Goodbye Season 2024

[bulldogtragic]

It wasn’t fun while it lasted, and now we have to fake a few months of interest.

[JanLorMill]

Like but dislike. Totally over footy ATM

[Eastdog]

We are still in until we mathematically can't make it but yes totally agree it is not looking good for the rest of this season and it is probably nearly curtains for us.

No where near it at the moment in terms of being a contender.

[my plums]

Don’t even get excited to watch the footy anymore :(

[G-Mo77]

Deep down I wrote it off after round 1 but yeah, that's pretty much it now.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

It wasn’t fun while it lasted, and now we have to fake a few months of interest.

Fake interest at your peril. I'm just gonna switch off. Don't even have the draft to look forward to.

This club needs a total reboot. Its cooked.

[merantau]

We had a brilliant start with 3 goals in 6 minutes and then turned into Mr Hyde. So hard to follow this team. The reality is that the 8 is slip sliding away and there ain't no sunshine when she's gone.

They say it's always darkest before the dawn but then it's a long day's journey into night. I fear I'm looking into the heart of darkness in 2024 abandoned by the one I love, standing like a stranger on the shore listening to the sound of silence.

Oh, for the day when you are the sunshine of my life again

[ledge]

So we rebooted all our assistants had a review of operations and this is what we have come up with ?

[Hotdog60]

I'm a sad person who does get up each week wanting to see the dogs go well. I like watching the Seniors, VFL and Women's and although some of our players frustrate the crap out of me I'll be there cheering them on the following week.
As far as the coach goes things are always changing in football and as long as the club is supporting the coach I wouldn't be calling for his head.
If Bevo decides to pull the pin or the club taps him on the shoulder I'd say thanks Bevo you were the best coach I have seen in my life time and them get behind the next coach.
The only one I couldn't warm to was Rhode I was even hoping MacCartney would prove some doubters wrong.
Game day I can just as pissed off as the rest of us but I still look forward to the following week ands the hope we can turn it around.
Maybe I'm just the eternal optimist or a masochist. :)

[Ozza]

The only chance we have for the remainder of the season to be watchable or enjoyable - is for the coaching change to happen and the refresh to start happening. We are going to be 5-9 or 4-10 at the bye with no 1st round draft pick - so its bloody grim.

If we don't make the change, the damage done to the playing group could be severe and will feel like a slow bleed. The right thing to do is to just call it now.

[Jasper]

So we rebooted all our assistants had a review of operations and this is what we have come up with ?

Doesn't that point to that we've got some problems on the field more than the coaches?

[Grantysghost]

Just mentioned in another post this is probably the least interesting season in recent memory. Definitely in Bevo's tenure.


We've got two talented players possibly out the door, and a young KPD languishing and maybe on the way home.

No first round draft pick to look forward to.

No chance of any finals action.

But.....

What we do have is a bunch of talented youngsters so that is where I will be aiming my attention for the rest of the season.

Darcy, Marra, Weightman, Clarke, Jones, Freijah, Gaggs, JOD, Sanders, Croft, West.

They've become my season!

#bemorebulldog and all that.

[Jasper]

The only chance we have for the remainder of the season to be watchable or enjoyable - is for the coaching change to happen and the refresh to start happening. We are going to be 5-9 or 4-10 at the bye with no 1st round draft pick - so its bloody grim.

If we don't make the change, the damage done to the playing group could be severe and will feel like a slow bleed. The right thing to do is to just call it now.

I find this very interesting just in the concept that a change will help the playing group.
Thanks for articulating it Ozza and it be something I look at if we do make a change.

[josie]

Great posts GG, Hotdog (I call it weekly amnesia? same same Steve Holt) & Merantau (stranger on the shore - you old fart, what about strangers in the night while you?re at it).

I?ll be cheering boys on, hoping for a miraculous resurrection, focusing on young ?uns and enjoying top of table vfl and refreshed AFLW. And humming tunes we oldies but goodies remember.

[SonofScray]

Another season over before we even fired a shot.

It was cooked in R1. We all saw it and we all know it.

[Ozza]

Another season over before we even fired a shot.

It was cooked in R1. We all saw it and we all know it.

Its the early season performances that continue to be an issue, and one that suggests that;

a) the plan Bevo and the coaches is coming up with isn't working - and eventually in-season we start doing less of the crazy selection and also alter a gameplan that isn't working. and/or
b) Bevo's idea of a good pre-season preparation isn't right and that how we are planning the off season is all wrong.

The evidence is this;

2018 - started 1-4, got to 4-9 and as bad as 5-13 before winning 3 of our last 4.
2019 - started 5-8 before rattling home to be 12-10 before getting belted in a final (GWS).
2020 - 2 beltings to start the year before going 10-7 and losing a final (7th)
2021 - obviously an outlier over this period.
2022 - lost first 2. Were 1-3, 2-4 and always under pressure before falling into 8th due to results in the last round and then lost a final.
2023 - belted in first two games again. On the edge of the 8 all year before missing finals.
2024 - Round 1 belting and now 3-5 and if all results go to the favourite we will be 4-9 most likely after 13 games.

[bornadog]

Its the early season performances that continue to be an issue, and one that suggests that;

a) the plan Bevo and the coaches is coming up with isn't working - and eventually in-season we start doing less of the crazy selection and also alter a gameplan that isn't working. and/or
b) Bevo's idea of a good pre-season preparation isn't right and that how we are planning the off season is all wrong.

The evidence is this;

2018 - started 1-4, got to 4-9 and as bad as 5-13 before winning 3 of our last 4.
2019 - started 5-8 before rattling home to be 12-10 before getting belted in a final (GWS).
2020 - 2 beltings to start the year before going 10-7 and losing a final (7th)
2021 - obviously an outlier over this period.
2022 - lost first 2. Were 1-3, 2-4 and always under pressure before falling into 8th due to results in the last round and then lost a final.
2023 - belted in first two games again. On the edge of the 8 all year before missing finals.
2024 - Round 1 belting and now 3-5 and if all results go to the favourite we will be 4-9 most likely after 13 games.

great analysis Ozza, but it worries me.

[merantau]

Great posts GG, Hotdog (I call it weekly amnesia? same same Steve Holt) & Merantau (stranger on the shore - you old fart, what about strangers in the night while you?re at it).

I?ll be cheering boys on, hoping for a miraculous resurrection, focusing on young ?uns and enjoying top of table vfl and refreshed AFLW. And humming tunes we oldies but goodies remember.

Just for you Josie. Enjoy.
https://youtu.be/_cEr4CCtllA?si=6Yc4m4GRiuvtfzVc

The tempo of this tune fits well with how we moved the ball out of defence yesterday.

"Strangers in the Night"? Well, when trying to connect with team mates we were like ships passing in the night - ships with no lights on.

[ledge]

Doesn't that point to that we've got some problems on the field more than the coaches?

I?m not sure the game plan has changed at all, if it has it?s not suiting the list.

[ledge]

Just for you Josie. Enjoy.
https://youtu.be/_cEr4CCtllA?si=6Yc4m4GRiuvtfzVc

The tempo of this tune fits well with how we moved the ball out of defence yesterday.

"Strangers in the Night"? Well, when trying to connect with team mates we were like ships passing in the night - ships with no lights on.

Titanic is about to hit the ice burg, can we turn in time ?

[josie]

Thanks Merantau, ahh Ackerman Bilk. Possibly sold with k-tel streak knives back in the day.

No Ledge, it?s too late. Time to strike up ?nearer, my dog, to thee?.

[ledge]

Thanks Merantau, ahh Ackerman Bilk. Possibly sold with k-tel streak knives back in the day.

No Ledge, it?s too late. Time to strike up ?nearer, my dog, to thee?.
Captain Beveridge ?
https://youtu.be/0uiIxAUmPMA?si=6uavDi_mbcNeUwC6

[Danjul]

I?m not sure the game plan has changed at all, if it has it?s not suiting the list.
Of course it has. Khamis Has gone from ruck to CHB.

[ledge]

Of course it has. Khamis Has gone from ruck to CHB.

Khamis mmm interesting, rather Keath or Gardiner.
Experience makes a huge difference in close games.

[kruder]

Deep down I wrote it off after round 1 but yeah, that's pretty much it now.

Yeah the same, I said to my mates that If the dogs loose to Melbourne we wouldn't make the 8. After an internal/external review, new coaches, new facilities, new fitness staff you would expect more first up but the alarm bells were ringing loudly after that performance.

[merantau]

Captain Beveridge ?
https://youtu.be/0uiIxAUmPMA?si=6uavDi_mbcNeUwC6

Thanks Ledge. Hadn't heard that number for yonks.

[ledge]

Thanks Ledge. Hadn't heard that number for yonks.

Sums us up pretty much.

[Dazza]

Hopefully we can debut Freijah at some point.

[josie]

Nice one Ledge. That was such a big hit and so different in a good way to other songs of same period.

[Can Bar]

Tough couple of days, the week is getting easier. Game day is approaching. 3-4 wins in a row and this feeling will be a distant memory. Time to get back on the horse.

[G-Mo77]

Tough couple of days, the week is getting easier. Game day is approaching. 3-4 wins in a row and this feeling will be a distant memory. Time to get back on the horse.

My horse died in Round 23 2023. :o

[Can Bar]

My horse died in Round 23 2023. :o

Hopefully you have bought a another?

[Danjul]

Tough couple of days, the week is getting easier. Game day is approaching. 3-4 wins in a row and this feeling will be a distant memory. Time to get back on the horse.
Last year in rounds 4 to about 10 we defeated Fremantle, Hawthorn, Richmond, Carlton and GWS. The last two played finals. Since then things have been disastrous. Two of those teams have already defeated us. Last match Hawthorn had 30+% more scoring shots than the Dogs. The source of the problem must be staring us in the face. You can?t have that fall without a reason.

And it is not anything to do with Macrae and Dale. That has simply been a distraction. Look at what has worked on Sunday - Bont kicks to Williams, goal - Baker kicks to English, goal. Easy. These plays are despite the game plan, not part of it. And people are calling for two of those participants to be dropped. We need to play to all players strengths ( for a change).

Otherwise there is no horse just a carcass.

[Can Bar]

You can?t have that fall without a reason.

There would be a heap of reasons, one that is regularly overlooked is the opposition, Hawks played ok. The competition can be very even. The analysis that gets done in the lead up to games is huge. What is your strength this week is taken away the next. Clubs review games from multiple angles, pull apart every contest, leading and running patterns. Think we have to back the club in to find the solutions.

[ledge]

There would be a heap of reasons, one that is regularly overlooked is the opposition, Hawks played ok. The competition can be very even. The analysis that gets done in the lead up to games is huge. What is your strength this week is taken away the next. Clubs review games from multiple angles, pull apart every contest, leading and running patterns. Think we have to back the club in to find the solutions.

You can also go over the top with micro managing opposition game plans . Plans change due to the opposition you play.
What works one week might not work the next.
We have a habit of losing to sides who have good players out as well.
Mitchell out smarted Bevo with game plan, only just but he did.

[Hotdog60]

Sorry this is a bit long but I thought I would have a look at our list and try and be subjective with the players as they currently stand.
I had 11 player get Automatic selection but 2 are on long term injury, a couple on the cusp if they produce a bit more and VDM is in there because he has traits if he could tidy things up.
The rest if someone was playing better in their position could be replaced. JJ drops down because his bread and butter is run and carry and he is just average this year.
20 players under 50 games with 5 of those 20 haven't played yet.
This is purely my opinion and other teams have the same sort of list but are the bit part players doing enough.

01 Adam Treloar - 239 games automatic if fit
02 Jamarra Ugle-Hagan - 51 games automatic if fit
03 Cody Weightman - 66 games automatic if fit
04 Marcus Bontempelli - 224 games automatic if fit
05 Jedd Busslinger - 0 games untried
06 Bailey Smith - 103 games injured
07 Rory Lobb - 163 games not a lock
08 Charli Clarke - 1 game too early
09 Ryley Sanders - 6 games shows promise
10 Sam Darcy - 14 games shows promise
11 Jack Macrae - 236 games not a lock
12 Harvey Gallagher - 8 games shows promise
13 Oskar Baker - 38 games not a lock
14 Rhylee West - 44 games on the cusp of being automatic
15 Taylor Duryea - 198 games not a lock
16 Jordan Croft - games untried
17 Nick Coffield - 54 games injured
18 James O'Donnell - 16 games shows promise
19 Liam Jones - 187 games automatic if fit
20 Ed Richards - 111 games automatic if fit
21 Tom Liberatore - 222 games injured
22 James Harmes - 156 games not a lock
23 Laitham Vandermeer - 52 games on the cusp of being automatic
24 Buku Khamis - 18 games not a lock
25 Caleb Poulter - 23 games not a lock
26 Dominic Bedendo - 2 games not a lock
27 Joel Freijah - 0 games untried
28 Anthony Scott - 57 games not a lock
29 Lachlan Bramble - 38 games not a lock
30 Lachlan McNeil - 43 games not a lock
31 Bailey Dale - 139 games automatic if fit
32 Arthur Jones - 13 games not a lock
33 Aaron Naughton - 131 games automatic if fit
34 Bailey Williams - 135 games not a lock
35 Caleb Daniel - 181 games not a lock
36 Luke Cleary - 5 games not a lock
37 Aiden O'Driscoll - 0 games untried
38 Riley Garcia - 22 games not a lock
39 Jason Johannisen - 195 games not a lock
40 Lachlan Smith - 0 games untried
42 Alex Keath - 104 games not a lock
43 Ryan Gardner - 53 games not a lock
44 Tim English - 116 games automatic if fit

[JanLorMill]

JJ Williams west are locks cos they play every week if available, Daniel and Macrae aren?t locks by choice, would be in other sides.

[bulldogtragic]

I think that’s it. Gave up 7%, the effective extra game in hand…

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Yeah I think we're done.

The injuries hurt, the way the fixture has been set up at this point of the year hurts and we have little room for error.

[bulldogtragic]

Yeah I think we're done.

The injuries hurt, the way the fixture has been set up at this point of the year hurts and we have little room for error.

Only question is what we give up for Sanders. It’s Pick 9 (after an Ashcroft bid). But could be higher.

If English leaves for compo and how bad Smith burns us.

[Testekill]

We pretty much needed to be as good as possible for the rest of the year to stand a chance of making finals. The only other chance of finals is to pretty much go perfect after the bye once we get back our forward line and some role players like Coffield and Harmes.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Only question is what we give up for Sanders. It’s Pick 9 (after an Ashcroft bid). But could be higher.

If English leaves for compo and how bad Smith burns us.

It's a shaky time for us.

He's just a kid but I'm getting concerned on what we gave up for Sanders. He'll get stronger and fitted, but there's a real inability in his game to take ground with his legs (never seems to get out of second gear). Perhaps he'll become an inside beast and be an accumulator but I'm not sure yet.

Key defender stocks are at retirement village age with Buss unsigned, uncertainty around English and Smith, no first pick this year....

Libba and Treloar can only fall from here.

Sounds doom and gloom, but I think it's obvious to see we have quite a bit to be concerned about.

[Grantysghost]

I don't think 24 ever started.

Been hard to watch since the get go.

[bulldogtragic]

It's a shaky time for us.

He's just a kid but I'm getting concerned on what we gave up for Sanders. He'll get stronger and fitted, but there's a real inability in his game to take ground with his legs (never seems to get out of second gear). Perhaps he'll become an inside beast and be an accumulator but I'm not sure yet.

Key defender stocks are at retirement village age with Buss unsigned, uncertainty around English and Smith, no first pick this year....

Libba and Treloar can only fall from here.

Sounds doom and gloom, but I think it's obvious to see we have quite a bit to be concerned about.

For sure, we need some list fixes immediately or we’ll burn through next year at least too.

Then do we fire sale Lobb, Daniel &/or Macrae who are shadows of themselves?

But we’ve signed everyone long term so, list spots are thin too…

[jeemak]

Sanders will be fine, I have no issues with the collateral used to secure him.

Some of the first seasons by recent top draftees have been unusually good, and many of them have been padded with favourable positioning (i.e. behind the ball).

If what we're doing with him pays off we'll have an extremely hardened midfielder who's had to take a few knocks early in order to get on the level.

[jeemak]

I don't think 24 ever started.

Been hard to watch since the get go.

I've enjoyed this year way more than the previous two, because there's at least been a change in tack with personnel, positioning and style, with some green shoots.

Prior to being injured Naughton's game was unbelievable. Marra is facing challenges but is going at career high numbers. Our depth has been replaced and it's interesting to see how it's going, we have JF and Gags getting an extended run with Garcia and West being given an opportunity to shine.

We're also fighting our tits off with injuries and seeing how far we can push ourselves to cover them.

Doing nothing was never an option that should have been taken, and I'm glad it wasn't. I'd much rather watch this than the slow death of the last couple of years.

[SonofScray]

I don't think 24 ever started.

Been hard to watch since the get go.

It hasn’t. It has felt like a hiding to nothing, but there’s been a few glimmers of hope and some back bone emerge. And Darcy.

Still time for things to go very sour, fear it will, but the bad this year feels less bad than last year.

[GVGjr]

Sanders will be fine, I have no issues with the collateral used to secure him.

Some of the first seasons by recent top draftees have been unusually good, and many of them have been padded with favourable positioning (i.e. behind the ball).

If what we're doing with him pays off we'll have an extremely hardened midfielder who's had to take a few knocks early in order to get on the level.

Same here, we moved up the order to position ourselves for a couple of players and sometimes clubs need to be bold and brave.
We should be looking forward not backwards regarding last years draft. If Smith stays we will have some added midfield depth if he leaves we will have some draft currency. I link the two names because I believe we wanted to invest in the draft last year like we did because of some doubts about Smith staying.
We are well placed.

[merantau]

I'm keeping my powder dry until next week's game plays out. Beat Freo and we're still in the hunt. Lose and pushing the proverbial uphill with a square wheeled barrow.

It would not be a surprise to me to win next week. Why? You might well ask. First, there's the effect of cold, hard, reality. The players, the coaches know it's crunch time. Secondly, I don't think it's possible that we can be so thoroughly shafted by the umpires two weeks running. Thirdly, we'll have Richards back and Libba will be better for having had a run. Fourthly, when you've followed the Dogs since 1956 you can only be but one thing: A PRISONER OF HOPE! GO DOGS!

[Sedat]

I'm keeping my powder dry until next week's game plays out. Beat Freo and we're still in the hunt. Lose and pushing the proverbial uphill with a square wheeled barrow.

It would not be a surprise to me to win next week. Why? You might well ask. First, there's the effect of cold, hard, reality. The players, the coaches know it's crunch time. Secondly, I don't think it's possible that we can be so thoroughly shafted by the umpires two weeks running. Thirdly, we'll have Richards back and Libba will be better for having had a run. Fourthly, when you've followed the Dogs since 1956 you can only be but one thing: A PRISONER OF HOPE! GO DOGS!
Our midfield could not perform any worse than they did last night. I can't recall a full game where we have been so comprehensively smashed in that area in many a year - we've had horrible patches within games before many a time, but last night was a full 120 minute capitulation.

We shore up our midfield and clearance work next week and we can and should win. Richards coming back is so important - he is an absolute jet and provides maximum damage from his clearance work. I'm also happy to give Libba the first up rusty excuse.

[azabob]

The Run Home

RD16) North at Marvel
RD17) Power away
RD18) Carlton at Marvel
RD 19) Cats at Sedat park
RD20) Swans at the SCG
RD21) Melbourne at Marvel
RD22) Crows away
RD23) North at Marvel
RD24) Giants at Ballarat.

Season is well and truly alive and in our own destiny.

Sydney is concerning but gettable, closely followed by Carlton and will come down to the midfield battle. The rest we should go in confident.

[hujsh]

The Run Home

RD16) North at Marvel
RD17) Power away
RD18) Carlton at Marvel
RD 19) Cats at Sedat park
RD20) Swans at the SCG
RD21) Melbourne at Marvel
RD22) Crows away
RD23) North at Marvel
RD24) Giants at Ballarat.

Season is well and truly alive and in our own destiny.

Sydney is concerning but gettable, closely followed by Carlton and will come down to the midfield battle. The rest we should go in confident.

Yeah... I could also see us losing all but North. It's a real toss up but if we make finals we should go in with some confidence we belong a bit like GWS last year

[Go_Dogs]

Can’t see us losing another game to be honest.

[comrade]

That is a ****ing brutal run home.

[Bigdog]

If they make the finals they can genuinely win a flag this year.

Season is wide open and our best is as good as anyone?s. Our best football has been 7-8 goals off the best the last 2 years. I haven?t thought we were capable at any point the last 2 seasons.

[Go_Dogs]

North - smashable
Port - hopeless. Will flog them
Blues - reaching the point of the year they choke. Lock it in
Cats - looking old and slow
Swans - we always beat them at the scg for unifying big boy road wins. Lock it in
Melbourne - can’t wait to thump them. Horrible club of horrible plodders
Crows - joke of a club, season already over. 100 point win
North - bring back Bruce for another 10 goal haul.
GWS - Ballarat revenge time.


Yep. Literally can’t see us dropping one.

[bornadog]

The Run Home

RD16) North at Marvel
RD17) Power away
RD18) Carlton at Marvel
RD 19) Cats at Sedat park
RD20) Swans at the SCG
RD21) Melbourne at Marvel
RD22) Crows away
RD23) North at Marvel
RD24) Giants at Ballarat.

Season is well and truly alive and in our own destiny.

Sydney is concerning but gettable, closely followed by Carlton and will come down to the midfield battle. The rest we should go in confident.

Need to change the thread heading.

We can win the majority of those games. Carlton and Sydney the toughest

[merantau]

How things change. At the end of Round 8 I confidently asserted to a mate that the top 4 was settled - Swans Geelong, Melbourne and Collingwood ( not in any particular order). Carlton and GWS to battle for 5th and 6th and the last two spots were up for grabs between the rest minus Hawthorn, Richmond, West Coast and North.
Now the only certainty is the the Swans will finish top.

[comrade]

North - smashable
Port - hopeless. Will flog them
Blues - reaching the point of the year they choke. Lock it in
Cats - looking old and slow
Swans - we always beat them at the scg for unifying big boy road wins. Lock it in
Melbourne - can?t wait to thump them. Horrible club of horrible plodders
Crows - joke of a club, season already over. 100 point win
North - bring back Bruce for another 10 goal haul.
GWS - Ballarat revenge time.


Yep. Literally can?t see us dropping one.

North - midfield starting to click, won?t be pushovers.
Port - similar to us, never quite sure what you?ll get but I?m probably the most confident in this one out of them all (which means we?ll lose)
Blues - our defence made Hipwood look like peak Buddy, I fear what Curnow will do.
Cats - they could roll out a team of toddlers and still beat us at that shit hole
Swans - we?ll probably win that
Melbourne - still spooked by freed from desire, Gawn will once again be Timmy?s father
Crows - should win, but away from home who knows. 50/50
North - we play them again? The fixture is a joke
GWS - that worked out well for us last year. 50/50 at best

[bornadog]

Comrade you missed Port

[comrade]

Comrade you missed Port

Whoops, edited.

[Eastdog]

We are still in it until we are mathematically out.

Some tough games to come but very winnable as well if we are good enough. We have had some really solid wins this year and the losses have not been crazy.

The key is consistency now if we are any chance.

[Sedat]

In the 2 games that caused such heartburn, one was against a team who has been top 4 most of the last few weeks and the other was against a team that is on a hot streak only bettered by Sydney.

This year is the most "any given Sunday" season I can recall. Throw a blanket over everyone from Carlton all the way to Brisbane - it is that tight. Good health at the right time will have a massive say in who wins the flag this year.

We have developed a turnover game almost in secret and also kept our clearance/stoppage game intact most weeks, all while doing it with a number of changes in personnel/structure on the run. To get to parity at the bye gives us the chance to rest up and reload for a strong burst whilst getting almost all our troops back. We have the capacity to go on a run if we are good enough - I know we have some difficult matches coming up but I suspect all our future opponents will not look forward to playing us the rest of the season.

[FrediKanoute]

7-7 at the bye. Out of the 8 by half a game. Out of the top 4 by 2 games, but with a percentage that would put us 2nd.

Loads to play for and loads of shuffling. From 2nd through to 13th all teams are a reasonable chance of making the 8 and possibly the top 4. Our run home is not easy, but we have a lot of 8 point games so destiny is in our hands. At our best we are top 4. Just need to avoid games like the Brissy, Essendon and Melbourne games.

[bulldogtragic]

Liveladders has us with 6 wins for the rest of the year. Finishing 7th, owing to percentage.

With the responsibility to beat Essendon in finals again at 6th. To keep the run going.

No pressure. But liveladders has it on us to make 17 clubs happy for another year.

[Bulldog Joe]

Liveladders has us with 6 wins for the rest of the year. Finishing 7th, owing to percentage.

With the responsibility to beat Essendon in finals again at 6th. To keep the run going.

No pressure. But liveladders has it on us to make 17 clubs happy for another year.

We will finish 4th and play Sydney in Sydney in first final.

That means we avoid them until the GF.
Someone else will need to take Essendon out if they hang on to a finals spot.

[Rocket Science]

If we stay focused, do our job and simply account for the mobs we're reasonably expected to (which of course we're especially renowned for) en route to a 6-3 tally down the stretch you'd be nursing some satisfaction until a few ladder predictor simulations predicated on fairly mundane results reveal we could still easily miss by a game.

Barring a collapse of Essendonian proportions I reckon the current top 6 make the cut, Brisbane finds a way in, and it's a colossal shitfight for the remaining spot.

Assuming Melbourne basically pack it in and revert to the Melbourne we all know and love, it'd be extra helpful if Freo continue to run hot and cold and Port get progressively more wobbly which we can have a direct hand in, in a couple of weeks.

That aside, that final home and away versus the Giants looms yuge.

[Mat Lyons]

For sure, we need some list fixes immediately or we?ll burn through next year at least too.

Then do we fire sale Lobb, Daniel &/or Macrae who are shadows of themselves?

But we?ve signed everyone long term so, list spots are thin too?

As the Opening Poster, you put the cue in the rack, saying our season was over in May and now looking to 'fix the list' and Fire Sale three critically important players. Owch!

[bulldogtragic]

As the Opening Poster, you put the cue in the rack, saying our season was over in May and now looking to 'fix the list' and Fire Sale three critically important players. Owch!

Yes. I think we are still one win behind finishing in the 8. Interesting you might have missed what I asked (a question) do we move on player or players (see &/or) with rumoured interest from other clubs for strategic list management purposes. I’d read the quoted post. Good to see you posting without a url link.

[EasternWest]

As the Opening Poster, you put the cue in the rack, saying our season was over in May and now looking to 'fix the list' and Fire Sale three critically important players. Owch!

Lobb and Daniel aren't critically important, and while I still think Macrae has something to offer I'm not sure I'd put him in the "critically important" group either.

[bulldogtragic]

Lobb and Daniel aren't critically important, and while I still think Macrae has something to offer I'm not sure I'd put him in the "critically important" group either.

It certainly is a unique perspective. Lobb got a game to injuries, Daniel has had a poor year by and large and the jury is out on Macrae, but here’s hoping they can all have strong finishes to the season. Not sure they’re critical to long term success in a vacuum either.

[Mat Lyons]

Here come the Western Bulldogs.

The mighty men from Footscray have won five of their last seven matches. This run has included impressive wins over the Magpies, Dockers and Giants, despite significant challenges with missing personnel. It could have been six wins, had they not suffered in-game injuries to Aaron Naughton, Ed Richards and Tony Scott in the narrow defeat to Sydney.

And now, with virtually their entire list available, there is an enormous and exciting opportunity ahead, that would have Bulldogs' fans salivating.

To simplify things, 13 wins guarantees finals. The Bulldogs are currently on eight wins and therefore need to claim victory in five of the last eight rounds.

Whilst every match is challenging, the Dogs will enter games against Adelaide and North Melbourne as heavy favorites. As serious contenders, they must win both. They also take on Geelong, Melbourne, Port Adelaide and GWS - all who have big question marks over their form and credentials. Win three of those and the finals are certain.

While the Dogs could drop their other two games against Sydney and Carlton, they are certainly capable of upsetting either of those, on their day.

So where has this renaissance come from?

The form of their 'Rolls Royce', Marcus Bontempelli has been instrumental to their purple patch. The Skipper has somehow elevated his status, and has no peers in his class division across the league.

But to single out 'The Bont', would be to discredit the dominance and importance of Adam Treloar, Tom Liberatore, Jack Macrae and Richards. That foursome have played a critical support role to the Captain, and must take credit for the supply to their forwards, which have the Bulldogs in the top three scoring teams in the competition.

Up forward, they have three of the most exciting talls going around. Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has superstardom at his doorstep, Naughton's return has defenders quivering and Sam Darcy is emerging as a young master. At their heels, Cody Weightman and Rhylee West have shown their scoreboard craft and an ability to challenge opponents aerially also.

The 'Dogs have been screaming for greater stability in their backline, and Luke Beveridge may have masterminded another unlikely positional change that could pay major dividends. Following Bevo's much-lauded move to inject Richards into the engine room, he may have engineered another critical piece to the puzzle, after the performnce of Rory Lobb in defence against the Kangaroos. Lobb combined with Liam Jones to clunk 18 marks and have 21 intercepts, in an ominous warning to opposition forwards. His athleticism, closing speed and physical frame, have caused the experts to re-think their assessment of the much-maligned big man.

To make things more appetising, Norm Smith Medalist Jason Johannisen will be available for selection this week. His run and carry will compliment the Dogs' slingshot style which will trouble most teams in September.

Speed has been a major focus since last year's review of the Football Department, conducted by Peter Jackson. The Bulldogs have opted for a more fleet-footed outfit, which has seen emergence of Lachie Bramble and Harvey Gallagher, while jets Bailey Dale, Laitham Vandermeer and Oscar Baker have been lethal at times with their gut-running and surging style.

In the VFL, Caleb Daniel and Riley Garcia were amongst the best two performers on the weekend, while James Harmes' return from a hamstring strain was also very strong. Suddenly the depth has returned and selection squeeze is on.

Bubbling quietly behind closed doors is the progress of Bulldog favorite-son, Bailey Smith. Sources indicate that Smith may return to playing in the first week of September, which would give his previously unlikely return, some hope. Allow your mind to imagine the sight of the mulletted stallion streaming down the wing in finals, if you dare.

Yes, the Dogs are coming, and all teams are hoping they won't have to face them in September.

[bulldogtragic]

I think this is us. Not sure we’ve got 5 wins in the way home.

[merantau]

I am usually an optimist but I fear our season will end after a loss to Carlton next week. And if by some miracle we win it will certainly finish the following week down at Geelong. They are giving Hawthorn a real touch up at the moment and lead by seven goals

[1eyedog]

Agreed that was a Peter Rhode era performance. Started meekly and was flattered on the scoreboard at the end.

Did anyone other than Adam Treloar even care when it mattered?

[chef]

Carlton
Geelong(A)
Sydney(A)
Melbourne

Our next month is brutal. Stick a fork in us.

[1eyedog]

Port were always getting up for this at home.

[Grantysghost]

Carlton
Geelong(A)
Sydney(A)
Melbourne

Our next month is brutal. Stick a fork in us.

Yes, next year it is.

[GVGjr]

It's getting increasingly harder to believe this team can do something positive in the finals and I think I've been upbeat on our chances this year. We've just fluffed our chances in the games that could have gotten this season on track.
We don't really need to change our approach as we are developing some of the younger players but to me our forward while capable of some brilliance is just too inconsistent

[bulldogtragic]

Yes, next year it is.

Been saying that a bit in recent years. Just need luck and nothing else to rectify things.

[Testekill]

We have to be perfect from here to stand a chance in the finals.

[merantau]

We don't have the depth needed to cover injuries and cover for our very good players when some of them have a bad day. Put Jones, Weightman, JJ and Smith in that side and we are much better but we are still wide of the mark, IMO.

[Eastdog]

Going to be really tough now. That fixture is mighty difficult to make the 8 but we are still in the hunt at this moment in time.

We have been consistently inconsistent and that is not a good trait to have if you want to be a successful team.

[merantau]

Going to be really tough now. That fixture is mighty difficult to make the 8 but we are still in the hunt at this moment in time.

We have been consistently inconsistent and that is not a good trait to have if you want to be a successful team.

It is so weird. Three weeks ago we smashed the Dockers by 50 points. Since then they've beaten the Suns at home by a couple of goals, gone to Sydney and beat them by a point and yesterday smashed the Tigers. They are now 3rd.

We've had a bye, beaten an improved North and been monstered by Port who, the week before, fell in by a point against St Kilda who we slaughtered by 13 goals earlier in the year.

[Grantysghost]

It is so weird. Three weeks ago we smashed the Dockers by 50 points. Since then they've beaten the Suns at home by a couple of goals, gone to Sydney and beat them by a point and yesterday smashed the Tigers. They are now 3rd.

We've had a bye, beaten an improved North and been monstered by Port who, the week before, fell in by a point against St Kilda who we slaughtered by 13 goals earlier in the year.
And got hammered by the Lions last time out at home by 14 goals.

[merantau]

And got hammered by the Lions last time out at home by 14 goals.

Indeed. We have been awful on too many occasions for my liking. But we have been very good too at times.

[bornadog]

Indeed. We have been awful on too many occasions for my liking. But we have been very good too at times.

If you look at the 8 (right now), we have beaten 3, lost to 4 and haven't played 1 (blues). 2 losses were close, Geelong 4 points and Swans 14 points, and two losses a blow out

[Scorlibo]

This loss hits different for mine. Just about every other significant loss this season there's been a saving grace. Eg. Melbourne playing a game before us in Round 1, poor goalkicking against Essendon, two down on the bench for a half of footy against Sydney, injury depleted against Brisbane.

But yesterday there's not one facet of our game or peculiarity in circumstance that if changed would result in a win. We were just terrible in every respect. The team needs to regroup and have a strong week on the track to turn things around. It's not season over because we know our best football is at the standard.


Carlton
Geelong(A)
Sydney(A)
Melbourne

Our next month is brutal. Stick a fork in us.

It feels like this year we're playing every team at the wrong time.

We get 2x games against post-bye-North.
Geelong on an unbeaten streak early in the season, and again after they've had their patch of shockers.
Melbourne's looking like turning things around before we play them again.
We played Hawthorn at the start of their winning streak.

Only game where I feel like the timing favoured us was the Giants. Super tough draw this year.

[mjp]

Yes, next year it is.

To quote you:


Woah woah take that frown and turn it upside down MP! :cool:

I know everyone seemed to have Jedi mind-tricked themselves into think Port were no good and we were just gonna win, wins in Adelaide just don't happen too often.

We're EXACTLY where "we*" thought we would be going into this week.

(* - We are people who understand that beating PA in Adelaide is very hard and that other teams on the ladder have to play games as well...and some of them win (Essendon) and some of them lose (Gold Coast, Collingwood).

It's not over yet.

[Grantysghost]

To quote you:



I know everyone seemed to have Jedi mind-tricked themselves into think Port were no good and we were just gonna win, wins in Adelaide just don't happen too often.

We're EXACTLY where "we*" thought we would be going into this week.

(* - We are people who understand that beating PA in Adelaide is very hard and that other teams on the ladder have to play games as well...and some of them win (Essendon) and some of them lose (Gold Coast, Collingwood).

It's not over yet.

Port are no good and we should have done better! :cool:
I stand by it.

[mjp]

But yesterday there's not one facet of our game or peculiarity in circumstance that if changed would result in a win.


Disagree.

Did you see that backline we rolled out yesterday.

Our key backs were:

Lobb - 2nd game in the role. (Well, he played 1/4 back there vs GWS last year as well I guess).
JOD - Game 15 or something - after not having played footy for 2 years...and then he got concussed.
Coffield - Um - 3rd game in 3 years and 1st game in 3 months.
Khamis - Has repeatedly shown he is simply not an AFL player (come at me!) and is incredibly inexperienced.

That's what we rolled out...Port GET THE BALL. They run out of stop with intent...This was going to take a mighty effort and what we got was a 'pretty good' effort where a lot of stuff went wrong in q1. We fought it out pretty well...

Honestly not sure what everyone expects (not meant as a personal comment, just don't get the angst about an interstate loss against a good side with our best defender unavailable).

All that said, is it bad we rely on Jones so much? Well, yeah. But we do!!

[mjp]

Port are no good and we should have done better! :cool:
I stand by it.

Why do you think PA are no good?

I've battled all week with this narrative.

[Grantysghost]

Why do you think PA are no good?

I've battled all week with this narrative.

Bergman.

[bornadog]

Why do you think PA are no good?

I've battled all week with this narrative.

With Rozee back in the team, they have come good again

[Grantysghost]

With Rozee back in the team, they have come good again

Last 5

L - 36 points v Carlton at home.
L - 22 points v GWS away.
L - 79 points v Lions home.
W - 2 points v Saints away.
W - 48 points v Dogs home.

And they beat the Hawks at home with an arsey goal right at the death.

This is not a serious contender and there's a clear stand out game in that lot.

Re Saints they weren't as good as they are today last week.

[jeemak]

Last 5

L - 36 points v Carlton at home.
L - 22 points v GWS away.
L - 79 points v Lions home.
W - 2 points v Saints away.
W - 48 points v Dogs home.

And they beat the Hawks at home with an arsey goal right at the death.

This is not a serious contender and there's a clear stand out game in that lot.

Re Saints they weren't as good as they are today last week.

So they were in a slump or have they been that bad all year? It's a rhetorical question.

Port at Adelaide Oval on a Saturday afternoon when you have a couple of major outs and an unstable defence is difficult even if Port were actually ordinary. But they're not bad and showed us what happens if we aren't on our game.

[FrediKanoute]

So they were in a slump or have they been that bad all year? It's a rhetorical question.

Port at Adelaide Oval on a Saturday afternoon when you have a couple of major outs and an unstable defence is difficult even if Port were actually ordinary. But they're not bad and showed us what happens if we aren't on our game.

Bang on. The comp is so even that a few players make a difference. Our backline was way too inexperienced.

What it means for 2024 is that we have a battle. At our best we will worry most teams.

[Grantysghost]

I think it's says more about how shizen our defense is.


Jones fell into our lap how's our defensive long term planning looking.

Don't narc but I said this prior to the season and was why I thought we wouldn't make finals.

[Grantysghost]

So they were in a slump or have they been that bad all year? It's a rhetorical question.

Port at Adelaide Oval on a Saturday afternoon when you have a couple of major outs and an unstable defence is difficult even if Port were actually ordinary. But they're not bad and showed us what happens if we aren't on our game.

Yep fair.

I don't rate them at all, but if they get their tails up at home they're hard to stop. For them to give Bevo his second worst first half ever was not good enough.

[jeemak]

Yep fair.

I don't rate them at all, but if they get their tails up at home they're hard to stop. For them to give Bevo his second worst first half ever was not good enough.

I was a bit surprised that was tracking as his worst ever first half for a while there.

[Scorlibo]

Disagree.

Did you see that backline we rolled out yesterday.

Our key backs were:

Lobb - 2nd game in the role. (Well, he played 1/4 back there vs GWS last year as well I guess).
JOD - Game 15 or something - after not having played footy for 2 years...and then he got concussed.
Coffield - Um - 3rd game in 3 years and 1st game in 3 months.
Khamis - Has repeatedly shown he is simply not an AFL player (come at me!) and is incredibly inexperienced.

That's what we rolled out...Port GET THE BALL. They run out of stop with intent...This was going to take a mighty effort and what we got was a 'pretty good' effort where a lot of stuff went wrong in q1. We fought it out pretty well...


Would love to have you coaching the guys this week with that optimism!

The discount defence did alright I'll give you that. But if Jones and Keath are in the team, does it change the result? Don't think so.

[Mantis]

So they were in a slump or have they been that bad all year? It's a rhetorical question.

Port at Adelaide Oval on a Saturday afternoon when you have a couple of major outs and an unstable defence is difficult even if Port were actually ordinary. But they're not bad and showed us what happens if we aren't on our game.

And don't give any respect to the opposition.

We did absolutely nothing to try and curb the influence of their mids and allowed their HB's way too much space to operate in which meant our (undermanned) defence was left horribly exposed.

Factor in we fluffed whatever opportunities we have in Q1 to rest back some momentum and you're left with the shit-show we viewed.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

And don't give any respect to the opposition.

We did absolutely nothing to try and curb the influence of their mids and allowed their HB's way too much space to operate in which meant our (undermanned) defence was left horribly exposed.

Factor in we fluffed whatever opportunities we have in Q1 to rest back some momentum and you're left with the shit-show we viewed.

Yep. This was down to one of those (all too common) bad losses where we look lazy and uninspired. This was not one of those Sydney losses.

I think most fans are fairly fatigued of how inconsistent our efforts are week to week.

[mjp]

Would love to have you coaching the guys this week with that optimism!

The discount defence did alright I'll give you that. But if Jones and Keath are in the team, does it change the result? Don't think so.

Well...it changes the mindset of the players. I think you're deadset crazy if you think it doesn't.

Now - should the coaches have done a better job of building belief? Well...maybe. But to me this isn't like Santa Claus - you have to SEE IT to BELIEVE IT. And until the team get confidence with a Lobb/JOD led defensive group, the mindset wont be right...those guys were going OK and the lift in effort and intent was noticeable.

Were we beaten before we ran out? Yep. Were PA energised due to the same reasons before they ran out? Of course...they would have been rubbing their bloody hands together...talk about spoon an extra spoonful of sugar on your weetbix games - they would have been jumping out of their skins looking at our line-up. If you think for a second this isn't what happens when top teams play teams they don't rate, well...you're wrong. So often they come flying out of the gates 'cos that's their mindset - and the lower ranked team just has to do ANYTHING they can to hang on...and if they can, it's amazing what happens. Just ask the Saints.

We weren't ready and we couldn't hang on. That's that. Did we recover and fight it out? YES.

[The Adelaide Connection]

Disagree.

Did you see that backline we rolled out yesterday.

Our key backs were:

Lobb - 2nd game in the role. (Well, he played 1/4 back there vs GWS last year as well I guess).
JOD - Game 15 or something - after not having played footy for 2 years...and then he got concussed.
Coffield - Um - 3rd game in 3 years and 1st game in 3 months.
Khamis - Has repeatedly shown he is simply not an AFL player (come at me!) and is incredibly inexperienced.

That's what we rolled out...Port GET THE BALL. They run out of stop with intent...This was going to take a mighty effort and what we got was a 'pretty good' effort where a lot of stuff went wrong in q1. We fought it out pretty well...

Honestly not sure what everyone expects (not meant as a personal comment, just don't get the angst about an interstate loss against a good side with our best defender unavailable).

All that said, is it bad we rely on Jones so much? Well, yeah. But we do!!

This.

Honestly, I am not sure what everyone expected. I changed my tip to them on the basis that I could see that even if we did play well that they would likely score every time they went in.

I said this somewhere else- aside that disastrous first quarter where nothing went right (and we still should have had 4 goals), they outscored us by only 2.6 for the other three quarters.

If I was a Port supporter I would be a bit pissed off they didn't get up by 100 tbh.

[my plums]

What are we going to say if we win this week? Season back on? We could be 8th at the end of the round if other results go our way. (can't see the tiges beating the giants but stranger things are happening every week)

[Eastdog]

What are we going to say if we win this week? Season back on? We could be 8th at the end of the round if other results go our way. (can't see the tiges beating the giants but stranger things are happening every week)

The ladder is so tight that yes absolutely that is possible. It is so hard to predict who will finish in the 8. That is what is keeping the faith that we are still in it but we need to play much better than we did on Saturday. I hope the coaches are reviewing that game particularly that first quarter and while we could not nullify the Port midfield which ultimately was the difference in the game.

[bulldogtragic]

What are we going to say if we win this week? Season back on? We could be 8th at the end of the round if other results go our way. (can't see the tiges beating the giants but stranger things are happening every week)

No. I still think we are one win short. We really needed to rack up some more wins in first half of the year. It’s all mathematically possible, but I struggle to see the five more wins we would need. Which will be frustrating as hell is we miss by a game again.

[Can Bar]

Win the next three weeks, and the conversation will be on another spectrum. I believe we can still make a run at the last game of the year. still plenty of plot turns in this season.

[Rocket Science]

We are totally going to beat one of Carlton or Sydney, maybe even convincingly, before getting schooled by the Crows or North, just to remind you what we're capable of, or not as it happens.

[my plums]

The ladder is so tight that yes absolutely that is possible. It is so hard to predict who will finish in the 8. That is what is keeping the faith that we are still in it but we need to play much better than we did on Saturday. I hope the coaches are reviewing that game particularly that first quarter and while we could not nullify the Port midfield which ultimately was the difference in the game.

The next three weeks will decide our fate. I didn't see the game this week, but it sounded like one of those games we have every so often where we look like boys against men. I don't understand it.

[my plums]

No. I still think we are one win short. We really needed to rack up some more wins in first half of the year. It’s all mathematically possible, but I struggle to see the five more wins we would need. Which will be frustrating as hell is we miss by a game again.

You never know, the life of a current bulldogs supporter is that anything could happen. Week to week, quarter to quarter. Hard to trust our boys. I'll be supporting though.

[bulldogtragic]

You never know, the life of a current bulldogs supporter is that anything could happen. Week to week, quarter to quarter. Hard to trust our boys. I'll be supporting though.

I want as many wins as we can muster, and finals too. I just can’t bank on the 2024 team to win five more games. Humble pie would be sweet but I think we just didn’t bank enough wins when we could have earlier in the year.

[DOG GOD]

The match committee learnt nothing from the Freo in Perth game when we allowed Fyfe (playing like 2010), Brayshaw and Serong 100 possessions between them. To allow Rozee to get 18 first quarter touches is laughable. He, Wines and Butters just did as they pleased.

We just can?t have Macrae and Sanders both playing in the same team. Slow plodders. After saying Bont was injury free, he looked injured to me. Libba nowhere near his normal output (like at marvel), and Treloar tried his guts out.

Yeah we had Jones out. But like Grantysghost said, the cupboard is bare. If Buss can?t get a game ahead of Buku with jones/keath/gardner not playing then that says a lot. No wonder we are screaming for Barrass.

This week?

Cripps and Walsh to run amok.
Cincotta to take Bont.
McKay/curnow to kick 10 between them.

Carl/syd/Geel in the next 3 weeks could see us drop 10%

[Sedat]

I want as many wins as we can muster, and finals too. I just can’t bank on the 2024 team to win five more games. Humble pie would be sweet but I think we just didn’t bank enough wins when we could have earlier in the year.
I reckon St Kilda, North and Crows will win a few in the run home (maybe against us lol), so it wouldn't surprise me if 12 wins with a strong percentage (or 12.5 wins) might end up being enough to sneak in this year.

[kruder]

The players knew going into the round against Port that the season was over I reckon taking into account Jones/Cody and to a small degree Harmes, JJ etc

[The Adelaide Connection]

The players knew going into the round against Port that the season was over I reckon taking into account Jones/Cody and to a small degree Harmes, JJ etc

This is a terrible take.

[kruder]

This is a terrible take.

They are human begins they know the tough run ahead its the only thing I can come up with it had to be in the back of their minds. Something was seriously off in that game.

[Scraggers]

Going to be really tough now. That fixture is mighty difficult to make the 8 but we are still in the hunt at this moment in time.

We have been consistently inconsistent and that is not a good trait to have if you want to be a successful team.


That could be next year's campaign; Western Bulldogs ... Consistently Inconsistent Since 2017

[Scraggers]

I reckon St Kilda, North and Crows will win a few in the run home (maybe against us lol), so it wouldn't surprise me if 12 wins with a strong percentage (or 12.5 wins) might end up being enough to sneak in this year.

I agree with this ... All the teams around us and just above have similar runs home. 12.5 will be enough to make the 8 this year

[mjp]

This is a terrible take.

I don't think they thought season over...I also don't think they would have had a lot of positivity about the Port game.

[The Adelaide Connection]

I don't think they thought season over...I also don't think they would have had a lot of positivity about the Port game.

I don't disagree with this- having your #1 defender out has got to bring concern.

Everything that could have gone wrong in that first quarter, did. We went into our shells and played scared (like Port from last round), while they were buoyed and playing with complete confidence.

WC, Hawthorn and NM are a great case study for how much the game is played between the ears. A little bit of belief and within a week both looked like completely different outfits. WC had that stripped away for a week and look back to rock bottom.

[The Adelaide Connection]

They are human begins they know the tough run ahead its the only thing I can come up with it had to be in the back of their minds. Something was seriously off in that game.

But no one is going to give up on the season while it is still live and you are well in the hunt.

Nothing went right leading into the game and that snowballed with a disastrous first quarter. I am sure everyone who has played sport has had those games- where nothing seems to be going right. It is incredibly hard to right the ship.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

I have us losiing the next 3 games and winning the last 4 to make the eight on percentage.
My ladder predictor:
WLD%
1Sydney2030138.2
2Carlton1850119.9
3Essendon1661104.5
4Geelong1670110.2
5Fremantle1481112.4
6GWS1490108.8
7Gold Coast13100104.7
8Western Bulldogs12110112.2
9Melbourne12110100.3
10Port Adelaide12110100.3
11Hawthorn1211097.9
12Brisbane Lions11111110.2
13Collingwood912298.0
14St Kilda914093.6
15Adelaide715197.5
16West Coast419075.1
17Richmond320069.9
18North Melbourne221069.2

I picked Brisbane to drop a couple of games.

[Hotdog60]

Can we have a thread Hello season 24.

Yeh! Baby!

[my plums]

Three or four wins for the rest of the year is the difference between 6th or something like 12th. So even.

[macca]

This season has a few more twists and turns to come, in this second half.
Good stories in Freijah and Lobb being able to perform coming into new positions.
I like the look of Freijah, he is a really good natural footballer. Good mark, knows how to find the ball and kicks within his means.

Lobb grabbing the Full back position and performing really well has been a blessing. He does have the physical traits to play there, just need to work on his tank to stay there for the full game. What a great surprise.

I think Bramble needs a mention as well. I did not see a howling clanger this game against Carlton. So he is starting to have some consistency with his game.

I love Darcy's competitiveness. Even the mark on the Goal line ( which they had to review) showed how much he wants it. i reackon 2 more presasons, we are going to have a formidable fwd ruck. Him and English are going to be hard to match . s

[BornInDroopSt'54]

My ladder predictor now:
1Sydney2030140.7
2Carlton1760116.6
3Geelong1580111.6
4Essendon1481102.1
5Western Bulldogs1490117.1
6Fremantle1391109.2
7GWS13100106.4
8Gold Coast13100104.7
9Melbourne13100103.9
10Port Adelaide13100102.9
11Hawthorn1310099.8
12Brisbane Lions12101111.2
13Collingwood1011299.8
14St Kilda914094.9
15Adelaide616196.2
16West Coast320071.6
17North Melbourne320069.0
18Richmond320068.3

[Happy Days]

We gotta believe. Why do we even bother if we don’t believe.

[merantau]

We gotta believe. Why do we even bother if we don’t believe.

If you think you can, you can.
If you think you can't, you can't.

[MrMahatma]

We gotta believe. Why do we even bother if we don’t believe.

Shouldn’t take much to believe after that great win with so many quality players out.

I do wish we didn’t have to play Geelong at Sedat park though. But what a confidence builder a win down there would be!

[ledge]

Beating Geelong at Geelong has exactly the same importance as beating Port in Adelaide.. there I said it. Make of it what you will.

[1eyedog]

My ladder predictor now:
1Sydney2030140.7
2Carlton1760116.6
3Geelong1580111.6
4Essendon1481102.1
5Western Bulldogs1490117.1
6Fremantle1391109.2
7GWS13100106.4
8Gold Coast13100104.7
9Melbourne13100103.9
10Port Adelaide13100102.9
11Hawthorn1310099.8
12Brisbane Lions12101111.2
13Collingwood1011299.8
14St Kilda914094.9
15Adelaide616196.2
16West Coast320071.6
17North Melbourne320069.0
18Richmond320068.3

An EF against Gold Coast at Marvel would be mint.

[azabob]

Beating Geelong at Geelong has exactly the same importance as beating Port in Adelaide.. there I said it. Make of it what you will.

So not important then? Clearly the players did not think beating Port was important!

[ledge]

So not important then? Clearly the players did not think beating Port was important!

Obviously . I did say take it as you will , I like the spin.

[jeemak]

Irrespective of how this season pans out, I just love that we've not let the Sedat Park moniker fade away. In fact, it's stronger than ever.

[hujsh]

Irrespective of how this season pans out, I just love that we've not let the Sedat Park moniker fade away. In fact, it's stronger than ever.

I almost said it to someone in real life the other day. My fiance who:
1. Is not on this forum
2. Does not know what the stadium is called
3. Does not follow football at all aside from trying to get corporate tickets through her work
4. Is not originally from this country

[Happy Days]

It’s called Goomba from Mario Stadium.

[Bulldog Joe]

I almost said it to someone in real life the other day. My fiance who:
1. Is not on this forum
2. Does not know what the stadium is called
3. Does not follow football at all aside from trying to get corporate tickets through her work
4. Is not originally from this country

My real life description is pretty close

Government Funded Toy Stadium with no Wings - Pork Barrell Park.

[SonofScray]

We gotta believe. Why do we even bother if we don?t believe.

I?m prepared to put someone else?s house on us winning the flag from here.

[angelopetraglia]

Do we need a new thread ?Hello Season??

[Eastdog]

We are in until we are officially out. It has been such a close season anything is possible.

[my plums]

Currently one game from second. Crazy

[JanLorMill]

Not in the 8 yet. Wait til we make it.

[whythelongface]

Do we need a new thread ?Hello Season??

Haha yes was thinking the same thing. Maybe ‘The awakening ‘

[hujsh]

Offer me 2 of the next 3 games before we played Port and I'd sign without thinking. Tell me it'd be without Jones and I'd ask to see the fine print. Big turnaround the last 2 weeks but there are no easy games anymore so big weeks ahead including probably the hardest match possible next week

[azabob]

Do we need a new thread ?Hello Season??

F**k no. Do not be jinxing anything

[angelopetraglia]

F**k no. Do not be jinxing anything

Ha .....

[bornadog]

F**k no. Do not be jinxing anything

One thing it is not goodbye

[azabob]

One thing it is not goodbye

Definitely not. But remember what you did to our injury list when you tempted fate?

[Happy Days]

If you posted negatively in this thread you’re gonna have to explain yourself to god

[angelopetraglia]

If you posted negatively in this thread you’re gonna have to explain yourself to god

Ha ....

[Go_Dogs]

If you posted negatively in this thread you’re gonna have to explain yourself to god

Some genius said we wouldn’t lose another game all year. They were wrong because we played Port who played unlike Port. But that genius has the sentiment right.