The Recovery of Season 2023

[jazzadogs]

When we were 0-2 after a turning up of the toes against Melbourne and a surprise demolishing by the Aints, SACK BEVO was being shouted from the rooftops.

We have since gone 6-1. Our wins have included hard fought victories over the Lions, Blues and Tigers while our only loss was to a Port Power team who seem to have followed our path post disastrous end to 2021 (you're welcome). We very easily could have gone 7-0.

So, what changed? How did we get here? The great article from Cody Atkinson on the ABC (shared on here a few days back) detailed some of the reasons, but I think it is worth delving further in and giving our coaching staff some credit for the changes they've made.

The stories of Bevo getting up in front of the group and saying (paraphrased) "my tactics were wrong. They're not working and I set you up for failure. We need to change" is one of the most impressive pieces of leadership I've heard of in my time following AFL. I wonder what influence Lade on that?

So... What did he change?

- realised the 4 talls wasn't working. Increased our ability to pressure the forward 50 ground ball.
- changes in personnel - Darcy, McComb, West, Garcia, McLean saw more game time in the early rounds. Selections have generally been closely aligned with form, although JOD was very left field.
- position changes, but also positional stability - JJ to half back being the main one. Arty Jones given time and confidence to develop. Lobb given time and confidence to figure out his role in our system. Macrae reduced CBAs, increases for Daniel/Treloar. Williams and Baker locked to the wing roles.
- Bont beast mode

What else has changed? How have we been able to go 6-1?

[azabob]

Liam Jones has been huge. He has exceeded expectations and has helped settle our defence.

He has also allowed Keath, Bruce and Gardner become second and third defenders.

The stats also show our defence and defensive mindset has changed and has dramatically improved since round 2.

[EasternWest]

Liam Jones has been huge. He has exceeded expectations and has helped settle our defence.

He has also allowed Keath, Bruce and Gardner become second and third defenders.

The stats also show our defence and defensive mindset has changed and has dramatically improved since round 2.

Someone on here the other day said something along the lines of Liam Jones has just been ok or a disappointment or something and I was like, "wut?".

[hujsh]

When we were 0-2 after a turning up of the toes against Melbourne and a surprise demolishing by the Aints, SACK BEVO was being shouted from the rooftops.

We have since gone 6-1. Our wins have included hard fought victories over the Lions, Blues and Tigers while our only loss was to a Port Power team who seem to have followed our path post disastrous end to 2021 (you're welcome). We very easily could have gone 7-0.

So, what changed? How did we get here? The great article from Cody Atkinson on the ABC (shared on here a few days back) detailed some of the reasons, but I think it is worth delving further in and giving our coaching staff some credit for the changes they've made.

The stories of Bevo getting up in front of the group and saying (paraphrased) "my tactics were wrong. They're not working and I set you up for failure. We need to change" is one of the most impressive pieces of leadership I've heard of in my time following AFL. I wonder what influence Lade on that?

So... What did he change?

- realised the 4 talls wasn't working. Increased our ability to pressure the forward 50 ground ball.
- changes in personnel - Darcy, McComb, West, Garcia, McLean saw more game time in the early rounds. Selections have generally been closely aligned with form, although JOD was very left field.
- position changes, but also positional stability - JJ to half back being the main one. Arty Jones given time and confidence to develop. Lobb given time and confidence to figure out his role in our system. Macrae reduced CBAs, increases for Daniel/Treloar. Williams and Baker locked to the wing roles.
- Bont beast mode

What else has changed? How have we been able to go 6-1?

Williams has been probably the best he's been since 21. That stability in his role might be why.

[Rocco Jones]

Williams has been probably the best he's been since 21. That stability in his role might be why.

I think Truck has provided us with more value than ever.

[SonofScray]

I think Truck has provided us with more value than ever.

I think if I had nicknames of Truck and Horse, and I’d been playing really well, I’d prefer the fans to run with Horse.

[jeemak]

I think if I had nicknames of Truck and Horse, and I?d been playing really well, I?d prefer the fans to run with Horse.

I guess it depends mostly on what you're compensating for. :)

[chef]

One thing that sticks out for me is the way we've tackled since the Saints game, we're putting a heap of heat into them now with Macrae the stand out.

[Mantis]

One thing that sticks out for me is the way we've tackled since the Saints game, we're putting a heap of heat into them now with Macrae the stand out.

Whilst I agree our tackling numbers are much improved, I can't agree that Macrae is the stand out... The Bont's tackling numbers are off the charts good over the past 7 games averaging 8 tackles per game.

[bornadog]

We trained the whole summer for a better defensive system, but come round 1 and 2 it wasn't working. I think Bevo tweaked it a bit and now we are one of the hardest teams to score against. This has also resulted in us not kicking big scores, but enough to win.

We have also changed up our midfield with Bont becoming more inside and smashing clearances yet he is also still good on the outside. Guys like Treloar, Smith are also spending more time at centre bounces, so our mix is better with one less mid to stick at HFF and then we are able to bring in an extra forward like Arty.

[GVGjr]

When we were 0-2 after a turning up of the toes against Melbourne and a surprise demolishing by the Aints, SACK BEVO was being shouted from the rooftops.

We have since gone 6-1. Our wins have included hard fought victories over the Lions, Blues and Tigers while our only loss was to a Port Power team who seem to have followed our path post disastrous end to 2021 (you're welcome). We very easily could have gone 7-0.

So, what changed? How did we get here? The great article from Cody Atkinson on the ABC (shared on here a few days back) detailed some of the reasons, but I think it is worth delving further in and giving our coaching staff some credit for the changes they've made.

The stories of Bevo getting up in front of the group and saying (paraphrased) "my tactics were wrong. They're not working and I set you up for failure. We need to change" is one of the most impressive pieces of leadership I've heard of in my time following AFL. I wonder what influence Lade on that?

So... What did he change?

- realised the 4 talls wasn't working. Increased our ability to pressure the forward 50 ground ball.
- changes in personnel - Darcy, McComb, West, Garcia, McLean saw more game time in the early rounds. Selections have generally been closely aligned with form, although JOD was very left field.
- position changes, but also positional stability - JJ to half back being the main one. Arty Jones given time and confidence to develop. Lobb given time and confidence to figure out his role in our system. Macrae reduced CBAs, increases for Daniel/Treloar. Williams and Baker locked to the wing roles.
- Bont beast mode

What else has changed? How have we been able to go 6-1?

Great thread Jazzadogs.

The shell shock and impact to the coaches and playing group in the manner in which the Dees dismantled us in round one could have easily carried over into round 2 against the Saints but that reduces the fact with how well the Saints played and prepared against us and how we also just had a very dirty day against them.
The magnitude of those losses and given the next game was against the highly rated Brisbane side certainly created a lot of conversations on here and every other sites questioning the Bevo's capability to manage and motivate us and even questioned the quality of our list.

I don't know if we have really recovered but more or less we simply got back to playing closer to our potential and there is still a way to go. From my perspective we still have a strong playing list and I'd imagine the coaching crew tweaked a few things but I remain optimistic that we haven't yet hit our potential and our best footy is still to come.

In summary, I don't think much has changed but maybe some tweaks here and there has resulted in an improved performance.

[Bulldog Joe]

When we were 0-2 after a turning up of the toes against Melbourne and a surprise demolishing by the Aints, SACK BEVO was being shouted from the rooftops.

..
The stories of Bevo getting up in front of the group and saying (paraphrased) "my tactics were wrong. They're not working and I set you up for failure. ...

If this actually happened it alone would be the biggest change from Bevo since 2016.

It seems he has started almost every season with a radical view and persisted with it until the season is almost done. As a consequence we have scraped into finals on a few occasions but with nothing to offer.

2021 was set up with a fantastic opening fixture that almost guaranteed the 6 zip start and we carried that momentum until we tanked a few late to miss top 4.

The fixture this year was set up to test us and the initial look only gave us the Saints game as relatively easy. We were clearly under prepared for them.

However, the change now has us well ahead of where we might have been giving that a 1-5 start would have been the expected result from 2022 form.

What is now needed is continued consistent effort without the throwing away of winnable games.
It is in our control to be top 4 if we bring the effort for full games every week.

[JanLorMill]

A big part of it is Libba. Ok Bont is great and Liam Jones has been a big difference but Libbas praises being sung by plenty of analysts. King, Bucks, Cornes and Champion data

[bulldogtragic]

Club Records for Clearances (1998 onward):

14 - MARCUS BONTEMPELLI (R8 2023)
14 - JACK MACRAE (R6 2023)
14 - Tom Liberatore (R22 2013)
14 - Simon Garlick (R10 1999)
13 - TOM LIBERATORE (R9 2023) & 9 Others

Honourable mention Bailey Smith 10 (Career Best) in Round 9, Adam Treloar 10 (Best of 11) in Round 4 & Caleb Daniel 8 (Career Best) in Round 9.

Leaders in the midfield are racking up huge numbers in this recent run of form.

[JanLorMill]

Honourable mention to Tim English, excellent before this week

[bornadog]

Club Records for Clearances (1998 onward):

14 - MARCUS BONTEMPELLI (R8 2023)
14 - JACK MACRAE (R6 2023)
14 - Tom Liberatore (R22 2013)
14 - Simon Garlick (R10 1999)
13 - TOM LIBERATORE (R9 2023) & 9 Others

Honourable mention Bailey Smith 10 (Career Best) in Round 9, Adam Treloar 10 (Best of 11) in Round 4 & Caleb Daniel 8 (Career Best) in Round 9.

Leaders in the midfield are racking up huge numbers in this recent run of form.




2023 AFL League Total Clearances Leaders (Minimum 2 Games Played)





Rank
Player
Team
Games
Clearances for Last Game
Total


1
Marcus Bontempelli (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/pp-western-bulldogs--marcus-bontempelli)
Bulldogs (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/th-western-bulldogs)
9
3 v Carlton, Round 9 (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/ft_match_statistics?mid=10829)
73


2
Lachie Neale (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/pp-brisbane-lions--lachie-neale)
Lions (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/th-brisbane-lions)
9
5 v Essendon, Round 9 (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/ft_match_statistics?mid=10828)
71


3
Matt Rowell (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/pp-gold-coast-suns--matt-rowell)
Suns (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/th-gold-coast-suns)
9
6 v West Coast, Round 9 (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/ft_match_statistics?mid=10824)
69


4
Darcy Parish (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/pp-essendon-bombers--darcy-parish)
Bombers (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/th-essendon-bombers)
8
9 v Port Adelaide, Round 8 (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/ft_match_statistics?mid=10820)
68


5
Patrick Cripps (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/pp-carlton-blues--patrick-cripps)
Blues (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/th-carlton-blues)
9
6 v Western Bulldogs, Round 9 (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/ft_match_statistics?mid=10829)
67


6
Noah Anderson (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/pp-gold-coast-suns--noah-anderson)
Suns (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/th-gold-coast-suns)
9
8 v West Coast, Round 9 (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/ft_match_statistics?mid=10824)
66


7
Caleb Serong (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/pp-fremantle-dockers--caleb-serong)
Dockers (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/th-fremantle-dockers)
9
8 v Sydney, Round 9 (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/ft_match_statistics?mid=10825)
64


8
Clayton Oliver (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/pp-melbourne-demons--clayton-oliver)
Demons (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/th-melbourne-demons)
9
5 v Hawthorn, Round 9 (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/ft_match_statistics?mid=10827)
60


9
Tim Taranto (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/pp-richmond-tigers--tim-taranto)
Tigers (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/th-richmond-tigers)
9
6 v Geelong, Round 9 (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/ft_match_statistics?mid=10823)
59


9
James Worpel (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/pp-hawthorn-hawks--james-worpel)
Hawks (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/th-hawthorn-hawks)
9
6 v Melbourne, Round 9 (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/ft_match_statistics?mid=10827)
59


11
Thomas Liberatore (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/pp-western-bulldogs--thomas-liberatore)
Bulldogs (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/th-western-bulldogs)
8
13 v Carlton, Round 9 (https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/ft_match_statistics?mid=10829)
56

[chef]

Whilst I agree our tackling numbers are much improved, I can't agree that Macrae is the stand out... The Bont's tackling numbers are off the charts good over the past 7 games averaging 8 tackles per game.

Im talking in the difference to what it was(effort not numbers), Macrae is putting a lot more heat into his tackles.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

*touch wood* we've had a decent run with injuries for the first time in Bevos tenure I would say. It's a positive but also a negative in that if we do get some longer term injuries, we don't have the depth at vfl level like we've had in the past.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Liam Jones has obviously been a huge difference (I think the single biggest) but id also like to mention Ed Richards. He's been fantastic not only with his run and carry but his actual defence.

If we can maintain this form and reduce the time our mids cbf'd, then its just our forward line that needs improvement. I can't work out if it's the delivery to our forwards or our forwards patterns or both that are the problem, but against Carlton the ball went in and came out too quickly. I thought the kicks to our forwards were always to the defenders advantage and for the most part their scores were driven by the surge of their hbfs.

Our structure has just looked 100 times better since round 2. It's rare to see an open opposition 50 anymore. The ball goes in there and we now seem to always have defenders back there which is a sight for sore eyes!

[angelopetraglia]

This is also going to help. We have statistically the third easiest run home. We have nine more games against teams currently not in the eight. Just winning those alone would have a close to top four.


R10: Adelaide (Mars)

R11: Gold Coast (TIO Stadium)

R12: Geelong (Marvel)

R13: Port Adelaide (Marvel)

R14: North Melbourne (Marvel)

R15: BYE

R16: Fremantle (Marvel)

R17: Collingwood (Marvel)

R18: Sydney Swans (SCG)

R19: Essendon (Marvel)

R20: GWS (Mars)

R21: Richmond (Marvel)

R22: Hawthorn (UTAS Stadium)

R23: West Coast (Marvel)

R24: Geelong (GMHBA)

The Bulldogs have a massive nine games to come against teams currently in the bottom 10 on the ladder, equal-second for most games against teams currently outside the top eight. They play only two games against current top-four teams, with both of those games at Marvel Stadium. Their last game will be tough, but the stretch before that game is extremely favourable.

[azabob]

Looking at that draw can we please shut down, delete and blow up this thread?

[bornadog]

Looking at that draw can we please shut down, delete and blow up this thread?


Well, to tell you the truth Aza, reading the thread not many have answered the OP. Most talk about individual players and not what we have done differently from round 3 as a team

[azabob]

Well, to tell you the truth Aza, reading the thread not many have answered the OP. Most talk about individual players and not what we have done differently from round 3 as a team

You know what BAD, I agree with you.

Having said that, how often on woof do we follow the OP's request! :D

[bornadog]

You know what BAD, I agree with you.

Having said that, how often on woof do we follow the OP's request! :D
Never :D:D

[Boots]

Looking at that draw can we please shut down, delete and blow up this thread?

I am going to quietly hope against hope that this is the year we utterly destroy the cats at their awful, grifted ground, showing them up for the ageing, entitled, borderline-fraudulent salary-cap-fiddlers that they are and putting the twin hoodoos of losing the last few games and never beating the cats at home to bed for good.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Looking at that draw can we please shut down, delete and blow up this thread?

ASAP.

To be fair, a lot of those teams not in the 8 aren't exactly flops. Freo, Sydney, Essendon, Richmond and Gold Coast aren't push overs. Most of them were expected to make the 8 this year.

Now more than ever the unequal draw is becoming a problem because the Eagles, roos and hawks are so bad theyvare basically guaranteed wins. Essendon, Melbourne and saints got 2 of them twice.

[angelopetraglia]

ASAP.

To be fair, a lot of those teams not in the 8 aren't exactly flops. Freo, Sydney, Essendon, Richmond and Gold Coast aren't push overs. Most of them were expected to make the 8 this year.

Now more than ever the unequal draw is becoming a problem because the Eagles, roos and hawks are so bad theyvare basically guaranteed wins. Essendon, Melbourne and saints got 2 of them twice.

Ha. Yes. Off topic. Some truth in the quality outside the top eight.

But let's be honest. The Swans are in diabolical trouble. The Bombers have lost four in a row and have some serious injuries to KP players. We easily beat Freo on their home deck and we would all be expecting a W at Marvel. Gold Coast are no push over, especially with the lottery of a trip to Darwin. But without Touk Miller they are gettable and we have some history of playing in Darwin. The Tigers back at full strength are a force to be reckoned with but by Round #21 they could already be cooked and basically packed up for the year.

Our turnaround since round #3 (see what I did there) has put in a great position to have a serious crack at 2023.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Ha. Yes. Off topic. Some truth in the quality outside the top eight.

But let's be honest. The Swans are in diabolical trouble. The Bombers have lost four in a row and have some serious injuries to KP players. We easily beat Freo on their home deck and we would all be expecting a W at Marvel. Gold Coast are no push over, especially with the lottery of a trip to Darwin. But without Touk Miller they are gettable and we have some history of playing in Darwin. The Tigers back at full strength are a force to be reckoned with but by Round #21 they could already be cooked and basically packed up for the year.

Our turnaround since round #3 (see what I did there) has put in a great position to have a serious crack at 2023.

Whilst I don't disagree with you, things can change very quickly so I'm just hoping for a healthy list for once and go from there.

[Dogs 24/7]

Its more or less confidence being restored in the game plan that has led to the recovery. We have since navigated some injuries and a terrible call to play Lobb when he injured and got back to playing the sort of football we should be. There is tendency for some on here to hose down expectations being placed on the club because it can come back and bite them but we really need to lift the focus not water it down. We cant keep saying that our supporters overrate the list if we fall short on achieving what we should. We dont need get out of jail free cards to be in play.

[angelopetraglia]

Whilst I don't disagree with you, things can change very quickly so I'm just hoping for a healthy list for once and go from there.

Yep. One week at a time. Live in the present. Let's get the job done this week. Let's enjoy the journey.

[mjp]

This is also going to help. We have statistically the third easiest run home.

LOL.
LOL.
LOL.

Now we know we have the 3rd easiest run home, what chance do we possibly have?

Dislike. Dislike. Dislike!!!

[Axe Man]

we have some history of playing in Darwin

Not sure our history will help much having not played there for 10 years.

Trivia question - only 5 players are still playing in the AFL from our team the last time we played in Darwin in 2013 (4 with us, 1 at another club). Can anybody name them without looking it up?

[Funke disco]

I have no idea and will not provide too much insight but when you consider that North got >80 points against us in the practice match it is clear now in hindsight, that we would make a soft kill early on while we were tweaking our defense. This was compounded by Jones missing from both games for considerable chunks. Since then we have been better at defending and I hope the team defense can continue to grow and build chemistry. This appears to have come at a cost of our attacking prowess, with better ball movement and decision making, not to mention a more cohesive forward set up that doesn't involve Jamarra and Naughton spoiling each other,I hope we can increase our scores and with that percentage to cement a top-4 spot

[hujsh]

Not sure our history will help much having not played there for 10 years.

Trivia question - only 5 players are still playing in the AFL from our team the last time we played in Darwin in 2013 (4 with us, 1 at another club). Can anybody name them without looking it up?

My guess is JJ Macrae Libba Jones (Might have been too early for Bont) and Hunter (or Stringer) could be either

[Axe Man]

My guess is JJ Macrae Libba Jones (Might have been too early for Bont) and Hunter (or Stringer) could be either

Nice work. Bont not drafted until the end of 2013. Hunter debuted later in the season, so Stringer was the other.

[Boots]

I said in another thread that the first two games burned me badly, and I don't think I've recovered form that. I've not really been watching full games because I still don't trust the team; I still don't know which bulldogs will show up.

That being said, When I did finally tune in to the fourth quarter, I gritted my teeth through the see-sawing because there was something there that I haven't seen this season, and between Libba, Smith and Arty, we just got it done with a bit of grit and a lot of class.

I like the comment in the OP about Bevo owning the mistake and making the change to the game plan. I hope it's true, because if it is it pretty much redeems him. It's tempting to read him as stuck in his ways and less flexible than he demands his players be, if those reports are accurate than that's just an incredible bit of leadership from him.

One of the commentators on Fox said during the weekend's game that this round is the one where fatigue starts to set in. I don't know if that's true but I hope it is, because if it is it means that despite starting slow, we've come out of the honeymoon period hardened and ready to keep going.

But I've seen Collingwood and Melbourne play football this year, so I'm not ready to go all in again.

[SonofScray]

I can't say with any certainty what has actually changed, but just on my own feeling and observations:

1. Physicality has lifted. While our tackling is still ordinary, the intent has gone up a notch and we are playing a more physically robust game. Bont has lead the charge there, adding a real bullocking element to his game. Jones is showing something up front in this respect, Macrae has returned to a more hard nosed approach after looking slow and soft. English is pretty strong in the contests now too.

2. I think we are kicking the ball longer more often. No stats to back it up, just a hunch based on Baker's efforts and Williams getting his hands on it more.

3. Best players are in good form, or better.


I'm not convinced we've turned the corner yet. Beat one of Adelaide or Geelong and deal with the Suns, I'd be more comfortable to frank our form. Go 3/3 I'll stick Bevo's badge back on my scarf and put away the axe until the end of the year.

[MrMahatma]

LOL.
LOL.
LOL.

Now we know we have the 3rd easiest run home, what chance do we possibly have?

Dislike. Dislike. Dislike!!!

Apparently it was the 8th hardest at the beginning of the season.

I don't look at Adelaide, GC, Rich and think "Certain win".

This weekend is huge.

[jazzadogs]

Well, to tell you the truth Aza, reading the thread not many have answered the OP. Most talk about individual players and not what we have done differently from round 3 as a team

Thanks BAD. I would really love to know what tactical changes have actually been observed. I haven't been able to attend in person as often as usual, and the telecast is horrible - so what has changed in our setups?

Has our zone adjusted? Are we playing more in the 'last line' which has prevented the 'out the back' goals? Or has that been done by increasing pressure on the ball carrier?

The stats are obvious that we are conceding less, defending the ground more easily, and rebounding more effectively - but I'd love to know HOW we're doing it.

I agree our pressure and defensive intent is better - but surely there is more to it than that. What did we get wrong in the first two rounds, and correct so effectively??

[bulldogsthru&thru]

I said in another thread that the first two games burned me badly, and I don't think I've recovered form that. I've not really been watching full games because I still don't trust the team; I still don't know which bulldogs will show up.

That being said, When I did finally tune in to the fourth quarter, I gritted my teeth through the see-sawing because there was something there that I haven't seen this season, and between Libba, Smith and Arty, we just got it done with a bit of grit and a lot of class.

I like the comment in the OP about Bevo owning the mistake and making the change to the game plan. I hope it's true, because if it is it pretty much redeems him. It's tempting to read him as stuck in his ways and less flexible than he demands his players be, if those reports are accurate than that's just an incredible bit of leadership from him.

One of the commentators on Fox said during the weekend's game that this round is the one where fatigue starts to set in. I don't know if that's true but I hope it is, because if it is it means that despite starting slow, we've come out of the honeymoon period hardened and ready to keep going.

But I've seen Collingwood and Melbourne play football this year, so I'm not ready to go all in again.

This was mentioned in the Libba thread. The fact that we've played on the road so much and also in some really wet slogs, we'd be gassed more than most. On top of that we were coming up against a really emotionally charged Carlton side with their backs against the wall. They hit the lead twice in the last quarter and we still responded. It was a superb win all things considered.

[Bulldog Joe]

Thanks BAD. I would really love to know what tactical changes have actually been observed. I haven't been able to attend in person as often as usual, and the telecast is horrible - so what has changed in our setups?

Has our zone adjusted? Are we playing more in the 'last line' which has prevented the 'out the back' goals? Or has that been done by increasing pressure on the ball carrier?

The stats are obvious that we are conceding less, defending the ground more easily, and rebounding more effectively - but I'd love to know HOW we're doing it.

I agree our pressure and defensive intent is better - but surely there is more to it than that. What did we get wrong in the first two rounds, and correct so effectively??

I really watch to enjoy and don't feel that I can be the analyst.

However, I have observed that we are less likely to be gifting the territory on turnover.

Particularly the GWS game we really were there to make them earn the goals even though they managed 4 in succession.

The second was from a scrimmage where English had got back and should have probably been paid the mark.
The third goal came when Richards covered the ground ball and was taken high with no free kick awarded.

In the earlier games against Melbourne, Saints and Richmond there was nobody there to contest and the goals just flowed.

I would say we have made a determined effort to be in position to defend. English gets back a lot and we have even had Jamarra and Naughton going back to help defend late in games.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Thanks BAD. I would really love to know what tactical changes have actually been observed. I haven't been able to attend in person as often as usual, and the telecast is horrible - so what has changed in our setups?

Has our zone adjusted? Are we playing more in the 'last line' which has prevented the 'out the back' goals? Or has that been done by increasing pressure on the ball carrier?

The stats are obvious that we are conceding less, defending the ground more easily, and rebounding more effectively - but I'd love to know HOW we're doing it.

I agree our pressure and defensive intent is better - but surely there is more to it than that. What did we get wrong in the first two rounds, and correct so effectively??

Wish I could help Jazza but I'm not observant enough to pick up on what exactly has changed.

I'd be curious to know what Bevo supposedly admitted to getting wrong.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

So it seems Bevo's ability to fess up that the preseason game plan was wrong as it seemed and changed it!
Incredible effort to then change plan maybe with Lade's support and the team adjusts and consolidates the changes. Very impressive.

[angelopetraglia]

Not sure our history will help much having not played there for 10 years.

Trivia question - only 5 players are still playing in the AFL from our team the last time we played in Darwin in 2013 (4 with us, 1 at another club). Can anybody name them without looking it up?

Ha. Time flies when you are having fun. I didn't think it was that long ago.

[Bulldog Joe]

Not sure our history will help much having not played there for 10 years.

Trivia question - only 5 players are still playing in the AFL from our team the last time we played in Darwin in 2013 (4 with us, 1 at another club). Can anybody name them without looking it up?

While we haven't been to Darwin for 10 years we have maintained a perfect record whenever we have played within the Tropical Latitudes since then.

[1eyedog]

Someone on here the other day said something along the lines of Liam Jones has just been ok or a disappointment or something and I was like, "wut?".

You're mixing here up with BF.

JJ and Richards off half back have been absolutely outstanding. Jones, Dale, Richards and JJ are the in form defence in the AFL at the moment. I can't think of a player who is teading water at the moment either if I'm honest, maybe Cody and Duryea but the latter has still been solid.

The improvement is across the board. Everyone has lifted again form 2022 levels. A sign the entire group is maturing.

[EasternWest]

You're mixing here up with BF.


Negative. I have never given BF more than a passing glance and certainly not in the last 5 years.

It was definitely on here as this is the only forum I use.

[Bulldog4life]

Negative. I have never given BF more than a passing glance and certainly not in the last 5 years.

It was definitely on here as this is the only forum I use.

I remember too EW. I too was shocked to read it. Come on whoever you are own up NOW

[1eyedog]

Negative. I have never given BF more than a passing glance and certainly not in the last 5 years.

It was definitely on here as this is the only forum I use.

Unbelievable!

[Scorlibo]

Someone on here the other day said something along the lines of Liam Jones has just been ok or a disappointment or something and I was like, "wut?".

Might have been my comment in the JOD debut thread EW?

I said I thought that he's been just okay this year with the caveat that his athleticism and physicality is a huge asset for our defence. In my view he's had a few quiet games where he hasn't had an impact, and the 'just okay' assessment is comparing his output to his last few years at Carlton, where he was a top line defender in the league. Don't get me wrong I've loved what he's brought to the side, he's clearly been our pillar in D50 and outperformed our other keys. Yet he's still below his best. Probably a bit harsh for a veteran who's spent a year out of the AFL and changed clubs, but hey that dominant showing against Norf in the pre season lingers in my mind.

[GVGjr]

Just on Jones, he's definitely popular with the playing group and at just about every session I see Arty talking to the bigger Jones.
He also seems to travel in with Lobb and the two of them appear to be close.
We can look at what he is achieving on the field and be happy enough and as Scorlibo highlights he still might not be at his best yet but the bigger picture also includes his off field contribution and that seems to be a positive as well.

[EasternWest]

Might have been my comment in the JOD debut thread EW?

I said I thought that he's been just okay this year with the caveat that his athleticism and physicality is a huge asset for our defence. In my view he's had a few quiet games where he hasn't had an impact, and the 'just okay' assessment is comparing his output to his last few years at Carlton, where he was a top line defender in the league. Don't get me wrong I've loved what he's brought to the side, he's clearly been our pillar in D50 and outperformed our other keys. Yet he's still below his best. Probably a bit harsh for a veteran who's spent a year out of the AFL and changed clubs, but hey that dominant showing against Norf in the pre season lingers in my mind.

We've found him gang. Let's round up the posse.

[bornadog]

We've found him gang. Let's round up the posse.

Nah, he makes sense

[EasternWest]

Nah, he makes sense

We found two of them gang. Let's round up the posse.

[1eyedog]

Nah, he makes sense

Does he? Jones' numbers are up across the board on his 2020 output and while he is getting two less touches a game than what he did in 2021 his rebound 50s are up and his marks and tackles are about the same.

Also, he had a very in form Jacob Weitering taking the number 1 forwards in 2021 who absolutely killed it so Jones is playing a slightly different role this season than what he did in 2021 (i.e. disposals down but effective spoils up).

Also interesting that Weitering has dropped off significantly since Jones departed.

[bornadog]

Does he? Jones' numbers are up across the board on his 2020 output and while he is getting two less touches a game than what he did in 2021 his rebound 50s are up and his marks and tackles are about the same.

Also, he had a very in form Jacob Weitering taking the number 1 forwards in 2021 who absolutely killed it so Jones is playing a slightly different role this season than what he did in 2021 (i.e. disposals down but effective spoils up).

Also interesting that Weitering has dropped off significantly since Jones departed.

Jones is that big body at 199cm that we have been craving and I actually liked Bruce in there as well for the same reason, ie a brute that can smash packs. We have been too feeble in the backline in the past.

[mjp]

Jones is that big body at 199cm that we have been craving and I actually liked Bruce in there as well for the same reason, ie a brute that can smash packs. We have been too feeble in the backline in the past.

I think we can all acknowledge that to this point Jones output has FAR FAR exceeded what was promised.

I remain concerned about the length of his contract but for mine his performances have been nothing short of brilliant - his willingness to leave his direct oppo to assist his team-mates in the air is selfless in attitude and - well - incredible in it's effect. It also encourages mids to head back to provide support as they KNOW and TRUST that Jones will come over the back and bring the ball to the ground (where they are) rather than going back and being repeatedly forced to compete in the air (clearly not their preferred situation).

[EasternWest]

I think we can all acknowledge that to this point Jones output has FAR FAR exceeded what was promised.

I remain concerned about the length of his contract but for mine his performances have been nothing short of brilliant - his willingness to leave his direct oppo to assist his team-mates in the air is selfless in attitude and - well - incredible in it's effect. It also encourages mids to head back to provide support as they KNOW and TRUST that Jones will come over the back and bring the ball to the ground (where they are) rather than going back and being repeatedly forced to compete in the air (clearly not their preferred situation).

I'm actually MORE pumped about his performances after the way you've described him.

[Axe Man]

I think we can all acknowledge that to this point Jones output has FAR FAR exceeded what was promised.

I remain concerned about the length of his contract but for mine his performances have been nothing short of brilliant - his willingness to leave his direct oppo to assist his team-mates in the air is selfless in attitude and - well - incredible in it's effect. It also encourages mids to head back to provide support as they KNOW and TRUST that Jones will come over the back and bring the ball to the ground (where they are) rather than going back and being repeatedly forced to compete in the air (clearly not their preferred situation).

If we get 2 years at something like his current output and a reduced return in year 3 I would still take that as a massive win.

[GVGjr]

If we get 2 years at something like his current output and a reduced return in year 3 I would still take that as a massive win.

He's such a positive around the group he could easily slide into a welfare type role if he is struggling in his 3rd season.

[Dogs 24/7]

Jones is that big body at 199cm that we have been craving and I actually liked Bruce in there as well for the same reason, ie a brute that can smash packs. We have been too feeble in the backline in the past.

Bruce smashes packs? Hes big and physically strong but Im not sure he really throws his weight around.

[angelopetraglia]

Bruce smashes packs? Hes big and physically strong but Im not sure he really throws his weight around.

When he is up and running he doesn't hesitate to use his physical presence to smash a pack. That was a real highlight of his forward craft for us even when he wasn't kicking goals. He would create a contest.

[Axe Man]

Bruce smashes packs? Hes big and physically strong but Im not sure he really throws his weight around.

BAD thought he was smashing packs of Twisties when he was fat shaming him a while back. ;)

[bornadog]

BAD thought he was smashing packs of Twisties when he was fat shaming him a while back. ;)

That was justified back then :D