Three things you've learned round 19 v Melbourne 2022

[Twodogs]

Tell us three things you've learned tonight

[GVGjr]

Bump.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

1. Marra has arrived. I said a few weeks ago when he came back into the side I wanted to see improvement. Each week he's been building, last week v Saints he got involved in ways he hadn't. Tonight he just grew and grew and grew. Tonight is worth 5 games of experience, if not more. So bloody proud and happy for him.

2. When Bont is fit and in that kind of mood, he's the best player in the comp.

3. 3 key forwards works for us. Bruce was putrid, but replace him with Lobb and that looks really dangerous.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

1. We are such a mind blowing football club. We can play some of the most inspiring patches of football interspersed and sometimes right along side some of the most unsightly mess masquerading as football you could ever dream of! That second half tonight shows our game plan works against good sides....... But our first half suggests the opposite? Which is true?,Or more importantly how can we influence which is true more often?

2. Despite the group's inconsistency over a long patch, the one thing they rarely do is just throw in the towel. They seem a very resilient bunch. When Melbourne reestablished their almost 4 goal lead in the second, after we'd fought back, I thought we could be in big trouble. Bailey Dale went from a chump to hero during that game. That takes some real inner belief to just keep backing yourself.

3. If Tim English does that for a full season he becomes the best ruckmen in the game, for certain.

[Boots]

I only learned one thing tonight and it's something I know deep down but forget all the time, so often in fact that I've saved the following picture on my phone to look at when I am sad:

1120

[comrade]

I only learned one thing tonight and it's something I know deep down but forget all the time, so often in fact that I've saved the following picture on my phone to look at when I am sad:

1120

This planet is billions of years old and will be around for billions more after we’re all gone, yet we were here at the very same time Bont blessed us with his presence. I think about that often.

[Grantysghost]

This planet is billions of years old and will be around for billions more after we’re all gone, yet we were here at the very same time Bont blessed us with his presence. I think about that often.

He had 10 possessions (8 contested), 7 clearances and 4 tackles in the last qtr.

[Boots]

"I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why, when I needed you most, you would leave me."

The Bont replied, "During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I Carried You."

[Happy Days]

Man it is gonna be a rough week for the “we suck and can’t do anything right” crew

Also just saying but we are 2-0 with Bruce back. I’m sure this will resonate with one poster in particular.

[Mantis]

Man it is gonna be a rough week for the “we suck and can’t do anything right” crew

Also just saying but we are 2-0 with Bruce back. I’m sure this will resonate with one poster in particular.

Yeah, Bruce’s 4 kicks and 2 marks over the last 2 weeks has given us a much needed boost.

I like the bloke and want to see him play well on his return, but not sure there’s much he’s done to assist us winning the last 2 games.

[Happy Days]

Yeah, Bruce’s 4 kicks and 2 marks over the last 2 weeks has given us a much needed boost.

I like the bloke and want to see him play well on his return, but not sure there’s much he’s done to assist us winning the last 2 games.

You were not the particular poster but thank you for underscoring my point.

[Grantysghost]

Man it is gonna be a rough week for the “we suck and can’t do anything right” crew

Also just saying but we are 2-0 with Bruce back. I’m sure this will resonate with one poster in particular.

My Hunter theory is gaining traction too HD.

When he doesn’t play, and he’s played during the same day and it’s against Casey we win.

[Mantis]

You were not the particular poster but thank you for underscoring my point.

I know I wasn’t, but happy you to share your thoughts on how Bruce has helped us win the past 2 weeks? He’s an awesome on-field cheerleader, but he hasn’t gotten near it.

[Happy Days]

I know I wasn’t, but happy you to share your thoughts on how Bruce has helped us win the past 2 weeks? He’s an awesome on-field cheerleader, but he hasn’t gotten near it.

He hasn’t. That’s the point. That the selection of one guy who does full on nothing can be totally immaterial to the success of the team is what I’m saying.

[whythelongface]

1. Marra has arrived. I said a few weeks ago when he came back into the side I wanted to see improvement. Each week he's been building, last week v Saints he got involved in ways he hadn't. Tonight he just grew and grew and grew. Tonight is worth 5 games of experience, if not more. So bloody proud and happy for him.

2. When Bont is fit and in that kind of mood, he's the best player in the comp.

3. 3 key forwards works for us. Bruce was putrid, but replace him with Lobb and that looks really dangerous.

Sure Bruce is a long way off his best but he gives us structure and provides an option that takes out one of there key defenders. Without him May or Petty go on Marra and bang there goes the five goals.

[Topdog]

1 important learning for me last night and hopefully the playing group too, our midfield can work both ways at centre clearances. Imagine if they do it for 4 quarters

[Bumper Bulldogs]

3. 3 key forwards works for us. Bruce was putrid, but replace him with Lobb and that looks really dangerous.

I’m not so sure. I believe Kieth is a bigger issue. We have to address our back six. I feel Bruce will give us more than Kieth next year. We struggle with big opponent forwards. I’m praying that Darcy can step up but he isn’t ready yet.

[AshMac]

1. Watching a young kid with so much expectations on his shoulders play a break out game and build confidence he can reach his potential is fantastic

2. Bailey Williams needs to go to the VFL. He is an absolute shadow of his 2021 self and it’s excruciating to watch

3. I no longer know the rules. I cannot figure out holding the ball, chopping the arms, late contact on a marking contest causing a 50 or the deliberate rule anymore. I’m convinced the umpires dont either and just make it up as they go along.

[Mantis]

He hasn’t. That’s the point. That the selection of one guy who does full on nothing can be totally immaterial to the success of the team is what I’m saying.

Ah, ok… my bad.

[Mantis]

1. Watching a young kid with so much expectations on his shoulders play a break out game and build confidence he can reach his potential is fantastic

2. Bailey Williams needs to go to the VFL. He is an absolute shadow of his 2021 self and it’s excruciating to watch

3. I no longer know the rules. I cannot figure out holding the ball, chopping the arms, late contact on a marking contest causing a 50 or the deliberate rule anymore. I’m convinced the umpires dont either and just make it up as they go along.

For obvious reasons I watched from the couch, but to me Williams was more concerned last night about keeping Langdon in check… which he did, rather than being an attacking option. Maybe he played wide of him (which you can’t tell on the TV) and it was just good luck, rather than by design that Langdon was quiet, but to me it appeared he had a job to do, and did it well.

[Grantysghost]

For obvious reasons I watched from the couch, but to me Williams was more concerned last night about keeping Langdon in check… which he did, rather than being an attacking option. Maybe he played wide of him (which you can’t tell on the TV) and it was just good luck, rather than by design that Langdon was quiet, but to me it appeared he had a job to do, and did it well.

I thought he was pretty good, he was too strong in the air for Langdon and held his own.

I watched Langdon closely he's so disciplined. Stays in his lane, basically follows the curve of the ground when he's on the opposite side to the play.
Teams wising up to his worth to their side.

[SonofScray]

1. That this iteration of the squad just bought one credit in the bank, nice to see them not turn their toes up when the margin started to widen.

2. Our fans needed that. It’s been such a disappointing, laborious season as a fan, to have a game full of excitement, pressure and ultimately joy, was definitely required. The stands felt alive in a way we haven’t felt for a while.

3. Jamarra had been building towards a bag for weeks. Seems like too many haters were too busy jerking each other off to realise. He’s a good player and will be capable of sublime things in the hardest spot on the ground for a long time.

[westbulldog]

Man it is gonna be a rough week for the “we suck and can’t do anything right” crew

Also just saying but we are 2-0 with Bruce back. I’m sure this will resonate with one poster in particular.

We are also 2-0 without Bruce as his contribution was nil, worse than his 2020 year.

[Topdog]

We are also 2-0 without Bruce as his contribution was nil, worse than his 2020 year.

He has been absolutely hopeless since coming back which to be fair i thought we brought him back too early so not entirely his fault.

Having said that I'm not sure it's just coincidence that Marra has had his best few games with Bruce back in

[GVGjr]

1 - It was a big step forward in Ugle-Hagan's career and it arrived earlier than I thought.
2 - I think it was one of Bevo's best games as a coach this year. We started well and bounced back when we had to against a very talented opposition. Throwing Bruce and Naughton back late in the game was just one of his many good moves
3 - We never lost our nerve or composure.

[Bulldog4life]

1. Congrats to all the coaches. Getting their act together at the right time. Will do them the world of good.

2. Brucey in for 2 games and Marra flying. As Top Dog said is it a coincidence? Who knows but it is working.

3. Joey Montagna said on AFL360 that dogs should play shoot out footy for best results. He produced evidence. I doubted it when I first heard it. Is he on the right track?

[BornInDroopSt'54]

1. Garcia is the player he promised to be pre knee reco.
2. Marra is the player he promised to be.
3a. We can get done in clearances and win.
3b. 4 games left and we can lose one and still make finals.

[chef]

He has been absolutely hopeless since coming back which to be fair i thought we brought him back too early so not entirely his fault.

Having said that I'm not sure it's just coincidence that Marra has had his best few games with Bruce back in

Yeah, he may be struggling but he takes a good defender, makes our forward structure better and separates the defence. We are better as a team with him pot there even in his form atm.

[azabob]

1. I’ve learnt to love Bailey Dale and his mistakes. Up until last night I’ve struggled with his skill errors in high pressure games. But that is part and parcel with Dale.

2. Buku Khamis is improving with each game. Even with Daniel and Duyrea coming back Khamis needs to play for the remainder of the season.

3. Bailey Williams has had an up and down year. Great to see he is able to sacrifice his game for the team. I wasn’t sure that was part of his make up.

[whythelongface]

1. I’ve learnt to love Bailey Dale and his mistakes. Up until last night I’ve struggled with his skill errors in high pressure games. But that is part and parcel with Dale.

2. Buku Khamis is improving with each game. Even with Daniel and Duyrea coming back Khamis needs to play for the remainder of the season.

3. Bailey Williams has had an up and down year. Great to see he is able to sacrifice his game for the team. I wasn’t sure that was part of his make up.

Really good points. I particularly like what you say about Dale - it is risk and reward type stuff. You know he is prone to the odd error or two but when he gets it right it inevitably leads to a strong attacking position. That kick to centre field late in the game that Buku tapped on was like edge of the seat stuff - a split second decision to find space and bang a crucial goal at the end of it.

[mjp]

I learned:

Melbourne are actually 'better' (more talented) than us from 1-16 (there bottom few actually can't play but that's pretty true of most sides).

There were periods of the game when we simply couldn't stop them, they scored EASILY, their best players just work together so well...they are good. I've never really acknowledged that before.

(I HOPE That) The players learned:

Great effort, commitment to the ball/body of your opponent and a willingness to persist can overcome pretty much anything. Sure - the game came down to moments (Buku's knock on decision, Garcia's "I can DO THIS" goal, Jamarra hitting up at the foot as if he was the second coming of Nick Reiwoldt (2010 version), Macrae refusing to just 'have a shit game' after a terrible first 45 minutes...

[Scorlibo]

1. I've missed it dearly. The roar of the crowd, unbridled jubilation, as dawns the collective realisation of a victory so sweet that it passes straight into deep memory. It felt like a mass red, white and blue resuscitation event in the stands. Ear to ear grins met with high fives on the concourse. Unreal!

2. Tim English can go toe to toe with Max Gawn, with assistance only from a rehabilitating Bruce, and come out on top. Brave call from Bevo and the coaching group, but they got it right.

3. Jamarra can do THAT against the flag favourites, as a 20 year old KPF... Time to crack out the popcorn and watch that last two minutes fifty times over :D

[Mantis]

Yeah, he may be struggling but he takes a good defender, makes our forward structure better and separates the defence. We are better as a team with him pot there even in his form atm.

Last week Bruce was opposed to Wilkie and Battle who took about a dozen intercept marks between them. Last night he had Tomlinson on him for most of the night who is on the fringe of Melbourne’s best team and only played because Lever was out injured and couldn’t get near it and then when opposed to May, who in fairness beat Naughtin convincingly, he looked all at sea.

Josh is no doubt good for morale and structure, but you also need to contribute and he doesn’t look physically capable to do so.

[SlimPickens]

Bukus defensive efforts were putrid in the first half and Fritsch made him pay for it. To his credit he was much better in the second and had some incredibly important moments.

[AshMac]

For obvious reasons I watched from the couch, but to me Williams was more concerned last night about keeping Langdon in check… which he did, rather than being an attacking option. Maybe he played wide of him (which you can’t tell on the TV) and it was just good luck, rather than by design that Langdon was quiet, but to me it appeared he had a job to do, and did it well.

Ok, I watched the replay and was a little harsh. I really noticed a coupon of errors and being out of position once when at the ground and married it up with his form this year.

Watching the replay he clearly played a role and was pretty effective.

I have really high standards for him, his best is AA quality for me, and he is miles from it but doesn’t deserve to be dropped from last nights performance,

[jeemak]

For obvious reasons I watched from the couch, but to me Williams was more concerned last night about keeping Langdon in check… which he did, rather than being an attacking option. Maybe he played wide of him (which you can’t tell on the TV) and it was just good luck, rather than by design that Langdon was quiet, but to me it appeared he had a job to do, and did it well.

He also tried to get forward and be the last man out threat a fair chunk of the time when we had the footy, rather than being an outlet which I assume was designed to keep Langdon accountable.

[Dry Rot]

1. Garcia can play. He and West really add some bite where we didn't have much.

2. Treloar could have an interesting career in the backline.

3. I'm not sure where JJ fits in any more. Ditto Hunter and maybe Daniel.

[Bulldog4life]

He also tried to get forward and be the last man out threat a fair chunk of the time when we had the footy, rather than being an outlet which I assume was designed to keep Langdon accountable.

That tap to Marra leading to that beautiful goal was great vision by Bailey too.

[Scorlibo]

He also tried to get forward and be the last man out threat a fair chunk of the time when we had the footy, rather than being an outlet which I assume was designed to keep Langdon accountable.

Yep, and he could have kicked the sealer if not for a slightly sketchy boundary umpiring call