Swans V Bulldogs - Round 20, Sun 28/7/24 SCG 3:20PM AEST

[Eastdog]

Margin:
First goal:
Best on ground:

[Eastdog]

Margin: Dogs by 5 points
First goal: Aaron Naughton
Best on ground: Adam Treloar

[bornadog]

Dogs by: 11

First Goal: Weightman

BOG: Libba

[Pleather Sole]

Draw
FG West
BOG Dale

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Margin: Dogs by 19 pts.
First goal: Sam Darcy
Best on ground: Sam Darcy..
I'll do this till he does. Won't be long.

[bornadog]

I am in Sydney for a long weekend and will go tomorrow night. Forecast for today was meant to be a nice sunny day but it is pouring rain. Tomorrow's forecast is cool but no rain, but who knows. Friday was magnificent .

[Bulldog Joe]

I am in Sydney for a long weekend and will go tomorrow night. Forecast for today was meant to be a nice sunny day but it is pouring rain. Tomorrow's forecast is cool but no rain, but who knows. Friday was magnificent .

I am also in Sydney.
Friday was definitely a beautiful day but damp today and cold like it could be Tasmania.

Not concerned by what the weather brings tomorrow as I feel we can get it done regardless.

Will need to bring some fresh legs for Melbourne off the 5 day break.

[merantau]

We can make a statement - win or lose. Win and we make the football world take notice. Lose, but take them right to the wire - ditto.

If the latter it means at best win need to win three out of the last four: at worst four out of the last four. And we know who the last game is against, don't we. Go Dogs!

[BornInDroopSt'54]

We can make a statement - win or lose. Win and we make the football world take notice. Lose, but take them right to the wire - ditto.

If the latter it means at best win need to win three out of the last four: at worst four out of the last four. And we know who the last game is against, don't we. Go Dogs!

Implicit in your post is a confidence I share that we are very good

[DOG GOD]

Our fwds get in each others way on the G and at Marvel, so I?m expecting plenty of all player high flying packs (naughts, Marra, Weightman) then falling onto the ground while the likes of Cunningham, Lloyd, and Blakey just mop up over the back, going straight down the guts to an Amarty that?s due.

Swans by 17 points
1st goal- Weightman
Bog- Libba

[comrade]

Caleb the sub, Garcia on the bench. I like it.

[bornadog]

I hate the wind

[GVGjr]

I hate the wind

I think we've gone in a bit too tall but time will tell.

[bornadog]

I think we've gone in a bit too tall but time will tell.
Really want to win this one

[Jeanette54]

I've got that 2015 feeling about this game.

Doggies to win.

FG: Naughton
BOG: It's him, you know who I mean.

[bornadog]

Buku and Darcy on bench

[bulldogtragic]

Nice start.

[westdog54]

Naughton has started full of intent. Well done to set that one up for Marra.

[Rocket Science]

Marra standing his ground in marking tussles is a healthy development.

[MrMahatma]

A bit wasteful early

[angelopetraglia]

How is the Darcy smother? Unbelievable.

[westdog54]

Speaking of intent, Marra getting involved up the ground.

[bulldogtragic]

Great start but should be 4-5 up.

[Grantysghost]

What is it with Naughton at the moment he's not even looking at the ball when he has a set shot?

[whythelongface]

Tough conditions at the ground. Swirling wind

[Rocket Science]

I am once again asking for someone to fix Naughton's kicking action.

[comrade]

Bramble has been so good.

[westdog54]

My god our captain is ridiculous sometimes.

[DOG GOD]

Pressure has been elite…needs to continue

[westdog54]

Bramble's work rate is phenomenal.

[merantau]

Bramble has been so good.

[Grantysghost]

Garcia is a finals lock for me.

I wouldnt change much about this team whatever happens from here.

[westdog54]

The pressure we're bringing is immense.

[DOG GOD]

Best quarter of the year

The biggest thing I’ve noticed over the last few weeks is the TEAM first mindset. Very impressive.

[bulldogtragic]

The last two quarters, Geelong at Geelong and Sydney at Sydney:

Us: 10.7
Them: 0.3

Wow!!!!

[merantau]

Our tackling has been immense. Example: Warner just pinged. Result: goal to West. Go Dogs.

[Grantysghost]

Last two quarters, holding the Cats goal less at Sedat Park and Swans goal less at the SCG.

[josie]

Wow. Just wow. Go Dogs.

[The Underdog]

****ing hell. That was outstanding.
Perfect quarter, no notes.

[Happy Days]

Anyone else feel sick with anxiety over us playing well?

[1eyedog]

There's real buy-in here.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

This is an extremely focused and physical start to the game.
Bramble has been incredible.

[angelopetraglia]

One down. Three to go. Need to keep that intensity up. They will come at us.

[comrade]

We may never concede another goal again.

[Mofra]

Poulter has come from nowhere to have some really good moments last week and last quarter

Huge tick for Ed that in a midfield with Bont, Libba and Treloar he's the one copping a tag. To kick a goal while being tag helps us so much.

Hopefully English keeps the effort up against Grundy

[The Underdog]

Anyone else feel sick with anxiety over us playing well?

100%. Might go to the movies.

[kruder]

Holy Moly what do we have here? Best home & away quarter under Bevo?

[DOG GOD]

Anyone else feel sick with anxiety over us playing well?
I have many times seen first quarters like this, and come the 2nd we hardly score while the opposition gets within 1-2 goals at HT.
Hopefully today is not one of them.

[Jeanette54]

They continually take time away from the Swans, our closing speed on the ball carrier has been impressive.

[jeemak]

JUH's body has gotten solid and strong, and he's learning how to use it.

God it makes a difference when your Poulters, Wests, Brambles and other role players influence games.

[JanLorMill]

Anyone else feel sick with anxiety over us playing well?
Yes. So nervous

[The Underdog]

Reckon this backline set-up might work if Jones just mark’s absolutely every footy that goes in the air in our back half.

[DOG GOD]

We aren’t relying on 1-2 players. Everyone is running, chasing, smothering, tackling. Like I said. It’s TEAM focused.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Naughton the most metres gained on ground. Great intent and aerobics, because it's not like he's been quiet up front.

[Scorlibo]

Dare I say it that pressure was 2016 like.

Go Dogs!

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Some real good unselfish defensive running. I could see on the turnover there, Treloar gut running to get behind the ball.

[bornadog]

Buku punch idiot

[MrMahatma]

Buku punch idiot

Bit harsh. He was in front.

[Scorlibo]

Is Libba playing at half back?

[whythelongface]

The wind is a big factor. 3 to 4 goal breeze

[westdog54]

The SCG is a broadcaster's nightmare

[BornInDroopSt'54]

I can't stand this.
My mind keeps telling me we are are the best team out there and in the comp and the action is superfluous.
Annoying.
Think I'll do gardening.

[1eyedog]

Garcia gives away more free kicks than he gets kicks.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Jamarra and Coffield nice efforts.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Some real defensive poise

[bulldogtragic]

Lobb looks a natural born defender.

[DOG GOD]

This 2nd quarter feels like watching a completely different game
I’m starting to worry we might be behind at HT

[Grantysghost]

The wind is a big factor. 3 to 4 goal breeze
Is it across the ground?

[MrMahatma]

We’ve been a little unlucky with the bounce of the ball at clearance. Just gotta stick at it.

[jeemak]

Libba does that too often and it costs us goals.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Where was Bailey's prior there?

[jeemak]

**** this quarter is pissing me off.

[Mantis]

Shouldn?t be missing those ones.

[jeemak]

Good strong body again from Jamarra. Good finish.

Done really well to hold Sydney out here.

[westdog54]

Pressure, pressure and more pressure

[whythelongface]

Is it across the ground?

Yes swirling to the eastern side

[jeemak]

Good decision from VDM after a sequence of really good scrapping in the middle and then up forward.

[bulldogtragic]

Mature response this quarter.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Fantastic response this past 10 minutes. Sydney back to square one for all that early dominance in the first part of the 2nd quarter.

[angelopetraglia]

Arm chop on flea.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Did Bont's back block Mcdonald's hands in his back there?????

[jeemak]

That's why Garcia can't stay in the side. Dicks around with it.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Gee we screwed that up/

[DOG GOD]

Not sure Garcia is ahead of Macrae and sanders. He seems very indecisive with the ball.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

That's as good a first half I've seen. These guys have a different look about them.
Bramble has turned into Bailey Dale Mk2

[angelopetraglia]

12-7 free kicks.

Serious question. Why can?t we get any help from the umps ever?

[DOG GOD]

That's why Garcia can't stay in the side. Dicks around with it.
Yep..my thoughts too

[The Underdog]

Got absolutely belted for 20 minutes of that quarter and gave up 2 scores and increased our lead by 2 points.

[DOG GOD]

Bramble is playing with confidence for sure. We did really well to stop Sydney scoring when they were on top in the first 10 mins of the 2nd. We are doing well not allowing Syd easy transit down the middle. Need to keep that up, continue our pressure, continue to play TEAM first.

[bornadog]

12-7 free kicks.

Serious question. Why can?t we get any help from the umps ever?
That last 50 was a joke. It was at best down field and they marked it anyhow. What is the50 for, whinging Swans

[whythelongface]

Great quarter considering the Swans started to dominate. Winning that quarter could be significant

[JanLorMill]

Lobb looks a natural born defender.
Yes but needs to clean up some of his decision making.

[ledge]

Jones and Lobb have teamed up extremely well in the back half.
Bramble has also been very good.

[Rocket Science]

"Ugen Hagle"

[bornadog]

Really need to use the wind this quarter and make it difficult for them in the last

[The Underdog]

Marra’s defensive work has been outstanding. Working his arse off. Kudos

[Mofra]

Duryea's tackle about 2/3rds into that quarter was a huge turning point. Turned a shot on goal to the Swans into Bulldogs kicking the next two.

Second half will be an arm wrestle as Swans have done well to take pace off the game. We just have to kick high and back our talls in.

[Grantysghost]

12-7 free kicks.

Serious question. Why can?t we get any help from the umps ever?
There was this game in 2016....xD

That free against the Bont for blocking in a 1 v 1 marking contest I don't think I've ever seen that before.

[bornadog]

No atmosphere at the ground at all. I guess when you are 6 goals down not much to say

[merantau]

We weathered the storm. We'll done Dogs.
Got our tackling back up into the manic zone in the last 10 minutes. Great to see.
Still a way to go but we are in the driving seat.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

I've got that 2015 feeling about this game.

Doggies to win.

FG: Naughton
BOG: It's him, you know who I mean.

I know that feeling, I thought we'd win it '15.
Eddy out the back and insider knowledge beat us

[JanLorMill]

Arm chop on flea.
Not paying any. 2 on outer wing that quarter were bad but the one for shepherding against Bont the worst.

[Grantysghost]

No atmosphere at the ground at all. I guess when you are 6 goals down not much to say
Never is, they chat away during games and then cheer when the one person who knows footy starts it.

[bornadog]

Jones and Lobb have teamed up extremely well in the back half.
Bramble has also been very good.
Buku only 1 touch

[JanLorMill]

That's why Garcia can't stay in the side. Dicks around with it.
Rather Garcia to McNeil.

[bornadog]

Never is, they chat away during games and then cheer when the one person who knows footy starts it.
Yeah you are right. My first game here after all these years - bit of a shit hole

[westdog54]

Excellent first half and great response in the last few minutes of that quarter, not only to head them off but also pinch a couple back.

Bramble repaying Bevo's early season faith in the last month and a half. Getting to great spots at ground level to shut Sydney down going forward and making great decisions with ball in hand.

Jones has been a wall down back. Lobb hasn't had much to do in the air but is doing his bit coming out of defence. IT almost makes me wish International Rules would make a comeback. They'd both make sensational goalkeepers.

Teams just seem to panic a bit when both Naughton and Marra are under the same high ball. They don't know which one to cover and end up not putting enough effort into either.

I love Garcia but he frustrates the hell out of me sometimes. Can be undisciplined and decision making on the move is lacking.

We need to go on with this and make a statement. Knock these blokes off on their deck and we're primed for a crack at top 4.

[Mofra]

Buku only 1 touch
He was making good position though. They're avoiding the long kick down the line which means they slow the play down. Buks contributed

[DOG GOD]

Is it me, or is the ball bouncing really high in normal play..whenever it is in doubt the ball is bouncing head high

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

What a scary half from our boys. I know Sydney are hampered personnel wise... but it doesn't explain our intent.

[bornadog]

Is it me, or is the ball bouncing really high in normal play..whenever it is in doubt the ball is bouncing head high
Agree it seems to bounce a lot on this surface

[BornInDroopSt'54]

What a scary half from our boys. I know Sydney are hampered personnel wise... but it doesn't explain our intent.

O yes, I am scared that we can be so good.
May no shadow fall on our greatness.
Let the sun shine on it.

[Jeanette54]

I would like to hear Bevo's half time address, where can we improve ?

[whythelongface]

No atmosphere at the ground at all. I guess when you are 6 goals down not much to say

Yep very quiet

[bornadog]

I would like to hear Bevo's half time address, where can we improve ?
Don’t miss any opportunities

[bulldogtragic]

I would like to hear Bevo's half time address, where can we improve ?

I’m hoping Bevo doesn’t break his hand on a white board again!

[The Underdog]

Buku only 1 touch

Not sure it’s super relevant the way the game is being played. Reckon he’s been pretty good defensively, aside from spilling a grab.

[DOG GOD]

I would like to hear Bevo's half time address, where can we improve ?
Probably not about improving so to speak, it would more likely be to keep the momentum of where we are at. Keep the focus, keep running, defending, tackling hard, taking chances, and not giving Sydney an easy way out.

[whythelongface]

Never is, they chat away during games and then cheer when the one person who knows footy starts it.

The constant chatter is annoying. It is like they it is their only social event. The footy is an afterthought

[bornadog]

Not sure it’s super relevant the way the game is being played. Reckon he’s been pretty good defensively, aside from spilling a grab.
Yeah fair enough

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Not sure it’s super relevant the way the game is being played. Reckon he’s been pretty good defensively, aside from spilling a grab.

He looks to be getting across and being a very effective support man, pinning a key forward down though..in some way he's enabling, Lobb and Jones to dine out so far.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Love the pressure.

[bornadog]

Coffield copped one

[GVGjr]

We need to keep the scoreboard ticking over this quarter.

[bulldogtragic]

McNeil kicks it from 5!

Its our day!

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

OK. Rory can put that barrel bullshit away.

[Scorlibo]

Reckon we dropped off the intensity after McNeil's goal. Need to keep hammering away.

[JanLorMill]

Buku that was horrible

[Scorlibo]

Buku that was horrible

Shocking. We look vulnerable at ground level in defensive fifty.

[jeemak]

How does English not get 50m penalty for that, especially after the mark is asked to go back two repeatedly but didnt.

Cheating.

[jeemak]

Pretty good goal from JUH......

[bulldogtragic]

Marra earning his cash. 11 goals in 11 quarters versus good opponents.

[jeemak]

BT is flat out barracking now.

[jeemak]

Sydney players are massive sooks. None of them ever give away a free.

[bulldogtragic]

Dumbest 50m I’ve ever seen…

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Great kick West, even better mark Naughty.

[jeemak]

Oh yeah......strong body from JUH.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Marra. Turning it on now.

[bulldogtragic]

This is what a million dollar player looks like!

[GVGjr]

Marra. Turning it on now.

He's got one of the more penetrating opposite foot kicks when he's on song. Very impressive.

[whythelongface]

Still a bit nervous. 44 points should be enough

[chef]

Not a bad game

[Happy Days]

That holding the ball on Naughton simply can’t be the interpretation.

[bornadog]

Still a bit nervous. 44 points should be enough
If we can kick a couple quickly I will relax

[whythelongface]

Liking Coffield’s game so far. Looks solid

[azabob]

Sydney will attack like never before.

Warner, Gulden and Blakey are the keys.

Libba has done an amazing job on Gulden, needs to remain strong for thirty minutes.

Treloar, Bontempelli need to block Warners run.

Backline needs to remain composed and not panic.

[Grantysghost]

Not a bad game
Nice having 3 tall backs Chef. No one could have seen that coming.

[josie]

That holding the ball on Naughton simply can’t be the interpretation.

Dreadful decision. Ump was sucked into the moment like the crowd. Pre-empted big time. Thank goodness Amartey missed.

[merantau]

Immense pressure being exerted. Jamarra and Naughton, Cody and Sam, McNeil etc all involved

[westdog54]

If this is a dream, don't wake me up.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Wow, that is some amazing ball control under pressure, just tossing that ball around fearlessly until able to get that shot off.

[josie]

Westie!!! Am I allowed to say party time? Let’s build % please dogs.

[jeemak]

That's great stuff McNeil.

[bornadog]

Ever one around me has left. Stadium is emptying

[westdog54]

So happy to see McNeil getting some reward for effort in this game.

[angelopetraglia]

What am I watching?

[The Underdog]

So happy to see McNeil getting some reward for effort in this game.

He’s been very good.

[The Underdog]

What am I watching?

Two teams going through the motions because one has destroyed the other on every level?

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Was that the cry of "Bulldogs! Bulldogs!" I heard at the SCG?

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Why not a drop punt there????

[jeemak]

Yay for English in trying to bring us all back down to earth.

[DOG GOD]

Why not a drop punt there????
Lazy by English

[BornInDroopSt'54]

If this is a dream, don't wake me up.
Hardcore reality.

[josie]

Thank goodness Swans haven’t kick many. What is that horrid post swans goal noise?

[Happy Days]

Why not a drop punt there????

I actually kinda get it. The breeze has wrecked pretty much every set shot today. It even made McNeil kick one straight.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

As the sun sets over Footscray, the residents are in ecstasy.

[Grantysghost]

Where's Bailey Smith.

Btw the biggest shock of this game is... Libba has white boots on. Can't be unseen.

[jeemak]

These umpires are ****ed. Still trying to win it for them.

[bornadog]

Honestly **** these umpires

[jeemak]

Best part of the day was the Callum Mills hyper-celebration to get them back within six goals in the third quarter.

[Testekill]

You'd think the Swans are the only team to have ever suffered an injury based on the ABC commentary.

[Mofra]

Ed Richards might be the best magnet-spin of the season, but damn if Lobb's move to CHB isn't damn close.

[ledge]

Well all I can say the last 3 weeks we haven’t had a bad player. Today was seriously team stuff .
Gave freijah Macrae and Sanders a rest and we belted the top side. Jones Lobb and Khamis are really jelling.
Naughton Darcy and Jamarra with West and Weightman under their feet is really scary.
I am leaving names out , they were all bloody good today.

[G-Mo77]

Just super impressive, well disciplined across the entire ground. They're certainly a different team now, we can really do some damage if we keep this up.

[westdog54]

****ing emphatic. And the boys are soaking it up. And well they should.

We kept the highest scoring team in the league to seven goals. On their deck. And two of them were junk timers.

Bring on the Demons.

[Grantysghost]

Best part of the day was the Callum Mills hyper-celebration to get them back within six goals in the third quarter.
That was glorious. I seriously lolzed.

[DOG GOD]

The emphasis on TEAM is so prominent at the moment. Players seem to have a clear instruction on roles, and the lines are gelling well. Still have some big tests to come. No Petracca will be massive, but English will have to break even with Gawn, and we can’t have Oliver (who’s had a shocking year), playing like 2 years ago.

[ledge]

The emphasis on TEAM is so prominent at the moment. Players seem to have a clear instruction on roles, and the lines are gelling well. Still have some big tests to come. No Petracca will be massive, but English will have to break even with Gawn, and we can’t have Oliver (who’s had a shocking year), playing like 2 years ago.

Hey let’s enjoy this win . You can post that stuff under the Melbourne v dogs post during the week . :-)

[bornadog]

What a great win, so determined to get the job done

[bornadog]

Lobb and Naughton 10 marks

Adz 40 disposals

[DOG GOD]

Lobb and Naughton 10 marks

Adz 40 disposals

Adz is the reason Bont won’t win the Brownlow…all Australian for sure…he’s had a massive year

[JanLorMill]

Ever one around me has left. Stadium is emptying
They leave even when winning. No bigger set of bandwagoners.

[merantau]

Mighty team effort today. Everyone contributed, everyone played TEAM football. The pressure all over the ground was sustained and intense.
So proud of the players, coaches and all match day staff. Go Dogs!

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Wow. What a win.

Team performance was emphatic and the way we structured up behind the ball had them all sorts of trouble. Our pressure was immense.

Outside of THAT run in 2016, this is the best we've looked.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Also, how good is Bramble? I was critical of him a few months ago but he has been huge in the second half of the year. Big again today. His run, composure, skill and decision making has been seriously elite.

[whythelongface]

Best part of the day was the Callum Mills hyper-celebration to get them back within six goals in the third quarter.

That was just?.weird. Right in front of where I was sitting and I was thinking WTF

[westdog54]

Also, how good is Bramble? I was critical of him a few months ago but he has been huge in the second half of the year. Big again today. His run, composure, skill and decision making has been seriously elite.

Add his defensive instincts to that mix. Popped up on the right place repeatedly when Sydney looked dangerous at ground level.

[mighty_west]

Also, how good is Bramble? I was critical of him a few months ago but he has been huge in the second half of the year. Big again today. His run, composure, skill and decision making has been seriously elite.

Before his 1 year extension, he was ok, good in patches but a bit iffy in patches too, maybe that re-signing was the catalyst for confidence in his game as a player always on the fringe, he's been great, love it when he takes the game on and hits his targets more often than not.

[bulldogtragic]

Also, how good is Bramble? I was critical of him a few months ago but he has been huge in the second half of the year. Big again today. His run, composure, skill and decision making has been seriously elite.

Jeenak always says the guys that leave clubs at the margin usually end up similar players at their new clubs too. Bramble was tracking with this ‘rule’ (which is usually right). But something has clicked and he seems a far better version of the Hawks player and early season player with us. I’m seriously happy with how he’s tracking. I think JJ’s body is cooked and he’s a great replacement.

[mighty_west]

Brilliant win! Great start and possibly the best quarter we have played all season in that first, but was weary as Sydney quite often start slow but claw their way back, seems to be their mantle this season, but our pressure against the best was first class.

Our structure now looks good, think we can now start to be confident in Lobb as a strong key defender, up forward we obviously have the height but we really only had Jones as our big key back, it's now up to Khamis, JOD, Buss and possibly (although he played today) Coffield to fill that 3rd key defender, that's healthy, although thought Buku looked a bit shaky today for whatever reason as he played a great game last week, it was as though his confidence was down a bit, even that double fist punch in the goal square rather than taking an easy grab was a strange decision and that of a player without confidence.

A lot of the players looked spent, hopefully all get up with a quick turnaround against the Dees.

[Sedat]

Best part of the day was the Callum Mills hyper-celebration to get them back within six goals in the third quarter.
Straight out of the Shane Woewodin playbook

[Rocket Science]

Feels like a (low) key plank in this late season build is the evolution of our last six picked from maddening fillers of swear jars to helpful, even reliable contributors in roles of genuine use.

Our guns are playing well but they're also being complimented with valuable support now.

Do we have ... depth?

[bornadog]

Feels like a (low) key plank in this late season build is the evolution of our last six picked from maddening fillers of swear jars to helpful, even reliable contributors in roles of genuine use.

Our guns are playing well but they're also being complimented with valuable support now.


Do we have ... depth?
we did drop 3 players so some depth

[merantau]

That was just?.weird. Right in front of where I was sitting and I was thinking WTF

He's still suffering from PTZCS - Post Traumatic Zaine Cordy Syndrome. The hyperbolic celebrations, according to his shrink, will help diminish the effects of the recurring nightmares.

[soupman]

Went today. That was great.

Sydney crowd never got going, halfway through the second I thought it was remarkable how different the feel was than if it had been say a Victorian side. There was definitely some frustration about dicking around with handballs and not getting frees going their way but not the simmering discontent and frustration bordering on anger I would've expected from any other crowd. And they were far to positive when they started kicking junktime goals at the end, just clapping away like everything was dandy.

Our intensity was incredible, there were so many ground balls where we had multiple players desperate to knock it our way, or try and run through and carry the ball with them, or do just enough to disrupt Sydney getting clean hands. Our pressure was immense and they didn't reciprocate at all.

Naughton was super impressive in that first quarter, felt like he was in everything, and Jamarra has really turned this season from being a really solid one where he was consistently good without ever really breaking things apart to 3 outstanding games which make him look like the threat we hoped. A lot of his defensive work rate today was really good as well.

Watching Bont was a pleasure and truly one of the few things I've regretted about moving to Sydney these last 5 years has been not seeing him live week to week. Just an observation, and unsure if this is something we often do as it is hard to spot on the TV, but multiple times today at centre bounces Bont would start in our defensive 6 at the top of the 50 and then run in to join the contest. It never really amounted to anything, and i assume it was to either have him at the back of the contest as an extra to feed the ball out to or guard a clean breakaway, or alternatively it was to take advantage of Sydney pushing a spare mid up and using that as an opportunity to try and expose it with Bont.

[lemmon]

Missed the game this arvo but I'm pumped to go back through and watch the replay.

Sounds like we've found a great mix where Bont can be a key contributor but we don't need him to be Superman every week.

[jeemak]

Jeenak always says the guys that leave clubs at the margin usually end up similar players at their new clubs too. Bramble was tracking with this ‘rule’ (which is usually right). But something has clicked and he seems a far better version of the Hawks player and early season player with us. I’m seriously happy with how he’s tracking. I think JJ’s body is cooked and he’s a great replacement.

I think that's a MJP thing that I say when it suits me.

[Eastdog]

Another great win today!

3 in a row and the value in them huge considering the are all top 8 sides.

We as a team are all in right now which is a good time of the year to be all in.

Our defence has really stood up well. Thought Liam Jones was excellent and looked like he didn't miss a beat today.

Adam Treloar having a really strong year and will be right up there on our B&F night. Ed Richards has been great since his move to the midfield providing us with a lot.

Lachlan Bramble had a very good game today.

Jamarra has been in career best form the last few weeks and was excellent today up there and Sam Darcy will continue to improve. He is a contested marking beast.

In a really good position now with top 4 a possibility still if we can keep on winning. Have to get the job done now the next few weeks as it is still not guaranteed yet a finals berth but I'm much more confident now than I was this time last year as our form is just better.

Go the Mighty Bulldogs!

[Dry Rot]

Like some others here, I had a really, really enjoyable afternoon at the SCG today.

I have not seen us tackle like that for a long time, and for mostly 4 quarters.

Sydney seemed really off for most of the game, fumbling the ball and showing real hesitancy going forwards, which I think was mostly due to our pressure.

[comrade]

I saw parts of the game while I was supposed to be working today but I'll give the replay a good smashing during the week.

I'm keen to get thoughts on the LoJo combo (Lobb & Jones for those playing at home). Jones looked awesome early. How did they work together?

[westdog54]

Like some others here, I had a really, really enjoyable afternoon at the SCG today.

I have not seen us tackle like that for a long time, and for mostly 4 quarters.

Sydney seemed really off for most of the game, fumbling the ball and showing real hesitancy going forwards, which I think was mostly due to our pressure.

The tackling really was insane, especially from the big boys.

There was a moment in the first ever I thought Jamarra had put in a half effort, then he put McCartin on his backside to put him over the line. It was a clear sign that he'd come to play.

He's grown so much in the last month.

[jazzadogs]

Went today. That was great.

Sydney crowd never got going, halfway through the second I thought it was remarkable how different the feel was than if it had been say a Victorian side. There was definitely some frustration about dicking around with handballs and not getting frees going their way but not the simmering discontent and frustration bordering on anger I would've expected from any other crowd. And they were far to positive when they started kicking junktime goals at the end, just clapping away like everything was dandy.

Our intensity was incredible, there were so many ground balls where we had multiple players desperate to knock it our way, or try and run through and carry the ball with them, or do just enough to disrupt Sydney getting clean hands. Our pressure was immense and they didn't reciprocate at all.

Naughton was super impressive in that first quarter, felt like he was in everything, and Jamarra has really turned this season from being a really solid one where he was consistently good without ever really breaking things apart to 3 outstanding games which make him look like the threat we hoped. A lot of his defensive work rate today was really good as well.

Watching Bont was a pleasure and truly one of the few things I've regretted about moving to Sydney these last 5 years has been not seeing him live week to week. Just an observation, and unsure if this is something we often do as it is hard to spot on the TV, but multiple times today at centre bounces Bont would start in our defensive 6 at the top of the 50 and then run in to join the contest. It never really amounted to anything, and i assume it was to either have him at the back of the contest as an extra to feed the ball out to or guard a clean breakaway, or alternatively it was to take advantage of Sydney pushing a spare mid up and using that as an opportunity to try and expose it with Bont.

Thanks for sharing, I didn't notice this on tv at all. It feels like a very good tactic to guard against the Chad Warner classic fast break.

Speaking of which - how did we shut him out of the game so effectively? Only 11 touches for a guy averaging 24 with lots of pace and hurt factor. Only time I noticed him was when he was whinging to the umpire.

[kruder]

How good is Ed Richards in the midfield? I just love him on defensive transition which we haven't be able to say about our mids for awhile. He is always getting his hands stuck in creating a fumble while his speed around the stoppage enables him to create separation.Our track watches were all over this one and I must say it was probably the most exciting post of the preseason when he play midfield for a half.

That first quarter though was one of the best all round home and away quarters(bar kicking for goal) that I have ever seen by this club. It was legit premiership football, we are becoming a serious football side one that can be more sustainable than previous versions in the Bevo era. Intercepting defenders, mids smashing contested possessions, small forwards hunting while quality tall forwards(have we ever been able to say that?) created separation.

I'm not religious at all but Amen to that! Ok, ok I might need to calm down and we haven't even made the finals yet but it's hard not to get excited about this club right now.

Enjoy the week woofers!

[merantau]

I want to give kudos to Tim English for his contributions over the last three matches.

I have probably been more critical of him than any other player - out of disappointment and frustration because we have all seen what he is capable of.

His efforts of late have been fantastic. Really competitive at the stoppages, tackling, getting down and dirty and and taking telling marks behind the ball. Tremendous.

[GVGjr]

I want to give kudos to Tim English for his contributions over the last three matches.

I have probably been more critical of him than any other player - out of disappointment and frustration because we have all seen what he is capable of.

His efforts of late have been fantastic. Really competitive at the stoppages, tackling, getting down and dirty and and taking telling marks behind the ball. Tremendous.

Tim has modified his approach with his CBA and it's been working out better for him

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Feels like a (low) key plank in this late season build is the evolution of our last six picked from maddening fillers of swear jars to helpful, even reliable contributors in roles of genuine use.

Our guns are playing well but they're also being complimented with valuable support now.

Do we have ... depth?

I played golf at Box Hill and swapped cards with a dude that looked like Tom Hafey.
He is Tom Hafey's brother ten years younger.
He said Tom always said that your last six picked win you the premiership.

[Mitcha]

He's still suffering from PTZCS - Post Traumatic Zaine Cordy Syndrome. The hyperbolic celebrations, according to his shrink, will help diminish the effects of the recurring nightmares.
Hey steady on, a lot of us are still getting over watching Zaine play.

[Jeanette54]

Hey steady on, a lot of us are still getting over watching Zaine play.

If you need treatment for PTZCS, might I suggest watching the 2016 Grand Final replay. His tackle on the mark when a swans player tried to run around him, and his slotting of the subsequent goal from an awkward angle, works wonders.

[Mofra]

If you need treatment for PTZCS, might I suggest watching the 2016 Grand Final replay. His tackle on the mark when a swans player tried to run around him, and his slotting of the subsequent goal from an awkward angle, works wonders. He was definitely kneeded the week prior too

[SquirrelGrip]

He was definitely kneeded the week prior too


https://i.postimg.cc/ZR34k0Hp/Zaine-Cordy-knee-Callan-Ward.jpg (https://postimg.cc/zbJ9Kz9G)

Yes definitely the week prior...

[bornadog]

Some interesting analysis of the game here (https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/proof-that-footscrays-psyche-makes-them-genuine-flag-contenders-and-left-sydney-to-panic/news-story/40534e920a88d4452f843545dc93b093)

[merantau]

Zaine had a terrific finals series and his IMPACT against GWS, in particular, was shattering.

[merantau]

https://i.postimg.cc/ZR34k0Hp/Zaine-Cordy-knee-Callan-Ward.jpg (https://postimg.cc/zbJ9Kz9G)

Yes definitely the week prior...

Zaine had a terrific finals series and his IMPACT against GWS, in particular, was shattering.
http://journals.worldnomads.com/merantau

[comrade]

I was that feral in the crowd I was screaming to all around me that Callan Ward was a weak dog as he was stumbling off the field.

[merantau]

Some interesting analysis of the game here (https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/proof-that-footscrays-psyche-makes-them-genuine-flag-contenders-and-left-sydney-to-panic/news-story/40534e920a88d4452f843545dc93b093)

Thanks for that BAD. Those little things that mostly go unnoticed can be the difference between winning and losing.

[merantau]

Some interesting analysis of the game here (https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/proof-that-footscrays-psyche-makes-them-genuine-flag-contenders-and-left-sydney-to-panic/news-story/40534e920a88d4452f843545dc93b093)

Thanks for that BAD. Those little things that mostly go unnoticed can be the difference between winning and losing.