Match Preview - PF - St.Kilda vs Western Bulldogs

[Mantis]

(Ok folks - Time to roll out the PF edition in our award winning set of match previews, this one has taken a bit longer to organise as some people think it's more important to work than to write about footy, fools. ;) Therefore some parts where completed prior to the announcement of the team, but I have left it in it's original state.

So it's time to read, discuss and ponder the thoughts of fellow WOOFer's on how we can defeat the Saints. As that hottie said on BB a few years back - GAME ON MOLES!!!!)

Introduction - by The Coon Dog

St.Kilda v Western Bulldogs
Saturday 18 September, 2010
Melbourne Cricket Ground
7.20pm

Ladder position after round 22:
St.Kilda 3rd
Western Bulldogs 4th

Recent meetings between these 2 teams:

R6, 2010 – ES – StK 7.7.49 d WB 6.10.46
PF, 2009 – MCG – StK 9.6.60 d WB 7.11.53
R17, 2009 – ES – StK 16.10.106 d WB 9.7.61

Apart from the NAB Cup Grand Final St.Kilda have won the last 3 games, the last 2 being tight affairs with the result in doubt until the death. Interestingly in those 3 games the Western Bulldogs average score is just a poultry 53 points!

In effect St.Kilda have well & truly strangled us, though in fairness we didn’t help our own cause in the Preliminary Final last year with early inaccuracy which came back to bite us & in the clash in round 6 this season we controlled the game for 95% of it, allowing a few silly errors to turn the game St.Kilda’s way.

None of the scribes in the media give us hope in hell of knocking off the Saints, but if there is a team who I don’t feel will ‘blow us out of the water’ it’s St.Kilda. Having said that I wouldn’t want to give them a 5 goal start & play catch up. The longer we are in the game, the greater the self doubt will creep in (hopefully) amongst the Saints.

Obviously we cannot cover the loss of Adam Cooney, that’s a given. It looks promising that Dale Morris will return. Who makes way for him? As I see it, it comes down to a choice between Mitch Hahn & Andrew Hooper. I think Hahn will play. Last time out Sean Dempster replaced Steven Baker at the last minute & performed very well. Be interesting to see if Baker returns. I just don’t see a match up for him.

Midfield Overview - by comrade

Despite not reaching the heights of 2009, St Kilda still places an absolute premium on their ability to force opposition errors through extreme pressure – both real and inferred.
It happens across the field, but the heavy midfield press is where it all starts. It restricts delivery in to the forward line, making it easy for premium rebounders such as Gilbert, Goddard and Fisher to clean up and pin point passes to teammates who have gotten on their bike to present an option over the zone. It also pins the opposition to the defensive side of the ground, making it extremely hard to penetrate and actually score (protecting the likes of Dawson and Gwilt).

The best way to break through is to win possession from the stoppage. Hudson and Minson are critical players. Both had their colours lowered last year and must give our midfield the best opportunity to win a clearance, whilst becoming defensive midfielders themselves once the ball hits the turf. Clearances must be clean. We have a penchant for bombing clear under pressure which plays into the hands of the loose men they’ll no doubt have back at stages throughout the game. Their defensive group will be wary of Hall. Do we have players in the midfield who have the composure to kick the ball to the advantage of our other forwards under extreme pressure?

We also must be wary of players such as Peake, Ray and Goddard streaming forward. How often do St. Kilda cause a turnover and then one of the above guys is motoring down the wing, heading towards their attacking 50. This band of running midfielders are prepared to run hard after a turnover to present – it’s this link in the chain that often leads to Riewoldt finishing with the ball. Breaking down their space, and more importantly, reducing turnovers is required if we want to get close. If we cough it up, we’re dead.

Interesting to note we had 87 tackles in our Round 6 game; a huge number for this group. We also had 44 inside 50s but could only generate 16 scoring shots.

We had our chances to finish that game – Grant and Gia both gave up golden opportunities and Barry gave away a reverse 50 m penalty.

If we can:
a) Get our tackle numbers above 70 and create pressure
b) Get our inside 50 numbers around 45-50
c) Take our chances

We have a real shot at getting close and even winning.

Midfield match ups

Hayes v Boyd

This is the defining midfield match up. Hayes usually brings his own football to Bulldogs games and it has been reported that he is already sleeping in the changing rooms in preparation.

Cross went head to head with him in last year’s PF and was torched. The fact that he was playing on two busted ankles certainly didn’t help, but it was Hayes (and Riewoldt) that stole that game away from us.

Based on what we’ve seen in the previous weeks, I think Boyd will be given the job first up. It’s a massive role and Boyd must leave his ego at the door. He must nullify Hayes at all costs.

If Hayes is able to hit a pack at speed and weave through space, we will be put to the sword. Boyd has to be goal side at every stoppage and employ Clinton Jones like strategies – this isn’t a time to show off your ball winning ability and ignore your direct opponent.

Hopefully Boyd can wear down Hayes with elite running capacity and become dangerous in the second half, but in reality, if Boyd has a quiet one whilst keeping Hayes in check – he’s done his role.

Be accountable Boydy!

Jones v Griffen

With Cooney out, Griff has become our most explosive midfield weapon and despite playing on one knee, has been our best player in September – again!

Jones will go straight to Griff, no doubt about it. Guys like Cross, Boyd and Ward need to block and clear a path where possible and try to hurt Jones physically with punishing tackles and blocks.

If Jones is winning the battle, we could move Griffen to another opposition midfielder (Montagna or Dal Santo) in the hope that Jones will also follow, creating a two on one which could potentially free up another Bulldog mid.

Another tactic could be to throw Griffen forward for short bursts and take Jones away from his comfort zone. Griffen’s speed would be hard to handle if he isolated Jones in space.

Montagna v Picken

Montagna has been rewarded with AA selection, highlighting his importance to the St. Kilda midfield. In a way, he is their version of Griffen – a dangerous line breaking midfielder who breaks opposition tags with elite pace and running capacity.

Picken is an ideal match-up as he has the running capacity, the tank and the concentration and application to go with him. He doesn’t lack much for pace off the mark against Montagna either.

No doubt a pseudo tough guy like Goddard will try and harass Picko at the start – just like Chapman did in the Geelong debacle. Who will stand up and fly the flag?

Dal Santo v Cross

Cross looks a good match-up for Dal. He has defensive capability and wins his own ball – you know we won’t lose the hardness battle with this match up. St Kilda will look for Dal ad try to run him into space through blocks. Cross needs to be switched on defensively and work very hard in close to deny Dal time and space with the ball. Cross needs to find a balance between blocking space in the corridor/opposition 50 and sitting in Dal’s pocket.

Midfield wildcard: Jarrod Harbrow

I’ve put forward mostly defensive match ups because I think that’s what sort of game it will be. St. Kilda’s game style is about restricting space, increasing stoppages and using a ball winner such as Hayes to feed their best distributors in Montagna and Dal Santo.

If we’re not breaking through, Harbrow could become a midfield weapon. He is faster than anyone at the Saints and in a game where space is a premium, his ability to weave and break away could provide us with some attacking impetus.

He destroyed the Saints from the backline earlier in the year but we couldn’t get a return on his effort. If he has a similar game in the midfield, it would go a long way to us scoring enough to win.

[Mantis]

Our forwards vs their backs - By Sedat

As we have witnessed with monotonous regularity over the last couple of seasons, St Kilda are experts at strangling the life out of their opponents most weeks by denying them the ball in dangerous areas. Conceding on average a paltry 40 inside 50’s a week has protected the St Kilda defenders from being caught one-out on their direct opponents, and has allowed them to swarm en masse at the drop of the ball, usually resulting in the numerical advantage and an easy rebound 50 clearance. We have been as good as any team getting it into forward 50 enough against the Saints in the last couple of seasons but have failed to take our opportunities when in there – 57 inside 50’s in the 2009 PF resulted in 7 goals, and another 44 inside 50’s in Round 6 this season netting a measly 6 goals – even in our thrashings against them in H&A 2009, we managed to get inside 50 over 45 times on each occasion. To state the bleeding obvious we need to take full advantage of our opportunities up forward this time around if we are to win.

One thing we’ll need to do further up the field is bring it in cleaner and more efficiently – easier said than done against this mob, and we have generally been very poor with our disposal efficiency against the fellow top 4 teams the last couple of years. One thing that will help is for the forward group to separate and ensure the St Kilda defenders don’t zone off and create a numerical advantage at the drop of the ball. BBB will be the prime focus of attention for Dawson, but he will get a chop-out from 1-2 of Fisher/Gilbert/Gwilt wherever possible. We need to be smart in spotting up the free player(s), something we were poor at doing in the 2nd half of last year’s PF (about the only thing we were poor at doing in that match). And in the 1st half last week we reverted to being far too Hall-conscious – we’ll need Gia, Murphy (I think he’ll play the majority of the game up forward) and Grant all moving continuously to offer lead after lead and keep the Saints defenders guessing.

We absolutely have to ensure that Gilbert/Fisher are held accountable to a defensive forward – hello DFA. I would put DFA onto whichever St Kilda defender is trying to break as the free man (Gilbert likely) and just terrorise him all match. Gilbert has shown an undeniable tendency to panic in finals, and needs to be reminded of this at every opportunity. DFA should body into him, yap in his ear all night, crack pregnant teenage jokes to his heart’s content – do everything to get him physically and mentally off his game and stop his devastating ability to spread and distribute.

Where possible we need to get the ball in the hands of Blake, Baker, Dawson and Dempster, corral them and make them distribute by foot. They are like programmed robots that instinctively dish off to Gilbert, Goddard and Fisher by hand. Once they are made to think about their next possession, this is when the St Kilda regimented system can break down from time to time. Of course none of this will matter unless our midfield can break even or win the battle further up the field. Failure to do this and our forward group will be starved of meaningful opportunities, much like we were against Collingwood in the QF.

With all that in mind, this is how I think the match-ups will end up on Saturday night – I’m assuming that Hahn will be selected, with Hooper unluckily missing out for Morris. As for St Kilda, I’m expecting both Baker and Dempster to play, with Goddard to spend more time up field than in defence (as he has done most of the season):

Forward match-ups

Hall v Dawson

BBB will have Dawson, as well and 1-2 others for company all night. Dawson is poor one-on-one – we should either use Hall as a decoy to drag other St Kilda players away from the corridor, or we get it in there quickly so that Hall can expose Dawson one-out. A mixture of both would be perfect, so that the St Kilda chop-out defenders are unsure whether or not to go 3rd man in.

Gia v Dempster

Dempster is a favourite of Ross Lyon and will definitely keep his place in the team this week. Gia was terrific in isolating Rhyce Shaw last week and getting into dangerous areas in the 2nd half, and can do it again this week. He will have to work extremely hard on a tough and fit opponent, and will also need to do some unrewarded running to create space for his teammates to benefit from. Dempster might also get Johnno, with Baker or Eddy to get Gia if that happens.

Hahn v Blake

The best I can hope for here is a nil-all draw. Hahn was effective in last year’s PF as the free lead-up option as Goddard was busy zoning off, and kicked a couple of crucial goals. Sadly I can’t see Hahn doing anything similar this week as his body is shot and he would struggle to get separation on Harry Madden these days. He just needs to work extremely hard to ensure he keeps tight on Blake so he can’t dish it off. If he can scrounge a goal or two it would be a massive bonus, but I’d be happy enough if he was able to pressure Blake into rushing his disposal.

Johnson v Baker/ Eddy

Whilst he was rusty with his disposal last week, Johnno looked in good shape physically and worked very hard to provide a target across half forward all night. Having said that, it’s a big step up in quality opponent this week. I hope Johnno can perform a sacrificial role to take Baker (or Eddy) away from the drop of the ball, thus ensuring sufficient space is created in our forward 50 for others to benefit from. Baker made a mess of every opponent in the 2009 finals series and is a vastly underrated stopper, but he is not overly damaging with the ball in his hands.

Murphy v Gwilt

A key match-up between two players in great form. Gwilt is one of the most improved players in the competition, and has allowed Fisher, in particular, to play looser and more attacking as the season has progressed. Murphy is a good match-up for Gwilt – he can turn better and quicker opponents inside-out and is unpredictable in his movements and patterns, something that will make Gwilt and the rest of the St Kilda defenders uncomfortable. He does need to be mindful of Gwilt’s attacking rebounding in his own right.

Addison v Gilbert

DFA is a good choice on either of the 2 attacking defenders that St Kilda will try to release on the night (likely to be Gilbert). As mentioned before, I’d like to see him physically (nothing illegal) and mentally terrorise Gilbert all night. He is courageous and is also strong in the air, so can be called upon to contest hard in our forward 50 (as evidenced by his terrific 1st qtr last week). But first and foremost, he needs to stop his direct opponent from breaking clear and distributing under no pressure.

Grant v Fisher

Young Jarrad has not worked hard enough this finals series to date. He simply needs to get on his bike and run, run, run all night. Constantly be on the move, whether it be running towards the ball carrier or doubling back into space. He is quicker than Fisher so can burn him on the lead. He also has good hands and generally makes good decisions when he has the ball, so can reasonably be expected to spot up free targets closer to goal.

[Mantis]

Our Defence vs Their Forwards - by Greystache

While they’re not a high scoring team St Kilda does have some firepower up forward that can kick goals in quick succession should they decide to divert from their defence focussed game style. Nick “Matthew Mitcham” Riewoldt looks to be finding his best form after a major hamstring injury and is looming dangerous, Milne the tiprat stood up in a big final for the first time in his career against Geelong and may have turned the corner, Koschitzke the space cadet has been patchy all year but looked dangerous in the first half of their qualifying final and needs to be closely watched, and Schneider can also get under the guard if too much attention is paid to his fellow forwards.

For the Bulldogs our defence this year has probably been the strongest aspect of our team, we’ve managed to keep the core group together for the majority of the year and it’s reflected in us conceding the fourth lowest total points against (and second until our bad run of form in the final month). Lake has been a tower of strength again this year earning his second AA selection, Tom Williams has managed 22 games this season which is easily the most in his 6 years at the club, and his game has benefited hugely from the continuity. Dale Morris has had another superb season before suffering a back injury in round 21 against the Swans which was to rule him out for the remainder of the year, however if the reports are to be believed he appears set for a miraculous return. Our mobile rebounding defenders in Murphy and Harbrow have performed admirably in providing run while also not allowing opposition teams to hurt us on the counter. Gilbee and Hargrave have had mixed seasons, but they are experienced players who will be vital this week in what needs to be a game of 22 contributors.

Key Match ups

Riewoldt vs Williams

No doubt stopping Greg Louganis is the key to stopping St Kilda in attack. Their game is built around choking teams with their defensive press then going long using their designated kicking players to Riewoldt up forward. Chantelle Newbury has the unique ability to run huge distances at a high intensity as well as take contested marks, this makes him a difficult match up. Dale Morris has been given the task in recent times and has given his all, whilst not quite having the endurance to run with him or the physical size in marking contests, you can never question Morris’ endeavour. He did a brilliant job in the first half of last years prelim final while playing with a stress fracture in his leg, but unfortunately Loudy Tourky with the help of his best friends in white and a beautifully performed 2 ½ in the pike position, managed to kick 4 crucial second half goals in a low scoring game.

Tom Williams is one of the few players in the AFL who can match him physically. He is as good an endurance runner as we have at the club, has the body strength to match it in one on one contests, and has the height to go with him in the air. The question will be whether Tom has the game awareness to match him. Some might say it’s a risk, but I think it’s too big an ask for Morris to be first choice coming back from a serious injury and Williams should be given first go.

Lake vs Koschitzke

A superstar key position player vs one who isn’t, Lake has an enviable record in this battle and we’ll be hoping that continues. Lake looked desperately sore last week against Bradshaw so let’s hope he is back close to 100% this week. The challenge for Lake will be balancing his attacking game with the need to shut down Koschitzke. One out Lake is vastly superior, but if not paid close enough attention the big log is capable of impacting the scoreboard.

Morris vs Milne

Milne has been a regular failure on the big stage and we’ll be hoping this continues again this week. He can be a dangerous player if he gets a run on, and he uses the overlap of the opposition defence pushing up in the zone to run into space inside 50 for Joe the Goose out the back type of goals. He also often pounces on the spills from long bombs to Riewoldt, and showed some ability overhead against Josh Hunt 2 weeks ago. Morris looks likely to play this week, and after the brilliant job he did on Eddie Betts against Carlton I would give him the job this week. He has the pace to go with Milne, the smarts to stay with him in traffic, and he has a great advantage over him in the air. Morris’ aerobic endurance is also substantially better than Milne’s, while not a renowned rebounding defender, he could be well advised to exploit this advantage and force Milne to chase. He doesn’t have the biggest tank and will struggle to provide much offence if being worked hard defensively, but good disposal with be vital from Dale if is he is to avoid being burned on the rebound.

Schneider vs Wood

Schneider is a tricky one, he’s not a big possession winner but does pop up for goals even when he’s been quiet. More an opportunist than a crumbing forward, but in what looms as a potential low scoring game he will need to be watched closely. My man-crush on Easton Wood continues to grow by the week, it’s hard to believe he’s only played 10 games. His job last week to completely obliterate the dangerous Dennis-Lane was overlooked to a degree, but I don’t doubt for a moment the MC noted how good he was. You couldn’t design a better prototype for an AFL footballer, he has pace, balance, a huge leap, and is abnormally strong. Personally I would play him as a defensive forward against Goddard or Gilbert, but as I’m not doing that part of the preview I have put him in defence.

Hudson vs /Gardiner (when pushing forward)

McEvoy, and Gardiner in particular have been dangerous at times when pushing forward. With Lake on Koschitzke, and Williams on Dean Pullar (yes I’m starting to struggle to think of famous divers) Hudson will play an important role in preventing them having an impact. Hudson’s ability overheard has been greatly improved this year, and at times has shown some ability to defend opposition ruckmen. He will need some assistance at times with the likes of Hargrave and Wood filling space or going third man up, but I feel he is capable of keeping them in check.

Tactics

As I mentioned earlier, this looms as a low scoring affair, St Kilda defend first, second, third, and fourth, then worry about kicking goals to actually win the game as an after thought. With goals likely to be at a premium in our forward line, our defence has to be watertight. If Morris is right and can do the job we have the players to match up on St Kilda well, but we need all 22 players contributing.

Summary - by TCD

A good start is essential! They’re not a fast side, so we have to take it up to them, be bold, be aggressive, be prepared to take them on, switch play, but most importantly exert an enormous amount of defensive pressure at all times & have them worrying about when & where the next hit/tackle is coming from.

So, can we win? Yes of course we can!

Will we win? I hope so, but to get over the line we will need a lot of things to go our way; win the stoppages, clamp Hayes, don’t allow Goddard space, belt the shit out of Milne, Be aware of Schneider ducking his head, help out Tom or Dale on Reiwoldt, let Farren Ray kick the ball as much as possible (especiallly forwards), no silly free kicks near their goal, kick straight when shooting for goal & don’t allow them the luxury of turning defence into attack.

If we can achieve all that then there is no contest, we’ll smash them! Ideally you need 22 players to give 100% effort 100% of the time. That’s all we as supporters ask, that the players give everything they have.

I don’t go in with a great degree of confidence & all too often this season we have been just off the pace. Whilst I think St.Kilda will win by 3 or 4 goals I’d love to win because: I hate St.Kilda, I hate St.Kilda supporters, I hate Molly Meldrum, I hate Ross Lyon, I hate ‘Saints Footy’, I hate Moorabbin, I hate Robert Harvey ‘winning’ the Brownlow in 1997, I hate Steven Milne, I’d hate them to have more Premierships than us & that Warney barracks for them!

GO THE DOGS!!!!!!

[comrade]

With Griffen out, Jones won't know what to do with himself. He'll probably latch onto Gia and make sure he doesn't get a sniff.

:o

[LostDoggy]

Heard Edde on SEN news say that he thought Baker would be a starter for Saints. Who goes out if so and who would he match up on. I don't see a good match up that they would need to play him, perhaps as suggested by Mantis on Johnno. Could it be to get some match fitness into him prior to the GF that they expect to make?

[Curly5]

With Griffen out, Jones won't know what to do with himself. He'll probably latch onto Gia and make sure he doesn't get a sniff.

:o

He'll play. (I think it's a ploy ;))

[Mantis]

Terrific write-up guys, one of the best for the year.

Well it's Groundhog Day (again), back to where we were this time last year facing the Saints for the chance to play off for the premiership. Much has changed in that 1 year, but much is still the same, for me the keys to a win are:

1/ Win the clearances - Huge job for Hudson here as Gardiner is probably the best tap ruckman in the game and is in very good form. Our mids have to mix it up with the lieks of Hayes, Jones & Dal Santo and win our fair share of the ball.

2/ We must kick it well - Massively important. A kicking efficiency of under 65% won't win us the game. Need Boyd, Cross, Hargrave & Eagleton to use it well.

3/ Control their guns - Need to keep Riewoldt, Hayes, Dal Santo, Montagna & Goddard under some sort of check.

4/ Take our chances - We must take our chances on the scoreboard.

5/ We must run - Run to support, run to provide an option, run to create space behind... Just run!!!

I like the proposed match-ups and agree that the Williams v Riewoldt and Hayes v Boyd ones are huge. I have faith that Lake, Wood & Morris can beat their proposed opponents so if Tommy can stand up and keep Sir Nick under some sort of control the pressure on Nick will sky-rocket. Boydy just has to beat Hayes, huge task, but he can do it.

We will need a committed effort across the board, the players missing are imporatnt ones, but if all our players play their roles we can give this a huge shake.

The head all week has been saying we can't win, but the heart is telling the head to get rooted.

C'arn the scray!!!

[bornadog]

Thankyou to all who particpiated in the preview and thankyou to Mantis for organizing these throughout the year. I love reading about the matchups and this game is really shaping up to be a big battle by two teams desperate to win a premiership.

If Boyd is goes to Hayes he really has to ensure he gets the ball before Hayes does. Goddard is an intersting one and maybe we can learn from Geelong when they put Ling on him.

[1eyedog]

A lot of people have put in a lot of thought and time into this for a great result.

Thanks.

Is there any scope for Morris to play on Riewoldt and Williams on Kosi to free Lake to play forward?

[bornadog]

A lot of people have put in a lot of thought and time into this for a great result.

Thanks.

Is there any scope for Morris to play on Riewoldt and Williams on Kosi to free Lake to play forward?

Maybe this could happen late in the game if the scores are close? Who knows.

[Mantis]

If Boyd is goes to Hayes he really has to ensure he gets the ball before Hayes does. Goddard is an intersting one and maybe we can learn from Geelong when they put Ling on him.

Who would be the player who could be dangerous up forward like Ling was?

[1eyedog]

No one. Goddard wouldn't go to Murphy, Hahn probably won't play and Higgins is injured. Need someone who is dangerous but also defensive minded, so draw a line through Hill as well. Probably Addison, but Goddard wouldn't think he would hurt him that much going forward.

[bornadog]

Who would be the player who could be dangerous up forward like Ling was?

We have tried different players on Goddard over the years. Griffen has gone to him before which was interesting, but we had Cooney playing then. Could Addison go to him or our tagger Picken? Grant maybe not strong enough. I really domn't know , but I do know he can be dangerous especially his long kicking.

[comrade]

Addison's not a bad option on Goddard. He obviously got torched by Thomas but Goddard just doesn't have the same leg speed to trouble Dylan as much.

I'm not usually one for pre-meditated violence, but I wouldn't be against Dylan coming off a long run and splitting Goddard down the middle.

Not only does it take away a major weapon, but I just hate Goddard.

Just do it, Dylan.

[Greystache]

Addison's not a bad option on Goddard. He obviously got torched by Thomas but Goddard just doesn't have the same leg speed to trouble Dylan as much.

I'm not usually one for pre-meditated violence, but I wouldn't be against Dylan coming off a long run and splitting Goddard down the middle.

Not only does it take away a major weapon, but I just hate Goddard.

Just do it, Dylan.

IMO Goddard's not all that brave either. He plays the pseudo tough guy, but a bone jarring hit early on and I think he'll be a bit gun shy from then on. Do it legally DFA but if it happens to go awry so be it!

[1eyedog]

[QUOTE=comrade;179968]Addison's not a bad option on Goddard. He obviously got torched by Thomas but Goddard just doesn't have the same leg speed to trouble Dylan as much.

I'm not usually one for pre-meditated violence, but I wouldn't be against Dylan coming off a long run and splitting Goddard down the middle.
Not only does it take away a major weapon, but I just hate Goddard.

Just do it, Dylan.

At 100 kg Hahn was a much better option for this role.

[Ozza]

I'd like to see Picken go to Goddard. Maybe Crossy could be given the stopping job on Hayes and we take our chances a bit with Dal santo and Montagna.

They have too many guns to try and shut them all down. Hayes and Goddard have typically been the two to kill us the most - so match them up intently and everyone else has to try like buggery to win their position.

[comrade]

At 100 kg Hahn was a much better option for this role.

He's not fast enough to build up the speed required to split someone down the middle. :D

[Mantis]

At 100 kg Hahn was a much better option for this role.

The way Hahn is moving at present he might have to push off about now.

And besides that Hahn has never been a 'physical' player and he hasn't been named.

[Greystache]

At 100 kg Hahn was a much better option for this role.

The only thing in danger from Hahn at the moment is the Titanic... And I think Hahn's great grandfather already took care of that.

[Ozza]

[QUOTE=comrade;179968]Addison's not a bad option on Goddard. He obviously got torched by Thomas but Goddard just doesn't have the same leg speed to trouble Dylan as much.

I'm not usually one for pre-meditated violence, but I wouldn't be against Dylan coming off a long run and splitting Goddard down the middle.
Not only does it take away a major weapon, but I just hate Goddard.

Just do it, Dylan.

At 100 kg Hahn was a much better option for this role.

(edit: sorry for the dodgy quoting box)

In my experience, you don't need to be big and heavy to lay someone out with a shirtfront/hard bump. You just have to be good at it - and have a little luck and skill with your timing.

Cross and Addison laid some very important hits last week. They weren't pre-meditated - they just happened within the context of the game by going in hard. Hopefully we will have plenty of players prepared to go hard enough to do some damage.

[LostDoggy]

... the heart is telling the head to get rooted.



Love it Mantis!

[Sedat]

They have too many guns to try and shut them all down. Hayes and Goddard have typically been the two to kill us the most - so match them up intently and everyone else has to try like buggery to win their position.
I like your thinking with the Goddard match-up but he hasn't been much of an influence in recent matches between the two teams. Was even exposed in last year's PF when Griffen torched him early and then Hahn kicked 2 on him in the 2nd qtr when he was too loose down back. Hayes and Roo on the other hand...

[comrade]

Goddard only needs a few telling touches to have an impact. I remember that run through the middle late in the prelim last year where he kicked long to Roo to put them in front.

We can't let him get free.

[Ozza]

I like your thinking with the Goddard match-up but he hasn't been much of an influence in recent matches between the two teams. Was even exposed in last year's PF when Griffen torched him early and then Hahn kicked 2 on him in the 2nd qtr when he was too loose down back. Hayes and Roo on the other hand...

I know he had a couple kicked on him last year - but he was still a good player for them in the prelim...and this year he is a little more midfield than defence. I know Supercoach and stats aren't always a great indication, and aren't the be all and end all - but I was interested to check - and he averages 125 against us - including 174 & 152 last year.

He's so dangerous with the ball, and so driven this year - that he scares the sh1t out of me - playing as a mid!

[Sedat]

I know he had a couple kicked on him last year - but he was still a good player for them in the prelim...and this year he is a little more midfield than defence. I know Supercoach and stats aren't always a great indication, and aren't the be all and end all - but I was interested to check - and he averages 125 against us - including 174 & 152 last year.

He's so dangerous with the ball, and so driven this year - that he scares the sh1t out of me - playing as a mid!
Oh I'm in 100% agreement with you on the danger that he poses. One of the elite kicks in the competition. If your suggestion of Picken eventuates, they might try and isolate Goddard in the forward 50 - I can live with Goddard stationed down there as opposed to delivering it in there with laser precision.

[Ozza]

Oh I'm in 100% agreement with you on the danger that he poses. One of the elite kicks in the competition. If your suggestion of Picken eventuates, they might try and isolate Goddard in the forward 50 - I can live with Goddard stationed down there as opposed to delivering it in there with laser precision.

Yeah that becomes an issue as Picko isn't great in the air...but they would be flipping the defenders around in that case to get Morris or Williams onto Goddard deep.

Can't stop thinking about the game. So nervous!

[EasternWest]

Addison's not a bad option on Goddard. He obviously got torched by Thomas but Goddard just doesn't have the same leg speed to trouble Dylan as much.

I'm not usually one for pre-meditated violence, but I wouldn't be against Dylan coming off a long run and splitting Goddard down the middle.

Not only does it take away a major weapon, but I just hate Goddard.

Just do it, Dylan.

How did you feel when Brodie Holland did that to Monty in 06?

I would be filthy on our team mentality and Dylan's character if he did that. If it's in play, fair enough, if it's Holland style, I guarantee you I'll be changing my username.

[comrade]

How did you feel when Brodie Holland did that to Monty in 06?

I would be filthy on our team mentality and Dylan's character if he did that. If it's in play, fair enough, if it's Holland style, I guarantee you I'll be changing my username.

I was angry but I also thought it was stupid; why the hell would someone knock out Monty? If you're going to do it, make sure it's a key opponent.

I'm desperate to see the Bulldogs in a GF. I can live with anything that will make it happen.

[1eyedog]

[QUOTE=1eyedog;179971]

(edit: sorry for the dodgy quoting box)

In my experience, you don't need to be big and heavy to lay someone out with a shirtfront/hard bump. You just have to be good at it - and have a little luck and skill with your timing.

Cross and Addison laid some very important hits last week. They weren't pre-meditated - they just happened within the context of the game by going in hard. Hopefully we will have plenty of players prepared to go hard enough to do some damage.

In my experience when you are 100+ kg and get a run at it luck and timing have very little to do with it.

[Sockeye Salmon]

How did you feel when Brodie Holland did that to Monty in 06?

I would be filthy on our team mentality and Dylan's character if he did that. If it's in play, fair enough, if it's Holland style, I guarantee you I'll be changing my username.

Meh. I think I could learn to live with it.

[LostDoggy]

Big thanks to all who previewed the game for us fellow Woofers!
:D
TCD - love your work - I think I hate just about everything about the Aints as well!

Mantis - your subtle use of language and names woven into the content of your paragraph on St. Nick was just fabulous - absolutely priceless Gold!

Like you, my heart is having a bit of an argument with my head, and I'm thinking of telling my head to just shut the f***k up!

[LostDoggy]

Sorry I had to work instead of write about footy this week, folks, (a fool, indeed! also had a family member in hospital so been a difficult week personally) but looks like the others have done a stellar job in any case.

Like I said to Mantis, though, if we make the GF I will be first in line to write anything. Heck, if we win the flag I'll do the Grand Final Summary skinny-dipping in a pool of sharks at Melbourne Aquarium.

[LostDoggy]

My match ups: Hooper out for everitt

Lake: Schneider Morris: Reiwoldt Hargrave: Milne
Wood: Peake Williams: Koschitzke Harbrow:Dempster
Cross: Goddard Picken: Hayes Gainsiracusa: Ray
Everitt: Blake Murphy: Fisher Grant: Eddy
Gilbee: Gilbert Hall: Dawson Addison: Gram

Hudson: Gardiner Griffen: Jones Boyd: Dal Santo

Johnson Montagna
Minson McEvoy
Eagleton Gwilt
Ward McQualter

[EasternWest]

I was angry but I also thought it was stupid; why the hell would someone knock out Monty? If you're going to do it, make sure it's a key opponent.

I'm desperate to see the Bulldogs in a GF. I can live with anything that will make it happen.

Well, Monty did kick four goals.


Meh. I think I could learn to live with it.

Fair enough. That's your take on it.

For me, I'd want to win as clean as possible. Aside from being how I like footy played, it also means there'd be no reason for any other supporters to say "you only won because..." etc etc.

[Doc26]

There's a part of me that likes the idea of going in as supreme underdog to this game (& next week if we get through) but I've got to say it's really starting to get my back up to hear the likes of Anthony Hudson, smug little .rick, continue to make commentary as if there are only 3 remaining. I hope we 'shove it right up 'em'.

[DOG GOD]

Fantastic read. Well done to all involved.

I agree with Doc. I love the feeling of being the underdog and the fact that stkilda have all the pressure on them to actually "win". If we can be within 2 goals at 3 qtr time the added pressure might just be enough for them to crack.

Certain players will have to play out of their skins, and certain sainters will have to have off nights, but we will have to make EVERY opportunity count. Kicking skills to be 100% and shots on goal from 30-40m out need to go thru...no questions asked.

Anything is possible.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

It'll be interesting to see how much we throw the side around. IE. Lake/Murphy forward? Personally I think Murph needs to play forward for us to win, but I wouldn't mind seeing Lake forward for 5 or so minutes if we've got momentum.

[Mantis]

It'll be interesting to see how much we throw the side around. IE. Lake/Murphy forward? Personally I think Murph needs to play forward for us to win, but I wouldn't mind seeing Lake forward for 5 or so minutes if we've got momentum.

I would too, even if we cop a goal or 2 the other way I would like us to be bold tonight.

[DOG GOD]

The players shouldnt be playing within their skins. Its a prelim for F sake. Play out of your skins like it will be the last game u ever play. All of us here on this forum would die to have an opportunity to represent our club in a PM possible GF, so get out there an take nothing for granted, leave nothing on the field. Walk off the MCG battle scarred and completely drained mentally and physically.

Give your all and you never know.....

We may just be in a GF next week.

[1eyedog]

Grant has to perform in some capacity tonight. He either needs to get involved in the game by leading hard and demading the ball or he needs to drag Gilbert away from Hall.

Because Gia is an unknown quality in big games IMO Grant is key to our success rate once in our forward F50. I realise he is young but he has a very important role to play tonight.

I think he will play well and given the last two weeks there may be some heat off him from the Saints defence.

Tonight he can make a name for himself, but if he is not allowed to play creatively because the Saints close down his space then he needs to work hard and be smart to create it for Hall.