Round One: Melbourne: The Reality Check.

[Jeanette54]

There is an old saying in motorsport, "When the flag drops the BS stops".

Well, the pre-season hype is coming to an end. New coaches, recruits, coaching staff etc. are settling in for the long haul. But we have been handed one of the toughest season openers possible. There isn't a chance for our boys to ease into a season, it will be full on from the word go.

How do we deal with the Dees, and what are our weaknesses and strengths as our Woofers see them. Who gets to play, and who gets to sit this one out; and why?

English, Darcy and Lobb vs "Gawndy" ? Our tall forwards vs May and Lever and the rejuvenated backline vs Melbourne's premiership forwards. What about the centre breaks, both offensively and defensively?

Its both exciting to anticipate, but also daunting.

What do our other woofers think?

PS: You needn't reveal any dastardly plans here, just send them to Bevo, with a stamped self-addressed envelope. I hear tell that there is a prize for the neatest correct entry. ;)

[Bulldog Joe]

The simple answer is just outscore them.

We have a team that can win it.

Melbourne need to be concerned with a few of our strengths.

Mostly I want a plan to shut down Petracca and Oliver and a plan to shut everything down if they kick consecutive goals.

[1eyedog]

It's all about how we address their ball movement for me. I don't really have an issue with how we compare on paper, our talent pool runs just as deep and I'm good with our scoring potential but if we can't talk tight on the inside and spread hard and defend harder two Liam Jones' down back won't help us.

Having a legit three or four headed monster in play also makes May and Lever accountable. We must be in the contest everytime against these guys. Because May and Lever are so good in the air I'd play both Arty and Weightman as I feel the ball will come to ground alot and you know we're gonna bomb it in because of the hype of the monster. Weightman needs to stay DOWN or get on his bike on the lead.

Arty can play and the fact of the matter is an Aboriginal player in the forward pocket gets the heart racing both amongst the fans but also amongst opposition smalls. Haven't had a really good small in the forward pocket since Lally and it looks like there might be a spot for him.

The club has done a complete 180 and are now an attractive proposition for Indigenous talent. Their Indigenous program has been a great success and I must say I was very excited to see Marra and Arty playing good football in dangerous locations. I can see a Lillee-Marsh combo forming for the next 10 years.

Also, can Tobes please have first crack at one of Petracca or Oliver?

[bornadog]

The club has done a complete 180 and are now an attractive proposition for Indigenous talent. Their Indigenous program has been a great success and I must say I was very excited to see Marra and Arty playing good football in dangerous locations. I can see a Lillee-Marsh combo forming for the next 10 years.

Also, can Tobes please have first crack at one of Petracca or Oliver?

Up the other end we have Liam Jones

[ledge]

Didn’t we beat them last outing ? Personally I think we have improved a lot more than them draft wise . Four players to stop Gawn , Grundy , Petracca and Oliver . Correct me if I am wrong but I think English got the better of Gawn last time too. Should be a great game and a measure of where both teams are. Win it and we are on the front foot as we have the lions early as well .

[D Mitchell]

On paper, the inclusion of Lobb and Jones even with the loss of Dunkley, the list looks a lot better than last year. Pre season optimism is understandable. The difference between 2021 and 2022 was work ethic when the opposition had control of the ball. Whether that was a result of a flawed game plan/strategy, for example, reduced defensive efforts by mids and forwards to teach the defenders more responsibility; or players' mindset, is uncertain, I think the latter. Whichever, what approach the players will adopt this season isn't revealed in an intra club and a practice game against the wooden spooner for the past 2 seasons. If the mindset is what it should be, the first game should be a real cracker. Good thread.

[dog town]

Dees have tinkered with their ball movement. Much less surge mentality about it and more time in possession, more angles and marking. Definitely looked very slick so far in their two outings. Statistically on the weekend Richmond matched them in most areas Melbourne were just more efficient.

Viney and Fritsch in doubt and Salem definitely out.

[GVGjr]

Dees have tinkered with their ball movement. Much less surge mentality about it and more time in possession, more angles and marking. Definitely looked very slick so far in their two outings. Statistically on the weekend Richmond matched them in most areas Melbourne were just more efficient.

Viney and Fritsch in doubt and Salem definitely out.

They'd be some handy outs for us. It's going to be a huge test for us.

[Grantysghost]

Frontal pressure, press up hard.

Midfielders need to work very hard defensively Baz and Treloar at more CBAs in this game. Force dirty entries at all cost this will help Jones intercept.

Watch the deep wing they use maybe have a half forward check it.

Defend the corridor.

Don't tag Oliver however a team tag where he's never free and is also copping extra attention.

Fast low forward entries.
Bombing it may work better now we have the four headed monster we can do that under pressure as an out, I'd rather move the ball in carefully if they're set and we are controlling possession.

Enter slow and wide to take Lever's strength away, also try and hit up his man where possible.

Hunter and Langdon could be a real handful. We need to ensure our wingers are switched on and don't give them too much leg rope.

Williams and Baker are my guess this has me worried to be honest. Our general lack of speed on turnover has me a bit worried.

Also score more than them.

[Mofra]

3 teams look to be challenging to me - Melbourne, Brisbane and Geelong.
Adelaide will surprise too, arguably the best 'pressure' side in the comp right now.

Going into this season I was concerned at what our USP was - how do we get an advantage over other teams, having lost our b&f winner and our best outside runner?
Dinosaur-dogs (with egg) might just be the answer - 4 talls (the dinosaurs) who sit forward, all of whom move well for their height, and one designated quick pressure player (Arty/JJ/VDM) whose entire role is to just sit on the opposition's best rebounder (the egg).

Brisbane have a 3rd defender problem with Gardiner out, Melbourne have three genuinely good KPDs so Marra suddenly becomes very important as that mobile 4th who can play high

[SonofScray]

Think we have confirmed, over time, that on our day, our best is good enough to beat anyone.

In more recent history we have discovered that there has been some structural faults with us trying to play our way, and two potentially catastrophic components to the way the squad goes about their business, either too easily bullied (think that was addressed post GWS finals losses) and too easily shut down when momentum swings (a monkey on their back post 21 GF and last years EF).

With a bit more luck injury wise, and what appear to be well made adjustments to the list and how we squeeze what we have, we should be back in that space where if we perform, we win.

Our best v your best, we win.

[bornadog]

Think we have confirmed, over time, that on our day, our best is good enough to beat anyone.

In more recent history we have discovered that there has been some structural faults with us trying to play our way, and two potentially catastrophic components to the way the squad goes about their business, either too easily bullied (think that was addressed post GWS finals losses) and too easily shut down when momentum swings (a monkey on their back post 21 GF and last years EF).

With a bit more luck injury wise, and what appear to be well made adjustments to the list and how we squeeze what we have, we should be back in that space where if we perform, we win.

Our best v your best, we win.

I firmly believe The Bont is a huge key to our success. In 2021 when he was firing and should have taken out the Brownlow, we made the GF. Last year he was wounded and we just couldn't find a replacement with all our mids and our form slumped

Dunks may think he was better (in his mind) but he is not a match winner and couldn't cover the Bont.

[MrMahatma]

Will be a huge test against the Dees. I read about Grundy & Gawn and I guess I'm not surprised they got a few goals in a pre-season match. I'm still not shaking in my boots about Grundy up forward. And will we really lose hit outs by much more than we normally do?

I think we'll match them and our forward firepower will win us the day.

[Mofra]

Will be a huge test against the Dees. I read about Grundy & Gawn and I guess I'm not surprised they got a few goals in a pre-season match. I'm still not shaking in my boots about Grundy up forward. And will we really lose hit outs by much more than we normally do?

I think we'll match them and our forward firepower will win us the day.
PS reports has Grundy doing 70% of the ruckwork, and Gawn playing forward a lot.
If Viney doesn't make the side for round 1 that's huge for us. He's a beast at contested ball.

[Mantis]

I firmly believe The Bont is a huge key to our success. In 2021 when he was firing and should have taken out the Brownlow, we made the GF. Last year he was wounded and we just couldn't find a replacement with all our mids and our form slumped

Dunks may think he was better (in his mind) but he is not a match winner and couldn't cover the Bont.

Whilst I understand his importance it doesn't fill me with hope that our fortunes (potentially) rest on one set of shoulders.

[DISHLICKERS]

I am of the opinion that we will be in most if not all games this year and Round 1 is no exception.

We will be there when the whips are cracking.

Our list and therefore the team we put out each week will be well balanced, provide structure, cohesion without compromising versatility.

[Angak]

Frontal pressure, press up hard.

Midfielders need to work very hard defensively Baz and Treloar at more CBAs in this game. Force dirty entries at all cost this will help Jones intercept.

Watch the deep wing they use maybe have a half forward check it.

Defend the corridor.

Don't tag Oliver however a team tag where he's never free and is also copping extra attention.

Fast low forward entries.
Bombing it may work better now we have the four headed monster we can do that under pressure as an out, I'd rather move the ball in carefully if they're set and we are controlling possession.

Enter slow and wide to take Lever's strength away, also try and hit up his man where possible.

Hunter and Langdon could be a real handful. We need to ensure our wingers are switched on and don't give them too much leg rope.

Williams and Baker are my guess this has me worried to be honest. Our general lack of speed on turnover has me a bit worried.

Also score more than them.

I agree with alot of this.

I thought our ability to defend the transition was embarrassing against norf.

If we defend as poorly against Melbourne we will get smashed.

[Grantysghost]

I agree with alot of this.

I thought our ability to defend the transition was embarrassing against norf.

If we defend as poorly against Melbourne we will get smashed.

I'm hoping it was just a pre-season thing and we ramp it up for the real stuff.

[1eyedog]

They worked so hard to gut run and outnumber the Tigers on the weekend. They created overlap and had multiple options moving the ball forward for large parts of the game. At times it was a training drill.

Richmond aren't slouches the Dees look good and are going to be a challenge.

[Matjoh]

It's all about how we address their ball movement for me. I don't really have an issue with how we compare on paper, our talent pool runs just as deep and I'm good with our scoring potential but if we can't talk tight on the inside and spread hard and defend harder two Liam Jones' down back won't help us.

Having a legit three or four headed monster in play also makes May and Lever accountable. We must be in the contest everytime against these guys. Because May and Lever are so good in the air I'd play both Arty and Weightman as I feel the ball will come to ground alot and you know we're gonna bomb it in because of the hype of the monster. Weightman needs to stay DOWN or get on his bike on the lead.

Agree with this, especially the bombing in and Weightman [or whichever small to stay down and bike it] It was reported that 80% of preseason focussed on forward entry. I couldn't see any improvement in that. Still mainly bombing it in. Good backs like melbourne will enjoy that. Am I missing something obvious?

[mjp]

Richmond aren't slouches the Dees look good and are going to be a challenge.

Well....that's awesome!

Let's hope they bring everything they've got and then some.

Excited, not nervous. Bounce the ball already!!

[Go_Dogs]

Yep. We’ve got them. I’m overly confident

[bornadog]

Agree with this, especially the bombing in and Weightman [or whichever small to stay down and bike it] It was reported that 80% of preseason focussed on forward entry. I couldn't see any improvement in that. Still mainly bombing it in. Good backs like melbourne will enjoy that. Am I missing something obvious?

Weightman mentioned tonight at the season launch that he won't be flying for marks with all the talls around him

[Mantis]

Weightman mentioned tonight at the season launch that he won't be flying for marks with all the talls around him

Do you trust him to follow through on this statement?

I don't.... and really don't expect him to.

[1eyedog]

Do you trust him to follow through on this statement?

I don't.... and really don't expect him to.

No chance he's too instinctive.

[F'scary]

I'm not sure we can go ahead with a 4 headed monster all game. The opposition may find it too easy to run the ball out of defence with the 4 headed monster. If the 4HM have to chase a lot, they will tire quicker and become more lumbering as the game progresses, it is physics. Melbourne may run them around extra by switching the ball across the back line a lot.

Then there is the midfield changes stemming from the Dunkley and Hunter departures. Bit worried about this against the gun midfield of the dees.

[bornadog]

I'm not sure we can go ahead with a 4 headed monster all game. The opposition may find it too easy to run the ball out of defence with the 4 headed monster. If the 4HM have to chase a lot, they will tire quicker and become more lumbering as the game progresses, it is physics. Melbourne may run them around extra by switching the ball across the back line a lot.

Then there is the midfield changes stemming from the Dunkley and Hunter departures. Bit worried about this against the gun midfield of the dees.

No way we have the four talls in the forward line at the same time.

[jeemak]

There was a stage in the second half of the Norf praccy where the commentary mentioned we've not had all four talls in the forward line at once and I expect we'll try and mix it up.

If we have a utility/ runner as our sub we'll be able to adjust as the game evolves.

[Critter]

Frontal pressure, press up hard.

Midfielders need to work very hard defensively Baz and Treloar at more CBAs in this game. Force dirty entries at all cost this will help Jones intercept.

Watch the deep wing they use maybe have a half forward check it.

Defend the corridor.

Don't tag Oliver however a team tag where he's never free and is also copping extra attention.

Fast low forward entries.
Bombing it may work better now we have the four headed monster we can do that under pressure as an out, I'd rather move the ball in carefully if they're set and we are controlling possession.

Enter slow and wide to take Lever's strength away, also try and hit up his man where possible.

Hunter and Langdon could be a real handful. We need to ensure our wingers are switched on and don't give them too much leg rope.

Williams and Baker are my guess this has me worried to be honest. Our general lack of speed on turnover has me a bit worried.

Also score more than them.

Good analysis. I share your concern about the wings. Maybe play Williams on Langdon and Scott on Hunter, relieve with Baker and all with instructions to play tight and to not drift forward.

[Mofra]

I'm not sure we can go ahead with a 4 headed monster all game. The opposition may find it too easy to run the ball out of defence with the 4 headed monster.
Naughton and Marra are seriously quick. They're not a rebound concern

[bornadog]

Naughton and Marra are seriously quick. They're not a rebound concern

Naughton ranked 9th in AFL last year for tackles inside 50. The other 8 were all considered not tall.

[Mantis]

Naughton ranked 9th in AFL last year for tackles inside 50. The other 8 were all considered not tall.

Naughton is the best ‘defensive’ tall forward in the competition… he is quick, agile & strong and probably the most important is that comes naturally to him to apply pressure.

[bornadog]

Naughton is the best ‘defensive’ tall forward in the competition… he is quick, agile & strong and probably the most important is that comes naturally to him to apply pressure.

5th ranked in AFL was Dunkley, so we need to find someone to apply the same pressure.

[bornadog]

There’s no better time to be challenged, says Bontempelli (https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/1279425/there-s-no-better-time-to-be-challenged-says-bontempelli)

Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli says there’s no better time than the opening month of the season for the group to be put to the test.

The Dogs will kick off their 2023 campaign against Melbourne next Saturday night, before hosting St Kilda and Brisbane in consecutive weeks.

They’ll then return to the MCG to meet Richmond, enjoy a sold-out Gather Round clash against Port Adelaide and face Fremantle at Optus Stadium.

Bontempelli said the prospect of facing a number of the top teams from last year in quick succession is exciting.

“In a way, it forces us to go in with a really sharp focus and a really hardened edge; knowing you’re coming up against a bunch of the in-form teams of the competition,” he told Gerard Whateley on the Bulldogs’ annual SEN Membership Day.

“I like that – the idea of getting straight to it off the back of the pre-season.

“It lets us get straight into the work and really see where we sit, while trying to execute against some of the best.

“I think it’s a great challenge. It’s a big first month or so and I can’t wait to kick it off with Melbourne in just over a week’s time.”

Another focus for the Bulldogs this season will be pushing for a top-four spot – something they are yet to achieve under coach Luke Beveridge despite other successes, which includes two Grand Final appearances, one flag and six finals berths all in eight seasons.

Bontempelli said while securing a double chance is “definitely at the top of the list”, the team focus will be trying to play with those behaviours consistently.

“There’s a lot to do in terms of trying to finish up there – so I think what you want to try to emulate from a standards point of view is instilling what you’d consider these ‘top-four behaviours’ to be,” he explained.

“Those are the things that will lead you to being in that position.

“We can’t obsess over it and be watching the ladder every single week – but there’s no doubt for us to really challenge. We want to be in that position, as do a bunch of other teams.

“I’d be lying if I said it isn’t something I want to experience – I know Bevo and the football club are all very similar.”

The four-time All Australian is being tipped to become one of – if not the – best players this season, but isn’t letting that distract himself from the bigger picture.

“There’s no doubt it’s probably part of my make-up for sure – to be playing the best football I possibly can, and hopefully be in the conversation for that,” Bontempelli said.

“It’s not something I’m setting out to do every single morning, but it’s something you do want to embrace.

“You want to be there, be a part of it, be impacting the game for my mob as best I can.

“I’m confident that if I can execute all the things I know I’m capable of, then the rest of the conversations will handle themselves.

“There’s a number of bloody good players out there at the minute, so it’s a hot contest for whoever is considered that sort of title.

“I’m just keen for us to start the season well.”

[josie]

Thanks for that article BAD.

Geez I love the Bont.

[bornadog]

Thanks for that article BAD.

Geez I love the Bont.

Growing as an outstanding Captain

[Stevo]

Do you trust him to follow through on this statement?

I don't.... and really don't expect him to.

I dont quite trust it given its one of his strengths.

[jeemak]

Do you trust him to follow through on this statement?

I don't.... and really don't expect him to.

Not when one his coaching team sees a forward line of flyers crashing into each other and says it's great they're flying (but maybe that's what we want in the age of the intercept defender - players flying to stop it at all costs).

But, hopefully it all settles down and it works. Nothing's perfect if ever or all the time, so hopefully we get it right and Cody does too more often than we and he get it wrong.

[derb]

Naughton has the best ground ball game of all our forwards, including weightman.

We can get away with an extra tall if he is playing because of this in my opinion.

[Bulldog Joe]

Naughton has the best ground ball game of all our forwards, including weightman.

We can get away with an extra tall if he is playing because of this in my opinion.

I wholeheartedly agree with this.

Naughton recovers so well when the ball comes to ground that he often is in the contest with the players who stay down.

[Bulldog Legend]

There is an old saying in motorsport, "When the flag drops the BS stops".

Well, the pre-season hype is coming to an end. New coaches, recruits, coaching staff etc. are settling in for the long haul. But we have been handed one of the toughest season openers possible. There isn't a chance for our boys to ease into a season, it will be full on from the word go.

How do we deal with the Dees, and what are our weaknesses and strengths as our Woofers see them. Who gets to play, and who gets to sit this one out; and why?

English, Darcy and Lobb vs "Gawndy" ? Our tall forwards vs May and Lever and the rejuvenated backline vs Melbourne's premiership forwards. What about the centre breaks, both offensively and defensively?

Its both exciting to anticipate, but also daunting.

What do our other woofers think?

PS: You needn't reveal any dastardly plans here, just send them to Bevo, with a stamped self-addressed envelope. I hear tell that there is a prize for the neatest correct entry. ;)
We will crush them!

[ratsmac]

Melbourne are widely considered the premiership favourite so if we can beat them on their home turf will give us a great boost of confidence to start the season. But just as easy if we get touched up it could put a seed of doubt in the players minds. I hoping we can obviously come away with the 4 points but if not we need to really take it up to them.

Gawndy is a real concern considering their reputations and how they touched up Richmond in the praccy match last week. I must say I think English is steeling himself for this encounter going by what limited vision I've seen and heard of him in the pre-season. He seems to have worked on an aggressive side to his game which is nice. Grundy notched up a couple 3 Brownlow votes pitted against English in the past so it's time he gets one back...or 3.

Melbourne's quick transition going forward concerns me too especially when defensive we have been weak at slowing opposition teams down in the last 12 or so months. Hopefully we can see some positive signs that we have addressed this over the pre-season and no better team to gauge this against is Melbourne.

I'm looking forward to see how the 4 headed monster (if we go that way) will go against the best back 3 key defender combination in the comp. May, Lever and Petty are more than capable and stopping the long ball so let's see how our boys take them on tactically. This will most likely come down to what happens when the ball hits the ground although it would be nice to see Naughts and Darce take a couple of hangers over Lever and May!

Oliver, Petracca, Viney (if he's fit) against Bont, Macrae and Libba. Wow!! This is a mouth watering prospect. Brayshaw, Neil-Bullen and Bailey Smith and Treloar waiting to be tagged in as well. The wings are probably our biggest concern seeing that 1. They have the best wingman in the league in Langdon and 2 they have our best wingman in Hunter playing for them. How we go about stopping them on the wide MCG is going to be a real challenge. Hopefully Baker gets a game and shows them what they let go and not so much the alternative with Hunter :) The midfield is where this match will be the biggest arm wrestle I'd say. There will be moments that both teams will have the ascendancy and who makes the most of their opportunities could be the defining factor to who wins or loses. I can't see us or them having too much of an advantage there. The Gawndy/English contest could be that defining factor.

I like our defense against their forwards. Brown, Fritsch, McDonald, Pickett, Spargo V Jones, Keath (I wish Gardner) Bruce, Richards, Dale. For me Fritsch is the biggest concern and with question marks over his availability, let's say I'd be quite happy to see him miss. If he plays I think Richards will go to him which will rob us of some drive out of defence because Fritsch loves to sneak out the back and will need close checking. A fit McDonald back for them is huge so thank God we have Jones now. McDonald is a smart football who can find the goals so hopefully Jones can take care of him and take some intercepts in the process. Keith looks fit so I think he'll be able to stay with Brown but will need to watch him closely on the lead where he can get space on a defender with smart leading patterns. Pickett is such a dangerous player that we need to obviously watch. Dale would be my match up for him keeping Pickett accountable as much as possible. Bruce could be our most important defender if he takes the resting ruck. Gawn and Grundy have shown they are goal kicking ruckman. Bruce has been superseded up forward which is unfortunate for him but fortunately for him Gardner hurt his arm and he finds himself with an opportunity in defence. Up forward he wouldn't lose too many 1 on 1's and we need him to bring this to defence. His positioning from what I've seen pre-season looks good it's his decision making and short kicks is what will give me greys.

All in all I'm looking for a red hot contest and can't wait for next Saturday. I have my tickets and face paint ready to go.... well maybe not the face paint:).

Dogs by 5 points

[Mofra]

I'm weirdly not overly concerned about Gawndy, nor the CBA midfield nor their backs.
Their outside run worries me a lot, especially at the MCG. Langdon & Hunter are the best outside runners in the competition and wings are arguably our greatest weakness.

It's senior bodies' time with plenty of pre-seasons under the belt. Hannan and JJ wouldn't look out of place if we named them after limited pre-seasons. Sam Darcy probably only gets ~70% TOG so getting some good runners on our bench around him is vital.
Bailey Smith becomes really, really important with his ability to cover ground.

[Happy Days]

I'm weirdly not overly concerned about Gawndy, nor the CBA midfield nor their backs.
Their outside run worries me a lot, especially at the MCG. Langdon & Hunter are the best outside runners in the competition and wings are arguably our greatest weakness.

It's senior bodies' time with plenty of pre-seasons under the belt. Hannan and JJ wouldn't look out of place if we named them after limited pre-seasons. Sam Darcy probably only gets ~70% TOG so getting some good runners on our bench around him is vital.
Bailey Smith becomes really, really important with his ability to cover ground.

Hunter isn’t the best anything in the AFL anymore my man. Unless he’s had the best pre season ever or access to a Delorean he’s probably the player I’m 19th or 20th most worried about.

[Bulldog Legend]

I'm not sure we can go ahead with a 4 headed monster all game. The opposition may find it too easy to run the ball out of defence with the 4 headed monster. If the 4HM have to chase a lot, they will tire quicker and become more lumbering as the game progresses, it is physics. Melbourne may run them around extra by switching the ball across the back line a lot.

Then there is the midfield changes stemming from the Dunkley and Hunter departures. Bit worried about this against the gun midfield of the dees.
Not worried about the mids we couldn’t fit everyone in previously and neither of the departures were particularly damaging
The 4 talls will make the Dees backline be accountable which is not their strength

[Bigdog]

Hunter isn’t the best anything in the AFL anymore my man. Unless he’s had the best pre season ever or access to a Delorean he’s probably the player I’m 19th or 20th most worried about.
Wing is probably one of the only positions in modern day footy where it can be a 1v1 battle. Subsequently Hunter could be a player teams expose with leg speed and height opposite him. If we had a tall quick wingman (I hope bendendo can be this by years end) I’d try play through him as much as possible.

Hunter is obviously going to be fitter than last year. But I recall watching a vfl game against Werribee where a vfl footballer had him covered for height and pace and kicked about 3 in a quarter on him (I think Footscray managed to win this game by 100 odd points still).

[dog town]

Based off the two games so far this pre-season Hunter has got himself sorted, he may well regress at some point but right now he is playing great footy. There is little doubt that if he is anywhere near his best he is in the absolute top echelon of wingers in the comp. Amazing footy IQ, great organiser, clever ball user and huge tank.

Let’s hope he struggles against us but I’m not tipping it based on form.

[bornadog]

Viney was training away from the main group this morning when I walked past

[1eyedog]

Viney was training away from the main group this morning when I walked past

https://fb.watch/jezeK2OltR/

I'm assuming he hasn't had a preseason hit out yet or did he injure the knee in a preseason game?

[bornadog]

https://fb.watch/jezeK2OltR/

I'm assuming he hasn't had a presseason hit out yet or did he injure the knee in a preseason game?

I think in the first preseason game

[Mofra]

Based off the two games so far this pre-season Hunter has got himself sorted, he may well regress at some point but right now he is playing great footy. There is little doubt that if he is anywhere near his best he is in the absolute top echelon of wingers in the comp. Amazing footy IQ, great organiser, clever ball user and huge tank.

Let’s hope he struggles against us but I’m not tipping it based on form.
I agree, I think there's a huge amount of negative revisionism when it comes to Lachie based off his shambolic last two seasons.
On song he's one of the best wingmen in the competition (yeah, McCluggage attends CBAs now which takes him out of the equation, and Gaff's old). He won a B&F with us too.
It seems like getting Lachie out was a win/win for all parties and we're going to have to rotate 3 players on the wings (at least) to match the kms covered of Langdon/Hunter. Add Darcy's lowish TOG and our other runners really need to work hard to cover all that.
Hopefully we can move the ball at speed by foot & hand to cover that running gap - looking up and having multiple talls leading at the ball carrier should go a fair way in helping too, no need to carry/chip sideways and wait for an option.

[MrMahatma]

Hunter & Stringer are similar stories, I guess. Both very good players at their best. Both had performance drops and it would appear that performance waned due to off-field issues.
While I haven't heard it written anywhere, I get the feeling that Hunter wasn't going to turn it around with us, nor was he the right cultural fit any longer.

It's a relatively quick fall from grace given he was vice captain briefly a couple of years back. I always rated him and reckon it's a shame he ended up at Melbourne cause he's a very good player when on.

[bornadog]

Hunter & Stringer are similar stories, I guess. Both very good players at their best. Both had performance drops and it would appear that performance waned due to off-field issues.
While I haven't heard it written anywhere, I get the feeling that Hunter wasn't going to turn it around with us, nor was he the right cultural fit any longer.

It's a relatively quick fall from grace given he was vice captain briefly a couple of years back. I always rated him and reckon it's a shame he ended up at Melbourne cause he's a very good player when on.

I have mentioned this before and apologise. When the season launch format was on at the Crown and a player sat at your table, I found Lachie very strange and aloof. One year he sat at our table and didn't talk to anyone and it was clear he wasn't going to. All other players over the years made a real effort - Picken, Jong, Williams, Roberts to name a few. I found him strange and maybe that goes to show you what he is like and how he gets along with people. (I could be totally wrong :D )

[Grantysghost]

I have mentioned this before and apologise. When the season launch format was on at the Crown and a player sat at your table, I found Lachie very strange and aloof. One year he sat at our table and didn't talk to anyone and it was clear he wasn't going to. All other players over the years made a real effort - Picken, Jong, Williams, Roberts to name a few. I found him strange and maybe that goes to show you what he is like and how he gets along with people. (I could be totally wrong :D )


He's from Melton what do you expect?

I'm from Melton so I can say that!

[Sedat]

He's from Melton what do you expect?

I'm from Melton so I can say that!
Fun fact - property prices in Melton were around the same as Middle Park in the late 1970's (and much higher than Port Melbourne).

[Mat Lyons]

Get excited!...
ROUND ONE TEAM SELECTION: "Anyone who thinks this side can't go all the way is a FOOL!"

Watch Dougie pump us all up for a massive start to the year!

Dougie Hawkins selects his team for Round One, and explains why this group WILL go on to be the greatest in our Club's history! Listen to the legend salivate at the road ahead in season 2023... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEOdrTOr56E (https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DJEOdrTOr 56E%26fbclid%3DIwAR2PWIrTWCVfmJoIwl3W_NiLOFh25ueIhuKedZDUCgm akCOzt6P8U9gWgCg&h=AT01EsYVxReEr_5onCqKAYmh2GPiFAzdTeZ88_16wXa1rYqrzIxeMOicHJ WAQFfNq1edgYP7jzlfklYBH1jP2vl5SNqM6Qwg8lFwQae3VQn44uAYw1b_fo Gy3FIOGVG7M5lcvuE&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT2ClVpUWirvLFtQUNzhVRc3nqDBXJgpa98_zhiQ0jRRZjGef7IoKUOaARO 5UCzx9FOnOeou3Dx9lxw2ie2ivEKRMokAYTytNFVsxvDv5goAI9IsQsejZ44 p9P6t0RPk2AkH-82ti7OzJfq6l8-xuX98NcqVgVP30iaLnDcJ5oJa5MPL7MusHc7Ij7KtlLtzkO2LBvPGJrqN6-TcG6L7Ju7F)

[Grantysghost]

Fun fact - property prices in Melton were around the same as Middle Park in the late 1970's (and much higher than Port Melbourne).

And the Libs were going to upgrade the rail to electric. (Still vline).

1976

https://wongm.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/1976-liberal-hamer-government-public-transport-advert.jpg

[josie]

Fun fact - property prices in Melton were around the same as Middle Park in the late 1970's (and much higher than Port Melbourne).

Great fun fact there Sedat. Thanks.

When I started FT work in the mid 80s a wise bloke told me to buy a property in Port Melbourne. The capitalist in me wishes I had of followed his advice. Having said that other opportunities arise if you don’t take earlier ones. May not have bought our first home in Footscray & hence never become true RWB. Sliding doors and all that.

[bornadog]

https://youtu.be/8y46L2x40hk

[derb]

Bailey Smith is one of the key players.

Beyond Libba, Macrae, Bont he is next up and needs to shoulder more of the load.

[merantau]

Oliver, Petracca, Fritsch, Gawn - limiting their influence goes a long way to banking the four points.

[Pugz89]

We generally play the MCG fairly well. Having Naughton/Marra hit up the wings will be important at different stages, but the bigger ground should help us isolate the talls in the forward 50.