WB Game Day V Melbourne R1 2023 - Saturday March 18, 7:25PM, MCG

[Eastdog]

Margin:
First goal:
Best on ground:

[Eastdog]

Bump

[chef]

Dogs by 23
First Goal the Lobster
BOG the Bont

[Raels_d]

Dogs by 10
First Goal- Jamara
BIG - The Bont

[angelopetraglia]

March.

The best month to be in Melbourne. The days get shorter. The sun is still shining. The wind is lighter. Cooler crisp mornings. The leaves start falling.

But most importantly, the footy is back …

[bornadog]

How good is it to have this thread back

Dogs by 15
First Goal Naughton
BOG Bont

Crowd 55,000

[Grantysghost]

Dogs by 17
First Goal Hannan
BOG Macrae.

[Mantis]

I absolutely love that this thread was created on Xmas night... Easty was done with celebrating Xmas Day with the family and then it was all about the footy!

[MrMahatma]

Dogs by 11.
FG: Libba.
BOG: Bont

[Eastdog]

Margin: Dogs by 4 points
First goal: Marra
Best on ground: Libba
Crowd: 56,000

[Eastdog]

I absolutely love that this thread was created on Xmas night... Easty was done with celebrating Xmas Day with the family and then it was all about the footy!

Just was relaxing Christmas night creating new threads for the new season in 2023 :D

[Eastdog]

March.

The best month to be in Melbourne. The days get shorter. The sun is still shining. The wind is lighter. Cooler crisp mornings. The leaves start falling.

But most importantly, the footy is back …

Really good to have it back. It is a great outlet for all of us after the working week.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

Dogs by 27 points
1st Goal JUH
BOG English

[azabob]

I despise this round one fixture.

I despise Melbourne. Their smugness makes me sick and so angry.

Melbourne by 37 points
1st Goal: Dale
BOG: Bontempelli

[Grantysghost]

I despise this round one fixture.

I despise Melbourne. Their smugness makes me sick and so angry.

Melbourne by 37 points
1st Goal: Dale
BOG: Bontempelli
Agree, why on earth is it their home game again if it's a thing to start the year?
Every other fixture like this they either rotate or have a deal (eg Melbourne always get Queens Birthday I believe).

[DOG GOD]

I despise this round one fixture.

I despise Melbourne. Their smugness makes me sick and so angry.

Melbourne by 37 points
1st Goal: Dale
BOG: Bontempelli

Yep. Melb by 28 points
1st goal: Bont
BOG : Libba

[bornadog]

Calling all new WOOFERs - come on don't be shy to post

[Prince Imperial]

WB by 17 points.

FG: Lobb

BOG: Jones

[Happy Days]

We gonna win. Dees can’t kick a score without Fritsch and I think we can at least match them everywhere else.

Dogs by 15
First goal - Naughton
BOG - Bont

[josie]

Dogs by 1
First goal Treloar
BOG Marra

[Max469]

Dogs by 3
First goal Lobb
BOG Libba

[Bulldog Joe]

Confidence is high after a big pre-season.

Bont is ready to rip them apart.
Libba at his best.
A forward line to generate fear.

Dogs by 47
1st Goal Darcy
BOG Bont

[Hotdog60]

It's good we are playing at the 'G' because we will be playing there at the end of September and it good to get some practice in.

Dogs by 27
1st goal Scott
BOG Libba

[Mofra]

I was actually ready to tip Melbourne until news today of Fritsch being out (with Viney & Salem who were already unlikely to play)

Dogs by 14
1st goal Lobb
BOG Liam Jones

[Mantis]

Goodwin has confirmed that all of Viney, Salem & Fritsch will miss this week which is nice given we have a few out too... but pretty clear there's are better performed/ more important than our's.

[Pugz89]

Margin: 16
First goal: Toby McLean
Best on ground: Libba

[dog town]

I wonder if Fritsch being out means they will risk Crozier on the highest tall (usually McDonald) and opt against playing 3 key backs. My read was we were looking at trialling Crozier on Fritsch and playing 3 talls which I didn’t quite like but seemed necessary. I am not sure Bruce, Crozier with the two key defenders affords us enough ability to challenge Melbourne with the ball, would prefer we only take the 3 in.

[Mantis]

I wonder if Fritsch being out means they will risk Crozier on the highest tall (usually McDonald) and opt against playing 3 key backs. My read was we were looking at trialling Crozier on Fritsch and playing 3 talls which I didn’t quite like but seemed necessary. I am not sure Bruce, Crozier with the two key defenders affords us enough ability challenge Melbourne with the ball, would prefer we only take the 3 in.

As with you I'd be ok with Crozier & Richards taking the 3rd tall as I don't trust Bruce to 1/ defend and 2/ distribute the ball... he needs to show form in the VFL team before he's selected.

[Happy Days]

As with you I'd be ok with Crozier & Richards taking the 3rd tall as I don't trust Bruce to 1/ defend and 2/ distribute the ball... he needs to show form in the VFL team before he's selected.

I’m with this, but also from the point of view that I don’t rate their third tall whoever it may be out of McDonald Brown or Schache, and think we can use it against them by putting a smaller gunner on them.

[Bulldog4life]

We beat Melbourne last time and we will beat them again.

Margin: 28
First goal: Lobby Lloyd
Best on ground: Bont

[dog town]

May in doubt with a calf strain according to Mitch Cleary.

[doggies ftw]

Our new look line up is well placed to take on the Dees IMO.

Their midfield & ruck duo is great but if anyone can match it it’s us, all we need to do is go close to breaking even in the middle and we will score way too much for them. Their backline has always killed us but we finally have the talls to split their defenders, whoever cops Lever on will destroy him if he thinks he can zone off to help out Petty & May. Plus they’ve always cut our zone up with their slow and methodical approach - with a more settled defence led by Jones, who is happy to sit back and hold the defensive line rather than our crazy aggressive high push, with their slow build up play their forward line will just not be damaging enough to go toe to toe with the score we’ll put on the board. Especially without Fritsch.

It’s a great time to get em and I’m expecting us to start our year off with a bang, dogs by 23, Baz BOG, Lobb first goal

[Axe Man]

Something strange going on with tickets for the game. I managed to purchase an adult GA ticket for $19 (meant to be $27 as far as I am aware) and concession for $13. However when I was playing around it was also coming back with weirdly high prices for GA as well. Ticketek site seemed glitchy but I jumped on the tickets when the right price came up.

If you are planning on attending GA take a look.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Dogs by 44 points
BOG: Bontempelli
First Goal: Naughton

[josie]

Dogs by 1
First goal Treloar
BOG Marra

With Fritsch and Viney out I amend margin-Dogs by 23.

[aker39]

Dogs to wear Blue jumper and socks and white shorts

[Mofra]

I wonder if Fritsch being out means they will risk Crozier on the highest tall (usually McDonald) and opt against playing 3 key backs. My read was we were looking at trialling Crozier on Fritsch and playing 3 talls which I didn’t quite like but seemed necessary. I am not sure Bruce, Crozier with the two key defenders affords us enough ability to challenge Melbourne with the ball, would prefer we only take the 3 in.
McDonald, Brown and Gawn/Grundy.
I think Bruce plays

[bornadog]

Dogs to wear Blue jumper and socks and white shorts

Excellent

[josie]

Goodness - forecast now max 34C on Saturday.

[bornadog]

Goodness - forecast now max 34C on Saturday.

Its' ok, drops to 32 at 7pm :D

[dog town]

McDonald, Brown and Gawn/Grundy.
I think Bruce plays

Yep I had them pencilled in for 3 tall forwards just arguing we shouldn’t play Bruce and Crozier. I would be inclined to risk Crozier on McDonald or Richards (only when high) to ensure we have enough mobility to challenge them with ball movement. Odds are we will play it safe and go with Bruce.

For all the focus on the 10 minutes in the 21 GF where they scored from centre bounce if you look at it all the last 5-6 games have been relatively close statistically. The thing that separates the games we lost apart from the GF (still happened early) is they have pinned us in our D50 and we have chopped the footy up. We need to be able to score from turnover and ball movement not just bounce/stoppage.

[The Underdog]

Something strange going on with tickets for the game. I managed to purchase an adult GA ticket for $19 (meant to be $27 as far as I am aware) and concession for $13. However when I was playing around it was also coming back with weirdly high prices for GA as well. Ticketek site seemed glitchy but I jumped on the tickets when the right price came up.

If you are planning on attending GA take a look.

Maybe some weird dynamic pricing bullshit?

[bornadog]

Yep I had them pencilled in for 3 tall forwards just arguing we shouldn’t play Bruce and Crozier. I would be inclined to risk Crozier on McDonald or Richards (only when high) to ensure we have enough mobility to challenge them with ball movement. Odds are we will play it safe and go with Bruce.

For all the focus on the 10 minutes in the 21 GF where they scored from centre bounce if you look at it all the last 5-6 games have been relatively close statistically. The thing that separates the games we lost apart from the GF (still happened early) is they have pinned us in our D50 and we have chopped the footy up. We need to be able to score from turnover and ball movement not just bounce/stoppage.

I think McDonald would be too big and strong for Crozier.

[azabob]

Maybe some weird dynamic pricing bullshit?

Sounds about right. They did that for the tennis.

[Mofra]

Yep I had them pencilled in for 3 tall forwards just arguing we shouldn’t play Bruce and Crozier. I would be inclined to risk Crozier on McDonald or Richards (only when high) to ensure we have enough mobility to challenge them with ball movement. Odds are we will play it safe and go with Bruce.

For all the focus on the 10 minutes in the 21 GF where they scored from centre bounce if you look at it all the last 5-6 games have been relatively close statistically. The thing that separates the games we lost apart from the GF (still happened early) is they have pinned us in our D50 and we have chopped the footy up. We need to be able to score from turnover and ball movement not just bounce/stoppage.
That's a worry, as Bruce's disposal as a back has been terrible and Crozier kicks long down the line every. single. time.
At least we have Richards & Dale as starting defenders, and can send Caleb into a sweeper role to run and chip the ball out of there.

[Virgin-Dog]

Dogs by 20
First Goal - Baker
BOG - Bont

[EasternWest]

I think McDonald would be too big and strong for Crozier.

Croz needs more red meat.

[S Coast Simon]

Dogs by 32
First Goal Westie
BOG Liam Jones
Jamara Kicks 5 again

[Mavericks]

Dogs by 30 if May is out. Jones really stabilises the backline and Dees fwd line is their Achilles heal with their best forward out. Would be very disappointing to drop this one.

[jazzadogs]

I think McDonald would be too big and strong for Crozier.

That's only an issue if we leave them one out, and I don't think that will happen with Jones and Keath patrolling. All Croz needs to do is occupy him.

[jazzadogs]

Dogs by 30
Bont BOG, 3 votes out of his perfect 69 for the year
Darcy first goal

[bornadog]

That's only an issue if we leave them one out, and I don't think that will happen with Jones and Keath patrolling. All Croz needs to do is occupy him.

So is the feeling Bruce will be left out of the team?

[jazzadogs]

So is the feeling Bruce will be left out of the team?

Not sure it's a feeling, but it's my opinion on what should happen. Melbourne aren't going to play four tall defenders just because we have four tall forwards...you have to play to your strengths, and I'm not sure Bruce is a strength in defence at this stage.

[FrediKanoute]

Dees by 30
Hunter BOG,
Schache first goal

[dog town]

Would say Gawn will spend less time forward than originally planned now that May is out. They will likely try to deploy him behind the ball a bit more which means potentially more Grundy forward.

[GVGjr]

Would say Gawn will spend less time forward than originally planned now that May is out. They will likely try to deploy him behind the ball a bit more which means potentially more Grundy forward.

I think that makes a lot of sense particularly if our taller forward line is working.

[Funke disco]

Dogs by 16
Bont BOG
JUH first goal

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Dogs by 19.
BOG Bont.
FG Lobb.

[azabob]

Dogs by 16
Bont BOG
JUH first goal

Post more dude. Don't be a stranger.

[Eastdog]

https://www.mcg.org.au/whats-on/events-calendar/2023/march/afl-round-1---melbourne-v-western-bulldogs-march-18-2023


GENERAL ADMISSION SEATING
Please note, general admission seating areas are subject to change. Continue to check regularly for updates and check the general admission screens at your gate upon arrival to the MCG.

Shane Warne Stand
M5-M6
M7 (rows A-O)
M12 (rows A-U - no alcohol)
Q1-Q15 1/2

Ponsford Stand
M28 (rows A-Z)
M29-M32
M33 (rows T-NN)
M34-M36
Level 4 closed

Olympic Stand
Q49-Q53 (rows K-MM)
Q54-Q57

AFL Reserve
Not available


CHEER SQUAD AREAS
Melbourne: M3 (rows A-NN)
Western Bulldogs: M33 (rows A-S)

[Boots]

Is May confirmed out or is it still just suspected?

[GVGjr]

Is May confirmed out or is it still just suspected?

I heard it said that he will most likely be out for 2 weeks. It will be confirmed in a couple of hour Boots :)

[NoseBleed]

I work with someone who also works at the Dee's, and when I suggested May would be out she scoffed.

[Axe Man]

No confirmation on May yet but they have confirmed 2 debutants in Judd McVee and Bailey Laurie.

[Boots]

I work with someone who also works at the Dee's, and when I suggested May would be out she scoffed.

Yeah it has the feel of silly buggers to me. Trying to get some psychological points ahead of the match.

[bornadog]

Yeah it has the feel of silly buggers to me. Trying to get some psychological points ahead of the match.

You know, I would prefer Melbourne had all their best players in - no excuses then.

[Happy Days]

You know, I would prefer Melbourne had all their best players in - no excuses then.

Nah this way is much better I reckon.

[Prince Imperial]

Nah this way is much better I reckon.

I agree. Let's belt them by as much as possible and finish the H&A the highest we can and ahead of them.

[GVGjr]

You know, I would prefer Melbourne had all their best players in - no excuses then.

Bit the same, if we lose you really have to question our quality or structure and if we win we will question how much the outs impacted them.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Anyone know if the afl has a heat policy?

[Axe Man]

What the coach said: Round 1 (https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/1283909/what-the-coach-said-round-1?fbclid=IwAR3Ik4w4_q7_DL3akSoskAlOkatQY2j-XPdN359pJCmLUCPDSEvqRO_xd0E)

The key talking points from Luke Beveridge’s weekly press conference.

Tall forwards

We obviously had a reasonable outing against the Kangaroos – the thing that was pleasing about that game was half our goals came from turnover and half from stoppage. It was a pretty good ratio. Our key forwards were influential in that game. A little bit in all of us is intrigued about how it all plays out.

For the first time since I’ve coached our club, we’ve got depth through there with a roster of guys who can definitely shake up the competition. In that sense for our supporters, it’s really exciting.

If you’re standing next to Sam Darcy or Rory Lobb or if Tim English drifts down and you still have Aaron Naughton and Jamarra to contend with, those 1 v 1s are probably going to need some help. That will be an interesting part of the byplay, how well our forwards can be relevant and isolate.

Pressure forwards

JJ is in and Mitch is in – they’ll provide some of the forward pressure. Laitham is out for a little while still. The role players through there are ever important, we still have the mids that play a little bit of forward time because they have too. Our wings are evolving, we’ve got Oskar Baker and Bailey Williams is spending a lot of time as a winger. Anthony Scott can also do that. We feel they will work together tomorrow night to provide that.

Marcus Bontempelli

If Marcus can play any better than 2021 it would be quite amazing. We all feel responsible for him not winning the Brownlow that year because at the end of that year, our last few games weren’t where they needed to be. Every Brownlow Medallist needs a good team around them. He was still influential at times last year, definitely at the end when he was starting to feel a bit better. If he could get close to it, that would be amazing.

Bailey Smith & Adam Treloar

Adam and Bailey have both had their interruptions – it’s one of the reasons why we had Caleb and Cody running through the midfield, having contingencies in place if those marquee midfielders weren’t available. We exposed some of the boys to centre bounce. Whatever Bailey and Adam do on Saturday, they’ll continue to flourish from there. They’re absolutely ready – there last month has been extremely solid.

Top 4 mentality

Aspirationally every year we want to be the best. I think we’ve always said that, we aim to be, we don’t claim we’re going to be. There has always been a strong belief that we can be, which is a great starting point. I like the fact the players are declaring that’s where we want to head this year and that’s the tick off point. It is the way we all feel. Depends on what unfolds, everyone is after some good fortune with their playing roster and it means a lot in the challenges of 23 rounds. We haven’t been there yet in my time, but the same aspiration has been there every year.

[jazzadogs]

What the coach said: Round 1 (https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/1283909/what-the-coach-said-round-1?fbclid=IwAR3Ik4w4_q7_DL3akSoskAlOkatQY2j-XPdN359pJCmLUCPDSEvqRO_xd0E)

The key talking points from Luke Beveridge’s weekly press conference.

Tall forwards

We obviously had a reasonable outing against the Kangaroos – the thing that was pleasing about that game was half our goals came from turnover and half from stoppage. It was a pretty good ratio. Our key forwards were influential in that game. A little bit in all of us is intrigued about how it all plays out.

For the first time since I’ve coached our club, we’ve got depth through there with a roster of guys who can definitely shake up the competition. In that sense for our supporters, it’s really exciting.

If you’re standing next to Sam Darcy or Rory Lobb or if Tim English drifts down and you still have Aaron Naughton and Jamarra to contend with, those 1 v 1s are probably going to need some help. That will be an interesting part of the byplay, how well our forwards can be relevant and isolate.

Pressure forwards

JJ is in and Mitch is in – they’ll provide some of the forward pressure. Laitham is out for a little while still. The role players through there are ever important, we still have the mids that play a little bit of forward time because they have too. Our wings are evolving, we’ve got Oskar Baker and Bailey Williams is spending a lot of time as a winger. Anthony Scott can also do that. We feel they will work together tomorrow night to provide that.

Marcus Bontempelli

If Marcus can play any better than 2021 it would be quite amazing. We all feel responsible for him not winning the Brownlow that year because at the end of that year, our last few games weren’t where they needed to be. Every Brownlow Medallist needs a good team around them. He was still influential at times last year, definitely at the end when he was starting to feel a bit better. If he could get close to it, that would be amazing.

Bailey Smith & Adam Treloar

Adam and Bailey have both had their interruptions – it’s one of the reasons why we had Caleb and Cody running through the midfield, having contingencies in place if those marquee midfielders weren’t available. We exposed some of the boys to centre bounce. Whatever Bailey and Adam do on Saturday, they’ll continue to flourish from there. They’re absolutely ready – there last month has been extremely solid.

Top 4 mentality

Aspirationally every year we want to be the best. I think we’ve always said that, we aim to be, we don’t claim we’re going to be. There has always been a strong belief that we can be, which is a great starting point. I like the fact the players are declaring that’s where we want to head this year and that’s the tick off point. It is the way we all feel. Depends on what unfolds, everyone is after some good fortune with their playing roster and it means a lot in the challenges of 23 rounds. We haven’t been there yet in my time, but the same aspiration has been there every year.

Some great responses from Bevo there.

[bornadog]

Some great responses from Bevo there.

I love this bit about top 4


I like the fact the players are declaring that’s where we want to head this year and that’s the tick off point. It is the way we all feel.

[GVGjr]

I wonder how critical our use of the tactical sub might be tonight?
We are going in tall and a bit light on of running players and yet our emergencies aren't noted runners. Given that it will be hot conditions it could be a critical decision of when to utilise that option.

[SonofScray]

I’m really looking forward to the season starting tonight. First time since the pandemic started that I actually feel fully invested and keen to go.

[Bulldog4life]

I feel confident we will win. Fritsch and May being out is a big plus as they both always give us grief. Feeling bullish.

[Prince Imperial]

The wind is forecast to drop sharply around the time of the cool change and prior to the start of the game.

Unleash the four headed monster!

[bornadog]

The wind is forecast to drop sharply around the time of the cool change and prior to the start of the game.

Unleash the four headed monster!

Some rain forecast over East Melbourne from 1pm to 3pm. Hopefully doesn't effect the surface. &pm it drops from 32 to 28 and then by 9pm to 23.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Dogs by 22 pts
First Goal Scott
BOG Macrae

[bornadog]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fra3IRJaEAA6qnF?format=jpg&name=large

[Stevo]

Dogs by a single point. Its got the makings of a nail biter.

[Jeanette54]

Some rain forecast over East Melbourne from 1pm to 3pm. Hopefully doesn't effect the surface. &pm it drops from 32 to 28 and then by 9pm to 23.

If we get some light rain it might help the surface to settle a little. The reports of injuries, supposedly brought on by the surface Collingwood v Geelong are a bit of a worry.

Dogs by 2 points
BOG: Bont
First Goal: Jamarra

[Jasper]

I’m really looking forward to the season starting tonight. First time since the pandemic started that I actually feel fully invested and keen to go.

Same here, nervous energy but excited. Lets get off to a good start and bury the Dees.

[whythelongface]

Dogs by 22
BOG Bont
First goal Jamarra

[Jasper]

The wind is forecast to drop sharply around the time of the cool change and prior to the start of the game.

Unleash the four headed monster!

It doesnt feel as hot as the temperature gauge is saying. Our players will adapt.

First goal to Naughton and the dogs by 20 points.

[bornadog]

If we get some light rain it might help the surface to settle a little. The reports of injuries, supposedly brought on by the surface Collingwood v Geelong are a bit of a worry.

Dogs by 2 points
BOG: Bont
First Goal: Jamarra

Threat of rain now gone, bit sunny here at the moment. Change still forecast for 7pm onwards

[angelopetraglia]

Cool change has hit. Almost perfect weather for footy. Just a little windy, but should continue to subside.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Doesn't look like a big crowd at the moment

[bornadog]

10 umpires out there - gets more ridiculous every year

[Topdog]

So excited to see our new forward line in action

A lot of media focus on Melbourne being able to easily counter attack which seems to neglect that Marra and in particular Naughton are very agile and work hard

[bornadog]

Caleb Smith and Darcy on bench

[chef]

booing hunter, that's a bit shit

[jeemak]

That’s shit from Libya after a strong mark.

[EasternWest]

booing hunter, that's a bit shit

Totally. Knock it off.

So we're just gonna kick to Lever all night. Cool, cool.

[Topdog]

Lucky there Naughton

[Grantysghost]

English, somebody do something about this issue he has playing ruck.

[Topdog]

Pretty shit to be opened up like that. Too many collapsing onto the ball.

[Mantis]

It’s only early, but our team defence, which we hear has been a big focus is as bad as ever… backs are all over the place.

[Grantysghost]

Lever give me strength.

Marra put body on him.

[Topdog]

How on Earth do you hit the man on the mark there? Bloody hell

[G-Mo77]

Nothing seems to have changed.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

We need to not get sucked into just bombing it into the f50 as we have 4 talks. Hoyt up targets is the go.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Nothing seems to have changed.

Yep. We look horribly slow.

[Topdog]

Keep kicking to Lever Dogs, it will work one day

[EasternWest]

We need to not get sucked into just bombing it into the f50 as we have 4 talks. Hoyt up targets is the go.

I feel like we've been saying this for ever.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

It's only half a quarter of round 1 but what I've seen is not encouraging and much of the same issues weve seen for a while. Let's hope we turn it around.

[Topdog]

Think that goal may have calmed us down a bit

[Topdog]

lovely entry Macrae, great run Treloar

[EasternWest]

It's only half a quarter of round 1 but what I've seen is not encouraging and much of the same issues weve seen for a while. Let's hope we turn it around.

I think we were ordinary early but we're definitely playing better now. Lowered the eyes a few times and it's made a difference.

[Grantysghost]

Marra kicks so straight.

[G-Mo77]

I think we were ordinary early but we're definitely playing better now. Lowered the eyes a few times and it's made a difference.

Worked our way back which is good. Still seems like an absolute grind on every entry.

[bornadog]

Stupid mistakes

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Our skills are awful early. We're panicking but also stuffing up under no pressure.

[MrMahatma]

We’re winning. I mean, we’re beating ourselves, so does that mean we’re winning?

[MrMahatma]

So many simple mistakes. Like the GF. Costing us early goals.

[bornadog]

Naughton geee

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Settled into the game after an awful start. Just gotta chill out a bit when ball in hand.

Pace and spread is a worry.

[macca]

that was poor kick on the left by Daniel. Gawn being influential that quarter, providing chopout in defense.

We gave up 2 goals to poor skills error.

[MrMahatma]

Naughton geee

Was almost my dream play. He just missed the goal.

[merantau]

Poor start. We look very rusty. But verg slick with the turnovers!

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Mids dominated early. Skills really letting us down, not enough pressure on turnover either.

[MrMahatma]

We settled and we gifted them a couple. We’ll turn it on in the 2nd

[macca]

Was almost my dream play. He just missed the goal.

Have we worked on goal kicking over the pre-season?

[The Bulldogs Bite]

I'm worried about Keath in transition, he just looks lost.

Surprisingly Bruce was actually reading the play well that quarter.

[bornadog]

Up on CP but down on clearances

[Grantysghost]

I'm worried about Keath in transition, he just looks lost.

Surprisingly Bruce was actually reading the play well that quarter.

Yes he's a big concern coming off last year.

Bruce has actually looked like our best defender.

Keath may be injured not sure what it is.

[G-Mo77]

Missed kick inside 50 again

[Topdog]

Great finish by Bailey W

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Poor kick from Macrae. He had so much more time but panick kicked.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Naughton marking well as usual

[Topdog]

Nice follow up work by English after a really poor handball

[Grantysghost]

Nice work Dogs! Cmon.

[EasternWest]

I'm worried about Keath in transition, he just looks lost.

Surprisingly Bruce was actually reading the play well that quarter.


Yes he's a big concern coming off last year.

Bruce has actually looked like our best defender.

Keath may be injured not sure what it is.

Wary of saying this but Bruce does not look terrible in the backline.

[G-Mo77]

Better start to this quarter. Mids doing very well in there

[Hot_Doggies]

Has been a great player, but five years is looking a looong time for Macrae.

[Mantis]

Really impressed by English so far… much better ruck craft & follow up.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Will we ever become good at hitting targets inside 50?

[G-Mo77]

Will we ever become good at hitting targets inside 50?

No, doesn't seem like it. Then they go coast to coast and hit an open player.

[Topdog]

We kinda look on top at the moment

[bornadog]

Is Lobb ever going to take a mark

[EasternWest]

We kinda look on top at the moment

We actually just look like the better team, not that we're just playing better. This feels weird.

[EasternWest]

Wow, Tim English is not happy. I love it. Pickett what a grub.

[Topdog]

Pickett will get weeks for that.

Terrible miss by Bont

[MrMahatma]

Bont FFS

[Grantysghost]

Bont is the greatest player ever. Imagine if he could kick!
Pickett what a sniper.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Pickett should get at least 4 for that. That action is horribly dangerous. But the stupid afl will look at no injury to Smith and give him a week.

[MrMahatma]

Keeping them in it.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Feel like we should be a couple goals more in front

[G-Mo77]

Wasted opportunities are going to bite us. We're on top everywhere and just can't score

[Topdog]

Feel like we should be a couple goals more in front

We certainly should be. Costly misses and fumbles.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Far out. We are wasting this. 5pts but should have been at least 20

[bornadog]

Too much wrestling going on with Naughton

[Topdog]

Pickett was absolutely shocked that he got a free kick there

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Soft free but Libba didn't need to do it.

[Grantysghost]

Gawn tackles Marra to spoil the mark up one end, Pickett gets the softest free ever up the other.

We should be 4 goals up.

[MrMahatma]

Gawn tackles Marra to spoil the mark up one end, Pickett gets the softest free ever up the other.

We should be 4 goals up.
You can’t pull jumpers.

[macca]

Soft free but Libba didn't need to do it.

these soft frees destroying moment in games, yeah 4 umpires making these games more neutral. NOT!

it was just a jumper shove.

[Topdog]

The difference in f50 play is depressing

[G-Mo77]

Just like that. All those missed ****ing opportunities costing us.

[Topdog]

You can’t pull jumpers.

Not even Pickett thought it was a free kick

[angelopetraglia]

Had all the momentum. Had the game on our terms. Don’t put them away. Blow chance after chance after chance. They hit us on the counter. Then get a cheap free kick. Only ourselves to blame.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

This has been a horrendous 5 minutes

[Grantysghost]

Man, Melbourne play tempo so well.

We blow games quickly.

[MrMahatma]

Bont’s miss. #turningpoint

[Topdog]

We blow games quickly.

Literally nothing changed on that front

[macca]

This has been a horrendous 5 minutes

These last 5 minutes is what makes us drop from a top 4 team, trouble staying in the 8

[bornadog]

****ing umpires are now Cheating

[angelopetraglia]

Only ourselves to blame. We are our own worst enemy.

[chef]

GF flashbacks

[macca]

When Tom MacDonald has an influence on a game, we have just completely dropped our marbles.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Nothing. Has. Changed.

Oh well....

[Mantis]

Haven’t seen this before have we?

[azabob]

****ing umpires are now Cheating

Nah, just our players cheating us.

[macca]

Only ourselves to blame. We are our own worst enemy.

WTF was that free in the centre for goal square infringement ?

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Am I watching the 2021 GF?

Rubbish midfield

[EasternWest]

Bont’s miss. #turningpoint

Death, taxes, Bont missing set shots.

[angelopetraglia]

Yes. Bont’s miss after the Kozzie bump was a massive turning point.

[Grantysghost]

https://media.giphy.com/media/3oEjHNVDu2OwF3tlao/giphy.gif

5 goals in 17 disposals.

[ledge]

Same old no one defensive side of centre . And bang 3 goals.

[Grantysghost]

Melbourne looked composed when we were bossing the game, we lose our shit.

Now it's going to get ugly. Need leaders. That Kozzy hit did the trick.

[macca]

Petracca is getting loose. Treloar really poor efforts in tackling

[MrMahatma]

Bruce having a mare

[bornadog]

Nah, just our players cheating us.
Those two frees gave them momentum

[angelopetraglia]

Five goals.

First one from the softest free kick to Max Gawn. Wasn’t there. Coast to coast. Ben Brown banana.

Infringement for not being in the goal square. Don’t they have to wait until he gets into position if Liam Jones is going off with an injury? Results in a goal.

Kozzie. Phantom free kick.

So yes, massive run on. But gee whiz gifted some soft goals.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Out coached.

How many times has Naughton been out numbered? Lobb is too high, Darcy ineffective.

Mids completely outplayed. Any danger Bont or a leader can take it upon themselves to man Petracca?

Jones injury the cherry on top.

[josie]

A half to go. C’mon Bevo & Bont, weave some magic. Oh and please tag Petracca.

[bornadog]

What is the situation with Jones?

[Hot_Doggies]

Macrae three blatant turnovers going into forward 50.

[azabob]

Those two frees gave them momentum

Reality is we cannot stop momentum, that’s the disappointing part.

[azabob]

What is the situation with Jones?

Arm apparently. Not sure how serious

[ledge]

I’m ok if Bruce makes errors during play under pressure but not kicking it out on the full off a mark !

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Bombing inside 50 - check.
No pressure on the turnover- check
Getting smashed in transition - check
Bont missing important set shots - check
Losing the plot and letting an avalanche of goals- check.
English getting owned in the ruck- check
No tagging a mid - check

To top it off we lose our only decent tall defender.

All that is 5 minutes. We went from should have been 4 goals up to nearly 4 goals down in 5 minutes. It's gonna be a loooong season where we scrap for 8th.

[bornadog]

I’m ok if Bruce makes errors during play under pressure but not kicking it out on the full off a mark !
That was bad but I think he is played ok

[Mantis]

Macrae three blatant turnovers going into forward 50.

And no accountability in the midfield… he needs to lift.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

You know we have new cattle but the same old issue. We can’t kick straight and at centre bounces when we don’t have momentum we have no one goal side of our mids.

Deja vu

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Looks like a shoulder for Jones.

We are getting outcoached for sure. I'm not exactly sure what we've worked on all summer.

[JanLorMill]

Should have 3-4 goals in front. Macrae’s kicking horrible.
Tim English not good enough. Not in the contest too often.

[bornadog]

Looks like a shoulder for Jones.

We are getting outcoached for sure. I'm not exactly sure what we've worked on all summer.
tell me how we are outcoached

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Some similar frailties showing themselves again. Against a significantly weakened Demon's outfit, we're been really inconsistent in application and execution.

Better lift in the second half.

[ledge]

Bombing inside 50 - check.
No pressure on the turnover- check
Getting smashed in transition - check
Bont missing important set shots - check
Losing the plot and letting an avalanche of goals- check.
English getting owned in the ruck- check
No tagging a mid - check

To top it off we lose our only decent tall forward.

All that is 5 minutes. We went from should have been 4 goals up to nearly 4 goals down in 5 minutes. It's gonna be a loooong season where we scrap for 8th.

Who is the decent forward we lost ?

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Just in case we forgot - they're missing Viney, Salem, May and Fritsch. This is not great viewing for us.

[bornadog]

Should have 3-4 goals in front. Macrae’s kicking horrible.
Tim English not good enough. Not in the contest too often.
English 13 disposals 8 contested and 12 hitouts

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Who is the decent forward we lost ?

Oops meant defender

[JanLorMill]

Looks like a shoulder for Jones.

We are getting outcoached for sure. I'm not exactly sure what we've worked on all summer.
Maybe not on the day. Yes We look out of balance.
English getting monstered isn’t a coaching problem today. We saw this every losing final the past 4 seasons

[azabob]

English 13 disposals 8 contested and 12 hitouts

English stats look ok. But Gawn and Grundy to a lesser extent have had a lot more influence on the game.

[JanLorMill]

English 13 disposals 8 contested and 12 hitouts
He had a great patch when we got on top. We didn’t capitalise. He was terrible when Melbourne got on top.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Out coached.

How many times has Naughton been out numbered? Lobb is too high, Darcy ineffective.

Mids completely outplayed. Any danger Bont or a leader can take it upon themselves to man Petracca?

Jones injury the cherry on top.
Both Lobb and Darcy have been ineffective. Gawn and Petracca have dominated.
Maclean should be playing instead of Hannan. Bruce and Keath ordinary in defence.
With May Viney and Fritsch missing this has been a poor effort

[bulldogsthru&thru]

tell me how we are outcoached

Allowing Gawn and Lever to out mark our forwards constantly. If players aren't following instructions (which is the usual excuse) then the coach is a crap communicator because it's been going on for years.

We aren't tagging Petracca.

The extra tall has been absolutely useless. Only Naughton is getting near it. Yet Gawn and Lever are marking it nearly uncontested.

[angelopetraglia]

English stats look ok. But Gawn and Grundy to a lesser extent have had a lot more influence on the game.

Gawn has dropped a lot of easy marks.

[bornadog]

English stats look ok. But Gawn and Grundy to a lesser extent have had a lot more influence on the game.
Grundy has barely touched the ball and Gawn standing in the goal square and defenders can’t defend. Personally I think English has done well. Lobb is a problem

[angelopetraglia]

Doc Pete Larkins.

Dogs hoping it’s a simple right AC joint sprain for Liam Jones - medical staff assessing pain management options currently

[NoseBleed]

On top of all that is the shrill announcer yelling into the microphone.

jezuz

[JanLorMill]

Bruce having a mare
I disagree. One of few standing up in the backline. He has made a couple of disposal errors but so has Macrae Daniel Richards and Dale.

[merantau]

There is only one way to go from here.

[GVGjr]

Both Lobb and Darcy have been ineffective. Gawn and Petracca have dominated.
Maclean should be playing instead of Hannan. Bruce and Keath ordinary in defence.
With May Viney and Fritsch missing this has been a poor effort

My Melbourne mate was scared we would use Lobb behind the ball. Apparently Lobb played a good game against Melbourne last year in that sort of role for parts of the game.

[DOG GOD]

I’m not surprised at all by what I’ve seen or where the score sits at half time.

[Grantysghost]

https://i.postimg.cc/TPjSHpps/Screenshot-20230318-203901-2.png (https://postimages.org/)

[G-Mo77]

Just in case we forgot - they're missing Viney, Salem, May and Fritsch. This is not great viewing for us.

It's not over yet but yeah, this is disappointing that we're not taking advantage especially considering we're pretty much full strength. I just don't think we're good enough, I don't see much change in our style of play and it looks so similar to 2022. Round 1 and all but doesn't full me with promise.

[1eyedog]

Both Lobb and Darcy have been ineffective. Gawn and Petracca have dominated.
Maclean should be playing instead of Hannan. Bruce and Keath ordinary in defence.
With May Viney and Fritsch missing this has been a poor effort

Bruce has been very good down back not sure what you're seeing other than an errant kick.

[NoseBleed]

Jones a knock to the neck according to the club twitter. Toby to come on.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

I don’t mind Toby coming in. We liked to top heavy

[DOG GOD]

If this fwd line can’t take a mark, it’s not going to work..at all.

[MrMahatma]

This feels over

[JanLorMill]

Grundy has barely touched the ball and Gawn standing in the goal square and defenders can’t defend. Personally I think English has done well. Lobb is a problem
It’s a dual ruck combination. It’s Gawn/Grundy and together they changed the game, even if you add in Lobb and Darcy with English.

[G-Mo77]

Forward entries are just amazing. I'm glad we worked out those issues we had last season.

[MrMahatma]

This is a self inflicted shit show

[Mantis]

Out forward entries are just disgusting… never to our advantage or when we have space it doesn’t hit the mark.

[MrMahatma]

When do Lobb and Darcy come on?

[Grantysghost]

Forward entries are just amazing. I'm glad we worked out those issues we had last season.

They score goals from our f50 entries.

[ledge]

No one wants to run back and stay on their man .

[macca]

Forward entries are just amazing. I'm glad we worked out those issues we had last season.
We are still suffering from the same playbook , long bombs into the forward line.

Lobb has been really poor on the lead.

[angelopetraglia]

Same story. Getting torched out the back on turnovers. How many goals for them with the same playbook? Soft high entry. Turnover. Bang. Bang. They are out.

Goal. Dees.

[Grantysghost]

We've got the Butcher and the Baker just need the candle stick maker and we are set.

Im flat it's all I've got.

[macca]

9 inside 50s to 3 in favour of the dogs, 6 mins into the 3rd quarter.

[G-Mo77]

They score goals from our f50 entries.

Sadly it is true.

[GVGjr]

Naughty should do better. Bad miss.

[GVGjr]

16 scoring shots each, the old story of a couple of straighter kicks and it would be close.

[MrMahatma]

What was Gawn on about with Baker? Prob yelling “Casey” or something.

[GVGjr]

Loving Treloar's efforts.

[macca]

set shots 3 goals 5 with 7mins 30 sec remaining in 3rd quarter

[bornadog]

How long is Petracca allowed to hold the ball. This is BS

[angelopetraglia]

How’s the bounce. Gee whiz. They get some east goals.

[GVGjr]

That one hurts in a big way.

[MrMahatma]

Centre clearances. I mean. FML

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Just totally dominated at centre bounces.

[EasternWest]

How long is Petracca allowed to hold the ball. This is BS

That was fine. We should be more annoyed by them being consistently first to the ball.

[Grantysghost]

Petracca and Oliver are so hard to stop.

We don't have any one with that raw power they've got 2!

[ledge]

And bang they run straight through the middle for an easy goal .. someone just stick to Petracca it’s not rocket science !

[Bumper Bulldogs]

Pretty simple game plan from the Dees. Gawn hit it forward snd the kids can run onto it

[Grantysghost]

And bang they run straight through the middle for an easy goal .. someone just stick to Petracca it’s not rocket science !

He was literally being tackled he's just too strong! I get your point.