Game Day - R15 Western Bulldogs vs Carlton

[BulldogBelle]

This is the discussion thread for this Sunday's twillight game at ES against Carlton.

My predictions are:

The Dogs by 15 points
BOG : Daniel Cross
Daniel Giansiracusa to kick the first goal

[Go_Dogs]

Dogs by 34 points
BOG - Lake
First Goal - Stack

[LostDoggy]

Always the eternal optimist:

Dogs by 25 points
BOG = Griff
First Goal = Gia

[Ghost Dog]

Dogs in a thriller by a kick
BOG = Lake
First Goal = Master Barry.

[Doggy]

Dogs by 48 points
BOG - Griffin
First Goal - Higgins

[EasternWest]

Dogs in a thriller by a kick
BOG = Lake
First Goal = Master Barry.

I like the way you've hedged your bets there. Anything under 6 points you win!

Blues, dammit, 15pts.
BOG Judd (just put him in my SC team).
First goal Grant.

[chef]

Doggies by 54
Lake First Goal
Lake BOG

[LostDoggy]

Dogs by 10
Boyd BOG
First goal Grant

[boydogs]

Dogs by 100
First Goal Hall
BOG Cooney

[bornadog]

Dogs by 100:eek:
First Goal Hall
BOG Cooney

that would be nice.

Dogs by 10

First Goal - Grant

BOG - Cooney

[LostDoggy]

Blues by 13
BOG Judd
First goal Betts

[mighty_west]

Dogs by 36
BOG - Lake
1st goal - Giansiracusa

[Grant to have a break out game and earn a RS nomination].

[AndrewP6]

Dogs by 11
First goal Gia
BOG Cooooney.

[LostDoggy]

Dogs by 26
FG: Hall
BOG: Lake

P.S. I love Richmond Tigers :P

[Ghost Dog]

Dogs by 26
FG: Hall
BOG: Lake

P.S. I love Richmond Tigers :P

LOL You never thought those words would pass your lips.

[LostDoggy]

Dogs by 13 points
1st goal Grant
Harbrow BOG

[LostDoggy]

Dogs by 34 Points
1st Goal Lake
Griffen BOG

[LostDoggy]

LOL You never thought those words would pass your lips.

True dat

[BornInDroopSt'54]

With the wheels of Fate starting to turn for us:
DOGS by 27 pts
FIRST GOAL Johnno
BOG Griffen

[LostDoggy]

This it boys. Freo have left us an opening to attack. Win this and chalk up another next week it will make for one massive game against Freo the following week. I have faith we can turn things around for the better.

Dogs by 19pts
Grant first goal
Lake BOG

[angelopetraglia]

So much riding on this game now. Two results have gone in our way with both Freo and Hawthorn losing. Win this and we are back in the hunt, lose, I don't even want to think about it.

We have not beaten them since the 2006 season. Matty Robbins kicked 3 goals in that game!

Dogs in a tight one by 11 points capitilising on Carlton's turnovers.

B Johnson BOG

J Grant First goal

[LostDoggy]

Dogs by 14

BOG is Griff

1st goal is Grant

[The Pie Man]

Stars are aligning (thank-you Richmond....now doesn't that feel weird)

Dogs by 37 points
Cooney BOG
First Goal to Baz

[bornadog]

Lake playing forward and back

[LostDoggy]

Made up for that last shot, good running goal Griff!

Edit: Judd already up n about - free kick rubbish though and didn't deserve the goal.

[ledge]

Lake having a day out

[MrMahatma]

Soft umpiring decisions today. Very soft.

[LostDoggy]

Great first quarter. Free-flowing footy without too much focus on defence. Lake has been brilliant, filling every possible hole, going back and reading the play very well. Poor effort from Stack though, not going for that mark. Cooney showing class as usual

[LostDoggy]

I want Lake's babies :)

[mjp]

Poor effort from Stack though, not going for that mark.

0 front and centre efforts.
Half-hearted chasing.

Just really, really poor.

[LostDoggy]

0 front and centre efforts.
Half-hearted chasing.

Just really, really poor.

Left hamstring just twanged. Not good. Was he fit coming into the side? :confused:

[ledge]

Stack has done his hammy.

[The Pie Man]

^^^^

and looks to have tweaked his hamstring

EDIT - you're all too quick!

[bornadog]

GrifffffffOOOOOOOO

[The Pie Man]

That Griffen goal was just about our best piece of play for the season

[LostDoggy]

"Best play of this year" - BT

I agree. Unbelievable run from Griff.

[The Pie Man]

Jordan's goal - top pressure and smarts

[bornadog]

Must keep kicking goals, Blues can come home.

[LostDoggy]

Murphy all class. Half Back? done. Half forward? Done.

[The Pie Man]

I was wrong before - Murph's goal just beat Griffen's

He..and us, are good to watch when we're on

[bornadog]

Should have kicked that Griff!

[mjp]

...and Bazza.

But Boydy got it done.

[MrMahatma]

BT calling Boyd 'Brad Boyd' again... muppet.

[bornadog]

Good first half and 6 goal second quarter.

A couple of players need to lift, Ward and Gia not getting much of the ball.

Boyd and Cooney racking up possessions as usual. (17)

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Good first half and 6 goal second quarter.

A couple of players need to lift, Ward and Gia not getting much of the ball.

Boyd and Cooney racking up possessions as usual. (17)

Boyd showing a lot of leadership out there, with his tackling and pressure.
Good to see us effect some turnovers in our forward fifty in the second quarter. In the first quarter as soon as the ball came to ground in our forward line, the Blues were getting it our far too easily.

[The Pie Man]

BT calling Boyd 'Brad Boyd' again... muppet.

Healy used to do it all the time as well, Brad hasn't played AFL for over 10 years!

[bornadog]

Heally used to do it all the time as well, Brad hasn't played AFL for over 10 years!

and Matt is a better player;)

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

With Stack gone for the game, it's good we've got a 6 goal lead.
It will be interesting to see how it affects us late in the game, especially as it's been such a running game.

[bornadog]

Hall could kick 8 today

[mjp]

With Stack gone for the game, it's good we've got a 6 goal lead.
It will be interesting to see how it affects us late in the game, especially as it's been such a running game.

I have a slightly different opinion.

Our forward line has been much better since Stack permanently left the ground.

Judd just missed a wide open Murphy in the goal-square. Terribly selfish play.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

I have a slightly different opinion.

Our forward line has been much better since Stack permanently left the ground.

Judd just missed a wide open Murphy in the goal-square. Terribly selfish play.

I agree with that, but (and you would know the answer better than me) does being a player down for a long period of time significantly affect the teams ability to run out a game?

[LostDoggy]

60th Goal by Bazza. "We're Not worthy! We're not worthy!"

:D

[bornadog]

Boyd killing them

[LostDoggy]

Da druid!!!

[bornadog]

Boyd killing them

third quarter - 27 disposals and two goals, a Star!!!

[chef]

Very enjoyable game to watch so far:).

Geez Grant is quick.

[EasternWest]

I have a slightly different opinion.

Our forward line has been much better since Stack permanently left the ground.

Judd just missed a wide open Murphy in the goal-square. Terribly selfish play.

I don't like to see him injured, but I'm not sorry he wont be selected next week because of it. He doesn't add anything and is terribly, terribly soft.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

third quarter - 27 disposals and two goals, a Star!!!

An outstanding performance from Boyd, often going head to head with Judd at times too.
You always know your going to get the required effort and desperation from him, but he's also added some polish today-which is what has been missing from us as a team for a large portion of the season. So a fine leading from the front game from Boydy.

[mjp]

I agree with that, but (and you would know the answer better than me) does being a player down for a long period of time significantly affect the teams ability to run out a game?

One player? Doesn't make much difference. Player mindset thing.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

I don't like to see him injured, but I'm not sorry he wont be selected next week because of it. He doesn't add anything and is terribly, terribly soft.

Perhaps provides an opening for Aker, following his 5 goals today for Willy?

[Rocco Jones]

6 day break for Darwin game. As much as I normally hate it, I would be totally fine with us chipping it around for 10 minutes!

[EasternWest]

6 day break for Darwin game. As much as I normally hate it, I would be totally fine with us chipping it around for 10 minutes!

I agree and don't agree.

I agree because player preservation makes sense.

But I disagree because I hate when we trounce a team and then in the last ten or so minutes we let them close the gap a bit.

I'd rather see the foot on the throat, show a bit of Geelong like ruthlessness.

[Rocco Jones]

I agree and don't agree.

I agree because player preservation makes sense.

But I disagree because I hate when we trounce a team and then in the last ten or so minutes we let them close the gap a bit.

I'd rather see the foot on the throat, show a bit of Geelong like ruthlessness.

I said 'as much as I normally hate it'.

If not for the 6 day break for Dawin I would definitely be wanting us to smash them.

[LostDoggy]

There is something so, so satisfying about destroying Carlton.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

There is something so, so satisfying about destroying Carlton.

Oh that's so true, hasn't been good these past couple of years losing to the Cheats, so it feels good to give them a spanking.

[LostDoggy]

there is something so, so satisfying about destroying carlton.

amen!

[G-Mo77]

Fantastic today. They looked switched on from the start and you could just tell they were going to put Carlton away pretty comfortably, I didn't think it would be by so much though! :eek:

[EasternWest]

I said 'as much as I normally hate it'.

If not for the 6 day break for Dawin I would definitely be wanting us to smash them.

Noted ;).


Fantastic today. They looked switched on from the start and you could just tell they were going to put Carlton away pretty comfortably, I didn't think it would be by so much though! :eek:

A good four quarter effort. I feel we've been steadily improving for the last few weeks. I don't want to get carried away, but our formline is trending the right way.

[The Pie Man]

Good to finally get a win vs the cheats, but given they were half a shot at top 4 if they got over us today, I was surprised at how poor they were. From half way through the 2nd quarter we just killed them at contested ball, and they butchered it going inside 50.

Will expect to win next week, it's the game against Freo coming back from Darwin that has me worried...at least it's on the Sunday

[Jasper]

It was an interesting tactical decision by Carlton (I'm assuming they decided this anyway) to go head to head attack rather than use the zoning and tight defence that has made life difficult for attacking teams like us and Geelong. Can't believe the lattitude our runners were given. Well done Bulldogs and hope this provides some impetus and confidence for the challenges ahead

[Hotdog60]

I didn't put one player in my votes, Dale Morris. He does such a good job that he goes unnoticed quite a lot, he took Betts out of the game and never looked like being an influence.

[LostDoggy]

Hopefully the trip to Darwin next week won't sap too much from the playing group so all energy can be put to the most challenging games ahead.

Go Dogs! Now or Never

[LostDoggy]

There is something so, so satisfying about destroying Carlton.

It's one of my favourite things!
How great will it be to go to work tomorrow and not be harrassed by gloating Blues fans :D
I think I'll be feeling a little bit smug....but only for the day!
Well done Doggies!

[BulldogBelle]

Was having a happy look over on the carlton bigfooty board and spotted this gem. Thought it was worth posting.:D


EOG -

hall 6.3
carl 8.10


it was a sluggish start by the boys, trailing at the end of the 1st quarter 1.5 to 2.0. however, we managed to pull away in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, with hall drawing close to trail by 1 point midway through the third. however, he was held goalless in the last quarter and we outscored him 2.2 to 2 behinds, to come away with a hard fought win.

Haha!

[LostDoggy]

There is something so, so satisfying about destroying Carlton.

Woo Hoo! Love it, I really and truly love it! Great win for the boys, switched on for 4 quarters and we gave those bluebaggers a right shallacking!!!!!:cool:

[Ghost Dog]

Woo Hoo! Love it, I really and truly love it! Great win for the boys, switched on for 4 quarters and we gave those bluebaggers a right shallacking!!!!!:cool:

Tonight the boys were like a well oiled machine. My Mum said they had 39 tackles for the whole game! Is that right??

[Ghost Dog]

60th Goal by Bazza. "We're Not worthy! We're not worthy!"

:D

Haha

[EasternWest]

Was having a happy look over on the carlton bigfooty board and spotted this gem. Thought it was worth posting.:D
Haha!

That's fantastic!

[choconmientay]

Got to the game today with my work mates (all Carlton fans) and it is a fantastic feeling to give it to them :) Couldn't stop smiling through the whole game :) Huge effort from all the guys. Thanks doggies !!!

[Ghost Dog]

http://images.theage.com.au/2010/07/11/1686741/fpp_bulldogs-300x340.jpg

BRIAN, BRIAN.... He's not the messiah... but very very close...

[AndrewP6]

Great to get a big win over the Bluebaggers!!! As others have said, it's a sweet win against that mob. Great effort today, we looked far more convincing going into F50, and spotting up targets we seemed more sure of ourselves. Grant impressed me, that run into goal was awesome- I thought for sure he was gonna get run down. "Slim" Picken had a great game, throws himself (literally) around with great desperation. Tough as nails. Ward, whilst a bit down, is hard at it, and will be more than handy. Johnno I thought did better, couple of nick kicks, and got on the scoreboard too. How good was it to see Coons and Griff streaming downfield, ball in hand? I also thought our spread of scorers was something that we've needed, good to have several multiple goalkickers. Roughy was solid, I thought, and that goal was a very nice kick. Bazza - champion! Led well, kicked his share, and I really like his tackling and efforts to pressure opponents. If not for the cold, maybe he'd have had eight. ;) Thank god we didn't "Welease Bwian!!" - out-and-out star, that bloke. Fills gaps, takes strong grabs, reads the play - and very few (if any) Bwain Fades (sorry, couldn't resist!) tonight! :)

A shame for Stack doing a hammy, but IMO that only saved him from omission. Just not up to the level at the moment. I'm sure Aker will be lobbying for his spot next week.

I understand the need for player preservation, but I nearly opened my book for a read in that last quarter. God that was boring. Anyway, a big win over the Blues...very nice indeed Dogs!

[LostDoggy]

Hall vs Carlton on big footy just spendid!! :D

I know of quite a few people who will be exiting Flagstaff Station looking studiously at their shoelaces all the way to work tomorrow. Such a joy to have been blessed with a good set of lungs though! ;):D

[Hotdog60]

I understand the need for player preservation, but I nearly opened my book for a read in that last quarter. God that was boring. Anyway, a big win over the Blues...very nice indeed Dogs!

Eade said after the match that because of the 6 day break and a trip to Darwin he instructed the guys to chip around to save some legs.

[Mantis]

Hall vs Carlton on big footy just spendid!! :D

I know of quite a few people who will be exiting Flagstaff Station looking studiously at their shoelaces all the way to work tomorrow. Such a joy to have been blessed with a good set of lungs though! ;):D

Enjoyed on the coverage the Bulldog chant followed by the hand to the ear Dadruid.

Those Carlton nuffies are such kill-joys.

[Ghost Dog]

I also thought our spread of scorers was something that we've needed, good to have several multiple goalkickers.

Always a good measure of quality IMO.

The question is, how well do we measure up now against top four sides, with this new mix of players ( Roughy, Tom, no mitch ) ?
I heard one commentator say it was a poor measure of where we are at since the tackle count was so low.
In addition, Carlton really don't have much of a forward option. Setanta had 3 touches for the game. Certainly, Gibbs had an off day with accuracy.

Still, if we played like that last week...

[AndrewP6]

Eade said after the match that because of the 6 day break and a trip to Darwin he instructed the guys to chip around to save some legs.

Yeah, that's fair enough.

[Hotdog60]

Poor old Higgins has copped a bashing of late and rightly so but I thought although he didn't get a lot of it what he did get he did better, if that makes any sense.:)

[AndrewP6]

Poor old Higgins has copped a bashing of late and rightly so but I thought although he didn't get a lot of it what he did get he did better, if that makes any sense.:)

Yep I agree, I thought he started to get something back tonight. Still not right, and I'd be very surprised if he wasn't carrying.

[AndrewP6]

Just watching the TV coverage (recorded), and Stack's non-mark late in the 1st quarter. He wears no. 18 - didn't Cam Faulkner wear 18 - is it a cursed guernsey? ;)

[Mantis]

Poor old Higgins has copped a bashing of late and rightly so but I thought although he didn't get a lot of it what he did get he did better, if that makes any sense.:)


He isn't moving all that well. Just isn't (can't??) pushing his body all that hard.

His form or lack of it is a real concern.

[AndrewP6]

On Foxtel's coverage, at halftime, they showed footage of the goal umpires "checking" the flags, posts etc, and Chelsea Roffey doing what appeared to be 'practising', standing on the goal line as they do - which wouldn't have been quite as funny had she not been in her civvies!! I laughed - that is, until BT mentioned how he was 'aroused' looking at the footage. Kind of disturbing, that was :eek:

[soupman]

Just watching the TV coverage (recorded), and Stack's non-mark late in the 1st quarter. He wears no. 18 - didn't Cam Faulkner wear 18 - is it a cursed guernsey? ;)

I think a certain Trent Bartlett says that superstars can adorn the Bulldogs 18 and succeed.

[mighty_west]

I think a certain Trent Bartlett says that superstars can adorn the Bulldogs 18 and succeed.

We had this full forward that kicked a few goals in the 80's as well....

[Dazza]

Druid I loved the FFC mohawk top work.

Gee Cross gives his absolute all. Eade should highlight his attack on the footy and say that is the benchmark for the whole team.

[Danny the snakeman]

On Foxtel's coverage, at halftime, they showed footage of the goal umpires "checking" the flags, posts etc, and Chelsea Roffey doing what appeared to be 'practising', standing on the goal line as they do - which wouldn't have been quite as funny had she not been in her civvies!! I laughed - that is, until BT mentioned how he was 'aroused' looking at the footage. Kind of disturbing, that was :eek:

I thought exactly like BT,Chelsea is hot.:p

[Mantis]

Gee Cross gives his absolute all. Eade should highlight his attack on the footy and say that is the benchmark for the whole team.

He tries his guts out, but I'm not sure what his role is at present.

He seems to be playing an 'outside' role and his lack of pace is a concern.

[LostDoggy]

Druid I loved the FFC mohawk top work.

Thought we needed some old school hardness hence the FFC. :cool:
Kudos for the artwork has to go to Samantha, my partner. :D
How she puts up with me at times, I have no idea!! :o

[Ghost Dog]

I thought exactly like BT,Chelsea is hot.:p

Yeah, GH went a bit red when he said that. Funny

[BulldogBelle]

Was having a happy look over on the carlton bigfooty board and spotted this gem. Thought it was worth posting.


Originally Posted by dumb View Post
EOG -

hall 6.3
carl 8.10


it was a sluggish start by the boys, trailing at the end of the 1st quarter 1.5 to 2.0. however, we managed to pull away in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, with hall drawing close to trail by 1 point midway through the third. however, he was held goalless in the last quarter and we outscored him 2.2 to 2 behinds, to come away with a hard fought win.:D



Haha!


Love it!

[LostDoggy]

Enjoyed on the coverage the Bulldog chant followed by the hand to the ear Dadruid.

Those Carlton nuffies are such kill-joys.

Was that footage from on the wing, just after half-time? I went looking for The Adelaide Connection and the Dogs had just kicked a goal. Mostly Carlton members but thought I'd give the FFC faithful a chance to shout together. A huge man of unknown Pacific origin impolitely asked me to urinate elsewhere and keep my mandible locked in position (or words to that effect! ;)). I so enjoy it when it becomes obvious that someone needs a rhyme said about them. By the time I was finished, His mates on either side squished into their halfseats(told you he was huge) copped the biggest greasy look for giggling at my ditty. Brought a tear to my eye, it did!

[stefoid]

He tries his guts out, but I'm not sure what his role is at present.

He seems to be playing an 'outside' role and his lack of pace is a concern.

He minds his man, and gets involved all over the ground. Probably in our top 5 for scoring involvement, (dont have access to those stats this year), just as he was last year.

[LostDoggy]

I thought exactly like BT,Chelsea is hot.:p

Love to serenade her every time she officiates our games. She blushes a lovely shade of pink!

[LostDoggy]

Tonight the boys were like a well oiled machine. My Mum said they had 39 tackles for the whole game! Is that right??

Heard the same thing on the radio too! So, I'm thinking it's right - Carlton only had 39 tackles - pretty poor!

[Go_Dogs]

He minds his man, and gets involved all over the ground. Probably in our top 5 for scoring involvement, (dont have access to those stats this year), just as he was last year.

Yep, I thought Crossy was good yesterday too. He's going to be a very important player against the top sides.

[Mantis]

He minds his man, and gets involved all over the ground. Probably in our top 5 for scoring involvement, (dont have access to those stats this year), just as he was last year.

I think that side of his game is over-rated.

He tends to head towards the defensive 50 when the opposition have the ball (maybe just following instructions) to try and help our defenders. Problem is that this creates extra numbers thru the corridor which can hurt us, especially when our chasing from behind isn't that great.

[aker39]

Was that footage from on the wing, just after half-time? I went looking for The Adelaide Connection and the Dogs had just kicked a goal.

I was in that aisle and got a good laugh when you came down. I heard you shouting out something about Adelaide and then realised what you were talkng about. No response though.

[Mantis]

I was in that aisle and got a good laugh when you came down. I heard you shouting out something about Adelaide and then realised what you were talkng about. No response though.

Your mug also popped up on the Fox Sports coverage, you seemed pretty excited that we were giving the 'scum' a hiding.

[Curly5]

There is something so, so satisfying about destroying Carlton.

Oh yes :) especially (as I've previously mentioned) the only other AFL fan in my soul-less Qld office is a Blues fan. :D

[aker39]

Your mug also popped up on the Fox Sports coverage, you seemed pretty excited that we were giving the 'scum' a hiding.

There was a lot to be excited about. :)

[Mofra]

He tends to head towards the defensive 50 when the opposition have the ball (maybe just following instructions) to try and help our defenders. Problem is that this creates extra numbers thru the corridor which can hurt us, especially when our chasing from behind isn't that great.
If that means they have to kick long and high inside 50 instead of spotting up a shot target, great. Anything that gives Lake a chance to fly at the ball works in our favour. Short low passes kill us.

[stefoid]

I think that side of his game is over-rated.

He tends to head towards the defensive 50 when the opposition have the ball (maybe just following instructions) to try and help our defenders. Problem is that this creates extra numbers thru the corridor which can hurt us, especially when our chasing from behind isn't that great.

I managed to find the stats that pro stats wants you to pay for (they forgot to protect some page against free acess)

Check out the other thread - its intersting reading, but you cant copy and paste, so youll just have to click at least 4 links. sorry.

[LostDoggy]

There was a lot to be excited about. :)

68 reasons after 137 meetings by the end of the night. ;):D

[Mantis]

If that means they have to kick long and high inside 50 instead of spotting up a shot target, great. Anything that gives Lake a chance to fly at the ball works in our favour. Short low passes kill us.

But, it also means they have atleast one spare player streaming thru the middle which can in itself create difficulties.

[Mofra]

But, it also means they have atleast one spare player streaming thru the middle which can in itself create difficulties.
Teams haven't been using this to their advantage - it is rare for teams to use the man-on once the defensive six is set up.
The only team that does it on any type of regular basis is... us really.

[LostDoggy]

68 reasons after 137 meetings by the end of the night. ;):D

Biggest belting in "Their whole sorry history"

[LostDoggy]

I wasn't the most optimistic person before this game (due to our last few games against Carlton) and I am so happy that our boys put in such a solid display. I hope they can also thump Port on Saturday night, and not take them too lightly. GO DOGS!! :)

[OLD SCRAGGer]

I like the way you've hedged your bets there. Anything under 6 points you win!

Blues, dammit, 15pts.
BOG Judd (just put him in my SC team).
First goal Grant.

Tool of the Week :D :D

[OLD SCRAGGer]

Blues by 13
BOG Judd
First goal Betts

Runner up to Tool of the Week:)

[LostDoggy]

Runner up to Tool of the Week:)

Don't you just love that! :p

[LostDoggy]

Some things that stood out for me on Sunday evening.

. Hudson continues to fly completely under the radar and just puts his balls and neck on the line every week. He gets bashed into at every contest yet he is on his knees without fanfare doing what the team requires, going in hard, following up and feeding it out to our users.

. Picken is just about as hard as it gets, he was fantastic last night. Nothing flashly but he gut ran all night and got crunched tim again, getting the second effort and dishing it to out users.

. Morris kept Eddie Betts (who is touted AA) to 3 kicks for the game. He sacrificed getting the ball to ensire that their main target was useless. I watched him closely and he such a determined bastard, says nothing, head down ass up and is far quicker than I thought.

. Harbrow was sensational also. He was another who sacrificed his superstar staus and put him head down and did the job against Gartlett/Yarran. He was rarely beaten in flight or on the deck and made a few crucial spoils from way out of position. He knew when to dish off and when it was time to kick in the after burners.

. Crossy played a great game, hard as usual and he didn't overuse the footy when he got it. He was quick to move it on to a user and didn't go backwards (hallelujah)

I saw Gilbee, Boydy, Picken, continuously making space for coons and griff which is something that we have not done all year.

The theme in case you've missed it is teamwork. Yes, the scum were awful but we must take some credit for finally putting in effort in the right places, hence no coincidence that our effciancy was much better.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Some things that stood out for me on Sunday evening.

. Hudson continues to fly completely under the radar and just puts his balls and neck on the line every week. He gets bashed into at every contest yet he is on his knees without fanfare doing what the team requires, going in hard, following up and feeding it out to our users.

. Picken is just about as hard as it gets, he was fantastic last night. Nothing flashly but he gut ran all night and got crunched tim again, getting the second effort and dishing it to out users.

. Morris kept Eddie Betts (who is touted AA) to 3 kicks for the game. He sacrificed getting the ball to ensire that their main target was useless. I watched him closely and he such a determined bastard, says nothing, head down ass up and is far quicker than I thought.

. Harbrow was sensational also. He was another who sacrificed his superstar staus and put him head down and did the job against Gartlett/Yarran. He was rarely beaten in flight or on the deck and made a few crucial spoils from way out of position. He knew when to dish off and when it was time to kick in the after burners.

. Crossy played a great game, hard as usual and he didn't overuse the footy when he got it. He was quick to move it on to a user and didn't go backwards (hallelujah)

I saw Gilbee, Boydy, Picken, continuously making space for coons and griff which is something that we have not done all year.

The theme in case you've missed it is teamwork. Yes, the scum were awful but we must take some credit for finally putting in effort in the right places, hence no coincidence that our effciancy was much better.

All good points. Lake was fantastic when he went back into defence. I liked Roughead's game and thought he should be retained. Callan Ward is still a bit off the pace as is Shaun Higgins. It was good to see Hargrave finding some of his best form and confidence.
Wood and Grant have been good additions into the side. Dare I say it but the team looked a lot more mobile without Hahn in the team. Good to see Johnson showing some of his old form as we push up to the finals. I thought Tom Williams also looked a lot better than some of his previous games.

[Ghost Dog]

Heard the same thing on the radio too! So, I'm thinking it's right - Carlton only had 39 tackles - pretty poor!

Watched the Rattan Post Match.
They had just one inside 50 tackle..... amazing, if it is true.

[EasternWest]

Tool of the Week :D :D

Easy to point the finger when you've never even had a go :rolleyes:.

Ace post.

[dog town]

After a week where he copped some criticism I thought Cooney set the tone of the match for us. His work rate and intensity in the first 10 minutes was brilliant stuff. He has plenty to work on in terms of his use of the ball but I thought he was very good yesterday.

It is so important that we get Johnson back for the rest of the season. He might not be the player he was but he has presence, attracts the footy and most importantly hits the scoreboard. He might not be the most physical player but his name and reputation alone intimidates players. We just look far more dangerous with him in the side. Armfield ran under a mark with Hall coming from behind and Johnson was straight into him for the next minute. That sort of thing can really make a difference.

Any danger of a few of our guys getting to Hall's feet? I saw Jarrad Grant get in good position front and square to Hall 4 or 5 times but he was one of the only ones. If it is predictable for the opposition then it should be predictable for us. It is just another impressive thing from Jarrad Grant though. He actually only gathered the ball on 2 of these occasions but its just another trick he has in his bag. He could be quite scary if he puts it all together and can will himself to influence games.

Morris was incredible. Certainly would be in my votes.

[Ghost Dog]

The thing with Dale is you have to be at the ground to really appreciate his work. TV will never capture how important he is to this team.