Most underrated Bulldog - Current Team / All time

[Grantysghost]

It's off-season things are quiet, so I was thinking to myself in between my crocheting and needle point...

Who are the most under rated players at the Dogs? I know - I'll ask WOOF!

So fine woofers, I want to hear who you think are the most criminally under rated players for our mighty Bulldogs.

From the current team, and all time.

ENGAGE!

[Grantysghost]

I'll go first.

Current team it just has to be Roarke Smith. He bleeds red,white and blue. Been on the rookie list since he could first ride a skateboard and always seems to contribute when he's in the side (VFL or AFL). He just epitomises our club.

All time......Harder.

Hmmm I'm going to go with Daniel Gee-sir-I-accuse-you. He was all class, played well in finals, took out Kosi, but always seemed to be a bit of a whipping boy for some reason. He really is one of the Dogs best ever when you look at his record.

[Mantis]

I'll go first.

Current team it just has to be Roarke Smith. He bleeds red,white and blue. Been on the rookie list since he could first ride a skateboard and always seems to contribute when he's in the side (VFL or AFL). He just epitomises our club.

All time......Harder.

Hmmm I'm going to go with Daniel Gee-sir-I-accuse-you. He was all class, played well in finals, took out Kosi, but always seemed to be a bit of a whipping boy for some reason. He really is one of the Dogs best ever when you look at his record.

What makes his record so appealing to you that I'm missing?

[Grantysghost]

What makes his record so appealing to you that I'm missing?

Is this an historical whip Mantis :)

265 Games, 331 goals, averaging 1.2 goals a game?

23 and a goal v Pies in an EF (best day ever nearly)
25 and 2 goals v Hawks in a QF (that was a bad night)


Under rated !

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Matty Boyd springs to mind.

For a period of time he was a very good midfielder, but he was heavily criticised for his ball use/decision making. Whilst it wasn't great, it was better than the likes of Dunkley.

He then moved to the HBF and was incredible. From memory he may have got AA? So perhaps he isn't 'underrated' in the truest of forms, but his leadership was. Since his absence, it's clear we have missed his no nonsense approach off the field. He was pretty direct and set a good example on and off the ground.

On another note, can somebody suggest Eagleton and Suckling for Mantis and EW? ;)

[Grantysghost]

Matty Boyd springs to mind.

For a period of time he was a very good midfielder, but he was heavily criticised for his ball use/decision making. Whilst it wasn't great, it was better than the likes of Dunkley.

He then moved to the HBF and was incredible. From memory he may have got AA? So perhaps he isn't 'underrated' in the truest of forms, but his leadership was. Since his absence, it's clear we have missed his no nonsense approach off the field. He was pretty direct and set a good example on and off the ground.

On another note, can somebody suggest Eagleton and Suckling for Mantis and EW? ;)

Nice nomination BB - I reckon he was definitely a much maligned player until the latter stages of his career. I recall his disposal was the generator of many a collective groan at some games.

[jazzadogs]

Shaggy is on a half back flank for sure.

[lemmon]

Daniel Cross - couldn't kick over a jam tin but was an absolute workhorse.

[Grantysghost]

Shaggy is on a half back flank for sure.

The fists of fury. Was it Heath Black he snotted?

Nice nomination he was a quiet achiever.

[Grantysghost]

Daniel Cross - couldn't kick over a jam tin but was an absolute workhorse.

Ah Crossy, yes total legend and definitely under rated probably mainly for the off field example he showed at training !

[GVGjr]

As we head into the 2023 season I think many people are underrating Josh Bruce who can still make a significant impact.

In past years I don't think Jose Romero ever got the level of appreciation he should have. A special player who could lock down and curb an opposition star but still get a lot of the ball himself.

[Grantysghost]

As we head into the 2023 season I think many people are underrating Josh Bruce who can still make a significant impact.

In past years I don't think Jose Romero ever got the level of appreciation he should have. A special player who could lock down and curb an opposition star but still get a lot of the ball himself.

Ah yes Hose B.

He was a tenacious Argentinian or was he of Chilean heritage.
He and Libba certainly were a formidable pairing, throw in some Dimmatina for the triple threat.

Bruce is a tough one, such a good 2021 the knee injury at his age might have robbed us of a couple of years.
He certainly was amazing that year.

Edit : Jose was born in Chili.

[Sedat]

Ah yes Hose B.

He was a tenacious Argentinian or was he of Chilean heritage.
He and Libba certainly were a formidable pairing, throw in some Dimmatina for the triple threat.
Also affectionately known as the Wog Squad ;)

[GVGjr]

Ah yes Hose B.

He was a tenacious Argentinian or was he of Chilean heritage.
He and Libba certainly were a formidable pairing, throw in some Dimmatina for the triple threat.

Bruce is a tough one, such a good 2021 the knee injury at his age might have robbed us of a couple of years.
He certainly was amazing that year.

Edit : Jose was born in Chili.

Hit fitness level was also outstanding. A lot of supporters thought he was a good player but I rated him a lot higher.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Hard to go pass Dale Morris who was an outstanding defender from the rookie list.
Morris had the ability to play on tall or small forwards and his powers of concentration was outstanding.

[Grantysghost]

Hard to go pass Dale Morris who was an outstanding defender from the rookie list.
Morris had the ability to play on tall or small forwards and his powers of concentration was outstanding.

One of the all time greats NBP.

Probably was under rated early doors but certainly not later.

Maybe by the football world at large until that Buddy moment.

[GVGjr]

Hard to go pass Dale Morris who was an outstanding defender from the rookie list.
Morris had the ability to play on tall or small forwards and his powers of concentration was outstanding.

Was he ever underrated? Got off to a fast start by beating opposition star players.
I don't think there is anyone I've ever talked to that didn't rate or appreciate what Dale brought our club.

[bornadog]

Was he ever underrated? Got off to a fast start by beating opposition star players.
I don't think there is anyone I've ever talked to that didn't rate or appreciate what Dale brought our club.

Under rated by the media

[GVGjr]

Under rated by the media

Not sure I agree either. He gets a lot of positive comments.
His journey to us was something to appreciate but I don't think he was underrated to any significant degree.

[bornadog]

Not sure I agree either. He gets a lot of positive comments.
His journey to us was something to appreciate but I don't think he was underrated to any significant degree.

I guess I am talking a few years before he retired. Until we won the Premiership, I think he was under rated.

It is like Macrae, I still feel he is under rated by media scribes, even though he is such a consistent performer week after week, year after year.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Was he ever underrated? Got off to a fast start by beating opposition star players.
I don't think there is anyone I've ever talked to that didn't rate or appreciate what Dale brought our club.

In the words of his Orthopedic Surgeon, David Young, who treated champion sportspeople across the board he had never witnessed anyone like Dale Morris with the ability to play with such crippling injuries and sustain pain that he managed to achieve.

[Grantysghost]

In the words of his Orthopedic Surgeon, David Young, who treated champion sportspeople across the board he had never witnessed anyone like Dale Morris with the ability to play with such crippling injuries and sustain pain that he managed to achieve.

Part robot !

[jazzadogs]

Was he ever underrated? Got off to a fast start by beating opposition star players.
I don't think there is anyone I've ever talked to that didn't rate or appreciate what Dale brought our club.

I'm not sure anyone who was All-Australian can be on an underrated list (Dale was AA back pocket in 2008).

[Dry Rot]

Probably not top of the list, but I thought Picken was pretty underrated, certainly outside of Dogs fans.

[Mantis]

Is this an historical whip Mantis :)

265 Games, 331 goals, averaging 1.2 goals a game?

23 and a goal v Pies in an EF (best day ever nearly)
25 and 2 goals v Hawks in a QF (that was a bad night)

Under rated !

You can call it whatever you like, but I’m calling bullshit on him being one of our best ever.

[jazzadogs]

I think the cult following types can often be underrated.

Libba is not respected for his football as much as he should be outside of Dogs fans. Minson (although ineligible by my AA rules) was another.

I think Mitch Hahn was underrated.

[Grantysghost]

You can call it whatever you like, but I’m calling bullshit on him being one of our best ever.
Best ever was a stretch, it's supposed to be a bit of fun so took some artistic license.
He'd be up there in games and goals though.

[GVGjr]

I think the cult following types can often be underrated.

Libba is not respected for his football as much as he should be outside of Dogs fans. Minson (although ineligible by my AA rules) was another.

I think Mitch Hahn was underrated.

Hahn was a battler who was rated for his toughness not for what he got done on the field so I think it's a good call.

[mjp]

Daniel Cross - couldn't kick over a jam tin but was an absolute workhorse.

But Crossy was BELOVED.

Not sure he was under-rated.

[mjp]

Hahn was a battler who was rated for his toughness not for what he got done on the field so I think it's a good call.

Ummm.

I think Hahn was fairly rated verging on OVER-rated.

We all loved his attack on the ball/body and overlooked some pretty diabolical kicking because of it.

[jazzadogs]

Ummm.

I think Hahn was fairly rated verging on OVER-rated.

We all loved his attack on the ball/body and overlooked some pretty diabolical kicking because of it.

The way those diabolical hack kicks would somehow tumble through the goals was a thing of beauty. Hahn was much loved in my house, but I felt he was one from that era that was never respected elsewhere.

[Grantysghost]

The way those diabolical hack kicks would somehow tumble through the goals was a thing of beauty. Hahn was much loved in my house, but I felt he was one from that era that was never respected elsewhere.

They used to tumble forward didn't they always looked pressured. He was a QLD native wasn't he maybe grew up with other codes.

[Stevo]

Daniel Cross - couldn't kick over a jam tin but was an absolute workhorse.

Loved Crossy and he did the hard yards before people started to appreciate what he brought to the team. Persistence and dediication can overcome a lot of things.

[jazzadogs]

Loved Crossy and he did the hard yards before people started to appreciate what he brought to the team. Persistence and dediication can overcome a lot of things.

The 'contact below the knees' rule wouldn't have suited Crossy, the way he would dive arms outstretched for the ball wherever it was. Type of guy you would love to play with.

[GVGjr]

Glenn Coleman was under appreciated given the value he added okaying alongside Chris Grant. He really looked out for him.

[Grantysghost]

Glenn Coleman was under appreciated given the value he added okaying alongside Chris Grant. He really looked out for him.

Galaxy was so unorthodox, looked like he could've been just at home working a scanning electron microscope as out on the footy field but you're right man he could play.

[Grantysghost]

I guess I am talking a few years before he retired. Until we won the Premiership, I think he was under rated.

It is like Macrae, I still feel he is under rated by media scribes, even though he is such a consistent performer week after week, year after year.

Macrae is definitely under-rated outside of the Dogs, although I think in the last couple of years he's starting to get his due. Bit like Grant, that introverted personality can go under the radar.

[The Underdog]

Macrae is definitely under-rated outside of the Dogs, although I think in the last couple of years he's starting to get his due. Bit like Grant, that introverted personality can go under the radar.

I mean, he’s a 3 time All Australian, so somebody noticed.

[Twodogs]

Glenn Coleman was under appreciated given the value he added okaying alongside Chris Grant. He really looked out for him.

Good call. Gal used to protect Chris Grant when Grant was just a kid and could also play a bit himself. I reckon he had actually retired from league footy before we convinced him to give it another go.

I've got a couple of nominations from the 70s/80s.
First one is Michael Egan gave everything in the back pocket. Had a pretty bad knee injury that impacted on his career. We would have gone a lot closer in 1985 if he wasn't recovering from the knee. No way that Leigh Matthews would have torched is in the preliminary final if Megan was there to shut him down.

Bluey Hampshire. Gave his all week after week for the jumper and stood up on a couple of occasions to really save the club's bacon. First of all when Dempsey left, being the sole ruckman bought out the best in Hampshire and he played his career best football for us when we really needed him to. And taking over as coach in mid 1982 . He did a fantastic job and bought a lot of pride back to the club with some fantastic wins towards the end of 1982 and totally turned our fortunes around with an 11/11 win loss season in 1983 before Malthouse took over just before the 1984 season.

[GVGjr]

Isn't the question being asked about which Bulldog players were underrated by our own supporters? It's not really about how the media or opposition supporters viewed them.

[F'scary]

Current team: agree it's Roarke. Both by supporters and all too obviously by the club since they keep him as a rookie and yet keep on playing him. I like Roarke as an interchange specialist, it is a valid position in the 22.

All time: easy. Tony Liberatore, not by the club (he was a Sutton Medalist, e.g.) or its supporters but the wider football following public. The great Brownlow medalist who also holds the unique record of winning the comp b&f at all three levels, played more than 15 seasons and polled well in the Brownlow in a number of other years as well as his win in 1990.

[Grantysghost]

Isn't the question being asked about which Bulldog players were underrated by our own supporters? It's not really about how the media or opposition supporters viewed them.

Yes woofers opinions.

[Grantysghost]

Current team: agree it's Roarke. Both by supporters and all too obviously by the club since they keep him as a rookie and yet keep on playing him. I like Roarke as an interchange specialist, it is a valid position in the 22.

All time: easy. Tony Liberatore, not by the club (he was a Sutton Medalist, e.g.) or its supporters but the wider football following public. The great Brownlow medalist who also holds the unique record of winning the comp b&f at all three levels, played more than 15 seasons and polled well in the Brownlow in a number of other years as well as his win in 1990.

He really was a star.

Such a shame the scratchy stuff tainted the latter years, the knights elbow too (which I personally give my stamp of approval)

[bornadog]

Yes woofers opinions.

ok, that is different.

I nominate English

[GVGjr]

ok, that is different.

I nominate English

Why is Tim receiving that nomination BAD?

[bornadog]

Why is Tim receiving that nomination BAD?

Many Woofers don't rate him.

Evidence here (https://www.woof.net.au/forum/showthread.php?21369-Rating-our-list-2021-Tim-English-44&highlight=tim+english)

[GVGjr]

Many Woofers don't rate him.

Evidence here (https://www.woof.net.au/forum/showthread.php?21369-Rating-our-list-2021-Tim-English-44&highlight=tim+english)

You're using a poll from last year to highlight that 'Woofers' underrate a player you voted as average? Whats changed?

[bornadog]

You're using a poll from last year to highlight that 'Woofers' underrate a player you voted as average? Whats changed?

Not sure what is changed, many comments are still negative.

[GVGjr]

Not sure what is changed, many comments are still negative.

I didn't think the thread/poll you nominated as an example was negative.

[bornadog]

I didn't think the thread/poll you nominated as an example was negative.

The thread Poll shows the majority rated English average or worse.

The negative comments come from various threads throughout the last few seasons.

[1eyedog]

Most here believe English can't ruck and probably shouldn't be rucking.

[Stevo]

Most here believe English can't ruck and probably shouldn't be rucking.

Big Tim can ruck but he now needs to perform at a higher level.As mentioned in the other thread he requested the number one role and he needs show what he is capable of. The P Plates are off especially now that Lobb can help out more on match day.

[Jeanette54]

One under rated player from the past, almost never mentioned in this forum is Don Mackenzie. One time player and coach. I remember he played as a makeshift full forward for a couple of seasons and played a variety of forward positions over the years. He had a good pair of hands and was a beautiful kick. Rather small for a KPF, he seemed to be the best choice we had, other than EJ, at the time.

[Stevo]

Good call. Gal used to protect Chris Grant when Grant was just a kid and could also play a bit himself. I reckon he had actually retired from league footy before we convinced him to give it another go.

I've got a couple of nominations from the 70s/80s.
First one is Michael Egan gave everything in the back pocket. Had a pretty bad knee injury that impacted on his career. We would have gone a lot closer in 1985 if he wasn't recovering from the knee. No way that Leigh Matthews would have torched is in the preliminary final if Megan was there to shut him down.

Bluey Hampshire. Gave his all week after week for the jumper and stood up on a couple of occasions to really save the club's bacon. First of all when Dempsey left, being the sole ruckman bought out the best in Hampshire and he played his career best football for us when we really needed him to. And taking over as coach in mid 1982 . He did a fantastic job and bought a lot of pride back to the club with some fantastic wins towards the end of 1982 and totally turned our fortunes around with an 11/11 win loss season in 1983 before Malthouse took over just before the 1984 season.

Big fan of Mick Egans work. Tough bugger who didnt play too many bad ones.

[Grantysghost]

One under rated player from the past, almost never mentioned in this forum is Don Mackenzie. One time player and coach. I remember he played as a makeshift full forward for a couple of seasons and played a variety of forward positions over the years. He had a good pair of hands and was a beautiful kick. Rather small for a KPF, he seemed to be the best choice we had, other than EJ, at the time.

What era is he from J54? I haven't heard a lot about him but my first era was the 80s.

[Grantysghost]

Good call. Gal used to protect Chris Grant when Grant was just a kid and could also play a bit himself. I reckon he had actually retired from league footy before we convinced him to give it another go.

I've got a couple of nominations from the 70s/80s.
First one is Michael Egan gave everything in the back pocket. Had a pretty bad knee injury that impacted on his career. We would have gone a lot closer in 1985 if he wasn't recovering from the knee. No way that Leigh Matthews would have torched is in the preliminary final if Megan was there to shut him down.

Bluey Hampshire. Gave his all week after week for the jumper and stood up on a couple of occasions to really save the club's bacon. First of all when Dempsey left, being the sole ruckman bought out the best in Hampshire and he played his career best football for us when we really needed him to. And taking over as coach in mid 1982 . He did a fantastic job and bought a lot of pride back to the club with some fantastic wins towards the end of 1982 and totally turned our fortunes around with an 11/11 win loss season in 1983 before Malthouse took over just before the 1984 season.

Michael Egan was the first number I had on my hand knitted jumper ! Number 10, he was so honest even as a little kid that really stood out to me.
Never forget getting my photo with him, it was the greatest moment of my very short life to that point !

[bornadog]

What era is he from J54? I haven't heard a lot about him but my first era was the 80s.
Played in 60s up to 1970, then came back as a coach in late 70s

[jeemak]

I'm fairly and squarely putting Cross in the overrated camp.

And I'm prepared to take Scorlibo to the Yarraville Nets over it if we reignite the effective disposal debate because holding up the play for ages ten times a game and kicking sideways is bad no matter how often the kick hits a target!

But he had great hands and was maniacal at the footy so he'll always have my respect.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Played in 60s up to 1970, then came back as a coach in late 70s

Not the same player as Don's Don McKenzie is it?

[Jeanette54]

Not the same player as Don's Don McKenzie is it?

No, he was Bulldog through and through.

[Twodogs]

Michael Egan was the first number I had on my hand knitted jumper ! Number 10, he was so honest even as a little kid that really stood out to me.
Never forget getting my photo with him, it was the greatest moment of my very short life to that point !

I played with the same cricket club as Egan. First and only time I walked past a net without looking first I wore a cricket ball he'd thrown back to the bowler on the side of the head.


Played in 60s up to 1970, then came back as a coach in late 70s

Ran out onto the ground to tell Kelvin Templeton that if he kicked the goal he was lining up for against St Kilda in 1978 that would be the VFL record score

[1eyedog]

Surprised Shane Biggs hasn't been mentioned here. Dude legit needs a statue.

[Jasper]

Surprised Shane Biggs hasn't been mentioned here. Dude legit needs a statue.

How soon do we forget. We got the most out of the great wall of Biggs.

[EasternWest]

How soon do we forget. We got the most out of the great wall of Biggs.

Man that play was inspirational. Games like that break down to moments like that and he wasn't going to lose it.

[merantau]

Of the current team I think Rhylee West is underated and I could not understand why he didn't get the nod over others in the Elim Final against Freo as he created two goals out of nothing with his tenacity in the previous game.
And yes, Roarke Smith is underated too.

All time? Going way back Stephen Power played about 170 games for us and was very tough to get a kick on. Rarely made a mistake and was very consistent with his effort.

Bruce Duperouzel. How I wish he had come to us a couple of years earlier. He played some terrific games for us at the end of his career.
Greg Epplestkon was another goer who gave us great service off half back and played about 100 games before going to North.

[Grantysghost]

All of these guys... (I just found this video in my Google drive)

https://youtu.be/fqsTndO_dCM

[merantau]

How soon do we forget. We got the most out of the great wall of Biggs.

Never forget: "The Wall of Biggs". He was front and central in the most frenetic 45 seconds of the GF.

[weltschmerz]

Current - Taylor Duryea. Very unsung but he's so very good in such an important role.

[jeemak]

Current - Taylor Duryea. Very unsung but he's so very good in such an important role.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fZy5hX6uLg

It's funny, because people have started to doubt him and reckon he's a bit OVER rated. For mine I don't think he's a genuine difference maker in general terms, but there's also some things in the air and on the ground nobody on our list other than he can do. Particularly since Crozier lost a yard.

If he has a good year and we go far he might actually prove himself to be the difference maker though.

[jazzadogs]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fZy5hX6uLg

It's funny, because people have started to doubt him and reckon he's a bit OVER rated. For mine I don't think he's a genuine difference maker in general terms, but there's also some things in the air and on the ground nobody on our list other than he can do. Particularly since Crozier lost a yard.

If he has a good year and we go far he might actually prove himself to be the difference maker though.

He might not be a difference maker, and he's not the best in the comp at it, but he fills one of our positions where we don't really have a replacement for his type/style of play. You are right that Crozier is most similar, and I still think Ed Richards could do the role but we haven't seen it...but at the moment he is our best defender for small forwards and is rated accordingly.

[bornadog]

He might not be a difference maker, and he's not the best in the comp at it, but he fills one of our positions where we don't really have a replacement for his type/style of play. You are right that Crozier is most similar, and I still think Ed Richards could do the role but we haven't seen it...but at the moment he is our best defender for small forwards and is rated accordingly.

Can VDM eventually take his role?

[EasternWest]

Can VDM eventually take his role?

No..

[GVGjr]

Can VDM eventually take his role?
Perhaps but I think the attacking side of footy comes more naturally to him and he currently lacks the poise required.

[jazzadogs]

Can VDM eventually take his role?

Laitham as a close checking defender is not something I'd ever considered. I don't see that playing to his strengths...the Bailey Dale rebounder role is the only spot I would consider VDM in defence.

[Bulldog4life]

Never forget Dureya's race for the ball in the dying minutes of the game against Charlie Cameron in our 1 point win against Brisbane in 2021 finals. He was a huge difference maker in that game.

[aker39]

Speaking of under rated players, I see Crofty's son has made the Cannon's list.