Ins and outs vs Sydney

[LostDoggy]

Who do you think should come in and out next weekend?

[Ghost Dog]

Wait and see what the injury list does I guess. I am unsure about Hill. I would rather a good hard tagger ( Liam Picken! an unsung hero and boy do we miss him ) or a hard nut like Moles.
The great lesson of last night is the ability of having flexibility in the team, guys that can play forward or back like Lake.

[G-Mo77]

Wait and see what the injury list does I guess.

This.

Apparently Hall's hammy was sore and I saw Gilbee grimacing and holding his hamstring late in the 4th.

Would Minson have came into the side last night had it had been dry? Did Hill do enough to keep his spot? Same goes with Stack? I'll wait a few more days before I give my In's and Out's.

[Rocco Jones]

I was pleased to see we tried to remedy our top heavy issues last night playing only one specialist ruckman. If we are going to bring back Will, I really hope it's at the expense of Williams.

[Go_Dogs]

I'd really like for us to stick with the same line up for this weeks game.

If someone goes out with an injury, perhaps a good opportunity to add Wood in for a taste.

Minson may come back into the selection frame, but I agree with RJ that hopefully it's not at the expense of another runner.

Sydney have historically been a heavy clearance/congestion style side, but I think they are playing a much more open style of footy this year, and as such, ensuring we have enough run will be important.

[Sedat]

I reckon Harbrow is in a spot of bother for his late hit on Bennell. At best he will get 90-odd points and a reprimand, but I wouldn't be the slightest bit surprised if he gets a week. That will bring Wood into calculations you'd imagine.

[LostDoggy]

I reckon Harbrow is in a spot of bother for his late hit on Bennell. At best he will get 90-odd points and a reprimand, but I wouldn't be the slightest bit surprised if he gets a week. That will bring Wood into calculations you'd imagine.

Nothing in it, If he gets done for that i will stop following the footy

[G-Mo77]

I reckon Harbrow is in a spot of bother for his late hit on Bennell. At best he will get 90-odd points and a reprimand, but I wouldn't be the slightest bit surprised if he gets a week. That will bring Wood into calculations you'd imagine.

He'd be very unlucky to even get a reprimand IMO.

[Ghost Dog]

It was pretty hard to see from the angle. Here's hoping he gets off lightly as he is the little giant of our team if you measured a player on pure hunger.

[Sedat]

Nothing in it, If he gets done for that i will stop following the footy

Bennell's post-match shiner must have happened on its own? Jarrod did get him late and high - there was no malice in it whatsoever but it is certain to get looked at, and it is on the cusp of suspension IMO.

[LostDoggy]

Bennell's post-match shiner must have happened on its own? Jarrod did get him late and high - there was no malice in it whatsoever but it is certain to get looked at, and it is on the cusp of suspension IMO.

I would say that at least 1 player every game gets a shiner and it does not mean that a suspension is in order. He went to block the ball and missed and got Bennells face, IMO nothing in it at all we will have to agree to disagree

[LostDoggy]

Hargrave and Hill out for mine. I think Hargrave has just about used up all his credits and its time for a spell at Willi, and Hill needs to drop back as well (especially coming up against Sydney), he is just not strong enough in the contest.

I think its time for Wood to come in, plus one of Roughy or Minnow. Give Johnno another week off.

[GVGjr]

Hargrave and Hill out for mine. I think Hargrave has just about used up all his credits and its time for a spell at Willi, and Hill needs to drop back as well (especially coming up against Sydney), he is just not strong enough in the contest.

I think its time for Wood to come in, plus one of Roughy or Minnow. Give Johnno another week off.

What do you think Wood is doing well enough to earn a promotion?

[LostDoggy]

Hargrave and Hill out for mine. I think Hargrave has just about used up all his credits and its time for a spell at Willi, and Hill needs to drop back as well (especially coming up against Sydney), he is just not strong enough in the contest.

I think its time for Wood to come in, plus one of Roughy or Minnow. Give Johnno another week off.

What has Wood done to displace Hargrave? Let Wood dominate at VFL level before you call for him to replace one of our most important players. Great teams have a core of backmen and IMO Hargrave, Lake and Morris are our core backmen

[LongWait]

What has Wood done to displace Hargrave? Let Wood dominate at VFL level before you call for him to replace one of our most important players. Great teams have a core of backmen and IMO Hargrave, Lake and Morris are our core backmen

Harbrow is easily our best backman on form this year. Shaggy easily our worst backman on form this year. Shaggy was just bloody awful last night.

[LostDoggy]

Shaggy has been awful all year, he has been a very important player for a long time, but I feel he needs a spell to get some touch back. He is very careless at times, in the past he made up for it by playing above his height and running off his man providing lots of drive off half back, this has dried up this year. Whilst Wood isn't knocking the door down he has been solid and is the kind of player we could use off half back

[Rocco Jones]

What do you think Wood is doing well enough to earn a promotion?

Let me take a stab. 'What I haven't seen must be better than what I actually have seen'.

I like Wood but he is very VFLish for me at the moment. I can only really see him off a HBF. In the VFL you can flourish as a HBF/wing type with poor disposal if all other things are going well, in the AFL you become a liability.

[bornadog]

I was pleased to see we tried to remedy our top heavy issues last night playing only one specialist ruckman. If we are going to bring back Will, I really hope it's at the expense of Williams.

I thought Williams did really well in the ruck last night.

[chef]

I thought Williams did really well in the ruck last night.

And down back, which makes him the ideal candidate for a part time(pinch hitting) ruck man IMO.

[Rocco Jones]

I thought Williams did really well in the ruck last night.


And down back, which makes him the ideal candidate for a part time(pinch hitting) ruck man IMO.

I agree with you guys. I was just saying that if Minson is to come in, it has to be at the expense of Williams.

[MrMahatma]

I agree with you guys. I was just saying that if Minson is to come in, it has to be at the expense of Williams.
No it doesn't. We played one less ruckman because of the rain. A ruckman will come in next week and will replace one of the small - out of Stack & Hill. I'd prefer Stack played... I'm over Hill.

[Rocco Jones]

No it doesn't. We played one less ruckman because of the rain. A ruckman will come in next week and will replace one of the small - out of Stack & Hill. I'd prefer Stack played... I'm over Hill.

I have a feeling that the MC will agree with your view. I also have a feeling that we will keep on running out of legs against quality opposition.

[divvydan]

Sydney is probably the team that we most need Williams in for. Not only are they playing 2 permanent ruckmen (Mumford and Pyke(Seaby inj)) but they also have 3 tall forwards in Bradshaw, White and Goodes, albeit Goodes is a more flexible utility who is currently playing as a tall forward. Williams will be needed to play on one of White/Goodes (likely White).

Do agree in principle that we're still at least one midfielder short, would probably mean two of Grant/Stack/Hill/Everitt/Hahn would need to make way for Minson + midfielder. Problem is that we don't really have any available if Eagleton and Moles are still out injured, Wood possibly but his motor still needs to get much bigger.

[MrMahatma]

I have a feeling that the MC will agree with your view. I also have a feeling that we will keep on running out of legs against quality opposition.
Agree we could improve our running power - but I think that should be at the expense of others who don't offer it - Hahn? Aker? Hill? Our midfield rotations don't look anywhere near as strong due to the injuries we've got - so hopefully in the next month things will turn around and we'll get Ward/Picken/Reid into the mix.

I think our older guys are struggling and we have to watch that we don't play them all in the same team. We're looking very pedestrian this season.

[Ozza]

Out: Stack & Hill (Hargrave a bit fortunate that Sydney have a predominantly tall fwd line)
In: Johnson (if fit) Minnow or Roughy to 2nd Ruck.

[azabob]

Out: Stack & Hill (Hargrave a bit fortunate that Sydney have a predominantly tall fwd line)
In: Johnson (if fit) Minnow or Roughy to 2nd Ruck.

Granted Johnson is in our best team no doubt.

But is it now getting to a stage where he really needs to get game time into his body and legs through the VFL.
Im not sure what has changed for Johnson fitness wise since round 1 and now.
If he'd played 7 games he'd be mtach fit and hardened.

We currently lack run, bringing in underdone players will not help our cause.

[Stefcep]

Shaggy has been awful all year, he has been a very important player for a long time, but I feel he needs a spell to get some touch back. He is very careless at times, in the past he made up for it by playing above his height and running off his man providing lots of drive off half back, this has dried up this year. Whilst Wood isn't knocking the door down he has been solid and is the kind of player we could use off half back

And he's given away stupid free kicks this season that have cost us.

[Rocco Jones]

Agree we could improve our running power - but I think that should be at the expense of others who don't offer it - Hahn? Aker? Hill? Our midfield rotations don't look anywhere near as strong due to the injuries we've got - so hopefully in the next month things will turn around and we'll get Ward/Picken/Reid into the mix.

I think our older guys are struggling and we have to watch that we don't play them all in the same team. We're looking very pedestrian this season.

Some good points there.

I guess I am talking about not playing Williams, Everitt and Minson in the same side when we have some of our runners back. As you mention, we have quite a few smaller players who don't offer much run.

Sydney's game style suits going in with a bigger bodied side due to the amount of stoppages. Where we really need legs is around HF to apply forward pressure of all types towards their legion of HBF's.

As blasphemous as it is, I would drop Stack for Minson. I really think they might expose my boy a little. :(

On a side note, I am keeping an eye on Pat Rose's form at Willy. Seems like his tank has improved and I think our side could really benefit from a genuine mobile small forward replacing one of our medium less mobile options. I know he is on the rookie list, just a potential option though.

[Rocco Jones]

Granted Johnson is in our best team no doubt.

But is it now getting to a stage where he really needs to get game time into his body and legs through the VFL.
Im not sure what has changed for Johnson fitness wise since round 1 and now.
If he'd played 7 games he'd be mtach fit and hardened.

We currently lack run, bringing in underdone players will not help our cause.

Hahn and Johnno in the small forward line could be a bit of a worry. I know we all love Johnno and some here view sending him to Willy as tantamount to hearsay but I totally agree with your comments.

[LostDoggy]

We dont normally make a lot of changes so I think it will be Stack for Minson.

We need to keep the rotations going through the ruck, Hudson cant keep going at this rate and Stack still looks out of his league in the AFL for me. Time and opportunities are on his side for the future. I hope Roccos running concerns arent on the money this week.

Seriously a big game for us, but then every game is at 4 and 3... we were lucky against Melbourne and unlucky against the saints, we really need to take luck out of the picture.

[Mantis]

As blasphemous as it is, I would drop Stack for Minson. I really think they might expose my boy a little. :(

On a side note, I am keeping an eye on Pat Rose's form at Willy. Seems like his tank has improved and I think our side could really benefit from a genuine mobile small forward replacing one of our medium less mobile options. I know he is on the rookie list, just a potential option though.

On one hand you won't to drop Stack, but on the other you want to play Rose for almost the same reasons as why Stack was promoted. Stack's form over the VFL games I have seen as been far superior to Rose's.

Doesn't make senese RJ.

[Rocco Jones]

On one hand you won't to drop Stack, but on the other you want to play Rose for almost the same reasons as why Stack was promoted. Stack's form over the VFL games I have seen as been far superior to Rose's.

Doesn't make senese RJ.

I actually don't want us to play Rose next week.

I see Rose and Stack as different types. Rose more of a busy/mobile small forward whereas Stack offers moments of brilliance as medium sized HF. The is assuming Rose's tank has improved as much as it appeared from watching him play in the VFL against Collingwood on TV.

[Mantis]

I actually don't want us to play Rose next week.

I see Rose and Stack as different types. Rose more of a busy/mobile small forward whereas Stack offers moments of brilliance as medium sized HF. The is assuming Rose's tank has improved as much as it appeared from watching him play in the VFL against Collingwood on TV.

I understand that, but would think that it is much more likely that Stack will be given every opportunity to cement his spot before Rose even gets a look in.

[Rocco Jones]

I understand that, but would think that it is much more likely that Stack will be given every opportunity to cement his spot before Rose even gets a look in.

Yep I would and although I see them as different types, they would probably be competing for the same spot at the moment.

My Rose comment would probably be more relevant in a thread that wasn't about next week's side and more long term where I see Stack and Rose hopefully effectively taking over from Hahn, Johnno and co.

[LostDoggy]

I think it's a little bit of wishful thinking with the constant calls for Williams to be dropped, it's not going to happen.

He is ear marked for our CHB position & has been for the past few years, he isn't going to be dropped for one bad game, or because match ups aren't there. Rocket will continually play Williams week in & week out, much like i think he should. You never see the top teams dropping key players because match ups aren't there, it just doesn't happen. There is a reason clubs go on to win Premierships, it's because they have a solid structure & spine that hasn't been touched & is able to gain games and gel, we need to do this.

[Rocco Jones]

I think it's a little bit of wishful thinking with the constant calls for Williams to be dropped, it's not going to happen.

He is ear marked for our CHB position & has been for the past few years, he isn't going to be dropped for one bad game, or because match ups aren't there. Rocket will continually play Williams week in & week out, much like i think he should. You never see the top teams dropping key players because match ups aren't there, it just doesn't happen. There is a reason clubs go on to win Premierships, it's because they have a solid structure & spine that hasn't been touched & is able to gain games and gel, we need to do this.

I pretty much agree with everything you have to say there but doesn't a solid structure involve a balanced team with running depth? I understand our running depth has been hurt by injuries but feel we need to find a way to get extra run into the side. I guess like MrMahatma said, we probably should be looking at others like Hahn who don't offer run first. Can't wait for Picken, Ward and Reid to be back in the selection frame.

[The Coon Dog]

Collingwood always drop players when there is no match up. How often have we seen Presti as a late withdrawal against the Bulldogs?

[Rocco Jones]

Collingwood always drop players when there is no match up. How often have we seen Presti as a late withdrawal against the Bulldogs?

Great call TCD. Nathan Brown is another one who is often a late withdrawal.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

And down back, which makes him the ideal candidate for a part time(pinch hitting) ruck man IMO.

The only issue would be is he strong enough, Do we really want him rucking and exposed to another injury?

I would still like him at CHB as he needs games into him and I'm not 100% sure he reads the play well enough to rome around the ground, That said he did try and compete really well.

I'm just concerned about "Biscuits" as he hasn't had one year with injury yet!

[Sedat]

Great call TCD. Nathan Brown is another one who is often a late withdrawal.
Shane Wakelin as well when he was playing

[LostDoggy]

I pretty much agree with everything you have to say there but doesn't a solid structure involve a balanced team with running depth? I understand our running depth has been hurt by injuries but feel we need to find a way to get extra run into the side. I guess like MrMahatma said, we probably should be looking at others like Hahn who don't offer run first. Can't wait for Picken, Ward and Reid to be back in the selection frame.

Of course a solid structure includes running depth, but shouldn't come at the expense of a CHB. There are 3 things that you need to win a Premiership, other then just being a freak team.

1. A solid back half, which has played a lot of footy together.
2. A spine which is pretty much solid from FB all the way to FF, we have that now besides a true CHF.
3. Everything falling into place (Hawthorn had that when they won there flag).


Collingwood always drop players when there is no match up. How often have we seen Presti as a late withdrawal against the Bulldogs?

Don't want to sound like a smartarse, put when did they last win a Premiership?

Out of the last 10 Premiership teams, two have won a GF without having a solid spine & structure (West Coast/Hawthorn). But in the process have had some stand out players in other areas, which have been able to carry the team over the line. Every other team has constantly kept the same structure through the middle of the park, which in turn has enabled them to win Premierships.

We need to keep doing this, in my opinion.

[Rocco Jones]

Don't want to sound like a smartarse, put when did they last win a Premiership?

Out of the last 10 Premiership teams, two have won a GF without having a solid spine & structure (West Coast/Hawthorn). But in the process have had some stand out players in other areas, which have been able to carry the team over the line. Every other team has constantly kept the same structure through the middle of the park, which in turn has enabled them to win Premierships.


They may not have won a premiership but I think you have factor in match ups with your team selection and still be a genuine contender.

I think they are far more relevant to the demands of modern footy than a premiership side from 10 years ago.

[divvydan]

Harbrow's incident with Bennell was looked at and it was determined that he had no case to answer so he's available for this week. Was deemed an open hand smother attempt

[LostDoggy]

Harbrow's incident with Bennell was looked at and it was determined that he had no case to answer so he's available for this week. Was deemed an open hand smother attempt

Thats good i can still follow football

[bornadog]

In Minson, Johnno

Out: Addison, Stack (I hope not, like to see him in a few more games)

[Go_Dogs]

I'm guessing no change at this stage.

[westbulldog]

Johnno, if he is fit, for Stack We are live on Ch 10 and I cringe in advance at the thought of that woman's dull, colorless and boring monologue masquerading as a football commentary.

[LostDoggy]

I think Stack will stay in as Eade said he would like to give young players more then just one game at a time. Johnno if fit and is it going to rain? If not Minson should come in but if it rains I think we should go in like last week.

[LostDoggy]

Johnno, if he is fit, for Stack We are live on Ch 10 and I cringe in advance at the thought of that woman's dull, colorless and boring monologue masquerading as a football commentary.

I was assuming it was Foxtel, as it's interstate. Great, now I gotta listen to that awful lady commentator - surely there are women out there way better than her? Is she the best they could get?!! I have no problem with women commentating, but any commentator, whatever their sex, needs to be entertaining.

[choconmientay]

Shane Mumford is out so we should dominate the Ruck and win a lot of ball at the center bounce. This is a big advantage.

Do you guys know what happened to Moles. He seems to be a guy for hard-ball-get around stoppages.

[EasternWest]

In Minson, Johnno

Out: Addison, Stack (I hope not, like to see him in a few more games)

For what reason?

[LostDoggy]

Would like Moles in. And I agree with the woman commentator on channel sucks really really bad. No offence to woman commentating, but she just makes me want to watch it on mute. She gets to excited over nothing for every play/goal

[Bulldog Revolution]

For what reason?

I thought Addison did a pretty reasonable job on Aaron Davey. I would be surprised if he was dropped after that. For me the only clear change is Minson in for Stack.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Would like Moles in. And I agree with the woman commentator on channel sucks really really bad. No offence to woman commentating, but she just makes me want to watch it on mute. She gets to excited over nothing for every play/goal

She lacks credibility, gravitas. A commentator needs to have been involved in the game at coaching or playing level ala Commetti otherwise they seem like the greyhound chasing the hare or a eunuch in a harem ala Bruce or Peter Donnigan.
Johnno in for Addison and forward, rotating with Stack and Hill off the bench. Hopefully the aboriginal brothers can use that native intuition to form a partnership in goal hunting ala the Krakauers.

[Lurgan]

Minson should come in, probably for Stack. After Will's game for Williamstown last Sunday there's no way he shouldn't be selected. Stack looked OK in patches last week, but didn't do enough to keep a second ruckman out of the team. Addison was and has been good. There's no reason to drop him.

[Sedat]

I thought Addison did a pretty reasonable job on Aaron Davey. I would be surprised if he was dropped after that. For me the only clear change is Minson in for Stack.
Addison was good the previous 3 weeks but I thought Davey touched him up to be honest. Then again Davey touched up Picken last season. Addison's strengths match up quite well against the Swans so I'd expect to see him retain his place in the team this week.

[Dazza]

She lacks credibility, gravitas. A commentator needs to have been involved in the game at coaching or playing level ala Commetti otherwise they seem like the greyhound chasing the hare or a eunuch in a harem ala Bruce or Peter Donnigan.


I don't really agree with this. Clinton Grybas was one of the better commentators before he passed away. I'd prefer someone like that than say David Schwarz(?)

But yeah she is a horrible commentator.

[Dazza]

I'd almost like to see us go in unchanged this week. Sydneys gameplan has changed drastically this year and we really need to keep some pace in the forward line or possibly even give DFA a defensive forward role on Malceski.

Does anyone think Goodes may be used in the ruck?

[Go_Dogs]

Does anyone think Goodes may be used in the ruck?

Wouldn't have thought so at this stage of his career, but you never know. He is out of form, and it could be just the tonic he needs.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Minson should come in, probably for Stack. After Will's game for Williamstown last Sunday there's no way he shouldn't be selected. Stack looked OK in patches last week, but didn't do enough to keep a second ruckman out of the team. Addison was and has been good. There's no reason to drop him.

I wouldn't like to see Roughhead sacrificed again. Maybe he could be played out of a forward pocket and doing the ruckwork on the forward line leaving Hudson and Minson alternating off the bench. We are desperately short of a tall marking player up forward, qualities that both Hahn and Hall do not have. The injection of Grant and Roughhead into the senior line up has been a positive move and both need continuous game time as they are the future of the club.

[LostDoggy]

Johnno, if he is fit, for Stack We are live on Ch 10 and I cringe in advance at the thought of that woman's dull, colorless and boring monologue masquerading as a football commentary.

Shocking. Pretty sure it was the WC/Hawks game she called the "consolation" goal with about 6 mins left - The Hawks got back to within a kick and a half....

Also called a goal and said it reduced the margin to 3 goals. The actual margin was roughly 4.5 goals :D

[BornInDroopSt'54]

I don't really agree with this. Clinton Grybas was one of the better commentators before he passed away. I'd prefer someone like that than say David Schwarz(?)

But yeah she is a horrible commentator.

Agreed, Grybas was the exception that proves the rule.

[Sedat]

We are live on Ch 10 and I cringe in advance at the thought of that woman's dull, colorless and boring monologue masquerading as a football commentary.
Kelli Underwood is a hardcore Bulldog fan so I hope she can bring some added excitement into the broadcast this week.

[bornadog]

Kelli Underwood is a hardcore Bulldog fan so I hope she can bring some added excitement into the broadcast this week.

I actually don't mind her. We are not use to hearing a womans voice in calling the footy.

Great to hear she is a Bullies fan.

[LostDoggy]

Kelli Underwood is a hardcore Bulldog fan so I hope she can bring some added excitement into the broadcast this week.
I could take or leave her. Now I know she is a Bulldog, I really like her, she is great !

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Kelli Underwood is a hardcore Bulldog fan so I hope she can bring some added excitement into the broadcast this week.

That changes my perception of her. ;)

I'm getting used of her now. She has a sound understanding of the game, but I still prefer the 'deeper' voice in football commentary. Hudson is hands down the best around IMO.

[Doc26]

Kelli Underwood is a hardcore Bulldog fan so I hope she can bring some added excitement into the broadcast this week.

Wasn't aware of this either, this definitely gives her a load of credit.

And on the topic of 'Ekeing' how does Matt Campbell keep getting a gig ? :confused::eek:

[azabob]

Hudson is hands down the best around IMO.

From both forms of media?

For me it is Gerard Whateley on TV or radio.

[AndrewP6]

Kelli Underwood is a hardcore Bulldog fan so I hope she can bring some added excitement into the broadcast this week.

Great to hear that... still not great to hear her announcing work.

[LostDoggy]

I guess I'll be watching the game on mute tomorrow.

[Remi Moses]

She follows the Crows. Knowledgeis okay although that Voice Is a touch annoying

[Hot_Doggies]

From both forms of media?

For me it is Gerard Whateley on TV or radio.



I agree, by the length of the straight.