WB Game Day V Carlton R9 2023 Sat 13/5, 7:30PM - Marvel Stadium

[Bullies]

Arty was brilliant. Adds a lot to this team by not being a one dimensional player like weightman. Thought Weightman was good in the last.

[JanLorMill]

McNeil didn't touch the ball
Let’s be honest O’Donnell was close to a liability

[bulldogsthru&thru]

100%. The forward line continues to be a work in progress. Hopefully it clicks one day.

The forward line is the weakness now. Our defence structure has been superb lately. Need to hit our forwards advantage and crumb better.

[bornadog]

Thought Weightman was good in the last.

Seemed to play up the ground and was involved in quiet a bit of play. I thought he was pretty good in that last quarter

[Grantysghost]

I’m spewing Duryea missed the goal late.

GG would’ve spewed up!

I'm surprised he got a point ;)

Actually wasn't too bad tonight to be fair.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Let?s be honest O?Donnell was close to a liability

He was but not his fault. He'll get there eventually.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

I?m spewing Duryea missed the goal late.

GG would?ve spewed up!

Diabolical. Can't be missing those.

[Jeanette54]

I think the last minute around was all about dominating the clearances. English, Libba, Bont, Macrae and Smith were relentless at the stoppage. Arty's tackling and pressure on the ball carrier all night was a highlight. JJ's run, and our backline's ability to restrict Carlton's scoring ability was first class. Great team win guys, you never gave up even when it looked like a late Carlton win.

[GVGjr]

He was but not his fault. He'll get there eventually.

I don't think anyone is blaming the player but the MC have to rethink this.

[Mofra]

He was but not his fault. He'll get there eventually.
He will, he attacks contests well which is all you can ask for and seems confident too.
He is nowhere near ready right now which - for a kid who has spent 38 days in the system - is to be expected

[The Underdog]

McNeil didn't touch the ball

I reckon that stat means almost nothing.

[Mofra]

I don't think anyone is blaming the player but the MC have to rethink this.
I agree - 4 talls didn't work in the first few rounds of the season. It isn't working now with a raw defender thrown forward

[The Bulldogs Bite]

What was JODs role? It seemed a strange choice to play him as a forward. I suspect it was to negate, but surely Khamis would have been a better option in that regard given he's played well at times as both a forward and defender, is in good form, and been in the system a few years.

[JanLorMill]

He was but not his fault. He'll get there eventually.
Yes selected a tall when we lost a midfielder, plays defence most of his career, but put into an already tall forward line. Bevo was taking the piss.
We won and I’m happy with that but I went grey tonight.

[bornadog]

What was JODs role? It seemed a strange choice to play him as a forward. I suspect it was to negate, but surely Khamis would have been a better option in that regard given he's played well at times as both a forward and defender, is in good form, and been in the system a few years.

Khamis is more a marking fwd, which we didn't need, whereas (I think), JOD was chosen for his athletic ability and his size. He has played more of a midfielder in the past which is what Bevo liked about him.

We won the game, and I am not too worried he didn't contribute much

[macca]

When has Tim OBrien played forward?

TOB played forward when he played for Hawthorn. They put him at half back because he was no good there.

Then they delisted him because he could not kick.

[westbulldog]

Let?s be honest O?Donnell was close to a liability

Half this forum was for dropping Arthur Jones earlier this year.

[jeemak]

Bont has a quiet game with 25 touches and nine tackles. Cripps has a quiet game with 26 touches and zero tackles. Compare the pair.

[Grantysghost]

O'Donnell looks good to me.

Great get by the recruiters. Moves so well for his size and I think he will have a good career.

[macca]

I am disappointed with English. He is being outpointed by Pitonette AND Silvagni. His judgement and positioning are way off. This game still has a lot to play out. Our defence has been solid but we are not getting much from some of our prime movers- Bont, Libba, Smith and , to a lesser extent, Macrae. Weightman unsighted again, Baker and Arty quiet. Scott stepped up - well done.

His trying to outmuscle Pitonette and getting manhandle all the time.

Silvagni is under rated, he play as a utility and is everywhere on the ground.

I rather think English has been poor by his standards tonight of the 3/4 that I saw.

We were lucky Carlton butchered the ball in their first half.

Our forward structure is still poor and we have no crumbers. x3 the ball went behind the pack forward in the 3rd quarter and no-one was there. Weightman stopping flying for the marks which are low percentage and position yourself to starting playing a crumbing game.

[1eyedog]

A great game in the history of the Footscray Football Club.
We are building, one back one out.

Knew we would get the 4 points.

[Grantysghost]

I reckon that stat means almost nothing.

He's doing run throughs as penance.

[GVGjr]

I agree - 4 talls didn't work in the first few rounds of the season. It isn't working now with a raw defender thrown forward

It was a danger game and not really one to experiment with and especially with something that didn't previously work.
Hard to know why we went back to it against a team like Carlton.

[Grantysghost]

Bont has a quiet game with 25 touches and nine tackles. Cripps has a quiet game with 26 touches and zero tackles. Compare the pair.

Cripps always looks like he's on his last legs.

[kruder]

It's amazing how much our fortunes rest on English, he finally got into the game late and our mids took advatnage.

Such an important win, we have put ourselves in a position to attack the season now.

[bornadog]

It was a danger game and not really one to experiment with and especially with something that didn't previously work.
Hard to know why we went back to it against a team like Carlton.

It worked because we won

[GVGjr]

It worked because we won

Never change. :)

[macca]

Arty was the difference. Had a hand in several key plays late as well as a brilliant individual goal. His improvement has been nothing short of incredible.

Smith was also massive. A great goal and just so much run.

I was cursing his name all night but English was important late too.

"Artie Jones was involved in the last four Bulldogs goals. He really made a difference when Blues had momentum. A young player with spark and composure" - Jake Niall

Its fantastic we have found a good player so early on in his career.

[Mofra]

His trying to outmuscle Pitonette and getting manhandle all the time.

Silvagni is under rated, he play as a utility and is everywhere on the ground.

I rather think English has been poor by his standards tonight of the 3/4 that I saw.

We were lucky Carlton butchered the ball in their first half.

Our forward structure is still poor and we have no crumbers. x3 the ball went behind the pack forward in the 3rd quarter and no-one was there. Weightman stopping flying for the marks which are low percentage and position yourself to starting playing a crumbing game.
We played a tall in front of Curnow most of the night which meant their best forward didn't get a clean look at it.
Some of their poor connection was due to our plan, not their kicking.

[jeemak]

It was a danger game and not really one to experiment with and especially with something that didn't previously work.
Hard to know why we went back to it against a team like Carlton.

Did we not roll back Lobb in the first half and that freed up a spot for a tall in the forward line?

[jeemak]

We played a tall in front of Curnow most of the night which meant their best forward didn't get a clean look at it.
Some of their poor connection was due to our plan, not their kicking.

Yep, I know I wasn't at the game but it looked like we set up the ground a lot differently than we usually would with an extra tall in defence a lot of the time.

It's actually OK to give our MC some credit form time to time isn't it?

[jazzadogs]

His trying to outmuscle Pitonette and getting manhandle all the time.

Silvagni is under rated, he play as a utility and is everywhere on the ground.

I rather think English has been poor by his standards tonight of the 3/4 that I saw.

I thought English was poor for most of the game tonight BUT he should have received at least half a dozen free kicks against Pittonet. Pittonet would consistently not look at the ball at all and initiate contact, and there were a number of times he got nowhere near the ball himself - that's a block every day.

It was disappointing that English wasn't able to change his approach to combat that regardless.

[Hotdog60]

From my limited view O'Donnell could have gotten on the end of a few early but was overlooked.

[Mofra]

Did we not roll back Lobb in the first half and that freed up a spot for a tall in the forward line?
Khamis kicked 4 in the VFL - surely if we wanted a tall in the front half he deserved his shot?
I love the JOD story but it wasn't a great selection in hindsight

[merantau]

It was such a strange game. I spent an inordinate amount of time shouting at the TV in the first half.

Then we got 31 points up only to do our Jekyl and Hyde act and go missing like Lord Longford. It did my head in. I honestly thought the writing was on the wall especially when Anthony Scott missed that set shot in the last.
We needed a few to step up - and they did. Well done Dogs.

[Happy Days]

So - we’ve won 6 of 7, should’ve been 7 of 7, but we’re also still pretty bad?

I dunno. I’m conflicted.

[jazzadogs]

Yep, I know I wasn't at the game but it looked like we set up the ground a lot differently than we usually would with an extra tall in defence a lot of the time.

It's actually OK to give our MC some credit form time to time isn't it?

This was really well analysed by the Fox commentary team.



HHAHAHAHAHAHHAA no it wasn't. Watching on TV you would have no idea what our structure was, apart from 'WOW Rory Lobb on a wing'.

Although maybe you could see if you didn't have to watch in 720 pixelated crap that cut out or buffered every 30 seconds. Kayo is a horrible product, and it is painful to know that they will continue to get away with it.

[jeemak]

So - we’ve won 6 of 7, should’ve been 7 of 7, but we’re also still pretty bad?

I dunno. I’m conflicted.

We need to win eight out of seven to be any good.

[Dry Rot]

Lobb continues to kick a few goals a game. He is nothing extraordinary but at least he is able to contribute

But he is a pretty interesting winger

[bornadog]

This was really well analysed by the Fox commentary team.



HHAHAHAHAHAHHAA no it wasn't. Watching on TV you would have no idea what our structure was, apart from 'WOW Rory Lobb on a wing'.

Although maybe you could see if you didn't have to watch in 720 pixelated crap that cut out or buffered every 30 seconds. Kayo is a horrible product, and it is painful to know that they will continue to get away with it.

It was beautiful in glorious 4K

[Axe Man]

I attended in the AFL members, I had given up all hope, and then somehow we won. Thanks for all the help with tickets

[Eastdog]

Just got home now from the game.

We were outnumbered tonight which is probably not surpising given it was a Doggies away game at Marvel.

A really good win. It was nerve racking once again when the came back and hit the front but in spite of that we fought back to secure the points.

We have bounced back since the first 2 rounds and you can only beat who you play and we have done that over recent weeks.

There is always room for improvement but right now I'm just happy we are in a good position at 6-3 in 6th spot and it gives us a real chance.

We have some good challenges the next couple of weeks and if we win those will start to give the comp a scare.

Go Bulldogs!

[jeemak]

I attended in the AFL members, I had given up all hope, and then somehow we won. Thanks for all the help with tickets

Pleasure mate.

[bornadog]

Weightman playing up the ground as an extra mid around stoppages really changed things in the last 10 minutes

[GVGjr]

Weightman playing up the ground as an extra mid around stoppages really changed things in the last 10 minutes

We used him perfectly, that real spark to our midfield came at the right time.

[Happy Days]

We need to win eight out of seven to be any good.

Maybe if Josh Bruce could get off his arse and start kicking goals we’d be okay.

[jeemak]

Maybe if Josh Bruce could get off his arse and start kicking goals we’d be okay.

If St Kilda lose by 900 points we'll be in fifth by the end of the round.

[angelopetraglia]

Yep, really out numbered tonight. But we did find some voice with those last three of the night. A lot to digest but that’s six of the last seven, four in a row and we have put ourselves in a position to contend this season.

Also, how good was Arty Jones in the last few minutes? Kicks the goal to put us in front. Beautiful snap. Sets up Bailey Smith for the next goal with a sensational handball. Also in the chain for the Marra goal.

[The bulldog tragician]

Just got home. And I reckon that was a bloody fantastic win.

The blowtorch was on Carlton but we smothered them early rather than letting them get fired up into some sort of statement to the competition. It was a weird kind of game. Very defensive. I’d love to understand what was happening at the stoppages. We were sort of not playing well and yet right on top. Players had great spurts eg Bailey Williams and Naughton first quarters and then struggled while others bobbed up.

Strangely I felt the first few minutes of the last qtr were very important for us even though they subsequently grabbed the lead. We seemed to absorb a lot of pressure and halt that momentum they had going in at 3/4 time. It was a sickening feeling though when they hit the front. And it was hard to see where and how we could counter it. The fact that it wasn’t just some superhuman efforts from Bont is a really good sign. Some here were critical of Baz at times but when I was scratching around for reasons to be hopeful at 3/4 time I did comment that he’s a last qtr specialist.

It was gritty, it showed courage, it was wonderfully unexpected, and hating them as I do, not having to hear that song was very very sweet.

Ps. I just don’t know what’s going on with the umpiring. HTB not paid in the clearest of circumstances. They were really poor.

[Eastdog]

I thought Liam Jones did a great job.

After being out of top flight AFL football for a year he has been very good since coming back to us.

[kruder]

I'm not one to talk about the umpires but number 11 had no idea how to judge holding the ball tonight. Its amazing pretty much a foundation rule is still so poorly umpired, tonight took the cake Arty was stiff a number of times.

[Vred]

Carlton crowd are a different breed, surrounded by some real ferals tonight.

Great game, Arty, Libba, Scott, phenomenal.

Nice to see the season back on track after the start we had.

[Happy Days]

Honestly how did we win that. Thought we bottled it twice.

[jeemak]

Honestly how did we win that. Thought we bottled it twice.

For some reason this clip is spot on......after the umpiring and commentating. We insulted the firm.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kx_G2a2hL6U

[soupman]

Khamis is more a marking fwd, which we didn't need, whereas (I think), JOD was chosen for his athletic ability and his size. He has played more of a midfielder in the past which is what Bevo liked about him.

We won the game, and I am not too worried he didn't contribute much

Khamis' best trait is his athleticism. Aside from as some weird way to perk up the group I see no possible way to justify playing JOD after 3 games as a defender when Khamis has been in pretty good form in the exact role we wanted to fill.

It didn't cost us but I'm not sure that was through anything other than luck.

[soupman]

Good win against badgood opposition.

Was really impressed with Smith, his running was awesome, multiple chains he just worked his way to multiple touches.

Both Jones were great, but Arthur is so enjoyable to watch. His pressure was outstanding and his influence in the last was pivotal.

Weightman also delivered in the last after another quiet first 3 (although I didn't think he was bad, he was still involved), Lobb did what we needed him to do, that's probably Dale's best game this year and Richards was fantastic, especially early. Gardner was also pretty good on Curnow.

English struggled against a pretty mediocre ruck division, and had two moments (dropped mark on defence and over running the ground ball on the wing) that directly cost us goals.

Kind of never really felt like we were going to lose that one, was very relaxed until mid last quarter but I just felt like we were gonna reclaim the lead both times Carlton grabbed it.

[azabob]

Interestingly Richards was forward when Jones kicked the goal in the 4th.
He then started forward when the ball was bounced.

[azabob]

Reward for effort. The game does reward defensive efforts.
JUH goal in the last quarter came about because 30 seconds earlier he ran back and spoiled McGovern. It looked a fairly simple mark but JUH got a spoil in and avoided giving away a front on free kick. From there he moved in F50 to give an option if needed.

[Mantis]

Interestingly Richards was forward when Jones kicked the goal in the 4th.
He then started forward when the ball was bounced.

He was… but as soon as the ball was bounced he sprinted back into defence and set up on the defensive side of the stoppage to stop Carlton bursting out the front.

[SonofScray]

That was a good win, an important win and most of all, a win in which we got going again after the weekly collapse. Important result.

I love kicking Carlin while they are down.

[Dogs 24/7]

Did we not roll back Lobb in the first half and that freed up a spot for a tall in the forward line?

Ideally one for a forward not someone a few weeks back we regarded as a defender.

[angelopetraglia]

What a massive result for the club.

We had a five goal lead, but it never really felt like we were five goals better at that point. They had more inside 50s, they were winning clearances and they also had more shots on goal. We took our chances, they were blowing every chance they had. As we know all too well, once you start missing shots it spreads like a disease.

We were limiting their ball movement. We are a much harder team to play against since round #3. They were going sideways, backwards and always taking the safe option. Besides Saad they don't have many players willing to take the game on by foot or run. It feels like you stop Saad then you can peg them in.

The game then slowly changed. I didn't feel like an avalanche like we conceded last week against GWS or against Melbourne in Round #1 or Richmond in Round #4. The game was still in the balance, they just started to get some reward for effort, mainly after we made some mistakes that allowed them to take the game on with some dare. As they were kicking the goals to close the margin, it also didn't feel like we panicked. Our backline stood up for most of the night. Jones was killing everything. JJ was creating run and spark. Richards was also very good.

When they hit the front via the Walsh goal. I thought we were gone. They had energy. They had the crowd. They had all the momentum. The Libba goal came from nowhere and it was important to break their run of six consecutive goals. I thought, we are half a chance here.

Then Walsh again (he is an elite talent), got that kick away out of the stoppage where Smith allowed him to turn in the tackle and Curnow got on the end of it (It is amazing what happens when you can get the ball into your F50 quickly). Curnow converts a big set shot. He goes bananas with his celebration. The ferals go crazy. The stadium roof almost came off. I thought we are GONE.

However, our leaders then said. Enough is enough. I think from that point on we won every single clearance. Bont, Libba and Smith got to work in the middle. Goals came from centre clearances. The goal to Arty to put us back in front was a thing of beauty. A classic crumbers goal. We have missed that type of player so badly. He times his run, front and centre. He takes the ball at full speed, takes it cleanly. Sees the goal, but feels the pressure coming from Saad. He keeps his nerve. He steps to the right to evade the tackle/smother and bends one in. Arty Jones. Welcome to the AFL. You belong.

You could feel the Carlton team sigh. They have to go again. But again, we win the clearance. This time Arty releases Smith with a beautiful handball and Smith finishes a great running goal. I thought we are a big chance now!

That win has to build enormous confidence. We built a lead. They closed it. They hit the front twice. Yet we still found a way to win. That has really put us in a strong position. 6-3. Four wins a row. 6 out of our last 7. It could have nearly been 7 in a row. Bevo adjusted after the first two rounds. He appears to be calmer, more balanced and lot more insightful. Not too many coaches can describe the strategy of the game like he does at the presser. Bring on the Crows in Ballarat.

p.s. It felt so good to beat the Blues at their home game in front of the Carlton faithful. Who is the tragic club now?

[hujsh]

That win has to build enormous confidence. We built a lead. They closed it. They hit the front twice. Yet we still found a way to win. That has really put us in a strong position. 6-3. Four wins a row. 6 out of our last 7. It could have nearly been 7 in a row. Bevo adjusted after the first two rounds. He appears to be calmer, more balanced and lot more insightful. Not too many coaches can describe the strategy of the game like he does at the presser. Bring on the Crows in Ballarat.



While people are upset we give away runs of goals it's probably worth noting every team does it (we get run ons against teams like Melbourne too) so the important part is being able to stop that run on and get the scoreboard ticking back over for you. We've done that these last two weeks and won games that were close in the last quarter which builds a little faith in the players.

The boys interviewed after the match all mentioned keeping their composure and I think they did that well enough and eventually broke Carlton. Kind of reminds me of when we smashed Geelong in the first quarter down there and their players didn't panick they just calmly went about their business knowing that if they kept to the plan things would turn and they just need to take their opportunities often enough.

[soupman]

While people are upset we give away runs of goals it's probably worth noting every team does it (we get run ons against teams like Melbourne too) so the important part is being able to stop that run on and get the scoreboard ticking back over for you.

Yeah I haven't been to worried about the runs GWS and Carlton have gone on.

Ieam they are obviously less than ideal but there is a big difference between conceding 5/6 goals over the length of a quarter or so where you had opportunities but didn't quite execute vs the capitulation we have seen when we concede that amount of goals in a 5 minute burst without really getting our hands on the ball at all, as we saw against Melbourne, St Kilda and too many times in previous seasons .

[BornInDroopSt'54]

I am posting here for those that want to know that our VFL side shown live in Melb today on free to air.

[EasternWest]

I am posting here for those that want to know that our VFL side shown live in Melb today on free to air.

What a bro.

[jazzadogs]

I can't remember many games in the Bevo era where we have so clearly changed our tactics to negate an opposition strengths. Usually the Bevo approach is very much "back in our system and our boys", but last night felt different with JOD being picked to negate their interceptors (which he did do effectively on a few occasions) and freeing up Lobb to float around the wings/backline as extra support to negate McKay/Curnow.

Weitering 4 intercepts
McGovern 3 intercepts

McKay 0.2
Curnow 2.3

It will be interesting to see how we change for the Crows who are a very different team.

[angelopetraglia]

I can't remember many games in the Bevo era where we have so clearly changed our tactics to negate an opposition strengths. Usually the Bevo approach is very much "back in our system and our boys", but last night felt different with JOD being picked to negate their interceptors (which he did do effectively on a few occasions) and freeing up Lobb to float around the wings/backline as extra support to negate McKay/Curnow.

Weitering 4 intercepts
McGovern 3 intercepts

McKay 0.2
Curnow 2.3

It will be interesting to see how we change for the Crows who are a very different team.

Good points. Do you think the addition of Lade has helped with our strategy?

[bornadog]

Khamis' best trait is his athleticism. Aside from as some weird way to perk up the group I see no possible way to justify playing JOD after 3 games as a defender when Khamis has been in pretty good form in the exact role we wanted to fill.

It didn't cost us but I'm not sure that was through anything other than luck.

I am not justifying JOD's selection, I am saying we didn't need a player like Khamis up forward.

[bornadog]

Lipinski trade looking good now - go Arty

[GVGjr]

Khamis' best trait is his athleticism. Aside from as some weird way to perk up the group I see no possible way to justify playing JOD after 3 games as a defender when Khamis has been in pretty good form in the exact role we wanted to fill.

It didn't cost us but I'm not sure that was through anything other than luck.

Yep, but I don't think it was a great selection. When we brought him into the club as a Cat B rookie we announced that he would initially be more likely played as a defender and of course as is our way after playing him as a defender for 3 weeks at Footscray we reinvent him as something else for the seniors.

A win by the team doesn't mean it was an inspired selection but I do think in time we will be quite pleased by this selection.
The recruiting team and their network might have just landed us a very good player.

[D Mitchell]

First. Protocol. O'Donnell doesn't get JOD, Jimbo or any other diminutive on 1 game. Bev says that O'Donnell was selected to give him a taste of it, that's for the faithful and after the game. Even emotional softie, Bev, must have had an ulterior motive, well spotted, jazzadog. Precedent dictates that O'Donnell gets at least 2 more. Second. I think this kid's going to be something special, conceding that I'm yet to see him in action. Assuming that he gets the Bev 3 games initiation, JOD/Jimbo not before 27 May, please.

[Funke disco]

Is that the price we payed???

[D Mitchell]

I am not justifying JOD's selection, I am saying we didn't need a player like Khamis up forward.
If jazzadog's right, that role is for a bloke who can not only intercept but can cop big CHF's crashing into his back, like Scotty Wynd did.

[D Mitchell]

Is that the price we payed???

paid ?

[jazzadogs]

If jazzadog's right, that role is for a bloke who can not only intercept but can cop big CHF's crashing into his back, like Scotty Wynd did.

You could easily make an argument that we could have just left Lobb forward, and allowed JOD to be the extra in defence.

[D Mitchell]

You could easily make an argument that we could have just left Lobb forward, and allowed JOD to be the extra in defence.

That's an argument between you and Bev. I enjoy your perception, right or wrong.

[angelopetraglia]

Coaches Votes

9 Libba
8 Richards
5 Smith
3 JJ
2 Walsh
2 Jones
1 Dale

[angelopetraglia]

Libba = 5+ 4
Richards = 3 +5
Smith = 4 + 1
JJ = 3
Walsh = 2
L Jones = 2
Dale = 1

That's how I see it.

Only three players got votes from both coaches. Libba, Richards and Smith. JJ, Walsh, Jones and Dale only votes from one coach.

[Go_Dogs]

Libba = 5+ 4
Richards = 3 +5
Smith = 4 + 1
JJ = 3
Walsh = 2
Dale = 1

Who got the other 2?

[angelopetraglia]

Who got the other 2?

Sorry. Liam Jones. Post updated.