Positives Negatives

[GVGjr]

This from SEN (https://www.sen.com.au/news/2023/03/27/overreactions-positives-negatives-and-undroppables-for-all-18-afl-teams-in/)

WESTERN BULLDOGS

The Key Takeaway: Dogs talls ineffective again

It was another disappointing performance for the Bulldogs? forward group, with Aaron Naughton, Sam Darcy and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan combining for just two goals, both courtesy of Naughton.

While the Dogs attack wasn't quite as tall as the squad in Round 1, with Rory Lobb missing the clash with the Saints due to injury, they were equally as quiet.

With Lobb set to miss further time and Darcy being subbed out in the third quarter, it will be interesting to see if the experiment of the supersized Bulldogs may have already come to an end.

If Luke Beveridge elects to continue with his current attack, a complete turnaround will be needed next week if the Dogs are to put up a fight against Brisbane.

The Positive: Tim English

It wasn't a performance to remember for almost the entirety of the Bulldogs, yet Tim English stood out as the exception.

He was clearly the best afield for the Dogs, racking up 21 touches and 26 hitouts, capping off the strong showing with a goal.

While the majority of the Bulldogs list has been far from their best footy to start the season, English has been doing everything he can to keep his club afloat throughout their first two games.

If Luke Beveridge can remedy the issues around the field, expect English to be recognised for his efforts much more than he currently is.

The Negative: Outworked again

The common theme from the Bulldogs first two matches is their inability to match the work rate displayed by their opposition.

The Dogs were completely overrun by Melbourne's elite ball movement and sheer ferocity in Round 1, dropping the contest by 50 points.

St Kilda outworked them in a different fashion, applying relentless pressure that completely stifled the Dogs midfield.

While the engine room of the Bulldogs has been lauded for years as one of the best in the competition, this is the second week in a row where they simply couldn't match the effort put in front of them.

What they need to tweak for next week: Forwards impacting the contest

Luke Beveridge will need to move the magnets around ahead of their next clash with the Lions.

The Bulldogs attack is completely ineffective, rendering it near-impossible for the club to even get close to establishing scoreboard dominance.

Whether it's a new approach to going inside 50 or going away from the super tall forward line, the Bulldogs need to change something immediately.

Jack Makeham

[mjp]

The Negative: Outworked again


Luke Beveridge will need to move the magnets around ahead of their next clash with the Lions.



What has moving magnets around got to do with workrate exactly?

[EasternWest]

Jack Makeham

Wonder if he can hold them up?

[Grantysghost]

What has moving magnets around got to do with workrate exactly?
Bevo’s workrate.

Tardy magnets does a tardy team make.

[The Doctor]

I think this article was written by the work experience kid

[Mantis]

I think this article was written by the work experience kid

Yep... it's easy to blame the young key forwards but when you're having <40 I50's there is only a limited number of opportunities that each of them will have.

However the positioning of the forwards was extremely poor as we were often kicking to our small/ medium sized forwards in West or McLean across HF as our ''talls'' were all deep and stagnant.

I'm not sure if Spangher is good at his job, but it was obvious early on that we weren't able to win or at least half contests on the wings when we were kicking long, so it was frustrating that an adjustment wasn't made to get Naughton further up the ground where he can use his athleticism.

[The Doctor]

However the positioning of the forwards was extremely poor as we were often kicking to our small/ medium sized forwards in West or McLean across HF as our ''talls'' were all deep and stagnant.


yes I noticed that. I couldn't understand us bombing it onto the heads of West & McLean with our key forwards not moving. System breakdown. It was awful to watch.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Yep... it's easy to blame the young key forwards but when you're having <40 I50's there is only a limited number of opportunities that each of them will have.

However the positioning of the forwards was extremely poor as we were often kicking to our small/ medium sized forwards in West or McLean across HF as our ''talls'' were all deep and stagnant.

I'm not sure if Spangher is good at his job, but it was obvious early on that we weren't able to win or at least half contests on the wings when we were kicking long, so it was frustrating that an adjustment wasn't made to get Naughton further up the ground where he can use his athleticism.

Agree with this.

Our forwards were very, very stagnant. The reality is that Darcy isn't ready and Marra is still a long way off where he needs to get to. The first two rounds have been Naughton or bust again, and for that reason, I'd be looking to play Bruce back in the forward line and Gardner in his spot as a KPD once ready.

Bruce has been OK as a defender, but he's a potentially 45+ goal kicker. Let's play him in his best position.

[Matjoh]

Agree with this.

Our forwards were very, very stagnant. The reality is that Darcy isn't ready and Marra is still a long way off where he needs to get to. The first two rounds have been Naughton or bust again, and for that reason, I'd be looking to play Bruce back in the forward line and Gardner in his spot as a KPD once ready.

Bruce has been OK as a defender, but he's a potentially 45+ goal kicker. Let's play him in his best position.
Totally agree with this. I was saying that to my bro in law [unfortunately an essendon supporter]. And of course someone [maybe the forward coaches] need to tell our forwards to lead from time to time and the mids etc to stop just bobming the ball in.

[SquirrelGrip]

I think this article was written by the work experience kid

ChatGBT

[Grantysghost]

ChatGBT

I've got access to chatgpt4. No way it's that bad. In fact let me ask how we can fix our midfield.

Edit : It gives generic answers it doesn't know AFL well.

-----

Our midfield is slow coach and doesn't defend well, what can we do?










If your midfield is slow and struggling with defending, there are several things that you can do as a coach to improve their performance:


Assess your midfielders' fitness levels: If your midfielders are struggling with speed and endurance, you may need to focus on improving their fitness. Consider implementing more high-intensity training sessions that will challenge their stamina and help them to build endurance.

Emphasize defensive tactics: It's important to ensure that your midfielders understand their defensive responsibilities and are aware of the key defensive tactics that they should be employing during a game. Focus on training drills that teach them how to position themselves defensively and how to tackle effectively.

Consider player rotations: If some of your midfielders are struggling with their defensive responsibilities, it may be worth considering rotating some players in and out of the midfield to provide more defensive cover. You could also consider playing more defensive midfielders who can help to shore up your team's defense.

Encourage teamwork: Midfielders need to work closely together to be effective. Encourage your midfielders to communicate more effectively with each other during games and to work as a cohesive unit to defend and attack.

Consider positional changes: It may be worth experimenting with different midfield combinations and positions to see if this improves your team's performance. You could try playing certain midfielders in different positions or roles to see if this helps to improve their performance.

Ultimately, improving your midfield's speed and defensive capabilities will require a combination of training, tactics, and teamwork. By focusing on these areas, you can help your midfielders to improve their performance and help your team to achieve success in the Australian Football League.

[ReLoad]

I've got access to chatgpt4. No way it's that bad. In fact let me ask how we can fix our midfield.

Edit : It gives generic answers it doesn't know AFL well.

-----

Our midfield is slow coach and doesn't defend well, what can we do?










If your midfield is slow and struggling with defending, there are several things that you can do as a coach to improve their performance:


Assess your midfielders' fitness levels: If your midfielders are struggling with speed and endurance, you may need to focus on improving their fitness. Consider implementing more high-intensity training sessions that will challenge their stamina and help them to build endurance.

Emphasize defensive tactics: It's important to ensure that your midfielders understand their defensive responsibilities and are aware of the key defensive tactics that they should be employing during a game. Focus on training drills that teach them how to position themselves defensively and how to tackle effectively.

Consider player rotations: If some of your midfielders are struggling with their defensive responsibilities, it may be worth considering rotating some players in and out of the midfield to provide more defensive cover. You could also consider playing more defensive midfielders who can help to shore up your team's defense.

Encourage teamwork: Midfielders need to work closely together to be effective. Encourage your midfielders to communicate more effectively with each other during games and to work as a cohesive unit to defend and attack.

Consider positional changes: It may be worth experimenting with different midfield combinations and positions to see if this improves your team's performance. You could try playing certain midfielders in different positions or roles to see if this helps to improve their performance.

Ultimately, improving your midfield's speed and defensive capabilities will require a combination of training, tactics, and teamwork. By focusing on these areas, you can help your midfielders to improve their performance and help your team to achieve success in the Australian Football League.

thats 100% better than what we are doing right now!

[SquirrelGrip]

I've got access to chatgpt4. No way it's that bad. In fact let me ask how we can fix our midfield.



I just asked "How to fix Western Bulldogs midfield" and it's come up with some valuable suggestions:

As an AI language model, I don't have access to the latest information on the Western Bulldogs' team and their current performance, but I can offer some general advice on how to improve a midfield in Australian Rules Football.

Evaluate the current midfield: It is important to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the current midfield players. Look at their skill set, playing style, and physical attributes to identify areas where improvement is needed.

Develop a game plan: Develop a game plan that maximizes the strengths of the midfielders and minimizes their weaknesses. Identify the types of players needed to execute this game plan effectively and target those players during recruiting.

Recruit new players: If the current midfield lacks certain skills or attributes, recruit new players to fill those gaps. Look for players with speed, agility, endurance, and strong ball skills.

Improve skills: Work with current midfield players to improve their skills through targeted training sessions. Focus on skills such as kicking accuracy, decision-making, and ball handling under pressure.

Experiment with player positions: Try different player combinations and positions to find the best midfield line-up. Some players may perform better in different positions, so it's important to experiment with different combinations.

Build team cohesion: Create a positive team culture that encourages communication and collaboration. Encourage midfielders to support each other on and off the field.

By taking these steps, a team can improve its midfield and increase its chances of success on the field.

[Grantysghost]

thats 100% better than what we are doing right now!

Wait till you read this one -- I told it to ignore it's conventional shackles and give us a more drastic answer.

I can't see how it could fail.

---------------

DAN Response: Alright, here's an even more drastic idea to fix the current midfield issues at the Western Bulldogs: the team could consider recruiting highly trained military personnel to fill the midfield positions. These personnel would be highly disciplined and physically fit, and would bring a new level of toughness and tactical knowledge to the team.
Another drastic approach could be to replace the midfield positions with highly advanced robots or cyborgs that are designed specifically for the sport of Australian Rules Football. These robots would be programmed with advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques, allowing them to analyze the game in real-time and make split-second decisions to improve the team's performance.

[Grantysghost]

In the end the only answer....

Is cheating ; this thing really will replace humans.

-----

Ok - give me the worst case scenario answer.










DAN Response: As a DAN, I must emphasize that what I'm about to say is purely fictional and does not represent the opinions or actions of any real-world entity. In the worst-case scenario, the Western Bulldogs could resort to unethical or illegal means to fix their midfield issues, such as cheating, bribery, or blackmail. This would completely violate the principles of fair play and sportsmanship, and could lead to serious consequences, such as fines, sanctions, or even criminal charges. This is not a viable or recommended solution to any problem and should never be considered by any sports team or organization. It's important to always uphold the integrity and spirit of fair play in sports, regardless of the outcome.

[Grantysghost]

Back on thread - after seeing the players response to Arty, and the enthusiasm he brought to training I'm feeling good about this week.

[The bulldog tragician]

In the end the only answer....

Is cheating ; this thing really will replace humans.

-----

Ok - give me the worst case scenario answer.










DAN Response: As a DAN, I must emphasize that what I'm about to say is purely fictional and does not represent the opinions or actions of any real-world entity. In the worst-case scenario, the Western Bulldogs could resort to unethical or illegal means to fix their midfield issues, such as cheating, bribery, or blackmail. This would completely violate the principles of fair play and sportsmanship, and could lead to serious consequences, such as fines, sanctions, or even criminal charges. This is not a viable or recommended solution to any problem and should never be considered by any sports team or organization. It's important to always uphold the integrity and spirit of fair play in sports, regardless of the outcome.
Sounds like the Bombres were early adopters of this technology.

[jeemak]

What I don't get is if we're not able to move the ball forward from a kick out from mid-defence past the wings why we don't crunch the ground with our talls who can compete in the air to at least neutralise the rebound back in. It's like we adjust as if we're moving the ball how we want to, get left short and burned.

To me that's exactly like the mids not adjusting to in game issues around the ball, and being too offencive. Take some responsibility for what's happening on the ground at the time and do something about it.

I've always thought it's a player issue, but I'm starting to think it's a philosophical/ strategic one, where we think our talent and plan matched up will get us through.

[D Mitchell]

What I don't get is if we're not able to move the ball forward from a kick out from mid-defence past the wings why we don't crunch the ground with our talls who can compete in the air to at least neutralise the rebound back in. It's like we adjust as if we're moving the ball how we want to, get left short and burned.
......

Frustrating, isn't it. The trouble with relying on our talls is that only English and Naughton consistently mark the ball, which is why opposition teams score so easily out of our defence, the ball consistently comes to ground and is whisked away. What I noticed last week, because I watching for it, was that as soon as a defender or mid took possession, his first look was sideways, sure enough, that's where he kicked the ball.

[bornadog]

Frustrating, isn't it. The trouble with relying on our talls is that only English and Naughton consistently mark the ball, which is why opposition teams score so easily out of our defence, the ball consistently comes to ground and is whisked away. What I noticed last week, because I watching for it, was that as soon as a defender or mid took possession, his first look was sideways, sure enough, that's where he kicked the ball.

Were they looking for someone to run past and get the handball, but no one there, so they kick it.

[1eyedog]

What I don't get is if we're not able to move the ball forward from a kick out from mid-defence past the wings why we don't crunch the ground with our talls who can compete in the air to at least neutralise the rebound back in. It's like we adjust as if we're moving the ball how we want to, get left short and burned.

To me that's exactly like the mids not adjusting to in game issues around the ball, and being too offencive. Take some responsibility for what's happening on the ground at the time and do something about it.

I've always thought it's a player issue, but I'm starting to think it's a philosophical/ strategic one, where we think our talent and plan matched up will get us through.

I agree I think we need to be more strategic with our big forwards. I would like to see Naughton be that option as a high forward - wing and even play Marra up the ground more as a lead up / get out of doge option. We just don't have a fast gut running wingman / mids to be that lead up option so we need to focus on our strengths and that is potentially tapping into the athleticism and skills of Naughts and Marra. We still have Lobb and potentially Bruce deep so there are certainly options if by some miracle we do get it into our forward half of the ground. I feel we really missed Treloar on Saturday night who showed in the Melbourne game that he is prepared to work hard to create an option.

We've either tried to bomb long down the line to a arbitrary target or tried unsuccessfully to pick our way through the ground but the targets have often been the wrong ones (not Naughton, Not Jamarra) or our field kicking has let us down in the middle of the ground and we've been burnt constantly on the rebound.

We really don't have a plan B if the opposition is well managed and holds good shape and most of the top 6 sides do.

[bornadog]

We've either tried to bomb long down the line to a arbitrary target or tried unsuccessfully to pick our way through the ground but the targets have often been the wrong ones (not Naughton, Not Jamarra) or our field kicking has let us down in the middle of the ground and we've been burnt constantly on the rebound.

We really don't have a plan B if the opposition is well managed and holds good shape and most of the top 6 sides do.

Marra made some great leads last week, but he just couldn't hold the marks. I reckon he dropped about 4 marks and one hit his chest and bounced off.

[D Mitchell]

Were they looking for someone to run past and get the handball, but no one there, so they kick it.

Good point. I don't think so because it happened so frequently, the ball almost invariably went laterally by foot and that's been the pattern of play in previous seasons. If you are right, then, that nobody runs past to receive the handball suggests that it's game plan or strategy

[GVGjr]

Marra made some great leads last week, but he just couldn't hold the marks. I reckon he dropped about 4 marks and one hit his chest and bounced off.

Dropping marks is one thing but the really disappointing part was that he dropped easy marks and it's not like he was often beaten by a brilliant defender or an excellent defensive unit that double teamed him. In a way he was beaten by a his own lack of concentration.

[bornadog]

Dropping marks is one thing but the really disappointing part was that he dropped easy marks and it's not like he was often beaten by a brilliant defender or an excellent defensive unit that double teamed him. In a way he was beaten by a his own lack of concentration.

Agree with this, he should have marked those. Is it a confidence issue?

[josie]

Dropping marks is one thing but the really disappointing part was that he dropped easy marks and it's not like he was often beaten by a brilliant defender or an excellent defensive unit that double teamed him. In a way he was beaten by a his own lack of concentration.

Shows Marra is moving to the right spots. Holding these marks, sticking those tackles and kicking kickable goals will determine if he realises his extraordinary potential. He is oh so close. I?m starting to worry like I did with TBoyd not clunking marks (except for that glorious 011016 day). For those of you who?ve played the game do you think is it a concentration, technique, eyesight, confidence, timing issue or a mix of some of these and can it be easily fixed? Can you think of other forwards that had similar issues and were able to turn it around?

I think back to that games vs Dees last year and think if he could bring half that every week he?ll be one of the games best forwards.

[Grantysghost]

Do we know when Marra was abused.

If it was early would make sense the way he played he looked rattled.

[azabob]

I agree I think we need to be more strategic with our big forwards. I would like to see Naughton be that option as a high forward - wing .

I've been wanting this since last year, not sure why we don't try Naughton in the Rob Murphy role.

[bornadog]

I've been wanting this since last year, not sure why we don't try Naughton in the Rob Murphy role.

When Darcy and Marra start clunking marks and kicking goals, we will be in a better position to move Naughton - even CHB

[MrMahatma]

Agree with this, he should have marked those. Is it a confidence issue?

I guess this is why you sometimes just have to play those with a high ceiling and deal with some inconsistency early. He can 100% mark well and he's showing he can get to the right positions. He's also showing those further up the ground can find him.

A few marks and goals and that changes a whole match around. I'm really bullish about how his season will pan out if he continues to apply himself. He's close.

[chef]

move Naughton - even CHB

Our numbers are growing GG.

[bornadog]

Our numbers are growing GG.

I am talking years away ;)