Game Day - QF1 Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood

[BulldogBelle]

This is the discussion thread for this Saturday night's QF1 game at the MCG against Collingwood.

My predictions are:

The Dogs by 6 points
BOG : Daniel Cross
Daniel Giansiracusa to kick the first goal

[LostDoggy]

Bulldogs by 7 Points
BOG: Ward
First Goal: Ward

[Sedat]

Dogs by 8 points
BOG - the beard
First goal - Grant

[LostDoggy]

Dogs by 7 points
BOG - Harbrow
First goal - Higgins

[Jasper]

Shouldn't we rename this thread "What I'm praying will happen?"

Is anyone actually predicting we will win?
Have we not watched us play Collingwood over the last 2 seasons.
They have destroyed us

p.s. I'm working on a reverse jinx here

[Greystache]

Dogs by 1 point
BOG- Hahn
First Goal- Higgins

[bornadog]

Have we not watched us play Collingwood over the last 2 seasons. They have destroyed us



I wouldn't say destroyed, last 4 games have been :

2009 - Collingwood by 1 point,
2009 - Dogs by 24 points
2010 - Collingwood by 36 points
2010 - Collingwood by 9 points

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa198/mmsalih/2010.jpg

Stats say we can match them.

Dogs by 5 points
First Goal Johnno
BOG Boyd

[LostDoggy]

Heart says Dogs by 7 points
Head says Pies by 20 odd points
Gia BOG
Higgins First Goal

[LostDoggy]

We can do it dogs..it'll be a slogfest and I think we will come out on top

Dogs by 5pts
Bazza First Goal
Boyd BOG (And continue his great record vs Collingwood)

[comrade]

I love the optimism of Bulldog supporters, but if I'm brutally honest, I can't honestly see how we're going to win.

Pies by 24 points

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Love to see us turn the tables on history but I can't see it being done either.

Pies by 32 points.

[Remi Moses]

First Goal J. Grant
Bog Boyd
Winning Margin 1 pt
Winning soccered goal with 7 sec remaining by Barry
Scottish Terrier and The Kiss of Death to be the only media to get the result

[LostDoggy]

Dogs by 13. First goal to Gia.

[Jasper]

[QUOTE=bornadog;175152]I wouldn't say destroyed, last 4 games have been :

2009 - Collingwood by 1 point,
2009 - Dogs by 24 points
2010 - Collingwood by 36 points
2010 - Collingwood by 9 points

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa198/mmsalih/2010.jpg

Stats say we can match them.

Stats can say a lot of things.
The 9 point loss in Round 15 was like a 6 goal loss with a fake comeback.
Much like the Essendon loss earlier this year as well.

The 2009 win means nothing because the Pies played to lose for position.

We have failed to have a strategy to stop Swan, Didak, Heath Shaw or Harry O.
We are the only team Leon Davis can reach his former glory against.
Travis Cloke has never played a good game against us, and is now red hot.

Just call me Negative Nate

[LostDoggy]

We are going to win this one. I can just feel it.

Dogs by 2 points, in a low-scoring, nail-biting, stoppage-riddled, rolling-maul, muddy-slogfest, and the press will talk about nothing else for half a week (mostly focussing on how Collingwood choke in September).

Griff (if he plays) BOG.
Lake to kick the winning behind.

[comrade]

We are going to win this one. I can just feel it.

Dogs by 2 points, in a low-scoring, nail-biting, stoppage-riddled, rolling-maul, muddy-slogfest, and the press will talk about nothing else for half a week (mostly focussing on how Collingwood choke in September).

Griff (if he plays) BOG.
Lake to kick the winning behind.

If we win, do we make the GF?

[LostDoggy]

If we win, do we make the GF?

What do I look like, Nostradamus? :D

Beating the Collywobbles in some 2nd chance saloon final in the first week of September is one thing, breaking a half-century old PF hoodoo is another thing altogether.

[comrade]

What do I look like, Nostradamus? :D

Beating the Collywobbles in some 2nd chance saloon final in the first week of September is one thing, breaking a half-century old PF hoodoo is another thing altogether.

Winning a heart stopper against the Pies, getting a week off, then losing in ANOTHER prelim would just about do me in.

[LostDoggy]

Winning a heart stopper against the Pies, getting a week off, then losing in ANOTHER prelim would just about do me in.

THAT'S how the football gods get you every time.

But seriously, I think we've seen for a few years now that this team is a different proposition in September from H&A, especially with our backs against the walls. No one backed us going up against the Saints last year, but we played our best, tightest game of the year only to be undone at the last by the best KPF in the league. We've been waiting for this all year, and you can see the guys have just going through the motions a bit (while still trying, of course). We'll see our best either this week, or the next two.

[Chicago1]

Bulldogs by 8 points - I'm flying to Melbourne next weekend for the PF and GF if we win
BOG - Crossy
First goal - Grant

[DOG GOD]

I hate picking them but if i'm picking with my head then.....

Pies by 36 pts (dry)
Pies by 16 pts (wet)

[LostDoggy]

Pies by 55
First goal Cloke
BOG Swan

[Doggy]

Bulldogs by 17 Points
BOG: Ward
First Goal: Hall
:D:):D:):D:):D

[ratsmac]

Bulldogs by a kick (1 goal or 1 point, I don't really care)
BOG: Swan (absolute gun player)
First Goal: Convincing my wife to still come to the game in the pissing rain. Whether she comes or not, I'll be there with bells on. (and an pocho)

[LostDoggy]

Again, gotta keep the faith.....

Dogs by 1 point
BOG = Boyd
First goal = Higgins

[LostDoggy]

Winning a heart stopper against the Pies, getting a week off, then losing in ANOTHER prelim would just about do me in.

You and me both Comrade. Would have to stay away from the Westgate for a while I reckon!

[AndrewP6]

Heart says Dogs by 5pts

Head says I'd be happy to get within 5 goals of them.

[LostDoggy]

Dogs by 7 points
First Goal: Harbrow
BOG: Huddo

[mighty_west]

Dogs by 22 points
BOG : Lake
1st goal : Grant

[Bumper Bulldogs]

I think we have the side to match them tonight and I also have a god feeling about the match.

Dogs by 9 points,
BOG Boyd
1st Goal Gia

[Go_Dogs]

I'm not flying out for another couple of hours but I can't sleep.

MASSIVE game. I think we're a real shot, especially after seeing Sainters get up last night.

Dogs by 7 points
BOG Giansiracusa
First Goal Shaun Higgins

[The Coon Dog]

Saw this in the Age:

Footscray v Collingwood is an anagram of Dogs call on victory Woof!

[LostDoggy]

Draw, Then we win in extra time! :D
FG: Collingwood. only goal in the 1st qtr.
BOG: Picken

[LostDoggy]

Result : Dogs by 9
Goal : Always Gia
BOG : Cross (Its time Daniel Son)

[1eyedog]

In the wet dogs by 8 points
Panasonic goes to Billy's Boy, keeps Dids quiet and kicks 3 goals the other way
First goal to Grant off the ground

[comrade]

Who is starting to get ansy?

[OLD SCRAGGer]

Who is starting to get ansy?

What do you mean STARTING!!? I've been ansy all week...I'm bloody hopeless:)

[DOG GOD]

So whats the weather like in Melbourne at the moment guys?

Hope the trip is worth it Griff16 :)

[1eyedog]

Wind coming in off the northern plains, has a warmish tinge, certainly not cold. Rain coming in form the north north west through central Victoria, we are catching the southern tip of the band and getting regular showers, but nothing really heavy since the morning. Wind is the issue, must be up to 60-70km and has been picking up since noon. Will be very wet at the G and very, very windy, as predicted.

[Scorlibo]

Dogs by 21 points
BOG Lake
First Goal Hahn

The timing feels right after two consecutive Collingwood losses and two consecutive QF losses.

[DOG GOD]

Wind coming in off the northern plains, has a warmish tinge, certainly not cold. Rain coming in form the north north west through central Victoria, we are catching the southern tip of the band and getting regular showers, but nothing really heavy since the morning. Wind is the issue, must be up to 60-70km and has been picking up since noon. Will be very wet at the G and very, very windy, as predicted.

Thanks 1eyedog. Its going to be a very interesting night. Hopefully these conditions will curb the run that Obrien and Shaw generate and also make players like Boyd, Picken and Cross come to the fore.

I'm a bit worried about Bazza in these conditions as he struggles to get into the game. Time will tell.

[boydogs]

We are going to win this one. I can just feel it.

This


Who is starting to get ansy?

Yep very excited

Ryan Griffen BOG with the first goal, one of 5 for the night plus 30 possessions. The Pies don't tag, they cheat ahead of the play, Mr September will kill them

Bulldogs 14.12.96
Pies 11.19.85

[comrade]

Ryan Griffen BOG with the first goal, one of 5 for the night plus 30 possessions. The Pies don't tag, they cheat ahead of the play, Mr September will kill them

Bulldogs 14.12.96
Pies 11.19.85

Welcome to Grifftember?

[The Pie Man]

Who is starting to get ansy?

A little, though I get the feeling Pies fans will be a bit more nervous than us, expectation etc. Malthouse sounded pretty nervous on the radio earlier today

[AndrewP6]

So whats the weather like in Melbourne at the moment guys?

Hope the trip is worth it Griff16 :)

Apparently it's bucketed down in the city. My side of town hasn't really been hit... it's rained, and a bit windy, but the sun was out half an hour ago!

[KT31]

Apparently it's bucketed down in the city. My side of town hasn't really been hit... it's rained, and a bit windy, but the sun was out half an hour ago!

Windy and pouring over this side of town.

[LostDoggy]

I think Collingwood will win in a hard rain soaked slog. And all week we will be spewing over the media comments of how much of a depleted Dogs team put up an outstanding fight! Just the thought of it is starting to make me sick. There are two results, a win or a loss, none of this "good effort sh&t" . Come on dogs, prove me wrong.

[bornadog]

Very windy around my area but no rain, (Armadale)

[chef]

Doggies by 13 points.
Gia First Goal.
Huddo BOG.

[KT31]

Dogs by 2 points.
Grant first goal.
Cross BOG.

[MrMahatma]

We'll win. Pretty confident. Think it'll be a 4 goal win.

[MrMahatma]

Lovely clear day today. No wind to speak of. Going to be 20 degrees and sunny. Great day for footy...

...pity I'm in London.

[LostDoggy]

Im in Fitzroy atm and its raining heavily ..and very windy. Anyone know if it's raining
at the G at the moment?

[becmatty]

Lovely clear day today. No wind to speak of. Going to be 20 degrees and sunny. Great day for footy...

...pity I'm in London.

There's a threatening cloud hovering over me here in Brixton...

[Topdog]

Im in Fitzroy atm and its raining heavily ..and very windy. Anyone know if it's raining
at the G at the moment?

Yep it is now.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

What does is matter. the weather will not play any part in the result.

I have my lucky shirt and a good feeling about our result.

After all it is September and the Collywobbles are up and about.

[comrade]

Wood - Out.
Callan - In.

Ouch.

[The Coon Dog]

Wood - Out.
Callan - In.

Ouch.

Given it's wet & slippery more than just Tim Callan will spray their kicks tonight.

[The Pie Man]

On the train in, Pies fans very nervous with weather conditions

[Hotdog60]

Given it's wet & slippery more than just Tim Callan will spray their kicks tonight.

Callan has become the finals specialist with being special.:D

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

It pains me to say it.... The Filth to win by 19 points
First goal Grant
Best Dogs player: Cross

[Bumper Bulldogs]

It pains me to say it.... The Filth to win by 19 points

I send a bar of soap your way to wash your mouth out!:D

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

I send a bar of soap your way to wash your mouth out!:D

My wife saw me post that comment..and she's threatening divorce!:eek:

[comrade]

We can't score and are playing the game entirely on their terms. I know we're undermanned, but if this is trying something different, I'd prefer we didn't.

[Scraggers]

We are trying to play accountable football without being accountable to our own man

[Scraggers]

5 points for the quarter ... It's not going to win many matches

[comrade]

I know Collingwood missed some shots, but we HAD to take every one of ours and didn't.

[DOG GOD]

I said before that if Maxwell wasnt made accountable then i would track down Eade and take his head. Im on my way to the airport :(

Why cant the MC committee see what we all see...it Sh#ts me no end

[comrade]

Griff has stood up but Higgo looks well short of a gallop.

[Greystache]

We can't score and are playing the game entirely on their terms. I know we're undermanned, but if this is trying something different, I'd prefer we didn't.

Safe and steady- should be the moto at Whitten Oval. Why take a risk and perhaps win the game when you can play safe and definitely lose. :rolleyes:

[comrade]

Safe and steady- should be the moto at Whitten Oval. Why take a risk and perhaps win the game when you can play safe and definitely lose. :rolleyes:

Safe and steady is ok IF you stop the opposition from scoring. We're not.

[Chicago1]

First quarter all year without scoring a goal. If not for Collingwood's inaccuracy, we'd be long gone. Another goal to Collingwood. Whoa is me. :(

[comrade]

Lake off with what looks like a busted elbow.

What football god have we violated in the last month?

[Scraggers]

Lake back on

[comrade]

Lake back on

But Williams is off :o

[Scraggers]

But Williams is off :o

Can't take a trick

Daisy attacked the beard ... Linch him

[Dry Rot]

How do we turn this around?

The replay here starts at 8.30pm but from bits of the radio we are hopeless across the park. Sounds like Hahn should retire at fulltime.

[comrade]

Hahn is completely at sea down back and Gilbee needs to have a good look at himself.

What chance do we have when our older blokes aren't giving a yelp.

[Dry Rot]

How is Johnno going?

[Dry Rot]

Hahn is completely at sea down back and Gilbee needs to have a good look at himself.

What chance do we have when our older blokes aren't giving a yelp.

Makes you wonder about our so called "leadership group"?

[comrade]

How is Johnno going?

Barely.

[comrade]

Now Gia gets his arse handed to him.

This is as bad as it gets.

[comrade]

Great running goal from Griff. Easily our best.

[The Doctor]

Makes you wonder about our so called "leadership group"?

don't get me started on that again

[comrade]

Eagleton once again repays the faith with a ripping finals performance :rolleyes:

[Scraggers]

We are getting bullied ... We have our pants around our ankles and no one is coming to help us out.

We need to take a cup of concrete very quickly

[MrMahatma]

Gia, Boyd, hahn, Gilbee - all average. Very average. Johno hardly had a touch.

If Griff wasn't playing we'd be down by about 15 goals.

[DOG GOD]

Why was Johnno picked? Hooper wouldve given at least a contest.

Cooney and Morris wouldnt have made an ounce of difference tonight.

Umm, do we have leaders at this club?

I just wish someone would go against team rules and stand beside Maxwell.

[Scraggers]

Eagleton once again repays the faith with a ripping finals performance :rolleyes:

Is he playing ?? :(

Seriously, how does he get a game ... I would rather Everitt out there every day of the week (and particularly tonight)

[Remi Moses]

Eagleton never performs when it counts!!
Some on here blindly defend our own but let's be honest there's blind loyalty and reality:mad:

[Dry Rot]

Great running goal from Griff. Easily our best.

Often stands up when others don't IMO. Should be next captain IMO.

[Dry Rot]

Gia, Boyd, hahn, Gilbee - all average. Very average. Johno hardly had a touch.

If Griff wasn't playing we'd be down by about 15 goals.

All season I've been wondering if the Class of '99 is on the way out.

[chef]

Griffen should be captain next year.

[LostDoggy]

I'm going to start putting Johnno in the Minson basket, he not only has zero form, but it's costing us games. And if he is selected again it WILL cost us the season.

[comrade]

You don't want to write off your team at half time but it's fair to say we were never going to win this game. Why not play some of the younger players, give them a taste, find out who can take us forward?

We've gone the safety first option with our selections and tactics and once again, we're not up to it.

Plenty of questions need to be asked.

[Remi Moses]

Can someone please tell me why Maxwell is allowed to play loose in defense!!
Mind boggling:eek:

[MrMahatma]

Why was Johnno picked? Hooper wouldve given at least a contest.

Cooney and Morris wouldnt have made an ounce of difference tonight.

Umm, do we have leaders at this club?

I just wish someone would go against team rules and stand beside Maxwell.
We have poor leadership. Hasn't been great for a long time. Probably since Wynd was around.

[DOG GOD]

Can someone please tell me why Maxwell is allowed to play loose in defense!!
Mind boggling:eek:

Coz he has each game i can remember.

[Hotdog60]

We look better when we take the game on, our defensive effort is not working we need to run them off their feet.

[chef]

I'm going to start putting Johnno in the Minson basket, he not only has zero form, but it's costing us games. And if he is selected again it WILL cost us the season.

Is there room in that basket for Hahn, Boyd, Higgins etc etc

[MrMahatma]

You don't want to write off your team at half time but it's fair to say we were never going to win this game. Why not play some of the younger players, give them a taste, find out who can take us forward?

We've gone the safety first option with our selections and tactics and once again, we're not up to it.

Plenty of questions need to be asked.
We could still win if Griff keeps it up, Hall gets a fair go with the umps and Grant turns up.

However, Gia, Hahn, Johno should never ever play for us again. And Boyd should be put on notice. We have 2 gun mids coming in the draft this year. These other plodders should be moved on.

[Remi Moses]

You don't want to write off your team at half time but it's fair to say we were never going to win this game. Why not play some of the younger players, give them a taste, find out who can take us forward?

We've gone the safety first option with our selections and tactics and once again, we're not up to it.

Plenty of questions need to be asked.

Rocket's been far to conservative all season!
Why wasn't Hooper tried before now?

[SlimPickens]

Ordinary display haven't been badly hurt on the score board. Need some leadership in the second half. I'm looking at you Gia, boys and cross

[Remi Moses]

Can some of our "alleged " leadership group pleas stand up!!

[Hotdog60]

Can someone please tell me why Maxwell is allowed to play loose in defense!!
Mind boggling:eek:

The commentators said we have an extra at the stoppages but if we not winning the stoppages whats the point. I agree we need someone to sit on Maxwell.

Whats the bet Lake goes forward at the start of the 3rd.

[Remi Moses]

Ordinary display haven't been badly hurt on the score board. Need some leadership in the second half. I'm looking at you Gia, boys and cross

There's one thing about that 99 lot not one ounce of leadership....:(

[LostDoggy]

Is there room in that basket for Hahn, Boyd, Higgins etc etc

Na. Hahn needs to go forward, he doesn't know how to play defense.
Higgins injury for the season. Talk to us next year Shaun.
And Boyd, watch a bit closer.

[DOG GOD]

Who's not going to be playing next year? if there is someone, tell them to belt the hell out of Maxwell and Obrien and if we can't win the game, lets at least win the fight :)

[chef]

Na. Hahn needs to go forward, he doesn't know how to play defense.
Higgins injury for the season. Talk to us next year Shaun.
And Boyd, watch a bit closer.

Why, isn't it already there for everyone to see?

[comrade]

Who's not going to be playing next year? if there is someone, tell them to belt the hell out of Maxwell and Obrien and if we can't win the game, lets at least win the fight :)

Who of the experienced guys would be prepared to put an opponent on his arse?

Other than Barry.

Our leadership group is made up of hard workers and nice guys; not a warrior amongst them though.

[firstdogonthemoon]

I'm not really enjoying this at all

[becmatty]

Minson must go.

[comrade]

What sort of effort was that from Higgins?

[Chicago1]

About the only good thing about this morning is the sausage rolls I made last night and the James Boag I just finished. Just on 6am now. Breakfast time.

[comrade]

About the only good thing about this morning is the sausage rolls I made last night and the James Boag I just finished. Just on 6am now. Breakfast time.

At least you've got roller coasters to look forward to.

[LostDoggy]

Even when there is a hospital pass by the other team they end up with the ball.

[Scraggers]

Does Hall have anything to worry about ... Appearantly repoerted for abusive language, but what about the hit to O'Brien's chest ??

[Twodogs]

This is a frustrating game. Collingwood are rubbish but we are worse.

[Chicago1]

At least you've got roller coasters to look forward to.

We're leaving in four hours. I hope to catch a couple more hours sleep after we los... err after the match is over.

[comrade]

What the **** is Higgins doing?

[LostDoggy]

Will not improve if they keep going the boundary.

[lemmon]

Who of the experienced guys would be prepared to put an opponent on his arse?

Other than Barry.

Our leadership group is made up of hard workers and nice guys; not a warrior amongst them though.

The standout thing for me was seeing Maxwell giving Higgins a gobful and thinking, who would do that from our leadership group? Not one, in fact Hall Lake and Picken were the only three I could think of. This group needs some mongrel, too many choir boys prepared to stand back and take it.

[LostDoggy]

At least Lake is finding some rhythm? Compared to where he has been the last few weeks, anyhow?

[comrade]

Our kick outs have been woeful.

[MrMahatma]

The standout thing for me was seeing Maxwell giving Higgins a gobful and thinking, who would do that from our leadership group? Not one, in fact Hall Lake and Picken were the only three I could think of. This group needs some mongrel, too many choir boys prepared to stand back and take it.
And you could live with that if they actually went hard at the ball, ran hard all day, but they don't. Our 'leadership' team is made up of the softest, laziest blokes on our list!

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Thank heavens for the Filth's poor goalkicking or this could be a 13 goals lead already.
It may still end up that way, unless these guys can summon up more than what they've offered so far.

[comrade]

Watching Johnno try and bend over and pick the ball up 10m in the clear, only to fumble it over the line is shattering.

Do we have the guts to make a tough call?

[becmatty]

The positives:

Lake looking better.
My toasted cheese sandwich at half time was ok.

[LostDoggy]

Brad Johnson is beyond ordinary.

[DOG GOD]

Watching Johnno try and bend over and pick the ball up 10m in the clear, only to fumble it over the line is shattering.

Do we have the guts to make a tough call?

No. He'll play next week if 50% fit.

[DOG GOD]

When Leeroy Brown out ran Cross on the wing i almost cried.

[becmatty]

Watching Johnno try and bend over and pick the ball up 10m in the clear, only to fumble it over the line is shattering.

Do we have the guts to make a tough call?

He is out of touch, but don't be too harsh. It is hard to come back after such little footy. He will be better next week.

[Scraggers]

We are playing like Betty White out there

[LostDoggy]

Johno was a dead set champion, but so was Chris Grant and Doug Hawkins and they don't pick them to run out either. Why do they keep picking Johnson?

[LostDoggy]

We are playing like Betty White out there

Good one!

[Hotdog60]

Swans or Carlton are good enough to go on?

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Watching Johnno try and bend over and pick the ball up 10m in the clear, only to fumble it over the line is shattering.

Do we have the guts to make a tough call?

At season's end I am confident we will, we did with West and we certainly encouraged Smithy and Grant to call it a day.

My concern is whether we can make the decision to look to make some real change amongst other players who have consistently fallen short of what's required at the highest level for a number of years who are around the 28-30 range. I just don't think we will.

[chef]

When Leeroy Brown out ran Cross on the wing i almost cried.

That was sad:(

[Scorlibo]

We aren't good enough. I haven't been prepared to say that up till now because I don't believe we have given it our absolute all, but tonight we have gone as hard as I have ever seen and come up well short because we just don't have the cattle. Griffen, Lake, Harbrow and Murphy are the only ones who look players part of a top four side. The rest are either too slow or have terrible awareness of both their teammates and opponents. Now we have to look to the future, build the club again from the ground up, recruit quick and smart players, because we aint going to win a premiership with this lot.

[Hotdog60]

Johno was a dead set champion, but so was Chris Grant and Doug Hawkins and they don't pick them to run out either. Why do they keep picking Johnson?

I would take Grant at this stage, couldn't do any worse.

[comrade]

He is out of touch, but don't be too harsh. It is hard to come back after such little footy. He will be better next week.

It's an effing final and I doubt he'll be much better next week.

[MrMahatma]

Watching Johnno try and bend over and pick the ball up 10m in the clear, only to fumble it over the line is shattering.

Do we have the guts to make a tough call?
Some blokes need to go. Hahn? FFS he's done.

We'd be better off just playing kids than these guys who can't even get to a contest in order to give one.

[ledge]

we have been second to the ball since the geelong game, whats happened?

[comrade]

Hahn is getting dismantled down back.

[LostDoggy]

Let's go dogs 10 to zip last quarter.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Boyd has really been dismal the past 5 weeks. He needs to stop thinking he's Chris Judd and forget about the cute handballs, his decisions at stoppages, or contested situations especially near goal are abysmal.

He cannot be captain for mine until he gets back to knowing the limitations of his game, and playing to it.

[Chicago1]

We are playing like Betty White out there

That's an insult to Betty White. She'd be better than most of our players out there tonight.

[LostDoggy]

I'm not about to write off Hahn, but why not throw him up forward? Can't hurt and he's not doing a thing down back.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Credit to Tim Callan tonight. he may have his limitations but he has held his own tonight.
Have to admire his strength of character to be able to come in for his first game in a final and not get overawed.

[Scraggers]

Credit to Tim Callan tonight. he may have his limitations but he has held his own tonight.
Have to admire his strength of character to be able to come in for his first game in a final and not get overawed.

Yeah ... I'm a big fan ... He is hard at it every contest

[comrade]

Thank God we've locked Griff away.

[Greystache]

How has Hargrave played 180 AFL games yet still can't hit a team mate from 20 metres!

Has Gilbee forgotten which direction a drop punt spins!

Higgins... Well what a joke!

Not a leader among them!

[comrade]

Tommy has battled well tonight and kept Cloke on a fairly tight leash.

Woeful kick from Gia, followed up by a weak spoiling attempt against Thomas.

Just not good enough.

[Greystache]

Thank God we've locked Griff away.

You wonder why he'd sign, he's clearly a big game player who'll lift for a final, yet he's surrounded by blokes who'll let him down every time.

[Rance Fan]

Higgins, Johnno, Hahn, Minson, Eagleton, way to slow for AFL
Gilbee, Cross, Boyd, Gia, Hall i wouldnt say a super quick either

[comrade]

Boyd once again tries his Ablett impersonation and fails miserably.

[Chicago1]

Back to bed for a couple of hours more sleep. I'll be canceling my flight to Melbourne when I get back from Kansas City. Not a very good birthday. :(

[mighty_west]

Boyd once again tries his Ablett impersonation and fails miserably.

A man has got to know his limitations.

[LostDoggy]

Boyd has really been dismal the past 5 weeks. He needs to stop thinking he's Chris Judd and forget about the cute handballs, his decisions at stoppages, or contested situations especially near goal are abysmal.

He cannot be captain for mine until he gets back to knowing the limitations of his game, and playing to it.

Can't agree with this, maybe watch the games in slow motion. Boyd is one of the best at delivering the ball when on the ground or when attracting players, then finding free guys who get the glory disposals. Something Chris Judd doesn't do. In fact Judd is one of those out of pack glory players. Scott West was a Boyd type player, ball hits the ground and a handball gets fired ASAP. Hence why you don't see much of them then the stats say they have 30 poss.

[The Pie Man]

We are playing like Betty White out there

:) Haha oh Scraggers we'll need more than a Snickers to climb out of this chasm

[comrade]

Can't agree with this, maybe watch the games in slow motion. Boyd is one of the best at delivering the ball when on the ground or when attracting players, then finding free guys who get the glory disposals. Something Chris Judd doesn't do. In fact Judd is one of those out of pack glory players. Scott West was a Boyd type player, ball hits the ground and a handball gets fired ASAP. Hence why you don't see much of them then the stats say they have 30 poss.

Don't agree at all.

As his profile has increased, as has his ego. He tries things on the field that are way beyond him and it hurts the team.Worse still, whilst he's trying to show everyone he's an elite midfielder, he ignores his opponent.

He had the job on Ablett and gave him no respect. The result? 39 touches and a few goals in a 100 point drubbing.

Tonight he was responsible for Swan. The result? 39 touches in a 10 goal drubbing.

He doesn't hurt the opposition with his disposal, yet we get destroyed by his direct opponent. The sad thing is, he'll probably be top 3 in our B&F and will feel justified by his role in the team.

[mighty_west]

Mentally weak, players not working hard enough, not going in hard enough, not helping out their team mates, going to ground far too easily.

The supporters can see that playing underdone or injured players just doesn't work in finals, why can't the MC see that?

[ledge]

First sign of a side thats run its race and needs new blood, maybe coach as well dare i say is throwing in the towel when your down by 4 or 5 goals.
food for thought?

[firstdogonthemoon]

Don't agree at all.

As his profile has increased, as has his ego. He tries things on the field that are way beyond him and it hurts the team.Worse still, whilst he's trying to show everyone he's an elite midfielder, he ignores his opponent.

He had the job on Ablett and gave him no respect. The result? 39 touches and a few goals in a 100 point drubbing.

Tonight he was responsible for Swan. The result? 39 touches in a 10 goal drubbing.

He doesn't hurt the opposition with his disposal, yet we get destroyed by his direct opponent. The sad thing is, he'll probably be top 3 in our B&F and will feel justified by his role in the team.

I have to say that the highlight for me this evening has been your use of the word "drubbing" it is a great word, underutilised, and describes my evening.

[MrMahatma]

Higgins, Johnno, Hahn, Minson, Eagleton, way to slow for AFL
Gilbee, Cross, Boyd, Gia, Hall i wouldnt say a super quick either
Cross was out paced by Leigh Brown FFS. Has to be one of the slowest mids going around.

[comrade]

I have to say that the highlight for me this evening has been your use of the word "drubbing" it is a great word, underutilised, and describes my evening.

I'm a master drubbler.

[LostDoggy]

Ok, all valid comments, but what about some good points and something to look forward to???
Lake getting a bit back.
Hudson standing solid.
Griff was 50/50 but went well 2nite.

[MrMahatma]

Ok, all valid comments, but what about some good points and something to look forward to???
Lake getting a bit back.
Hudson standing solid.
Griff was 50/50 but went well 2nite.
It's all imaterial if the MC keep picking unfit or past it players. We went in about 2 or 3 players down thanks to the MC.

[LostDoggy]

Collingwood were the far better team because their ball handling skills were much better than ours. They destroyed us by getting out of stoppages or centre ball ups with slick handballs to a 3rd 4th or 5th player who was FREE either side of the pack. Their players were well drilled where to run and had great leg speed to get into space and execute a pass to a team mate up field. Our ball handling was poor as we fumbled and often could not get it to a free player; we kicked under pressure into a forward line that had a spare opposition player.

Too many old, slow or out of form players in the team. Major decisions need to be made now for next year. I thought we tried hard but were just not good enough.

[Hotdog60]

When big Will tackled Daisy and gave away the free kick for in the back, he should have least taken the wind out of his sail for a couple of quarters.
Even when we land a tackle we are to soft.

[Dry Rot]

I have to say that the highlight for me this evening has been your use of the word "drubbing" it is a great word, underutilised, and describes my evening.

I still miss the expression "you're a grub" in politics.

[LostDoggy]

When big Will tackled Daisy and gave away the free kick for in the back, he should have least taken the wind out of his sail for a couple of quarters.
Even when we land a tackle we are to soft.

Yeah, but that moment sums up Minson. Fumbles through the game, then gets frustrated and tries to take it out on the opposition but does nothing but give away a retard free kick. Then the much smaller player gets up unscathed.

[Dry Rot]

OK, we were crap.

Thoughts on the Pies tonight? Can they go all the way or are they pretenders made to look good by our shithouse efforts?

[azabob]

Harbrow for me was the biggest disapointment. With Hahn, eagleton and Johnson we knew they would struggle.

[Hotdog60]

Harbrow for me was the biggest disapointment. With Hahn, eagleton and Johnson we knew they would struggle.

I think Harbrow should have been a loose man in defense, his forward ventures don't result in goals.

[mighty_west]

Harbrow for me was the biggest disapointment. With Hahn, eagleton and Johnson we knew they would struggle.

He seems to be playing like he has already gone to the Gold Coast.

[LostDoggy]

OK, we were crap.

Thoughts on the Pies tonight? Can they go all the way or are they pretenders made to look good by our shithouse efforts?

I was thinking they would struggle against Geelong in a prelim on tonights performance. But was wondering if that was just sour grapes?
Take away the last 15mins when the game was beyond doubt, they weren't great. Well better than the dogs but not a premiership side.

[GVGjr]

Very disappointing effort. It started off with that set shot miss by Griffen and just got worse.

The Pies are good and we are in average form at the moment. We had lofty ambitions for the season and this sort of effort should not sit well with the supporters, coaches or the admin of the club.

[Doggy]

I was thinking they would struggle against Geelong in a prelim on tonights performance. But was wondering if that was just sour grapes?
Take away the last 15mins when the game was beyond doubt, they weren't great. Well better than the dogs but not a premiership side.

I was thinking the same on my way home, but the boys on triple m reckon they are the real deal and deserve to be premiership favorites.

[LostDoggy]

I was thinking the same on my way home, but the boys on triple m reckon they are the real deal and deserve to be premiership favorites.

Well they are the experts, and I can barely get a tip correct.

[Greystache]

Don't agree at all.

As his profile has increased, as has his ego. He tries things on the field that are way beyond him and it hurts the team.Worse still, whilst he's trying to show everyone he's an elite midfielder, he ignores his opponent.

He had the job on Ablett and gave him no respect. The result? 39 touches and a few goals in a 100 point drubbing.

Tonight he was responsible for Swan. The result? 39 touches in a 10 goal drubbing.

He doesn't hurt the opposition with his disposal, yet we get destroyed by his direct opponent. The sad thing is, he'll probably be top 3 in our B&F and will feel justified by his role in the team.

Spot on.

Opposition coaches must lick their lips when coming up against us, they know their best midfielder will get a free run for the only time that season and the their direct opponent won't hurt them going the other way.

We can't be a challenger when players like Boyd are allowed to carry on the way they he is. It seems our off field leadership is almost as weak as our on field.

[azabob]

Another qualifying final, same players, same result.

[LostDoggy]

What was the press conference like with Eade? putting out the same old, same old?

[Mantis]

I'm just about done with supporting this club as passionately as I do.... They just suck the life out of you and surely there has to be better things to do with my time & money.

[LostDoggy]

I'm just about done with supporting this club as passionately as I do.... They just suck the life out of you and surely there has to be better things to do with my time & money.

My exact word verbatim as I left the ground tonight.

I will always support this club financially but I don't know If can actaully take much more of this.

[Greystache]

I'm just about done with supporting this club as passionately as I do.... They just suck the life out of you and surely there has to be better things to do with my time & money.

I just said the same thing to my GF, I'm just at a loss what to do. I'm sure I'll get myself up again next season but it all seems too hard at the moment.

[AndrewP6]

Does Hall have anything to worry about ... Appearantly repoerted for abusive language, but what about the hit to O'Brien's chest ??

Not sure about the O'Brien thing, but the language if anything will be a fine. If I was him, I'd have given them at least abusive language...

[G-Mo77]

Well almost didn't make it tonight. It was downright scary driving down there. So much rain at some stages I could barely see at all.

I thought we did well in patches of the game. Some stages we matched their intensity and harassed and caused them to make mistakes it's just disappointing we can't do it for 4 quarters as well as put a decent score on the scoreboard when we get on top in play. I thought we played really well in that first term and ended up going into the 2nd 3 goals down.

It's getting hard not to admire the way Collingwood play, they work so hard for one another and really seem like a well oiled machine.

[AndrewP6]

What was the press conference like with Eade? putting out the same old, same old?

Just heard a short grab on Foxtel, he noted there were at least two incidents of players not following instructions...

[LostDoggy]

Best part of the day? I saw Dale Morris when i was walking into the ground.

[LostDoggy]

Best part of the day? I saw Dale Morris when i was walking into the ground.

Same, he parked two cars away from me :D

[G-Mo77]

Best part of the day? I saw Dale Morris when i was walking into the ground.

Sitting close by DaDruid who yelled out as loud as he could for me when he got to the game. :D I was stuffing myself with a pretty ordinary Nandos chicken burger at the time. :o

It was also pretty cool just getting to the station and getting on the train just seconds before it departed.

[AndrewP6]

He is out of touch, but don't be too harsh. It is hard to come back after such little footy. He will be better next week.

I can't see that happening. His achilles isn't going to heal in a week, he's not going to get younger, faster or stronger. He's cooked. And will probably be picked again :eek:

[Scorlibo]

I thought we did well in patches of the game. Some stages we matched their intensity and harassed and caused them to make mistakes it's just disappointing we can't do it for 4 quarters as well as put a decent score on the scoreboard when we get on top in play. I thought we played really well in that first term and ended up going into the 2nd 3 goals down.


My thoughts exactly. Was so disappointing to be 3 goals down at quarter time knowing that it could be the only period in the match where we would be level with them on general play. That scoreboard pressure would have been so good. I personally though the umpires were poor through this period and really killed off our chances with harsh 50-50 decisions against.

[anfo27]

My thoughts exactly. Was so disappointing to be 3 goals down at quarter time knowing that it could be the only period in the match where we would be level with them on general play. That scoreboard pressure would have been so good. I personally though the umpires were poor through this period and really killed off our chances with harsh 50-50 decisions against.

Surely it wasn't surprising considering Rocket let them have a loose man in defence.

Made me sick that everytime we had a kick in we took our bloody time and let them zone up before we kicked it out to the same side every bloody time. But watching the filth do it so quickly and easily made it very upsetting.

[G-Mo77]

Surely it wasn't surprising considering Rocket let them have a loose man in defence.

Made me sick that everytime we had a kick in we took our bloody time and let them zone up before we kicked it out to the same side every bloody time. But watching the filth do it so quickly and easily made it very upsetting.

Not surprising just disappointing. I thought we really threw it out there in the first term and to go in 3 goals down was pretty deflating.

Don't know why Maxwell was able to stand were he pleased unmanned. :confused:

[KT31]

At season's end I am confident we will, we did with West and we certainly encouraged Smithy and Grant to call it a day.

My concern is whether we can make the decision to look to make some real change amongst other players who have consistently fallen short of what's required at the highest level for a number of years who are around the 28-30 range. I just don't think we will.

Grant made the call because his son was ill.
The club had nothing to do with it.

[jazzadogs]

Surely it wasn't surprising considering Rocket let them have a loose man in defence.

Made me sick that everytime we had a kick in we took our bloody time and let them zone up before we kicked it out to the same side every bloody time. But watching the filth do it so quickly and easily made it very upsetting.
Kick-ins were consistently woeful, I don't think we took a quick one for the entire game. It either says that the person kicking in is not making good decisions, or players up the ground aren't working hard enough for them.

I think it's a combination of the two.

On the topic of the umpires, there was one free kick at a centre bounce. The bald ump (number 15, can't remember his name...Nicholls?) paid a free kick for a block at the ruck contest, after Minson had to try and jump over Jolly/Brown's back to get to the ball. And he gave the free to the Pies. Was this a complete balls-up by the umpire, or did I miss something?

[anfo27]

Not surprising just disappointing. I thought we really threw it out there in the first term and to go in 3 goals down was pretty deflating.

Don't know why Maxwell was able to stand were he pleased unmanned. :confused:

Because rocket thought it was a good idea to let the worst team at forward pressure let the best team of running it out of defence have an extra man to do this, very charitable of you rocket.

[LostDoggy]

What did you all think of the Collingwood supporters? I saw numerous fights and some Collingwood supporters being thrown in the back of a cop car on my way out. I guess it isn't just a stereotype.

[AndrewP6]

What did you all think of the Collingwood supporters? I saw numerous a few fights and some Collingwood supporters being thrown in the back of a cop car on my way out. I guess it isn't just a stereotype.

Crass, loudmouthed, arrogant, disrespectful... par for the course with those ferals.

[LostDoggy]

Can't agree with this, maybe watch the games in slow motion. Boyd is one of the best at delivering the ball when on the ground or when attracting players, then finding free guys who get the glory disposals. Something Chris Judd doesn't do. In fact Judd is one of those out of pack glory players. Scott West was a Boyd type player, ball hits the ground and a handball gets fired ASAP. Hence why you don't see much of them then the stats say they have 30 poss.

Out of the top 20 Total Disposals for the year Boyd is sixth,But,

Is last out of the 20 for Effective Disposal Percentage 65% the other 19 at 70% to 80% plus.

Leads the top 20 with Clangers 68.

Is 18th in Goal Assists out the top 20 total Disposals .

Gets A lot of the ball but how effective is he?

[ReLoad]

My off centre review of the 1st Qualifying final.

Ok where do I start, the disappointment? The anger? The sadness? Well I think we all need to throw away our emotional side and think about this logically.

1. The playing group.
Sadly the was one thing which stood out for me, they simply did not play for each other, they didn’t block, the didn’t shepherd, they didn’t double back and do the extra things that they are needed to do, they simply did not play a team ethic, against a team that has clearly the best team ethic in the game right now.

2. The coaches box.
Last night I watched the battle around someone trying to go to Maxwell, which was good for 60% of the game, players were clearly instructed to go and sit on his head, Gia in particular was tasked with this job, however for some reason unbeknownst to me this stopped happening, with obvious results.
I would also like to ask a simple question: Why when we are 30 points down would we always have 1, if not 2 extra men in defence? You are hardly going to kick a winning score that way. Things I liked about the coaches box; they tried harbrow up forward, we clearly needed some dash and tackle power up front, but sadly Jarrod is a shadow of his former self this year, his injury really set him back.

3. Opposition focus.
We simply are too concerned with the opposition, players didn’t play how they would, they were too busy player watching, I don’t know how many times it happened when a player would simply banged it on the boot then turn around looking for his man, Simple suburban footy tells you this: When you are in possession use the ball how you want to, your man is almost irrelevant given the other things your brain needs to think about.

4. The Lie that was wet weather footy.
It was not wet weather football, simple, but we played like it was, hurried kicks sideways around a players body, following the boundary line like it was the only way to play, kick outs aimed at nothing but creating a stoppage.

5. Kick outs from a opposition behind.
Do you remember when we used to be that team where the opposition would kick a point and in a flash it would be down the other end and we would score a goal, and we would do it 2 times a game every game? This has simply vanished from our arsenal.

6. Older Bodies.
Nothing new in this point but its clear certain players shouldn’t be playing.

7. skill execution.
This is the biggest flaw in our game right now, we simply are not executing our skills, our kicking efficiency is woeful, our ability to kick over 40 meters is non existent and we cannot penetrate lines or defeat zones/grids because we dot have the skill to (correction we have the skill to, but we’ve forgotten it)

Needless to say, we have another chance, one which I would use as a blunt instrument to some players along these lines:
You have 1 chance, this is it, if you do as your told, play the game plan and play how we KNOW you can play, then you stay, otherwise we need to seriously look at moving you on.

Anyways that’s my .02 Peoples Republic of West Footscray Roubles.

PS, thank god the hawks lost, so the wife isn’t rubbing it in my face.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

M5. Kick outs from a opposition behind.
Do you remember when we used to be that team where the opposition would kick a point and in a flash it would be down the other end and we would score a goal, and we would do it 2 times a game every game? This has simply vanished from our arsenal.

This was a huge issue last night, It was playing into Collingwoods hands. Each point the instruction was to "Kick to yourself" run as far as you can and kick it to a contest near the boundary line and hope to get it out of bounce to set up a stoppage.

Why the hell did we not spot up a target and run the ball out of defense. They only thing I can think of is not having Harbrow down back was a huge issue and had more down side than plus for us. Collingwood loved us kicking long they just had to man up Lake and huddo as no one else could take a contested mark.

[LostDoggy]

Out of the top 20 Total Disposals for the year Boyd is sixth,But,

Is last out of the 20 for Effective Disposal Percentage 65% the other 19 at 70% to 80% plus.

Leads the top 20 with Clangers 68.

Is 18th in Goal Assists out the top 20 total Disposals .

Gets A lot of the ball but how effective is he?

Of real concern was Boyd (and others) hurriedly kicking the ball in the air into our half forward line. No target. Just kick and hope. This style of football just turns the ball over. Gives it to the opposition. In a game of keepings off, we had to do more when we got the ball, yet we handed it so easily back to the opposition.

In addition, where the ball was kicked to a one on one contest, we lost. Our marks inside 50 compared to Collingwood's tell the real story. We couldn't beat our opponent despite leading to the ball. Whereas they continually ran so that a free player eventually became available as a target.

[Mantis]

Why the hell did we not spot up a target and run the ball out of defense. They only thing I can think of is not having Harbrow down back was a huge issue and had more down side than plus for us. Collingwood loved us kicking long they just had to man up Lake and huddo as no one else could take a contested mark.

Beacuse our targets are all stationary... We simply do not run to create space and expect our kicker-out to spot up a stationary target some 50m away.... It doesn't happen.

We need to get on our bike.

[bornadog]

Of real concern was Boyd (and others) hurriedly kicking the ball in the air into our half forward line. No target. Just kick and hope. This style of football just turns the ball over. Gives it to the opposition. In a game of keepings off, we had to do more when we got the ball, yet we handed it so easily back to the opposition.

In addition, where the ball was kicked to a one on one contest, we lost. Our marks inside 50 compared to Collingwood's tell the real story. We couldn't beat our opponent despite leading to the ball. Whereas they continually ran so that a free player eventually became available as a target.

That was my biggest frustration watching Cross, Boyd, Hargrave, Harbrow, just bombing the ball forward in hope and giving the forwards no hope, no delivery on the chest and making the Collingwood backs look good.

[boydogs]

Ryan Griffen BOG with the first goal, one of 5 for the night plus 30 possessions. The Pies don't tag, they cheat ahead of the play, Mr September will kill them

Bulldogs 14.12.96
Pies 11.19.85

I think the Pies were actually 11.19 at one point, and Griff was our best. Pity we couldn't kick a score.


Welcome to Grifftember?

Hopefully. He was a star last night.


Credit to Tim Callan tonight. he may have his limitations but he has held his own tonight.
Have to admire his strength of character to be able to come in for his first game in a final and not get overawed.


Tommy has battled well tonight and kept Cloke on a fairly tight leash.

Yep defense wasn't bad last night. Lake and Murphy also good. Really needed Morris over Hahn, but Williams stepped up which was good


You wonder why he'd sign, he's clearly a big game player who'll lift for a final, yet he's surrounded by blokes who'll let him down every time.

Plenty of stars around that don't even get to play finals

[LostDoggy]

Collingwood won't be good enough to win this thing if they play like they played us (which is scary for us). Too inaccurate, lots of guys happy to beat up on weaker teams (like us) -- Davis, O'Brien, Maxwell and Leigh Brown save their best games for the Dogs, will almost be guaranteed to go missing or kick balls out on the full against any genuine challenger. You can actually see the fear in O'Brien's eyes when he plays the Saints.

Geelong will dismantle this team.

[LostDoggy]

Collingwood won't be good enough to win this thing if they play like they played us (which is scary for us). Too inaccurate, lots of guys happy to beat up on weaker teams (like us) -- Davis, O'Brien, Maxwell and Leigh Brown save their best games for the Dogs, will almost be guaranteed to go missing or kick balls out on the full against any genuine challenger. You can actually see the fear in O'Brien's eyes when he plays the Saints.

Geelong will dismantle this team.

Similar to what I was thinking.

Saturday night, Collingwood weren't that good - we were that bad!

[LostDoggy]

5. Kick outs from a opposition behind.
Do you remember when we used to be that team where the opposition would kick a point and in a flash it would be down the other end and we would score a goal, and we would do it 2 times a game every game? This has simply vanished from our arsenal.

This is getting beyond a joke what we would with our kickins..

Every single time the opposition kick a point you see Gilbee / Hargrave / Lake strolling to the goaline without a care in the world picking up the football and strolling back out to kick the ball in.. Meanwhile a minute has passed and Collingwood have perfecty set up there zone.. And we wonder why we can't spot up a target?

Up the other end you see Pies players sprint and get the ball ASAP and before you know it they are running along the wing with it. They are kicking the ball inside 50, whilst Gilbee is still picking which ball to use to kick the ball in.

show some intensity FFS :mad: