there's no change to the ruck on paper. We've lacked cohesion up forward, but making more changes to an already unsettled forward line has its drawbacks. Banking on the cohesion improving is reasonable but fraught with danger, so it makes me a bit nervous.

So overall it's a conservative approach, which won't make a material difference to our prospects given we live and die on the back of how well our engine room competes.

Have I mentioned I'm nervous?

Despite not making any changes, Essendon aren’t good enough to beat us if our mids fire. So that’s all we need to win this one. Big question mark though given previous performances.

[1eyedog]

It would be a bold (crazy) decision to play him in a role he's never played in for our most important game of the season.

Yeah he was never going to play.

[bulldogtragic]

Despite not making any changes, Essendon aren’t good enough to beat us if our mids fire. So that’s all we need to win this one. Big question mark though given previous performances.

All we needed to beat Essendon, Hawthorn, Port & Essendon again this week is our mids need to fire…

[1eyedog]

Cordy second tall again. I don't like it.

[DOG GOD]

Cordy second tall again. I don't like it.

Expect Francis to have a good game ;)

[bulldogsthru&thru]

All we needed to beat Essendon, Hawthorn, Port & Essendon again this week is our mids need to fire…

Yep. It’s what makes us a top 4 side. Without it, we’re nearly bottom 4.

[Go_Dogs]

Back them in… let’s get the result.

[comrade]

You win. Or lose. Both?

I named Wood to try the reverse moz but was secretly pretty confident there was no way they could select him off his last few weeks.

I was wrong.

[jeemak]

Does this make us predictable then?

Currently substandard defenders and forwards picked. If you can shut our mids down or quieten them enough, then that’s the ball game. The rest could take care of itself if they set up well enough in defence and attack. Shut down or blunt our engine room is job 1, 2 & 3.

Yes we are predictable, but every systems based team largely is anyway. Using their system to hide weaknesses and accentuate strengths.

[The Pie Man]

Once Bruce went down, it’s like Bevo went Homer Simpson on us and forfeited the forward line.

I don’t get how Jamarra isn’t even an emergency, let alone picked as the 2nd tall. Both Naughton & English are WIP with forward craft

Prove me wrong Bevo, prove me wrong

[bulldogsthru&thru]

f*!n hell! How the hell is Nick Hind the number 1 news story on channel 7!!!???

[jeemak]

f*!n hell! How the hell is Nick Hind the number 1 news story on channel 7!!!???

It's a golden pairing of COVID and Essendon.

[FrediKanoute]

When I saw the in's I was a little surprised. They don't make a lot of sense. Then I saw the final team and aside from finding a place for Schache I think its about the best we could field with the injuries we have.

My biggest concern is not the ruck or the backline, but the forward line. Since Bruce went down we have been impotent up front. We get a lot of ball in there but it amounts to nothing and worse it rebounds back out quickly putting the mids and backs under pressure. Its like we had no plan B or C or D for a Bruce injury!

I would have preferred for the last 3 weeks we either played Wallis or Schache at FF. Both to a degree like for like replacements for Bruce (ok they aren't but sort of are). That would have meant that rather than trying to shuffle around multiple parts of the team we would have just been able to keep playing the same gamestyle.

I think we will win v the Bombers, but unless we can work out a way to score 12 to 15 goals a game we wont go further than winning this final this year.

[EasternWest]

f*!n hell! How the hell is Nick Hind the number 1 news story on channel 7!!!???

I'm actually surprised they didn't then cross to Michael O'Brien to complain that it was Daniel Andrews' fault.

I kid, I kid.

But I agree - I was surprised but also not surprised in the slightest that they led with that.

[DOG GOD]

When I saw the in's I was a little surprised. They don't make a lot of sense. Then I saw the final team and aside from finding a place for Schache I think its about the best we could field with the injuries we have.

My biggest concern is not the ruck or the backline, but the forward line. Since Bruce went down we have been impotent up front. We get a lot of ball in there but it amounts to nothing and worse it rebounds back out quickly putting the mids and backs under pressure. Its like we had no plan B or C or D for a Bruce injury!

I would have preferred for the last 3 weeks we either played Wallis or Schache at FF. Both to a degree like for like replacements for Bruce (ok they aren't but sort of are). That would have meant that rather than trying to shuffle around multiple parts of the team we would have just been able to keep playing the same gamestyle.

I think we will win v the Bombers, but unless we can work out a way to score 12 to 15 goals a game we wont go further than winning this final this year.

I agree with Wallis. Should’ve been straight in after the Bruce injury. Just don’t get it. Mitch surely has his papers stamped. His experience alone would be worth its weight in gold to guys like Weightman. Surely Wallis would not be any worse than JJ.

[Dry Rot]

It's a golden pairing of COVID and Essendon.

Both are nasty viruses which need to be eradicated.

[angelopetraglia]

So from when we played Bombers last time.

Out

Shaq
Marra
Richards
Bruce
Garcia
Scott

In

Keath
Weightman
Lewis
Vanda
Roarke
Hannan

[MrMahatma]

So from when we played Bombers last time.

Out

Shaq
Marra
Richards
Bruce
Garcia
Scott

In

Keath
Weightman
Lewis
Vanda
Roarke
Hannan

Prob much of a muchness with Keath a great in and Bruce a big out.

[jeemak]

When I saw the in's I was a little surprised. They don't make a lot of sense. Then I saw the final team and aside from finding a place for Schache I think its about the best we could field with the injuries we have.

My biggest concern is not the ruck or the backline, but the forward line. Since Bruce went down we have been impotent up front. We get a lot of ball in there but it amounts to nothing and worse it rebounds back out quickly putting the mids and backs under pressure. Its like we had no plan B or C or D for a Bruce injury!

I would have preferred for the last 3 weeks we either played Wallis or Schache at FF. Both to a degree like for like replacements for Bruce (ok they aren't but sort of are). That would have meant that rather than trying to shuffle around multiple parts of the team we would have just been able to keep playing the same gamestyle.

I think we will win v the Bombers, but unless we can work out a way to score 12 to 15 goals a game we wont go further than winning this final this year.

How much planning can you do if you have personnel constraints? I don't disagree that there should be contingency planning on all lines, and I don't doubt there is, but your cattle is your cattle and you're only as good as what you have at your disposal.

I agree with you that Wallis would have been a decent addition based on the way he plays, though don't agree Schache is part of the equation which is a bit sad because he should be given his talent.

The biggest roll of the dice is JJ, man I hope he proves how good he can be with some goals and plenty of pressure.

[soupman]

How much planning can you do if you have personnel constraints? I don't disagree that there should be contingency planning on all lines, and I don't doubt there is, but your cattle is your cattle and you're only as good as what you have at your disposal.

Yeah there is a thing particularly in the AFL where injuries aren't an excuse, and a good side is a good side regardless of who they have out. I even agree with it to an extent.

But it also misrepresents a situation, and if a side loses a key player or even someone who plays a specific role that is difficult to replace that should be an excuse for poor performance.

So yes we have been worse since Bruce has been injured, and yes we don't appear to have a good plan B or C (which is not the same as not having one), but we should be able to point to that and go "that has had an severe impact on our chances this year".

*This is somewhat in isolation, I think it's much more than just the Bruce injury that has gone wrong with us but the point stands.

[mjp]

*This is somewhat in isolation, I think it's much more than just the Bruce injury that has gone wrong with us but the point stands.

Somehow WC won the GF without Natanui and Gaff. But they KNEW those guys wouldn't be available and had 'gotten used to it' from both a playing and mindset perspective...

It's only been a few weeks for us since Bruce - our #1 kick too target who has been a fixture for 2 years - went down. It takes a bit of time to adjust...it's gonna be OK!

[The Adelaide Connection]

Somehow WC won the GF without Natanui and Gaff. But they KNEW those guys wouldn't be available and had 'gotten used to it' from both a playing and mindset perspective...

It's only been a few weeks for us since Bruce - our #1 kick too target who has been a fixture for 2 years - went down. It takes a bit of time to adjust...it's gonna be OK!

I get that the last three weeks and the lack of insurance (no double chance) has everybody beyond worried, but we are one player off our best side that was arguably the best side for most of the year.

Even if we don’t quite get back to our best this weekend, if we just have a nominal finals intensity lift I think we will belt suitcases out of them. Hitting the Semi off a strong win would be a much better position than the mess Geelong have got themselves in.

[GVGjr]

Does anyone feel better now for our chances tomorrow that while we lost to the inform Port they crushed Geelong last night?

[EasternWest]

Somehow WC won the GF without Natanui and Gaff. But they KNEW those guys wouldn't be available and had 'gotten used to it' from both a playing and mindset perspective...

It's only been a few weeks for us since Bruce - our #1 kick too target who has been a fixture for 2 years - went down. It takes a bit of time to adjust...it's gonna be OK!

He gets lampooned a bit for some of the Bruceisms he does but he's actually a bloody good player and structurally so important for us.

[EasternWest]

Does anyone feel better now for our chances tomorrow that while we lost to the inform Port they crushed Geelong last night?

No, because I've been saying all along we're going to win tomorrow.

[GVGjr]

No, because I've been saying all along we're going to win tomorrow.

I'm confident we will win as well but it's kinda good to see that the team that just rolled us last week is in very good form
A slight improvement in our form will make us that much harder to beat.

[Go_Dogs]

Does anyone feel better now for our chances tomorrow that while we lost to the inform Port they crushed Geelong last night?

I think it just highlights how you need to turn up on the day. Geelong are not a 6 goal worse side than Port, but got out worked, out pressured and out thought. Port got the match ups they wanted, played to their strengths and executed well. Geelong won the right share of ball, but like us last week couldn’t move it when they had it with any real system / efficiency and that meant their forward line (highly regarded as it is) wasn’t given a chance to shine. Clearly didn’t learn the lesson from us about Aliir.

Look, I don’t think it’s a bad thing, but not sure it means much. Everyone at their best can beat everyone else at their 99%.

[1eyedog]

I get that the last three weeks and the lack of insurance (no double chance) has everybody beyond worried, but we are one player off our best side that was arguably the best side for most of the year.

Even if we don’t quite get back to our best this weekend, if we just have a nominal finals intensity lift I think we will belt suitcases out of them. Hitting the Semi off a strong win would be a much better position than the mess Geelong have got themselves in.

Agreed. Geelong missed Stewart badly last night and Essendon will be without Walla and Hind. Shit happens. Seeing how good Port were last night makes me feel a bit better, especially considering I think us, Melbourne and Richmond beat them at home this year so it's not the fortress it was. They are flying atm. Boak gets better with age.

[Grantysghost]

I'm confident we will win as well but it's kinda good to see that the team that just rolled us last week is in very good form
A slight improvement in our form will make us that much harder to beat.

Or Geelong aren't very good. They didn't offer much. Port have certainly recruited well, although we won trade week (tm) they mightve just finished off their side with the echo. (Aliir...... Aliir...)

Not many give up 50 point leads on their home deck. As soon as Melbourne played fast the Cats had 0 answer.

Basically I agree with you but comparing different results never works; certainly our performance was better.

[mjp]

Does anyone feel better now for our chances tomorrow that while we lost to the inform Port they crushed Geelong last night?

I have said for the past week I thought we were pretty good...losing by 2 points in a coin flip game vs Port - I thought it was a good effort (they're a good team). Disappointing we couldn't hold and get the 4-points but...hell - that's footy.

I have a churning in my stomach about tomorrow but it's a final and I would really like us to win won. I think the pressure on the players and coach is a bit over the top right now...I understand 'people' are frustrated with the ruck situation but as I have said, when we recruited Martin as the nominal #1 in the off-season this was a pretty likely outcome. Young has been going pretty well and a Young-English 1-2 would seem to make sense to me...

I see Essendon have brought in Caldwell who I rate as well...I know he is coming off a zero base but little things like that are adding to my overall anxiety.

[SonofScray]

Does anyone feel better now for our chances tomorrow that while we lost to the inform Port they crushed Geelong last night?
Somewhat. It’s a little bit of shine on what has otherwise been a torrid month.

I’m not 100% that it franks our form, but it is something.

[G-Mo77]

Does anyone feel better now for our chances tomorrow that while we lost to the inform Port they crushed Geelong last night?

Not really, I'm not confident by any means but still think we can win. Things are different from week to week. Port dominated from the 2nd quarter onwards last week and we got lucky they missed so many. The honourable loss we're hanging their hat on makes me want to spew up.

I'm very worried the same team that has been beaten the last 2 weeks is virtually unchanged. The same team that kicked 5 goals against Box Hill just doesn't fill me with any confidence what so ever.

[bornadog]

Not really, I'm not confident by any means but still think we can win. Things are different from week to week. Port dominated from the 2nd quarter onwards last week and we got lucky they missed so many. The honourable loss we're hanging their hat on makes me want to spew up.

I'm very worried the same team that has been beaten the last 2 weeks is virtually unchanged. The same team that kicked 5 goals against Box Hill just doesn't fill me with any confidence what so ever.

Finals footy is different with more pressure and more intensity.

I think we need to forget the performances over the past few weeks, and look at the season as a whole and think of what we are capable of producing, then go out there and do it. We have better players than Essendon and I think we can win this one.

[Danny the snakeman]

Gotta laugh at some of the the keyboard selectors around here going ape over MC team selection this week.

[bulldogtragic]

Gotta laugh at some of the the keyboard selectors around here going ape over MC team selection this week.

To be fair. Two underperforming players were replaced by players who played well in the scratch match just before the first bounce. Significant changes in that Gardner wasn’t beaten and Schache played really well. That kind of changes everything in making an assessment of the team to actually play. If you change critical selections, the assessment in the lead up still stands, as the assessment changes after the two moves. I think if the two changes happened on Thursday many responses would be different. So the point is redundant. But I find it strange in the glow of finals victory this is where you’ve chosen to harness the great result, fun and excitement. To each their own I guess.

[Ghost Dog]

Some fringe players really rewarding Luke's selection of them. Hard to believe Josh has only kicked 1 AFL goal before this game, this year. So happy to see him leaping about.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

To be fair. Two underperforming players were replaced by players who played well in the scratch match just before the first bounce. Significant changes in that Gardner wasn’t beaten and Schache played really well. That kind of changes everything in making an assessment of the team to actually play. If you change critical selections, the assessment in the lead up still stands, as the assessment changes after the two moves. I think if the two changes happened on Thursday many responses would be different. So the point is redundant. But I find it strange in the glow of finals victory this is where you’ve chosen to harness the great result, fun and excitement. To each their own I guess.

Yep. Aside from the ruck, the two players most on here were crying out for were Schache and Gardner. They played and had important impacts.

[bulldogtragic]

Yep. Aside from the ruck, the two players most on here were crying out for were Schache and Gardner. They played and had important impacts.

I haven’t seen much of Gardner. And this isn’t meant to be a put down, but he’s a huge upgrade on Cordy. He’s taller, seems much quicker, checks his opponent well, spoils really bloody well to kill the contest, is a good decision maker and was barely beaten. He doesn’t look like a guy who is going to get huge numbers, but won’t need to if he can shutdown his man and help spoil in packs. I was really impressed.

[mjp]

I haven’t seen much of Gardner. And this isn’t meant to be a put down, but he’s a huge upgrade on Cordy. He’s taller, seems much quicker, checks his opponent well, spoils really bloody well to kill the contest, is a good decision maker and was barely beaten. He doesn’t look like a guy who is going to get huge numbers, but won’t need to if he can shutdown his man and help spoil in packs. I was really impressed.

I think he made a poor error (trying to tap the ball in the goal-square) that gave Essendon one goal and obviously conceded the 50m penalty that gave them another...

The first error was just the action of a player who needs some game time - the 50m penalty was '50-50' but with time running out you had to know any free kick would be a disaster...sense the mood of the game.

I feel I have been a big defender of him on this board - particularly last year when he was really (and I still say unfairly) crucified - and whilst I understand your positive comments about him I don't think we should be anointing him just yet...I think his major asset right now is his leg speed which enables him to defend on the lead much more effectively than a player like Cordy.

Cordy I do think gets too much of a hard time fwiw - the problem isn't necessarily Cordy but more the fact he really can't play as a tall defender - he is more a mid-sizer...and he never seems to be selected as such. I guess the Gardner injury this year has prevented this but I think a structure that included Keath/Gardner/Williams/Dale/Duryea and one of Wood/Cordy would be more than fine...

[bornadog]

I think he made a poor error (trying to tap the ball in the goal-square) that gave Essendon one goal and obviously conceded the 50m penalty that gave them another...

The first error was just the action of a player who needs some game time - the 50m penalty was '50-50' but with time running out you had to know any free kick would be a disaster...sense the mood of the game.

I feel I have been a big defender of him on this board - particularly last year when he was really (and I still say unfairly) crucified - and whilst I understand your positive comments about him I don't think we should be anointing him just yet...I think his major asset right now is his leg speed which enables him to defend on the lead much more effectively than a player like Cordy.

Cordy I do think gets too much of a hard time fwiw - the problem isn't necessarily Cordy but more the fact he really can't play as a tall defender - he is more a mid-sizer...and he never seems to be selected as such. I guess the Gardner injury this year has prevented this but I think a structure that included Keath/Gardner/Williams/Dale/Duryea and one of Wood/Cordy would be more than fine...

Totally agree with you on Gardner and Cordy. Gardner is about to hit 20 games and I think he has been ok without being outstanding. He has played the role that Bevo has set him. I still feel a little nervous when he has the ball in hand, especially when he goes for the short pass, a bit like Lake use to be. However, with experience, he is getting better and better.

[bulldogtragic]

I think he made a poor error (trying to tap the ball in the goal-square) that gave Essendon one goal and obviously conceded the 50m penalty that gave them another...

The first error was just the action of a player who needs some game time - the 50m penalty was '50-50' but with time running out you had to know any free kick would be a disaster...sense the mood of the game.

I feel I have been a big defender of him on this board - particularly last year when he was really (and I still say unfairly) crucified - and whilst I understand your positive comments about him I don't think we should be anointing him just yet...I think his major asset right now is his leg speed which enables him to defend on the lead much more effectively than a player like Cordy.

Cordy I do think gets too much of a hard time fwiw - the problem isn't necessarily Cordy but more the fact he really can't play as a tall defender - he is more a mid-sizer...and he never seems to be selected as such. I guess the Gardner injury this year has prevented this but I think a structure that included Keath/Gardner/Williams/Dale/Duryea and one of Wood/Cordy would be more than fine...

Not sure I anointed him. I’ve seen very little of him (nothing last year) and I thought his game was good (the 50m wasn’t there) and has some nice traits. I’m happy to stand by it. I hope with a game under his belt there’s improvement coming this week too.

On Cordy, I watched him live at least 6 times in his last TAC year. I never thought he was going to be a KPD. I hope the MC is open to trying other things with him.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Not sure I anointed him. I’ve seen very little of him (nothing last year) and I thought his game was good (the 50m wasn’t there) and has some nice traits. I’m happy to stand by it. I hope with a game under his belt there’s improvement coming this week too.

On Cordy, I watched him live at least 6 times in his last TAC year. I never thought he was going to be a KPD. I hope the MC is open to trying other things with him.

Yeah Gardner for me is simply a good upgrade on Cordy for that 2nd KPD spot. Now, this isn’t a knock on Gardner, but i think our defence would be much better off if we can get someone in who knocks him down to the 3rd KPD spot. It’d be a huge upgrade to have Keath and someone just as capable to play alongside him.

Cordy I agree is undersized for a KPD. But he doesn’t even have the closing speed to stick with the big forwards so how he could keep up with a mid sized forward is the concern. I just don’t think he makes it. Only way is probably as a forward ala 2016.

[Ozza]

I think he made a poor error (trying to tap the ball in the goal-square) that gave Essendon one goal and obviously conceded the 50m penalty that gave them another...

The first error was just the action of a player who needs some game time - the 50m penalty was '50-50' but with time running out you had to know any free kick would be a disaster...sense the mood of the game.

I feel I have been a big defender of him on this board - particularly last year when he was really (and I still say unfairly) crucified - and whilst I understand your positive comments about him I don't think we should be anointing him just yet...I think his major asset right now is his leg speed which enables him to defend on the lead much more effectively than a player like Cordy.

Cordy I do think gets too much of a hard time fwiw - the problem isn't necessarily Cordy but more the fact he really can't play as a tall defender - he is more a mid-sizer...and he never seems to be selected as such. I guess the Gardner injury this year has prevented this but I think a structure that included Keath/Gardner/Williams/Dale/Duryea and one of Wood/Cordy would be more than fine...

Wasn't it Young that gave away the 50m that cost a goal (Devon Smith kicked). The 50m Gardner gave away led to a Draper shot on goal that was a behind. Splitting hairs on the overall topic - but I'm sure it was Young who gave away the costly one.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Wasn't it Young that gave away the 50m that cost a goal (Devon Smith kicked). The 50m Gardner gave away led to a Draper shot on goal that was a behind. Splitting hairs on the overall topic - but I'm sure it was Young who gave away the costly one.

You mean the 50m penalty on Gardner where Francis ran into him and fell over? Oh yeah another oversight by Essendon fans.

[Grantysghost]

Wasn't it Young that gave away the 50m that cost a goal (Devon Smith kicked). The 50m Gardner gave away led to a Draper shot on goal that was a behind. Splitting hairs on the overall topic - but I'm sure it was Young who gave away the costly one.

It was Young, he was following in behind Draper which I thought was ok within the rules. I think the umpire might have interpreted he wasn't close enough but I'm not sure there's a set limit like 5 metres or something. Fair enough the umpire deemed it a 50 you move on it's a tough job.

[EasternWest]

You mean the 50m penalty on Gardner where Francis ran into him and fell over? Oh yeah another oversight by Essendon fans.

Gards sat him down 50 metres off the ball. Sure Francis put plenty of mustard on it but for mine I had no problem with that being a free kick.

[bornadog]

It was Young, he was following in behind Draper which I thought was ok within the rules. I think the umpire might have interpreted he wasn't close enough but I'm not sure there's a set limit like 5 metres or something. Fair enough the umpire deemed it a 50 you move on it's a tough job.

Ch7 said it Young, but BSmith ran past not following anyone on the opposite side of Young.

[Mantis]

It was Young, he was following in behind Draper which I thought was ok within the rules. I think the umpire might have interpreted he wasn't close enough but I'm not sure there's a set limit like 5 metres or something. Fair enough the umpire deemed it a 50 you move on it's a tough job.

The umpire said in the explanation to Young that he was more than the allowed 2m away.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Gards sat him down 50 metres off the ball. Sure Francis put plenty of mustard on it but for mine I had no problem with that being a free kick.

Fair enough. I didn’t think Gards sat him down at all. I thought he was going to run with him, initiate some contact as you do in this game, and clumsy Francis bumped into him without really seeing it and fell over.

At the end of the day, Francis should just go back to being mayor of Schitts Creek.

[mjp]

Not sure I anointed him.

Maybe that (anointed) was a strong word but you did say he was tall, fast, a good spoiler, checks his opponent well, is a good decision maker and rarely beaten. I guess you missed out incredibly handsome but you gave him a pretty decent wrap!

[bulldogtragic]

Maybe that (anointed) was a strong word but you did say he was tall, fast, a good spoiler, checks his opponent well, is a good decision maker and rarely beaten. I guess you missed out incredibly handsome but you gave him a pretty decent wrap!

I only saw him once or so in 2019 and thought he wouldn’t be on the list now. It’s a low base of expectation, but I was quite happy from then to now. Not sure on looks he’s a 9/10, more like a solid 7/10.

[Happy Days]

I didn't realise it was him at the time but I met Gardner when he was working at the Railway in Yarraville just before he got drafted. He's definitely a very handsome guy. Hope that helps.

[bulldogtragic]

I didn't realise it was him at the time but I met Gardner when he was working at the Railway in Yarraville just before he got drafted. He's definitely a very handsome guy. Hope that helps.

This is the stuff you just can’t get from watching games on TV.