Game Day 2011 - R7 Western Bulldogs vs Sydney Swans

[BulldogBelle]

This is the discussion thread for our Saturday afternoon game against the Sydney Swans at Manuka Oval.

My predictions are:

The Dogs by 21 points
BOG : Matthew Boyd
Justin Sherman to kick the first goal.

[Greystache]

Bulldogs by 3 points
BOG- Sherman
First goal- Grant

[bornadog]

Bulldogs by 45 points

First goal Gia

BOG - Griffen

[Flamethrower]

Doggies by 28 points

BOG: Matthew Boyd

1st goal: Adam Cooney

[LostDoggy]

Doggies by 25 points

BOG Cooney

1st Goal Jones

[the banker]

Dogs 22

BOG Boyd

1st goal Sherman

[Kelso @ Mt Eliza]

Bulldogs by 3 points
Griffen BOG
1st Goal Gia

[LostDoggy]

A draw
BOG - Josh Hill
1st goal - Jones

[DragzLS1]

Dogs by 43 points
BOG: grif
1st Goal - Barry hall from the stands lol
Honestly 1st goal Shermen

[Scraggers]

Dogs by 12 points

BOG Picken

1st Goal Skinner

[Go_Dogs]

Somewhat more confident this week than the previous couple.

Dogs by 17 points.
BOG Griff
First Goal Hill

[LostDoggy]

Dogs by 66
BOG Josh Hill
First Goal Hill

[SlimPickens]

Have a good feeling about this week

Dogs by 21 pts
BOG- Murph
First Goal- Gia

[LostDoggy]

Dogs by 33
BOG Griffen
First Goal Grant

[Ghost Dog]

Swans by 10 points
BOG goodes
First goal Cooney

[Bumper Bulldogs]

Dogs by 27 points
BOG Cross
1st Goal Griff

[EasternWest]

I think we'll win in a tough game.

Dogs 15
BOG Griff
First Goal Grant

[BulldogBelle]

Draw.
BOG Goodes
F.G. Sherman

[DOG GOD]

Swans by 17pts
Ist goal - goodes
BOG - mcveigh

[KT31]

Dogs by 30
BOG - Cross
1st goal - Minson

[KT31]

Swans by 17pts
Ist goal - goodes
BOG - mcveigh

You think you might be better posting this on Honk instead of Woof. ;)

[LostDoggy]

Bulldogs by 50 Points
BOG: Sherman
FG: Minson

[chef]

Doggies by 27
First goal Minson
BOG Griffen

[Grantysghost]

Dogs by 25
First Goal J.Grant
BOG Griffen

[DOG GOD]

You think you might be better posting this on Honk instead of Woof. ;)

Why? Just because i think Sydney will win?
We're not playing well enough to win every game ;)

[Scorlibo]

Why? Just because i think Sydney will win?
We're not playing well enough to win every game ;)

DG, this thread is usually reserved for unfailing optimism (even if we know we're a dead cert for a loss ala Collingwood last week) , obviously you're welcome to be the resolute realist, but I find it odd that any club supporter would tip against their team in such a balanced affair as this match is.:)

[LostDoggy]

Got a feeling today..

Dogs by 11pts
First Goal: Zephi (if hes a sub, I choose Jones)
BOG: Cooney

[DOG GOD]

DG, this thread is usually reserved for unfailing optimism (even if we know we're a dead cert for a loss ala Collingwood last week) , obviously you're welcome to be the resolute realist, but I find it odd that any club supporter would tip against their team in such a balanced affair as this match is.:)

Yes, that is a fair statement, but i as a fan of everything i love, I am a realist, that way it never leads to downright disppointment :)

However, i think we are a chance, but i feel we arent playing that well atm. I'll be sure to pick us next week though.

[ledge]

I think we are really struggling and kind of agree with DG, as much as I hope we win I certainly am not confident, we havent beaten anyone of any talent this year and Sydney are the most honest club going around as far as a measuring stick is concerned.

[Go_Dogs]

One positive this season, we're definitely starting a bit faster.

[comrade]

Morris!

[LostDoggy]

Yikes, too late to predict first goal (good on ya! Griff) but:

Dogs by 25 points
BOG = Minson

[comrade]

Some soft decisions have gone against us but our disposal dropped off in the second half of that quarter once Sydney upped their pressure.

We look good on the break and it's great to see Cooney get involved early.

[The Coon Dog]

Dunno what's worse, the umpiring or Dwayne Russell's commentating?

Frees 8-3 Sydney's way.

[The Pie Man]

We got jipped that quarter, can't believe Pyke was able to get that late goal.

[ledge]

Eades gone off at quarter time.

[LostDoggy]

Sam Reid (Syd) coming off with Shoulder problems, now taped up. Sounds Familiar ;)

[DOG GOD]

Everitt with something to prove?

[LostDoggy]

Everitt kicks his second, typical that he will play a ripper against us.

[comrade]

Why is our best ruckman spending all his time in the goal square?

[aker39]

We are not getting anything go our way. Every 50/50 is going the Swans way.

[DOG GOD]

we are looking pretty ordinary.

[LostDog]

fed up with this already, Garlick get on the phone to Malthouse

[LostDoggy]

Eades gone off at quarter time.

He goes off all the time, it's ridiculous.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

fed up with this already, Garlick get on the phone to Malthouse

Yes, of course, it's Eade's fault the guys start well and then their skills go to water.:rolleyes:

[LostDoggy]

Sam Reid (Syd) coming off with Shoulder problems, now taped up. Sounds Familiar ;)

Gee, I hope it's not too serious! He has had a terrible run with shoulder injuries......:(

[comrade]

What's the free kick count?

[LostDog]

Yes, of course, it's Eade's fault the guys start well and then their skills go to water.:rolleyes:

Its his Game Plan, wheres Gia ???

[LostDoggy]

Turnovers stopping any flow, just a slow arm wrestle, good to see Josh Hill having a go , a draw does,nt seem that far out of the equation

.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

He goes off all the time, it's ridiculous.

Yet when Malthouse gives several of his guys a serve, as he did at 3Qtr time last week it's inspired coaching?

Williams and Stack were deserving of a bake at the end of the first quarter.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Its his Game Plan, wheres Gia ???

Explain. Is this the game plan that was seeing us win the clearances and skip to a 3 goal lead in the first.
Guys are clearly not following instructions.

[LostDoggy]

Yet when Malthouse gives several of his guys a serve, as he did at 3Qtr time last week it's inspired coaching?

Williams and Stack were deserving of a bake at the end of the first quarter.

Who mentioned Malthouse? i surely didn't.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Turnovers stopping any flow, just a slow arm wrestle, good to see Josh Hill having a go , a draw does,nt seem that far out of the equation

.

Hill is one who has done well, been impressed so far with his response.

[AndrewP6]

Yet when Malthouse gives several of his guys a serve, as he did at 3Qtr time last week it's inspired coaching?

Williams and Stack were deserving of a bake at the end of the first quarter.

Too true, they had that coming.

[LostDoggy]

What's the free kick count?

7-12 Sydney's way.

[comrade]

Gia has been horrible.

Where was the free kick to Gilbee? This is *!*!*!*!ed.

[LostDoggy]

Gilbee injured but back up and running

.

[The Coon Dog]

2 Swans goals this quarter, surprisingly, both free kicks!

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Who mentioned Malthouse? i surely didn't.

I'm saying that when Eade goes off it's seen as a problem, but yet other coaches have a crack all the time.

[LostDog]

We Drop Lake and bring in Gia (the pillow)
what has happened at the kennel!!

[LostDoggy]

Jones gets the cobwebs off , nice goal from 45m

.

[LostDoggy]

I'm saying that when Eade goes off it's seen as a problem, but yet other coaches have a crack all the time.

I seem to think it can get old to the players, where they think "oh, he is going off again".

To me Eade seems to do it a lot, but i must admit, i don't pay attention to any other coaches.

[LostDoggy]

Cooney's first quarter was his best so far this season, hope he keeps it up. Oh Gia is playing...

[G-Mo77]

Is it just me or are these umpires wearing red and white today. Bloody hell!

Poor again, such a long stretch of time without a goal. I don't know what to make of this team.

[LostDoggy]

Hill, Ward and Morris putting in the effort, not enough run through the corridor , ineffective supply to the forward line, Swan's could be further ahead if they kicked straight

.

[AndrewP6]

I missed the first 20 minutes, it seems like more of the same - which is not a positive. Jones took a good grab and slotted a nice one, Ward and Cross hard at the ball. Commentators have said Coons is doing better, is this the case (I hope yes). Sherm seems to fit in well.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Our disposal is absolutely woeful.

Jones' kicking is disgraceful. All he should be doing, every day, is kicking the football. Changing the action. Changing the ball drop and leg swing .... because if he doesn't improve this side of his game, he'll never be anything.

Gia and Hudson have been disappointing. Markovic too.

Thank god for Morris and Ward.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Poor again, such a long stretch of time without a goal. I don't know what to make of this team.

We aren't a very good football team anymore. We keep telling ourselves we are, but the results speak for themselves.

I really do think we'll struggle to make the 8.

[AndrewP6]

fed up with this already, Garlick get on the phone to Malthouse

To chew the fat? Or to go over the terms of his existing contract with Collingwood?

[ReLoad]

Gia and Hudson have been disappointing. Markovic too.

Thank god for Morris and Ward.

Markovic has been pretty good IMHO, its down int he swans F50 a lot, he's definatley got the signs of a up and coming key defender.

[AndrewP6]

Everitt kicks his second, typical that he will play a ripper against us.

Just wait, he's likely to disappear after half time ;)

[LostDoggy]

Just wait, he's likely to disappear after half time ;)

We can only hope!

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Markovic has been pretty good IMHO, its down int he swans F50 a lot, he's definatley got the signs of a up and coming key defender.

He's been out of position a few times, been beaten a couple of times and turned it over a bit too.

He's got a long way to go IMO, but I can't fault his effort.

[LostDoggy]

Our disposal is absolutely woeful.

Jones' kicking is disgraceful. All he should be doing, every day, is kicking the football. Changing the action. Changing the ball drop and leg swing .... because if he doesn't improve this side of his game, he'll never be anything.

Gia and Hudson have been disappointing. Markovic too.

Thank god for Morris and Ward.

I am not watching the game, has Gia played that bad? 11 disposals, 3 marks.

Grant has got 5 tackles at halftime, good signs.

[G-Mo77]

Thoughts on the 2 rucks playing together?

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Is it just me or are these umpires wearing red and white today. Bloody hell!

Poor again, such a long stretch of time without a goal. I don't know what to make of this team.

I rarely give the umpiring a serve, but it has been terrible.

[Scorlibo]

Is it just me or are these umpires wearing red and white today. Bloody hell!

Poor again, such a long stretch of time without a goal. I don't know what to make of this team.

Re: umpires, yes!! This is the worst umpiring I have seen this year by a long way, 14 frees to 8 at the moment and it should probably be the other way round. Without some shocking decisions in the first quarter we would have been 30 points up easily! We were dominating the play, and now we're destined for another tight contest where it should have been an easy win. Anyone who thinks the umpires don't influence games in a big way is bonkers, they have completely changed the course of this one. Disgusting.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

I am not watching the game, has Gia played that bad? 11 disposals, 3 marks.

Grant has got 5 tackles at halftime, good signs.

Yes, but there is no denying the haters when it comes to Gia. Not having an impact, but as another poster mentioned, the supply to our forwards has rarely been to their advantage.

One of the only pleasing things I've seen so far today has been the improved urgency and effort of both Hill and Grant. A very good halfr from Cooney, and Ward just throwing himself into every contest (as if he knows any other way). Ward has been our best.
Boyd's disposal, especially early has been good.

On the flipside, Murph has been inneffectual, and Hudson.

Massive second half to say the least coming up.

[comrade]

Moles' lack of composure has really hurt us at times. Holding that tackle on Kenelly was stupid (even though it was a soft free kick).

[The Pie Man]

Umpire's interpretation of holding the man is absolutely driving me nuts.

We're in a spot of bother here

[AndrewP6]

On the flipside, Murph has been inneffectual, and Hudson.

Massive second half to say the least coming up.

Thought I hard radio commentators say he was good in the first qtr?

[comrade]

*!*!*!*! me, Huddo.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Hudson's day not gettting any better, his handballing has been dreadful.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Thought I hard radio commentators say he was good in the first qtr?

possibly, maybe my mind is clouded by the deplorable 2nd quarter by the team in general.

[aker39]

We are in big big trouble. Only their poor kicking for goal keeping us in it.

[LostDoggy]

Swan's ready to ice the game but can't kick straight

.

[DOG GOD]

Another goal to sydney here and its game over.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Cooney still having an impact. Lovely passage of play, set up by Cooney, and good work from Griffen, Murph and Guido to get it to Grant for the goal.

[The Pie Man]

How good can we look sometimes? Honestly annoying we see it so fleetingly ATM

C'MON!!!!

[LostDoggy]

Good flow of play from a ruck contest , Grant goals from 20m, margin against the flow of play back to 8 points

.

[The Pie Man]

Is Morris our most important player?

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

How good can we look sometimes? Honestly annoying we see it so fleetingly ATM

C'MON!!!!

It really is the most frustrating thing.

[The Coon Dog]

These umpires are getting worse!

[LostDog]

With Great Expectation Comes Great Dissapointment 50+ years of it

[DOG GOD]

Is Morris our most important player?

He'd be right up...if it wasn't for him today we would be 6 goals down right now.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Is Morris our most important player?

He is at the moment for sure.

[LostDoggy]

Lets go Zephi!

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Skinner on, Husdon off.

[LostDoggy]

Skinner on for a sore Hudson, somebody kick it too him properly

.

[LostDoggy]

He is at the moment for sure.

Id say he has been our best followed by Ward.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

He'd be right up...if it wasn't for him today we would be 6 goals down right now.

Back to All Australian form.

[The Pie Man]

These umpires are getting worse!

Thought it was a mark to Grant, seems it's progressively getting worse

[The Pie Man]

AND AGAIN! That was a duck of the head

[LostDoggy]

Who's on McVeigh?

[comrade]

We've lost the plot.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Who's on McVeigh?

I thought it was Cooney, but it may've changed.

[DOG GOD]

God we are plying like a rabble. Cant believe how bad we have been this year.

Thats the game.

[AndrewP6]

Old Max Merritt's "Slippin' Away" comes to mind. We're very ordinary.

[LostDoggy]

Stack's bombing has cost us, a couple of times :S

[AndrewP6]

Lukas Markovic has been solid IMO.

[LostDoggy]

It's not good that it takes our Full Back to setup a scoring play

Goodes gets a cheap one. Umpire Protection Guarantee.

[LostDoggy]

I think we are gawn :(

[AndrewP6]

I think we are gawn :(

Game and season. If the big Canadian has time to lumber to the ball and kick it off the turf, we're rubbish.

[comrade]

Where is this fabled superior midfield class we supposedly have over Sydney?

We're getting absolutely destroyed.

[G-Mo77]

All over.

[LostDog]

im about to throw my TV out the window, this is the worst ever.

If ROCKET cant motivate these blokes, its time to go....

Decade of the Dog ..???? hmmm yeah rite

[Doc26]

Dunno what's worse, the umpiring or Dwayne Russell's commentating?

Frees 8-3 Sydney's way.

No amount of bad umpiring decisions could be worse than having to endure Dwayne Russell for an afternoon, would even put myself through a Saints game before a bout of Dwayne Russell commentary.

[angelopetraglia]

What has happened to us. Terrible. Two goals in two quarters. So many basic skills errors. Again being out coached. We are playing the game on their terms. All the numbers always in our forward line. When they get it forward they have space.

Going to be a very, very, very long season.

[LostDoggy]

Forward line too open , no real flow , someone tell Skinner to stay in the goal square , Jones needs to help Minson in the ruck , we need to put some real pressure on to stop them getting a role on or they will blow the score out

.

[comrade]

On a positive note, Shaggy is looking good for Willy.

[G-Mo77]

Skinner on for a poor Hudson, somebody kick it too him properly

.

Edited.

A reputation selection right there. I'm sure we'll see him playing again next week.

[LostDoggy]

14 goals since the first quarter. bloody shocking

[G-Mo77]

On a positive note, Shaggy is looking good for Willy.

Good to hear. I'll watch that game after this tripe finishes.

[Scorlibo]

Unfortunately this result reflects in no way upon the football being played, but rather on how the umpires have destroyed the game.

[Ghost Dog]

Well, I did tip the swans. They're a fighting outfit and with 11 behinds, should have put the game away. Just started watching as 3Q ended. Awful

[Doc26]

im about to throw my TV out the window, this is the worst ever.

If ROCKET cant motivate these blokes, its time to go....

Decade of the Dog ..???? hmmm yeah rite

Save your TV and your sanity and switch over to channel 2.

[ReLoad]

I'm going to repaint the garage, much more fun.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Where is this fabled superior midfield class we supposedly have over Sydney?

We're getting absolutely destroyed.

It's looking like an urban myth. Our midfield this year has been unable to maintain control over any extended period of time this year.

[Ghost Dog]

Good mark Gia. Come on Bulldogs. Fight

I'm going to watch this to the end. Who's going to keep their chin up in this game?

Cooney -- will you or will you not stand up??
Gia- two good marks and goals. Now or never bloke.
We are still in this

[LostDoggy]

Nice of you to join the game Gia.

Edit: That was a weak effort by Gia.

Edit: Im gunna stop mentioning him now, he is frustrating me.

Edit: This is just funny now.

[comrade]

Cooney is so frustrating.

[LostDoggy]

The Ox "this could be Will Minson's last game of senior footy".

[AndrewP6]

Why are so many slipping over? Seems a fine day up there.

We're no better than a good mid-table team.

[comrade]

The Ox "this could be Will Minson's last game of senior footy".

Lulz. No *!*!*!*!ing idea.

Stick to gambling, Ox.

[Go_Dogs]

The Ox "this could be Will Minson's last game of senior footy".

Interesting comment, wasn't it? How bad has he actually been?


Gia seems to be doing well at the moment!

[AndrewP6]

Nice of you to join the game Gia.

Edit: That was a weak effort by Gia.

Edit: Im gunna stop mentioning him now, he is frustrating me.

Just took another good grab and goaled.

[LostDoggy]

Umm, 2 goals to Gia - keep it up doggies, keep fighting.......:D

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Why are so many slipping over? Seems a fine day up there.

We're no better than a good mid-table team.

It's been an issue for us today hasn't it, but not so the Swans?

Gia doing well up forward, 2 goals this quarter.

[LostDoggy]

Wtf was that! Open your eyes maggots.

[AndrewP6]

These umpires are appalling. They're determined to be seen in this week's papers.

[AndrewP6]

The Swans can fumble and drop marks and still our blokes are nowhere near them.

[comrade]

Boyd just got hammered in the back, yet no call.

[LostDoggy]

Need to get that back, great smother on Everitt though.

[Go_Dogs]

Going to be a huge effort to come back now.

[ledge]

We are a shadow of the side we were a year ago,only show glimpses of what we used to do, a side on the way down that needs a new lease on footy.

[LostDoggy]

Moles! Way to take the game on son!

[Ghost Dog]

MOLES!!!!!!! what a dash

[AndrewP6]

Great run and goal from Moles, a rare highlight for the day.

[Go_Dogs]

Moles!

[LostDoggy]

Go Brodie - yeah!

[angelopetraglia]

Moles!!!!! What a goal.

Our forward defensive pressure is zero. It doesn't exist. They do as they please. Every single week, don't we learn?

[Doc26]

How courageous is Ward ? Fearless act.

[LostDoggy]

First time i have heard Sherman on the radio.

[AndrewP6]

Great get from Murphy.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Why would Stack lob a kick to Williams, when 20 metres a way? The whole point of switching the ball is to catch the opposition off guard. A flat pass was always needed.

[LostDoggy]

Why would Stack lob a kick to Williams, when 20 metres a way? The whole point of switching the ball is to catch the opposition off guard. A flat pass was always needed.

Stacks decision making has been v poor today.

[The Pie Man]

When presented with a flood on half forward, what's better?

1. Take your chance at the top of the square?

2. Switch sides, risking turnover/stoppage through poor disposal?

[comrade]

Cooney playing like an overpaid hack.

[LostDoggy]

Gia :(

[comrade]

Big kick from a leader....

EDIT: And misses.

[AndrewP6]

We're simply not good enough, right across the ground.

[LostDoggy]

Cooney playing like an overpaid hack.

1 good quarter from him not good enough.

[DOG GOD]

1 good quarter from him not good enough.

Like most of the players out there :(

[LostDoggy]

Glad the Umpires finally caught onto the treatment Murphy has received from swans all day

[comrade]

Cue WOOF meltdown in 3, 2, 1...

[Go_Dogs]

Cue WOOF meltdown in 3, 2, 1...

And let it begin. :D

[LostDoggy]

Another 2-kick loss against Interstate sides we should have beaten...not good enough.

[DOG GOD]

Richmond WILL beat us next week after watching todays game.

[angelopetraglia]

So disappointing. Absolutely go missing for two whole quarters. Just terrible. One goal only in the 2nd and 3rd quarter.

The Swans are nothing special. We are very ordinary.

On a entire different topic. If the game was played at Etihad we win by 5 goals +, the inequality of having to sell home games kills you.

[G-Mo77]

Too little too late unfortunately. I don't know why they can't play like this all game. That's the most frustrating thing about losing like this, we are good enough!

It would have been a fitting end to the games if Goodes got another free inside 50 in the final stages. If anyone can defend these 3 blind assholes they really need to get their eyes checked.

[Chicago1]

So... I've seen our only two wins for the year so far. Am I glad I visited Melbourne when I did. It's going to be a looooooong summer. :(

I do like these early Saturday afternoon matches. It's only 12.45am here.

[LostDoggy]

I could be wrong but I think Smorgon just kicked all the furniture to buggery and set fire to his tie, I think trying to make the 8 is more on the mark than the last day in September

.

[BulldogBelle]

Match committee, you need to have a long hard look

[LostDoggy]

It just seems like we don't want to help one another - where is the team stuff? No midfield pressure, they don't get back and help our defence! I feel the season is certainly......."slippin' away, oh yeah!"

[LostDoggy]

Season over. We've gone backwards. In the past years we would win these close games. I'd like to see us start to blood guys like Cordy.

I know we have outs today, but so do Sydney. We still haven't beaten a half-decent side this year.

I think Grant needs to spend a few weeks at Williamstown. Looks like his confidence is shot.

[LostDoggy]

I don't think top four isn't a possibility now, the guys will have to do it the long way around.

[Rocco Jones]

Cue WOOF meltdown in 3, 2, 1...

I'd say WOOF is optimistic when it comes to the Dogs, especially so compared to other sources of Buldog fan interaction.

The fact is we are 2-4 and underachieving. Our 2 wins have been against GC and a side who haven't won a game.

[ledge]

You can tell sides with a new lease on life, Essendon are a great example, we dont have the hunger as a team, as players we have the skill, I look at the list and it looks as good as any, Eade can build a list but now I sadly wonder if his coaching has worn thin.
I am not going on just today but this year on a whole, we just dont seem to have it anymore.
Hall and Lake would have made the difference no doubt but Markovic is impressing me every week and so are all the newbies.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Match committee, you need to have a long hard look

I think it's our playing group who need to do the soul searching.

[DOG GOD]

Rich, WC (perth), Haw and Geel (SS) in next 4 weeks. Wont win any of those. Tough times ahead.

[The Pie Man]

Cue WOOF meltdown in 3, 2, 1...

I'm waiting for the inevitable phone call from my Dad/Brother re: Gia's miss late on

Gordon swearing in the post match interview changed my mood...momentarily at least

Two and four. Nuff said

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

You can tell sides with a new lease on life, Essendon are a great example, we dont have the hunger as a team, as players we have the skill, I look at the list and it looks as good as any, Eade can build a list but now I sadly wonder if his coaching has worn thin.
I am not going on just today but this year on a whole, we just dont seem to have it anymore.
Hall and Lake would have made the difference no doubt but Markovic is impressing me every week and so are all the newbies.

I don't think so, It wasn't Brian Lake we were missing, our back half held up rather well. And with the way we didn't move the ball at all in the 2nd and 3rd quarter it wouldn'tve made a lick of difference had we had Hall, Franklin or a Riewoldt up there.
Our midfield and their inability to dominate any oppoent thus far this year for any more than part of a quarter is a major concern.

[angelopetraglia]

I think it's our playing group who need to do the soul searching.

The entire club needs to do the soul searching.

[DOG GOD]

You can tell sides with a new lease on life, Essendon are a great example, we dont have the hunger as a team, as players we have the skill, I look at the list and it looks as good as any, Eade can build a list but now I sadly wonder if his coaching has worn thin.
I am not going on just today but this year on a whole, we just dont seem to have it anymore.
Hall and Lake would have made the difference no doubt but Markovic is impressing me every week and so are all the newbies.

Well said.

[Danny the snakeman]

May aswell book holidays for september,there'll be no doggies playing footy if thats the crap we dish up.

[AndrewP6]

I'd say WOOF is optimistic when it comes to the Dogs, especially so compared to other sources of Buldog fan interaction.

The fact is we are 2-4 and underachieving. Our 2 wins have been against GC and a side who haven't won a game.

Looking at FB... the natives over there are a bit more than restless.

Me, I could hardly even get angry during that game. I guess I'm resigned to the fact we simply aren't good enough.

Neither is Dwayne Russell. Amongst the other drivel, he says "Grundy's off, gone for the afternoon". A little while later, he came back on.

[Rocco Jones]

I don't think top four is a possibility now, the guys will have to do it the long way around.

I think we will do very well from this point to finish in the top 8. Our only wins have been against GC and Brisbane, enough said.

[LostDoggy]

Here come the radio calls..........piss off supporters if you aren't going to stick fat.

I am sick of hearing this crap on the radio after every bad game.

[angelopetraglia]

The two close losses on the road just kills you. Just saps you of all energy and confidence. Need a massive effort for the club to dig itself out this hole.

[GVGjr]

Here come the radio calls..........piss off supporters if you aren't going to stick fat.

I am sick of hearing this crap on the radio after every bad game.
Just listening to "Darren" who's had enough. Please.

[comrade]

Just listening to "Darren" who's had enough. Please.

Darren's probably LostDog.

[The Pie Man]

Looking at FB... the natives over there are a bit more than restless.

Me, I could hardly even get angry during that game. I guess I'm resigned to the fact we simply aren't good enough.

Neither is Dwayne Russell. Amongst the other drivel, he says "Grundy's off, gone for the afternoon". A little while later, he came back on.

I was as angry as I've been in years at the umpiring today, I'm lucky I had the house to myself. I can accept we lost though

[LostDoggy]

Very hard to see the Dogs even beating Richmond next week! Someone give me some hope!

[DOG GOD]

Just listening to "Darren" who's had enough. Please.

Thats not me

[Rocco Jones]

Looking at FB... the natives over there are a bit more than restless.

Me, I could hardly even get angry during that game. I guess I'm resigned to the fact we simply aren't good enough.

Neither is Dwayne Russell. Amongst the other drivel, he says "Grundy's off, gone for the afternoon". A little while later, he came back on.

Our FB i group is ridiculously negative. The group members there have a go at the club for anything. Seriously, I read some status about winning a chance to have your kid as our mascot for a game and the vast majority of replies were very negative for some reason.

BF is also pretty negative but I think it accurately reflects the feelings of our fans.

Right or wrong, our fans have been 'hurt' by the club for so long. We have a history of failure and when we are actually right up, we just miss out. Maybe it's just me and my experiences but our fans seem broken by us at the moment. Perhaps our players are the same.

[lemmon]

Ive never once questioned the coach, but questions should and hopefully will be asked about Eade

[bornadog]

How crucial was the free kick against Murphy in the goal square, yet they had two software frees in front of goal.

[comrade]

Very hard to see the Dogs even beating Richmond next week! Someone give me some hope!

Maybe we'll see more kids play, as it seems the core group from 1999/2000 aren't going to take us to the summit.

Let's find out if the young guys can play.

[Ghost Dog]

What's really a worry is how many points they kicked. The margain should have been a lot bigger.

I expect to hear a fair bit of crit on the Skinner selection.
The fact is, even with another player there, we would have struggled.
Swans were too good. They were fierce in the game V Carlton and I always suspected we would lose against them. They look a bit more disciplined often seemed to outrun us.

On the positive side ( yes, there is always one ) Moles was good today in the 2 quarters I saw and showed alot more class than I thought he had.
Bob Murphy continues to be one of the few players to trouble opposition coaches but he cramped up in the end.
Was with some swans fans today. They are convinced they got the better end of the deal re Everitt. Salt into the wound.

big question marks now.

[GVGjr]

Ive never once questioned the coach, but questions should and hopefully will be asked about Eade
Stick with him Lem.

[LostDoggy]

What's really a worry is how many points they kicked. The margain should have been a lot bigger.

I expect to hear a fair bit of crit on the Skinner selection.
The fact is, even with another player there, we would have struggled.
Swans were too good. They were fierce in the game V Carlton and I always suspected we would lose against them.
Was with some swans fans today. They are convinced they got the better end of the deal re Everitt. Salt into the wound.

big question marks now.

Sometimes it can be good if it is, because then it asks more questions of the playing group/coaching staff.

But, instead now we got close to Sydney, they may take the positive approach.

[LostDoggy]

You can tell sides with a new lease on life, Essendon are a great example, we dont have the hunger as a team, as players we have the skill, I look at the list and it looks as good as any, Eade can build a list but now I sadly wonder if his coaching has worn thin.
I am not going on just today but this year on a whole, we just dont seem to have it anymore.
Hall and Lake would have made the difference no doubt but Markovic is impressing me every week and so are all the newbies.

Man. I was thinking the exact same thing.
It was like watching a team play in round 20/21 sitting in 10th position with no chance of making the finals. Some were showing skill but no purpose. Like they had nothing to play for.

[LostDoggy]

Rich, WC (perth), Haw and Geel (SS) in next 4 weeks. Wont win any of those. Tough times ahead.

In the next 4 weeks we could see Hall, Lake, Higgins, Shaggy back in the side. Can't see us losing those 4 games :rolleyes:

[comrade]

Was with some swans fans today. They are convinced they got the better end of the deal re Everitt. Salt into the wound.

big question marks now.

Everitt did nothing after the first quarter. If they end up getting the better of the deal, it won't be by much as he'll never be anything other than a good honest player and ultimately a failed first round draft pick.

[bornadog]

Maybe we'll see more kids play, as it seems the core group from 1999/2000 aren't going to take us to the summit.

Let's find out if the young guys can play.

How many more young kids can we put in? We already had Wallis, Skinner, Jones, Markovic, Stack, Moles, with less than 20 games.

Hargrave played well at Willi today but I wouldn't rush him in.

[The Pie Man]

Stick with him Lem.

Agreed - the group maybe (I stress maybe) past it, but I don't believe the coach is. I'm happy we're playing kids (which makes the 'play the kids' calls a touch redundant)

Prob not this year, but we can re-group under Eade

[bornadog]

Everitt did nothing after the first quarter. If they end up getting the better of the deal, it won't be by much as he'll never be anything other than a good honest player and ultimately a failed first round draft pick.

Only had 13 possessions, so we haven't lost much

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Stick with him Lem.

I really feel for Eade at the moment.
Rightly or wrongly, The comment from Smorgon, at the start of the season has been misinterprested by the media and has put some unnecessary pressure on him.

From what I've seen the bulk of the blame sits squarely with the playing group and in particular our midfield. They have as a group been unable to get on top for anything more than a few minutes here and there.
I fail to see how Eade is the problem with our team's ills at the moment.

[LostDoggy]

A bit sick of the umpire calls on this thread. They were shocking but If the Dogs were a real contender they would have disposed of that Sydney side that also looked pretty second rate. It was like listening to two mutes in a public speaking competition!

[LostDoggy]

I still think you need to see what's out there, even though i would be happy to keep Eade.

He is our most successful coach in terms of wins & the only coach to take us to three consecutive prelims, so unless there is someone who is a lot better available, i wouldn't move him.

[LostDoggy]

I really feel for Eade at the moment.
Rightly or wrongly, The comment from Smorgon, at the start of the season has been misinterprested by the media and has put some unnecessary pressure on him.

From what I've seen the bulk of the blame sits squarely with the playing group and in particular our midfield. They have as a group been unable to get on top for anything more than a few minutes here and there.
I fail to see how Eade is the problem with our team's ills at the moment.

I don't think it added any pressure. The media was going to be all over us this year if we weren't playing well. You have a team that has made a prelim three years in a row and a coach out of contract at the end of the season.

[bornadog]

I really feel for Eade at the moment.
Rightly or wrongly, The comment from Smorgon, at the start of the season has been misinterprested by the media and has put some unnecessary pressure on him.

From what I've seen the bulk of the blame sits squarely with the playing group and in particular our midfield. They have as a group been unable to get on top for anything more than a few minutes here and there.
I fail to see how Eade is the problem with our team's ills at the moment.

The midfield had plenty of the ball today, so there is no excuse there.

Boyd - 33
Cooney 27
Griffen -27
Cross - 24
Ward 24

[The Underdog]

Ive never once questioned the coach, but questions should and hopefully will be asked about Eade

Well I guess that makes it once now.
If Melbourne win tomorrow you'll certainly get your wish in the media this week.



Everitt did nothing after the first quarter. If they end up getting the better of the deal, it won't be by much as he'll never be anything other than a good honest player and ultimately a failed first round draft pick.

They might have got the better part but that still won't make him a good footballer, just better than another marginal player. He's got enough talent to play an occasional decent game but he's got an attitude that'll keep him as a fringe 22 player on decent sides.

[comrade]

How many more young kids can we put in? We already had Wallis, Skinner, Jones, Markovic, Stack, Moles, with less than 20 games.

Hargrave played well at Willi today but I wouldn't rush him in.

Howard, Tutt, Schofield and Cordy should all be given a run at some stage. Mulligan could also be a chance while Lake is doing his time.

Look, it's a fair chance I'm overreacting after a loss but we look completely impotent at the moment. No team would be fearing our firepower, similar to St Kilda.

Something needs to give.

[Doc26]

Cooney playing like an overpaid hack.

Looking like we might have our very own Woewodin

[The Underdog]

Very hard to see the Dogs even beating Richmond next week! Someone give me some hope!

They're Richmond, there's always hope.

[Doc26]

The midfield had plenty of the ball today, so there is no excuse there.

Boyd - 33
Cooney 27
Griffen -27
Cross - 24
Ward 24

And yet again we were beaten at the stoppages.

[AndrewP6]

A bit sick of the umpire calls on this thread. They were shocking but If the Dogs were a real contender they would have disposed of that Sydney side that also looked pretty second rate. It was like listening to two mutes in a public speaking competition!

They didn't cost us the game, but at some point, one of their inept decisions will cost someone dearly.

[LostDoggy]

They're Richmond, there's always hope.

UD you are the master of optimism!
No matter how bad things get "At least we're not Richmond fans!"

[Evel]

You can tell sides with a new lease on life, Essendon are a great example, we dont have the hunger as a team, as players we have the skill, I look at the list and it looks as good as any, Eade can build a list but now I sadly wonder if his coaching has worn thin.
I am not going on just today but this year on a whole, we just dont seem to have it anymore.
Hall and Lake would have made the difference no doubt but Markovic is impressing me every week and so are all the newbies.

Agree with most of this post. With the exception of a handful of players, the team looks tired and seems to drop their heads for long periods until they get a spray and a rev up at a break. We play in fits and spurts and even then don't make the most of our dominance. I honestly believe Eade is trying hard and must be pulling his hair out (whats left of it) trying to get some venom back into a team that seems very dispirited. Whether or not what he's doing is good enough is another topic.

Hate to say it, but disagree that this team has the skill. We're number one in the comp for clanger kicks and today was another example of missed targets, errant handballs and crucial fumbles. Bad news is it seems to be getting worse. Now we're seeing players kicking into marks from set shots after marking contests and numerous times (Grant and Jones main offenders) would scrub a kick with no pressure on them. Once in a game maybe, but numerous times??? These guys are AFL footballers and should have this sort of stuff nailed down by now.

[lemmon]

Well I guess that makes it once now.
If Melbourne win tomorrow you'll certainly get your wish in the media this week.


Im not saying its head on the chopping block stuff, I can remember the dark days of 03-04 and Eade must be commended for rebuilding the list and getting us to where we are now but perhaps a bit of outside pressure is what this group needs. For whatever reason our performances have largely escaped the spotlight, in the end the results speak for themselves though, nothing wrong with a bit of scrutiny.

[LostDoggy]

The midfield had plenty of the ball today, so there is no excuse there.

Boyd - 33
Cooney 27
Griffen -27
Cross - 24
Ward 24

Yes, BUT , the pass mark really has to be for effective disposals, decision making under pressure and contested possessions

.

[the banker]

What is it with our forward structure and entries that we can't score? Last week and this week. We look ok when we are spreading and kicking without pressure to a man that isn't marked (training drill stuff), but put pressure on we send it OOB or turnover.

The established players look as though they are not great enough to carry the team while the younger ones are developing. For the first time I think our list and our game plan is not good enough. 8th or 9th looks about where we may be.

The team seems to lack Espirit d'Corps. Are they playing for each other - or to avoid Rocket spray?

[The Underdog]

UD you are the master of optimism!
No matter how bad things get "At least we're not Richmond fans!"

They're better but they aren't good yet.
We have the capacity to be good but aren't at the moment. It's hardly hopeless.
Our supporters seem to have more in common with Richmond fans than we'd like to believe though.

[The Coon Dog]

Match committee, you need to have a long hard look

What's the value in posting something like this? :rolleyes: At least try to explain what it is/was you think the MC did/didn't do?

[The Underdog]

Im not saying its head on the chopping block stuff, I can remember the dark days of 03-04 and Eade must be commended for rebuilding the list and getting us to where we are now but perhaps a bit of outside pressure is what this group needs. For whatever reason our performances have largely escaped the spotlight, in the end the results speak for themselves though, nothing wrong with a bit of scrutiny.

I think our senior players deserve as much if not more scrutiny than Eade. I had to listen to the game on the radio but there were multiple mentions made about the lack of support from our midfield for the backline, which is a familiar story. If players aren't working to support then they should be in the gun as much as any coach.

[LostDoggy]

What is it with our forward structure and entries that we can't score? Last week and this week. We look ok when we are spreading and kicking without pressure to a man that isn't marked (training drill stuff), but put pressure on we send it OOB or turnover.

The established players look as though they are not great enough to carry the team while the younger ones are developing. For the first time I think our list and our game plan is not good enough. 8th or 9th looks about where we may be.

The team seems to lack Espirit d'Corps. Are they playing for each other - or to avoid Rocket spray?

Yes , support play at times was very disappointing, for example watching as Wallis is in a one on three , no real surprise he loses the ball

.

[LostDoggy]

What's the value in posting something like this? :rolleyes: At least try to explain what it is/was you think the MC did/didn't do?

TCD, do you think it's time to blood guys like Cordy and Howard? Give games to kids that are playing well.

[Hotdog60]

I think we will see Vespremi come in for Grant if he doesn't improve, I think we need a good lead up forward that can hold his marks and kick goals. Skinner was supposed to come in later in the season, he was puffing a lot from his small time in the game and I think he had trouble with the pace, got under the ball a lot. Not his fault still raw, Wallis also didn't look up to it and you wouldn't have thought it at the start of the year but Libba has adjusted better.

As OP posters have mentioned it's in the middle that is hurting us more, the lack of run and the lack to create space puts a lot of pressure on the backs trying to get the ball out.

Will seemed Ok but Sydney cleared the centre better than us.

[lemmon]

Hate to say it, but disagree that this team has the skill. We're number one in the comp for clanger kicks and today was another example of missed targets, errant handballs and crucial fumbles. Bad news is it seems to be getting worse. Now we're seeing players kicking into marks from set shots after marking contests and numerous times (Grant and Jones main offenders) would scrub a kick with no pressure on them. Once in a game maybe, but numerous times??? These guys are AFL footballers and should have this sort of stuff nailed down by now.

Really makes you wonder where this midfield group is at, we've seemingly gone from a highly skilled, quick moving though heavily outside unit, to a tough in and under, hard ball winning unit with lesser skills but this year we're seeing the worst of both, poor skills and smacked in the clearances, all without a massive turnover in midfield personnel.

[Scorlibo]

The hunger was there, we should still make the four going by what we produced today. If it wasn't for the umpires we would have won by at least 30 points.

However, Skinner is not up to it, neither is Jones. Drop them.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

TCD, do you think it's time to blood guys like Cordy and Howard? Give games to kids that are playing well.

And these two have been performing well? I'd say we've been lucky just to have Cordy on the park for an extended period. And from Williamstown reports here, Howard has been only average.
Schofield will get a run before those two I'd say.

[lemmon]

I think our senior players deserve as much if not more scrutiny than Eade. I had to listen to the game on the radio but there were multiple mentions made about the lack of support from our midfield for the backline, which is a familiar story. If players aren't working to support then they should be in the gun as much as any coach.

No doubt about that, senior, former star players are at the crux of the problem

[GVGjr]

TCD, do you think it's time to blood guys like Cordy and Howard? Give games to kids that are playing well.

Neither player is ready. Bringing in the kids just for the hell of it isn't the answer a lot of people think it is.

[bornadog]

Neither player is ready. Bringing in the kids just for the hell of it isn't the answer a lot of people think it is.

Exactly right, what we are missing is experienced players as we have too many kids in the seniors. We missed Hall, Higgins today and Hargrave will be back soon as well.

[LostDoggy]

I think we will see Vespremi come in for Grant if he doesn't improve, I think we need a good lead up forward that can hold his marks and kick goals. Skinner was supposed to come in later in the season, he was puffing a lot from his small time in the game and I think he had trouble with the pace, got under the ball a lot. Not his fault still raw, Wallis also didn't look up to it and you wouldn't have thought it at the start of the year but Libba has adjusted better.

As OP posters have mentioned it's in the middle that is hurting us more, the lack of run and the lack to create space puts a lot of pressure on the backs trying to get the ball out.

Will seemed Ok but Sydney cleared the centre better than us.

I thought he played well today, his disposal efficiency was down, but he still put in throughout the game.

[Ghost Dog]

I think we will see Vespremi come in for Grant if he doesn't improve, I think we need a good lead up forward that can hold his marks and kick goals. Skinner was supposed to come in later in the season, he was puffing a lot from his small time in the game and I think he had trouble with the pace, got under the ball a lot. Not his fault still raw, Wallis also didn't look up to it and you wouldn't have thought it at the start of the year but Libba has adjusted better.

As OP posters have mentioned it's in the middle that is hurting us more, the lack of run and the lack to create space puts a lot of pressure on the backs trying to get the ball out.

Will seemed Ok but Sydney cleared the centre better than us.

Will seemed to jump higher than his opponent! but he often mistimed it.

[comrade]

Neither player is ready. Bringing in the kids just forvthe hell of it isn't the answer a lot of people think it is.

It's not for the hell of it. It's to develop them at the highest level in the hope they can take us further than the draftees from 1999/2000 have. As mjp has alluded to, playing in the VFL gives us a very limited glimpse in to their ability to perform at AFL level.

I'm not talking about playing every kid. I'm talking about playing first and second round draft picks from 2008/2009. It's not a stretch to expect them to be contributing by now.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

The midfield had plenty of the ball today, so there is no excuse there.

Boyd - 33
Cooney 27
Griffen -27
Cross - 24
Ward 24

Those number's can be deceiving. We had alot more of the ball than Sydney, but I wouldn'tve thought we were the better performed midfield unit. Apart from the early part of the first quarter and from midway in the last, we butchered the ball, were smashed at crucial clearances, and they were by far much more efficient in how they used it compared to us.

[Hotdog60]

I thought he played well today, his disposal efficiency was down, but he still put in throughout the game.

He was ok in patches but his hands need to be better, it's hard to tell on the small screen but someone with Grants pace should get free more than not. Also on a side note our players need to look at their boots, how many of our players went to ground today.

[Ghost Dog]

How did Marco go today? I only saw the last two quarters or thereabouts

[The Coon Dog]

TCD, do you think it's time to blood guys like Cordy and Howard? Give games to kids that are playing well.

No, I have faith in the players playing & think with the inclusion of Hargrave, Hall & Higgins over the next couple of weeks we'll do well.

Can't imagine how some of you youngsters on here would have coped in the 70's & 80's when we were a basket case most of the time!

[Rocco Jones]

Neither player is ready. Bringing in the kids just for the hell of it isn't the answer a lot of people think it is.


Exactly right, what we are missing is experienced players as we have too many kids in the seniors. We missed Hall, Higgins today and Hargrave will be back soon as well.

Gold Coast Suns

[AndrewP6]

Can't imagine how some of you youngsters on here would have coped in the 70's & 80's when we were a basket case most of the time!

Hahaha...good call.

[bornadog]

our players need to look at their boots, how many of our players went to ground today.

I was thinking the same thing. I didn't see any Swans players sliping

[LostDoggy]

No, I have faith in the players playing & think with the inclusion of Hargrave, Hall & Higgins over the next couple of weeks we'll do well.

Can't imagine how some of you youngsters on here would have coped in the 70's & 80's when we were a basket case most of the time!

You sound like my Dad, lol.

[LostDoggy]

And these two have been performing well? I'd say we've been lucky just to have Cordy on the park for an extended period. And from Williamstown reports here, Howard has been only average.
Schofield will get a run before those two I'd say.

I agree. Schofield played a ripper game when I saw him in the Foxtel Cup.

I'm just raising Cordy and Howard as examples. Cordy is a future ruck and Howard is supposed to be the replacement for Gilbee. When are we going to blood these guys? So a guy like Skinner is well in front of them both?

[Ghost Dog]

No, I have faith in the players playing & think with the inclusion of Hargrave, Hall & Higgins over the next couple of weeks we'll do well.

Can't imagine how some of you youngsters on here would have coped in the 70's & 80's when we were a basket case most of the time!
.
Ha! nice one. Toughen up princesses!

But you have to admit TCD, today was a critical game and the disappointment is justified, considering the amount of points kicked against us.
I hate seeing Griffen in the back square kicking it in!

[Rocco Jones]

Can't imagine how some of you youngsters on here would have coped in the 70's & 80's when we were a basket case most of the time!

I have heard this line a lot and really get where you're coming from but no Bulldogs fan has had it easy. It's like a man living on the street saying a man living in a cardboard box has it easy.

I am 30 and know I missed out on on a whole lot of crap in the 70s but while I love the Dogs, we have been an extremely frustrating side to support. I have posted this a few times on WOOF but I think it's why our fans have become so very cynical/snide.

Absolutely tragic in the years you mention TCD, then when we actually get near the top, we turn into the greatest tease of all time.

[LostDoggy]

The midfield had plenty of the ball today, so there is no excuse there.

Boyd - 33
Cooney 27
Griffen -27
Cross - 24
Ward 24

Boyd can get all the ball he wants each week, but if he uses it at 67% efficiency, it's useless.