Game Day 2011 - R15 Western Bulldogs vs Melbourne

[BulldogBelle]

This is the discussion thread for our Friday night game against Melbourne at ES.

My predictions are:

The Dogs by 23 points
BOG : Adam Cooney
Barry Hall to kick the first goal.

[LostDoggy]

Demons by 17
BOG: Scully
First goal Grant

[Greystache]

Dogs by 12
BOG- Cooney
First goal- Grant

[bornadog]

Dogs by 20

BOG Griffen

First Goal Bazza

[LostDoggy]

Dogs by 56
BOG. Griff
First Goal. Dollhouse

[JohnGentStand]

Let's give up the guesswork... I KNOW for a fact that Bazza will kick the 1st goal & end up with 5.

[1eyedog]

I think we'll win comfortably 4-5 goals.

Higgins first goal
Boyd BOG

[LostDoggy]

Dogs by 19

Gia to kick 1st 2nd and 3rd goal

bog: boyd

[DragzLS1]

Dogs by 31

Bog griffen

First goal gia

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Huge weekend for us, Melbourne, North and St. Kilda.

Dees by 18 points.
Gia first goal.
Griffen BOG.

I think our lack of pace/spread will become apparent, moreso with Sherman out.

[the banker]

Dogs by 28

BOG Cooney

First Goal Cooney

[Go_Dogs]

I think our lack of pace/spread will become apparent, moreso with Sherman out.

I'm also a little concerned about this. Griffen and Cooney need big games.

Dees - 15 points
First goal - Hall
BOG - Higgins

[chef]

Dees by 24
Gia first goal
Higgins BOG

[LostDoggy]

Gotta keep the faith (although I'm a little concerned!)

Dogs by 5 points
BOG = Cooney
First goal = Griff

[Mantis]

As with others I am very concerned about the pace of our team and believe if we can't dominate the clearances I can't see us keeping up... especially late.

Demons by 27pts.

1st goal - Gia.
BOG - Griffen

[The Pie Man]

Melbourne are deservedly favourites, but this is a real toss up for mine - will depend on what sides (and I mean both) show up tonight.

If Melbourne can win, it will be the first bit of consistency they've had under Bailey, and will solidify 8th - so it's clearly a very important game. You can argue it's more important for us, so I'm hoping that aspect can bring the required hunger.

Should be a good game. I've tipped Melbourne by 19, but with no confidence

[Bulldog Revolution]

Dees by 24 points

Scrappy game, that we will never look like winning, although never be out of touch

I hope I am wrong

[LostDoggy]

Dogs by 36 points

Cooney 1st Goal

Griffen BOG

[SlimPickens]

Need to lock this game down...

Dogs in a hard fought 5 pt win
BOG Boyd
First Goal Hooper

[LostDoggy]

Melb by 20-30pts

Dunno too much about Melb, but reading our weekends team there are 8 players in the side that have played under 29 games. 6 of those have less then 20 games in their pocket. 4 don't even have 10.
Hope the following years are good to us.

[1eyedog]

Melb by 20-30pts

Dunno too much about Melb, but reading our weekends team there are 8 players in the side that have played under 29 games. 6 of those have less then 20 games in their pocket. 4 don't even have 10.
Hope the following years are good to us.

There are 9 who have played less than this for Melbourne.

[Daughter of the West]

I have no idea to be perfectly honest, it depends on whether the good or the ordinary side (for both us and Melbourne) turn up tonight.

So....
Dogs by 5
BOG: Griff
First goal: Bazza

[KT31]

Dogs by 40
BOG Griff
1st Bazza

[Greystache]

I'm kind of looking forward to tonight's game. It could be like a throw back to 2009, with both sides trying to play the play on at all costs game style, little in the way of defensive pressure, and lots of inside 50's. Also with a lack of defensive pressure our skills might be back to what they were when were a skillful side.

[Mantis]

I'm kind of looking forward to tonight's game. It could be like a throw back to 2009, with both sides trying to play the play on at all costs game style, little in the way of defensive pressure, and lots of inside 50's. Also with a lack of defensive pressure our skills might be back to what they were when were a skillful side.

Melbourne had an all-time high 35 tackles inside their F50 last week so one would assume that their defensive pressure is more than adequate... well at least it was last week.

[comay]

Dog win by 18 points
First goal: Gia
BOG: Coon

[Greystache]

Melbourne had an all-time high 35 tackles inside their F50 last week so one would assume that their defensive pressure is more than adequate... well at least it was last week.

That's the key point, last week was a big effort (lead by Pettard with 11), but I've watched them a couple of times this year and its not a core part of their game plan.

[The Underdog]

Dees by 19 points
Boyd BOG
Gia first goal

[DOG GOD]

Very concerned also with the lack of pace going into this game and the fact of only having (1) aging ruckman, so i'll go with:

Dees by 37 pts
Griffen BOG (for us)
Gia 1st goal

[Bumper Bulldogs]

Dogs by 23 points
BOG Ward after the media attention this week he will blow off the steam
First Goal Gia

[Doggy]

Demons - 42 points
BOG for Dogs - Griffen
First goal - Hall

[MrMahatma]

At the moment - I think we'll get rolled.

But if the switch flicks and we find some touch we'll smash them.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

just wonder how the events of the week will affect both teams.
Will the Sherman saga deflate our boys and will the tragic death of Sean Wight galvanise the Demons.

My feeling is the Dee's by a couple of goals.
Gia first goal.
Griffen BOG for us.

[Greystache]

Liam Jones wearing a shin pad, looks like he'll be rucking

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Grant's work rate early on looks good. Chasing hard and making space.

The kick to Hall was a beaut.

[MrMahatma]

Young defence hurting us. Marko & Wood both cost us goals early.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Melbournes ability to win the inside ball and then spread quickly and move the ball forward effectively a worry so far.

[Greystache]

Cross, thinking... Thinking... Thinking.. kick it to the guy who was on his own in space.

[MrMahatma]

I think Wood is trying to play himself out of GWS contention.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Young defence hurting us. Marko & Wood both cost us goals early.

Our defensive positioning has been very ordinary

[comrade]

Murph is giving Jurrah space but is winning plenty of it.

[comrade]

Coooooon!

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Terrible kick by Cross, but Cooney at his brilliant best to kick it off the deck under pressure.
Dahlhaus' energy and effort at the contest is fantastic for a player of his inexperience and slight build.

[MrMahatma]

Hall, Hooper & Barlow all missing very getable goals.

Need to take our chances in the 2nd. I think we really started to look good in the 2nd half of that quarter.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Good second half of that quarter for us. Could've kicked one or two more.
As the quarter went on we started to get more influence at the stoppages. This dented Melbourne's ability to get it to their forwards who were looming as big problems for us early on as they often made better position.

[comrade]

Gee, it's good seeing Griffen get some help from a fit Cooney.

[Ghost Dog]

guido wasteful. melbourne look dangerous. callan ward, no fear

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Coooooon!

He looks to be getting his leg speed and confidence back.

[MrMahatma]

Gee, it's good seeing Griffen get some help from a fit Cooney.
Absolutely. Just goes to show that the team is better than the sum of its parts. These two running around together just look fantastic.

Higgins has looked strong tonight too.

[comrade]

He looks to be getting his leg speed and confidence back.

He makes us a much more dangerous team.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

guido wasteful. melbourne look dangerous. callan ward, no fear

He was, but can't deny his efforts in that quarter he worked his ass off even heading down back early on when Melbourne were looking dangerous up forward. Kept his feet well in contests, just as you say wasteful with his disposal.
Given he is normally a very effective user of the ball, hopefully he can remain as dangerous as the game wears on and impact the scoreboard either directly or through assists.

[comrade]

Wow, what a shocking free kick. Higgins went about 10 minutes too early.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Getting a very good rub of the green free kick wise, for a change.
I didn't think Trengove did much wrong, thought he turned his head to get a gauge on his surroundings and then turned back to face the ball and held his position.
I'll take it though.

[comrade]

Why do our defenders (other than Morris) continue to try and take defensive marks rather than destroy the ball with a spoil.

Williams should have killed that contest but tried to do his best Brian Lake impression and Trengove outmarked him :o

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Some poor decisions allowing Melbourne to get back in the game.
Don't know why Murph would kick to a 50/50 down the guts from a kick in. If we turned lost the contest it was always going to result in Melbourne finding an open forward.

[MrMahatma]

We keep going to Barlow with our kick outs and he's getting destroyed.

[comrade]

Some poor decisions allowing Melbourne to get back in the game.
Don't know why Murph would kick to a 50/50 down the guts from a kick in. If we turned lost the contest it was always going to result in Melbourne finding an open forward.

It was Gilbee's kick in.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Wow that is a kick in the nuts... Just stupid from Jones. Certain goal down the drain.
Real momentum shifter

[comrade]

You just have to laugh.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Very important goal by Gia to not allow the stuff up by Jones to hurt us.

[comrade]

What a kick by Grant. He really could be anything.

Nice work to gain back some momentum. We could have dropped our bundle after the Jones snafu.

The next one would be nice.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Excellent recovery by the fella's following that potential momentum killer a few minutes earlier. .

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

What a kick by Grant. He really could be anything.

Nice work to gain back some momentum. We could have dropped our bundle after the Jones snafu.

The next one would be nice.

Absolutely, a few weks ago, that kinda mistake would've seen us drop our heads and be a precurose to an avalanche of opposition goals

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

At the moment I'm failing to see how Hooper adds anything to our team. Not overly quick, not a good decision maker, and not an overly good user of the ball.

[comrade]

Ward's doing his best Lenny Hayes impression and I love it. I'll be gutted if he goes.

[comrade]

At the moment I'm failing to see how Hooper adds anything to our team. Not overly quick, not a good decision maker, and not an overly good user of the ball.

Why is he playing so high?

Wood is getting taught a lesson.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Ward's doing his best Lenny Hayes impression and I love it. I'll be gutted if he goes.

He is playing some sort of game so far. As someone said here earlier, no fear.

[MrMahatma]

He is playing some sort of game so far. As someone said here earlier, no fear.
Very good player. Need to keep him!

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Why is he playing so high?

Wood is getting taught a lesson.

I know, he's absolutely no good overhead yet at times he's playing almost as a hit up target.
Wood is still so raw as a defender, and often not only ends up on the grass when he attacks an aerial contest, but also seems to take out a teammate on the way through. Hopefully he's can learn qukc, but he doesn't seem a natural defender.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Very good player. Need to keep him!

Providing we don't sell the farm though to keep him. Love him as a player, but we still need to be astute about it...anyway probably best for another thread.

[Ghost Dog]

games not over yet. lets see what hes got


At the moment I'm failing to see how Hooper adds anything to our team. Not overly quick, not a good decision maker, and not an overly good user of the ball.

[bornadog]

Need to keep the pressure on and go on with it in the second half

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

games not over yet. lets see what hes got

With Hall looking a dangerous option up forward, I would really like to see him positioned around his feet rather than up the ground where he is exposed when he presents himself as a marking target as we move the ball forward from defense/midfield.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Not a big crowd here, probably 20,000

Really, that is disappointing. The commentary must have painted on eyes, as they were saying it was a very good crowd?

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Need to keep the pressure on and go on with it in the second half

Yep, we're two goals away from either blowing the game wide open or Melbourne getting right back into it.

[comrade]

Gia is one of the best in the league at using his body in marking contests. Smart player and having a very good year.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

That's the start we needed. All on Melbourne now.

[Drunken Bum]

gee i reckon Williams is playing a great game tonight

[comrade]

Foot to the throat and keep pressing.

I love Griff.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

gee i reckon Williams is playing a great game tonight

Yep he's looked sharp, and making better decisions when he has the ball under pressure.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Guido has been influential everywhere he has gone tonight, whether forward, mid or back.

[comrade]

Not good enough from Gilbee.

[MrMahatma]

Gone flat. They've got a couple back so we need to push on here. Step it up again. Don't let them back in.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Gees we're giving Melbourne a pulse heading into the last.

[comrade]

Softest free kick. Defenders just aren't allowed to defend anymore.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Dahlhaus... big moment for a little man... Great stuff. There ain't nothing about this kid I don't like!

[comrade]

Another lacklustre defensive effort from Gilbee. Howard or Schofield would give us just as much.

Go Dahl!

[comrade]

You have to be impressed by our defensive work rate and pressure skills. We've looked to kick a lot more and have been able to cut through the zone because of it.

We can either try and take the sting out of the game and weather the storm for the first 5 minutes or we can take it on and kick the first couple and kill the contest. Let's be brave.

[Drunken Bum]

Jones has absolutely zero confidence in his kicking, i hope he can turn it around

[comrade]

Scully hasn't had second's peace. Onya Picko!

[Drunken Bum]

god i wish they wouldnt do that, scared hell out of me with that Williams vision

[Drunken Bum]

loved that vision of Huddo and Watts, quite amusing

Loving Barbie(Dollhouse)

[comrade]

loved that vision of Huddo and Watts, quite amusing

His game has been epic tonight.

[Dry Rot]

Am listening to ABC radio. Hard to get a handle on how well, or otherwise we're playing.

The ABC commentators are spending a good deal of the night laughing at Melbourne.

[comrade]

Am listening to ABC radio. Hard to get a handle on how well, or otherwise we're playing.

The ABC commentators are spending a good deal of the night laughing at Melbourne.

Softest team in the league when the blow torch is applied. They're pretty much at full strength, too.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Am listening to ABC radio. Hard to get a handle on how well, or otherwise we're playing.

The ABC commentators are spending a good deal of the night laughing at Melbourne.

For as bad as Melbourne have been, I think it's been a case that we've got into their heads by the positive way we've played as the game has worn on.
Easily our best team performance all year.

[Dry Rot]

Softest team in the league when the blow torch is applied. They're pretty much at full strength, too.

ABC guys reckon they aren't even trying now. Aren't they full of great cheating draft picks?

[Drunken Bum]

why do we do this when we are in no danger of losing?? what is the point, i dont get it. Kick it forward FFS.

[Dry Rot]

For as bad as Melbourne have been, I think it's been a case that we've got into their heads by the positive way we've played as the game has worn on.
Easily our best team performance all year.

Yes, sounds like Griff, Picken, Murphy, Cooney and Ward have all played very well.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

why do we do this when we are in no danger of losing?? what is the point, i dont get it. Kick it forward FFS.

Because there is a minute to go and we successfully held possession for that whole time. I thought it was a very good indication that our confidence is back. 4 weeks ago we would've turned the ball over or just bombed it out of defense to where the opposition have numbers.
Being able to ice the game at critical times is a valid and indeed important tactic.

[comrade]

Because there is a minute to go and we successfully held possession for that whole time. I thought it was a very good indication that our confidence is back. 4 weeks ago we would've turned the ball over or just bombed it out of defense to where the opposition have numbers.
Being able to ice the game at critical times is a valid and indeed important tactic.

Plus, it's great for SC. Murph had an extra 3 or 4 touches so I'm happy :D

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Yes, sounds like Griff, Picken, Murphy, Cooney and Ward have all played very well.

They did indeed. What is really evident is that with Cooney back in the middle, all of a sudden Boyd doesn't need to be the one to try and be the gamebreaker. Reflective of his stats, only 25 possies this week, most weeks he's been getting 30 plus. Gone back to playing the grunt /distributor role tonight and it suits him.

[Drunken Bum]

Because there is a minute to go and we successfully held possession for that whole time. I thought it was a very good indication that our confidence is back. 4 weeks ago we would've turned the ball over or just bombed it out of defense to where the opposition have numbers.
Being able to ice the game at critical times is a valid and indeed important tactic.

4 weeks ago we wouldn't have been that far in front. I understand it is a tactic but i for one find it very frustrating and would much prefer them to at least look to see if there is a player free ahead of them and attempt to score if possible, before kicking it backwards.

[comrade]

They did indeed. What is really evident is that with Cooney back in the middle, all of a sudden Boyd doesn't need to be the one to try and be the gamebreaker. Reflective of his stats, only 25 possies this week, most weeks he's been getting 30 plus. Gone back to playing the grunt /distributor role tonight and it suits him.

You're spot on. The midfield balance was much better, and even though Boyd still burnt the ball badly at times, it wasn't as damaging to us.

[Doggy]

They did indeed. What is really evident is that with Cooney back in the middle, all of a sudden Boyd doesn't need to be the one to try and be the gamebreaker. Reflective of his stats, only 25 possies this week, most weeks he's been getting 30 plus. Gone back to playing the grunt /distributor role tonight and it suits him.

Yeah but doesn't suit my supercoach :rolleyes:

I'll gladly accept his score in the low seventies every week if we continue with that form.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

4 weeks ago we wouldn't have been that far in front. I understand it is a tactic but i for one find it very frustrating and would much prefer them to at least look to see if there is a player free ahead of them and attempt to score if possible, before kicking it backwards.

I disagree. There comes a time in a game when there is little to gain by takin unnecessary risk if you don't have to. They did look to move it ahead, saw there were too many Melborune playes upfield, and said 'right them Dee's if you're not going to man up then we'll spot up our free player.

It was smart football by us and to just take the game on when the odds are that you will turn it over and turn a 64 point win into a 58 point win, then you play the percentages.

[Dry Rot]

ABC guys thought our backline looked shaky, but Dees didn't take advantage of it. Too short and dodgy under the high ball.

Thoughts?

[Dry Rot]

Most importantly, how the dreadlocked dollhouse go? Sounded like he was often involved and good second efforts NB 2nd goal.

[bornadog]

Best win for the year.

[comrade]

ABC guys thought our backline looked shaky, but Dees didn't take advantage of it. Too short and dodgy under the high ball.

Thoughts?

We had too many go up for the high ball at times which left a Demon at the fall of the ball. Some easy crumbing goals resulted. Overall, our back line held up well. A fit and firing Lake would improve it by 100%.


Most importantly, how the dreadlocked dollhouse go? Sounded like he was often involved and good second efforts NB 2nd goal.

Had a very good game. Never stopped chasing and looked dangerous up forward when the ball hit the ground. His disposal was good all night, including a pin point 40m pass across our defensive 50 that hit Griff in the corridor.

Suits our needs perfectly and shouldn't wear a Willy jumper for the rest of the year.

[Drunken Bum]

Most importantly, how the dreadlocked dollhouse go? Sounded like he was often involved and good second efforts NB 2nd goal.

Did what he was there to do, never an easy possession when he is around and bobbed up with a couple of good goals. Love what he brings to the team, i think he has been a big part of us turning our form around because he brings to the team exactly what we needed

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

ABC guys thought our backline looked shaky, but Dees didn't take advantage of it. Too short and dodgy under the high ball.

Thoughts?

I do agree. If we hadn't been able to wrest control of the midfield and stop their outside players from moving the ball forward like they were able to in the first half of the first quarter and a brief patch in the 3rd, then the result might've been alot different.
One on one in defense when the Dee's got the ball there quickly we looked quite vulnerable, especially Wood, Gilbee and Murph (early on).
Once our midfield were able to close down the Dee's ability to funnel the ball out, as the game wore on, all of a sudden Murph came into the game more as a run-off role. Whilst the Dee's were winning the ball to the outside he couldn't play off of Jurrah and looked decidedly shaky.

[Dry Rot]

We had too many go up for the high ball at times which left a Demon at the fall of the ball. Some easy crumbing goals resulted. Overall, our back line held up well. A fit and firing Lake would improve it by 100%.



Had a very good game. Never stopped chasing and looked dangerous up forward when the ball hit the ground. His disposal was good all night, including a pin point 40m pass across our defensive 50 that hit Griff in the corridor.

Suits our needs perfectly and shouldn't wear a Willy jumper for the rest of the year.

Thanks.

What I've seen of Dollhouse before is that he has great second efforts, after what is usually a pretty good first effort.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

We had too many go up for the high ball at times which left a Demon at the fall of the ball. Some easy crumbing goals resulted. Overall, our back line held up well. A fit and firing Lake would improve it by 100%.

Spot on, Wood especially was not only taking himself to ground in several contests, but also taking his teammate to ground as well.

[Dry Rot]

Did what he was there to do, never an easy possession when he is around and bobbed up with a couple of good goals. Love what he brings to the team, i think he has been a big part of us turning our form around because he brings to the team exactly what we needed

Thanks. For me, he's made a pretty ordinary season a bit special.

[Dry Rot]

I do agree. If we hadn't been able to wrest control of the midfield and stop their outside players from moving the ball forward like they were able to in the first half of the first quarter and a brief patch in the 3rd, then the result might've been alot different.
One on one in defense when the Dee's got the ball there quickly we looked quite vulnerable, especially Wood, Gilbee and Murph (early on).
Once our midfield were able to close down the Dee's ability to funnel the ball out, as the game wore on, all of a sudden Murph came into the game more as a run-off role. Whilst the Dee's were winning the ball to the outside he couldn't play off of Jurrah and looked decidedly shaky.

Hm, without Lake that doesn't sound promising against better teams and better midfields.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Thanks.

What I've seen of Dollhouse before is that he has great second efforts, after what is usually a pretty good first effort.

His energy is infectious, exactly the sort of livewire with a few gears to his legs that we've sorely been missing, and now has shown he has good goalsneak abilities as well.
Early days for him to be sure, but the kid has so much to work with, and agree with comrade, that short of his body needing a rest at some stage(he is only slight and 18 yrs old) he should remain in the team for the rest of the year.

[Dry Rot]

Thoughts on Jones & Higgins?

ABC guys were impressed with Higgins down back, but had mixed views about Jones' night. Seems he was involved in a laughable stuff up.

[Dry Rot]

His energy is infectious, exactly the sort of livewire with a few gears to his legs that we've sorely been missing, and now has shown he has good goalsneak abilities as well.
Early days for him to be sure, but the kid has so much to work with, and agree with comrade, that short of his body needing a rest at some stage(he is only slight and 18 yrs old) he should remain in the team for the rest of the year.

Yes, all that and is good defensively with intent .

[Evel]

Best win for the year.

Agree.

Best game I've seen Cooney play this year. He looked fit and his pace was back. Hope it's a sign the knee is good again.

Ward will be hard to replace. I pray he stays.

[Drunken Bum]

Thoughts on Jones & Higgins?

ABC guys were impressed with Higgins down back, but had mixed views about Jones' night. Seems he was involved in a laughable stuff up.

I thought Higgins was pretty good, was very good overhead tonight as well.

Jones could have had a great game i thought but just has no confidence in his kicking, the stuff up when he handpassed to Grant was a direct result of that. You can see it every time he gets the ball, and it is magnified if he is within scoring distance. I really hope he can rectify it cause he could be something special if he does.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Hm, without Lake that doesn't sound promising against better teams and better midfields.

Maybe, but from what I saw the erors that they made are coachable. That is to say they aren't skill deficiencies, more about positional and decision making.
ie. maintaining the right position and knowing when to punch, when to go for a mark and how and when to impact an aerial contest so that you either kill the ball or bring it to ground and keep your feet. And crucially as a group not having all 3 go into the aerial contest and then do nothing but crunch each other to the ground.

[comrade]

Hm, without Lake that doesn't sound promising against better teams and better midfields.

Cooney is an elite clearance player, so having him back in reasonable nick means our clearance numbers should improve, leaving our backline less exposed. If we somehow could get Lake back to his best, we could still do some damage this year.

I think we've underestimated how much impact losing your best defender (THE best defender in the league in 2010), your best midfielder and your best tall forward for major chunks of the year has on the balance and make up of the team.

[divvydan]

Thoughts on Jones & Higgins?

ABC guys were impressed with Higgins down back, but had mixed views about Jones' night. Seems he was involved in a laughable stuff up.

Jones' marking was again good and he competed well in the ruck but his kicking was again poor and the handball to Grant which stuffed up an open goal was a shocker.

Higgins was really good tonight. Spent most of the night on Sylvia, kept him quiet and beat him in a number of one on ones. Good body use, clean hands and generally very good disposal tonight. Also managed to get forward and kick a couple. Probably his best game for quite some time.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

I thought Higgins was pretty good, was very good overhead tonight as well.

Jones could have had a great game i thought but just has no confidence in his kicking, the stuff up when he handpassed to Grant was a direct result of that. You can see it every time he gets the ball, and it is magnified if he is within scoring distance. I really hope he can rectify it cause he could be something special if he does.

Agree on Higgins, his most confident and effective performance I think this season.
Jones whilst he made a classic stuff up to his credit kept running, and made some nice kicks to advantage, and really showed some nice hands in marking contests.
Agree he really needs some massive improvement in his kicking though. I wonder how much it can be improved?

[Evel]

Yes, all that and is good defensively with intent .

He's a breath of fresh air. Even without tackling he puts implied pressure on the opponent that causes a mistake. As Leigh Matthews said he plays desperate and you don't have to be experienced or big bodied to do that. A great find in the rookie draft.

[the banker]

Higgins was silk. Reads the play coming in well and was very sure by hand and foot. Played on Sylvia and took him out.

Jones did a great jobas second ruck, surprsed numerous times. Presented well and took a couple of good grabs.
Barrry looked good in the first half. Grant I thought was poor and redeemed himself with a freak mark agreat conversion. Picken was superb on Scully

Griff and Cconey jets both. Cooney was explosive at times.

I agree the backline looked very vulnberable to the long bomb. They seem to watch teh man and misjudge teh flight of the ball. Please Brian get it together!

Dahlhaus has made a pround difference to forward pressure - he also has great hands and gives a lightning fast and accurate handpass.

Ward and Gia were superb as well.

Hudson's effort was legendery

Restoring faith, but Melbourne looked woeful for most of teh night.

[Dry Rot]

Thanks for all the replies.

Next week v Carlton will be a good measure of where we at.

[comrade]

Thanks for all the replies.

Next week v Carlton will be a good measure of where we at.

Certainly. I don't think they've been as good as the hype suggests and is definitely winnable for us.

The same guys who stood up tonight have to do it all again next week if we're to have a chance.

[westdog54]

Fantastic win. Was a tiny bit concerned coming in given the upheaval this week and Melbourne 'playing for Sean Wight', would have thought they'd have been more pumped up.

Absolutely loving Higgins down back, loving Cooney back at full speed, and loving Ward full stop.

Dahlhaus improving with every game. That last sneaky goal that Ward got out to him was pure polish, had a cheeky little grin on his face walking back to position.

Jones worked hard tonight but made some silly decisions. The second quarter howler aside, it looked a cpule of times as though he was going out of his way to try and get Hooper a touch.

The ever consistent Gia did the job again, silencing a few knockers this year.

Picken destroyed Scully, but to his credit Scully worked hard defensively.

Williams made a couple of blues but had a good game overall. He's a great kick when he's spotting up a target in the forward line. A great asset he doesn't get to use much.

Dissapointing to hear the crowd was low. It looked pretty good on TV, notwithsdanding the fact that we were looking at the members wing.

[Drunken Bum]

Grant I thought was poor and redeemed himself with a freak mark agreat conversion.

I think thats a little harsh, while he wasn't great i don't think he was poor. Did a few nice things and he applied pressure, was happy to see him lay a sheppard to allow Cooney or Gia i think it may have been to goal.
I thought he did enough to get a game again next week comfortably

[angelopetraglia]

WOW didn't see that coming. We were very, very good. Easily the best form for the year. However we didn't play much tonight.

Melbourne were ordinary. Their handball happy run at all costs style backfired big time. Looks like their game plan is three years old. They are flat track bullies.

Very interested to see how we handle a good press (Melbourne definitely doesn't have one). Carlton has a very good press so next week will indeed be a good guide to how we are going.

[Greystache]

Crowd was just a tick under 30,000, not too bad.

[anfo27]

Really pleased with that performance tonight. Yeah Melbourne were rubbish but we made them look rubbish cause we just wanted it that much more.
I'm loving the dollhouse for all the reasons everyone has suggested but he also is quite a smart footballer, he seems to to take the right options time and again.
Was happy to see missy get some form down back and Jones took a step forward tonight.
Was rapt with our tackling intent but we still have some work to do in this area I think. The dees seemed to still get too many handballs away from our tackles in that first half.
I've been to 4 games this year for 4 wins. I'm starting to think I'm a good luck charm so I'll have to go next week and try and make it 5 from 5, beating that scum from Visy Park would be very sweet.

[LostDoggy]

Good hard aggressive pressure in the contest , great defensive pressure , the good passages of play were fantastic the awful was worse than awful , far far too much reliance on trying use the boundary line as a corridor , the lateral defensive screen using Williams and Morris higher up the ground and Markovic and Higgins behind with Murphy and Wood rebounding worked well , we had nine players with a disposal efficiency over 80% , we had more kicks and less handballs than Melbourne - the focus was definitely on hitting targets we marked the ball 30 more times than they did , goals assists was another stat we dominated 13 to 3 , I,m glad Hooper was allowed to run the game out he will be better for the game time same with Markovic , Cooney really makes the difference in the midfield structure the workload just has a better spread , watching us play at the moment is like seeing a restored steam train getting back on track - some old bits, some new bits , some bits work better than others , not enough steam to get any real speed but enough steam to keep us moving

.

[LostDoggy]

Nice.

A big step forward for Cooney, Hall, Grant(merlin) and Higgins, some important players there.

A big step forward for the dogs.

Absolute guns: Griffen, Murphy, Gia(where are you haters now), Ward, Boyd and Dollhouse you little ripper.

Hudson was very good. I liked Markos presence.

Best effort of the year for the dogs. But...

Still a very big battle to make the 8. Four tough games ahead.

Start from scratch next week against a top 4 team that may just be a little bit worried about the team they will be facing.

Now is the time to bring back Lake, come on Brian comPlete the picture.

[Stefcep]

Thoughts on Jones & Higgins?

ABC guys were impressed with Higgins down back, but had mixed views about Jones' night. Seems he was involved in a laughable stuff up.

As soon as I saw Jones was on the end of that play with three free team mates around him I though "NOOOO, why him?!!!!!". Sure enough, he did his thing on cue.

[divvydan]

Eade mentioned in his post game press conference that Barlow had suffered a dislocated finger which probably made the decision of who to sub a little easier.

[Chicago1]

Got out of my deathbed(heat+humidity+summer cold =yech) to watch the match on ESPN3 in the early hours of this morning. Enjoyed what I saw. Cooney and Griffo were great. That little Dahlhaus is exciting to watch. Gia has been fantastic the past few weeks.

I went to my third Cubs game of the year yesterday and we won. So... three Bulldogs wins in three weeks and three Cubs wins that I've ben to in about the same. Maybe it won't be a bad summer after all! :p

[LostDoggy]

Watching Ward run along the fence after the game, fiving all the crowd, didn't look like someone who was leaving to me. Can't imagine being that engaged with your supporters if you where about to leave them.

[Hotdog60]

I think full credit has to go to the team, they looked sharper and competed better than the opposition last night. The kicking skills looked almost like it was 3 years ago, we were hitting our targets and less hand balling. Reid did well for he's short stint and could have had 2 goals and he's tackles stick and he would be a replacement for Cross and he has a better kick. Jones took some good marks but just needs to have the confidence to kick for goal.

A few here thought Hudson was going to get taken to the cleaners by Jamar, but I think Huddo more than held he's own.

Let's hope we can keep it going.

[Go_Dogs]

Was it Moloney who laid a big hit on Griff? On TV it did look a bit high, but seemed to be glossed over as being a fair hit. Also, I thought I saw Jurrah throw a little punch into Picken's face during one contest where they grappled/tackled for the ball. I doubt either will be mentioned, but just wonder if anyone else saw the incidents and had any comments?



Overall it was a very good performance, and as others have mentioned our best for the year comfortably. (Very quietly) a little excited. :D

[G-Mo77]

There were quite a few people calling Ward The Million Dollar Man.

Hmm. :)

http://www.obsessedwithwrestling.com/pictures/t/teddibiase/11.jpghttp://www.footytragic.com/sized/9354c125/2916/main//2916-main-0-240x-1.jpg

[Desipura]

There were quite a few people calling Ward The Million Dollar Man.

Hmm. :)

http://www.obsessedwithwrestling.com/pictures/t/teddibiase/11.jpghttp://www.footytragic.com/sized/9354c125/2916/main//2916-main-0-240x-1.jpg

Steve Austin would be closer to the mark don't you think?

[G-Mo77]

Steve Austin would be closer to the mark don't you think?

http://gothamist.com/images/2003_10_6million.jpg

Nah, Ward's try to grow his hair like DiBiase. It's just got a little out of hand now.

[Desipura]

http://gothamist.com/images/2003_10_6million.jpg

Nah, Ward's try to grow his hair like DiBiase. It's just got a little out of hand now.

Sorry, I meant as in the 6 million dollar man not referring to similarities in looks

[Doggy]

Demons - 42 points
BOG for Dogs - Griffen
First goal - Hall

two out of three aint bad :o

[Ghost Dog]

Was it Moloney who laid a big hit on Griff? On TV it did look a bit high, but seemed to be glossed over as being a fair hit. Also, I thought I saw Jurrah throw a little punch into Picken's face during one contest where they grappled/tackled for the ball. I doubt either will be mentioned, but just wonder if anyone else saw the incidents and had any comments?



Overall it was a very good performance, and as others have mentioned our best for the year comfortably. (Very quietly) a little excited. :D

Cross's head high hit on Griffen might be looked at :D

[Ghost Dog]

I think full credit has to go to the team, they looked sharper and competed better than the opposition last night. The kicking skills looked almost like it was 3 years ago, we were hitting our targets and less hand balling. Reid did well for he's short stint and could have had 2 goals and he's tackles stick and he would be a replacement for Cross and he has a better kick. Jones took some good marks but just needs to have the confidence to kick for goal.

A few here thought Hudson was going to get taken to the cleaners by Jamar, but I think Huddo more than held he's own.

Let's hope we can keep it going.

The Demons supporters in our area were slagging Hudson and Gia all night because of their annoyance at their dominance.

[comrade]

Can anyone be bothered working out the average age of the team last night?

[bornadog]

Can anyone be bothered working out the average age of the team last night?

We averaged 25yrs 5 mths and Dees 22 yrs 11 mths.

Having said that, we had 10 players with 50 games or less and they had 14. The difference is the players with more than 150 games, which we had 7 to theirs 1

all found Here (http://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/ft_match_statistics?mid=5256)

[comrade]

We averaged 25yrs 5 mths and Dees 22 yrs 11 mths.

Having said that, we had 10 players with 50 games or less and they had 14. The difference is the players with more than 150 games, which we had 7 to theirs 1

all found Here (http://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/ft_match_statistics?mid=5256)

Thanks BAD. I'm suprised by the discrepancy - their lack of good, hard 150+ gamers took it's toll.

[OLD SCRAGGer]

To ALL those doubting Thomas's on here who picked Melbourne to beat us ... "WE STUCK IT UP 'EM " :D :D :D :D .... Oh yea of little faith:)

[Topdog]

Was it Moloney who laid a big hit on Griff? On TV it did look a bit high, but seemed to be glossed over as being a fair hit. Also, I thought I saw Jurrah throw a little punch into Picken's face during one contest where they grappled/tackled for the ball. I doubt either will be mentioned, but just wonder if anyone else saw the incidents and had any comments?



Nothing in that hit, Griff pretty much ran into Moloney IMO.

Didn't see the Jurrah punch.

[SlimPickens]

Watching the replay, cannot believe how many times we went long to Barlow only to have the dees take the ball away. He really needs to nullify the contest or at very least get it to ground and a 50-50.

[LostDoggy]

Nothing in that hit, Griff pretty much ran into Moloney IMO.

Didn't see the Jurrah punch.

Picken nailed Jurrah with a heavy tackle in the middle of the ground , after Picken and Jurrah had rolled around and Jurrah was on top he dropped his elbow on Pickens face , not mentioned by any media but it was blatent

.

[LostDoggy]

Just watching the replay now.

It's really good to see Hudson using his voice around the ground and isn't afraid to get stuck into the opposition. :D

[SlimPickens]

Picken nailed Jurrah with a heavy tackle in the middle of the ground , after Picken and Jurrah had rolled around and Jurrah was on top he dropped his elbow on Pickens face , not mentioned by any media but it was blatent

.

Shouldn't even rate a mention, a nudge more than anything. If that even gets looked at by the MRP I'll be surprised.

[LostDoggy]

Shouldn't even rate a mention, a nudge more than anything. If that even gets looked at by the MRP I'll be surprised.

Yes , it was low impact , it was a typical reaction from a player who is having little input in the game , the first time in a while he gets the ball in the clear and before he can make a decision a Picket Fence falls on him

.

[LostDoggy]

To ALL those doubting Thomas's on here who picked Melbourne to beat us ... "WE STUCK IT UP 'EM " :D :D :D :D .... Oh yea of little faith:)
I picked us by 66, I should say that I pick us EVERY week, my heart will not let me not pick us.
Someone very wise told me the Bulldog never lose on their TV, same here, funn about that.

[Mantis]

Watching the replay, cannot believe how many times we went long to Barlow only to have the dees take the ball away. He really needs to nullify the contest or at very least get it to ground and a 50-50.

In watching the game live I thought there would have been atleast 6-8 occassions where we kicked long to Barlow close to the line and he nullified the contest and a boundary throw-in contest resulted.

As others have suggested (Sedat & dog town) he worked bloody hard to get to these contests and gave us a 'bail out' option. He also allowed Gia & Hall to play closer to goal as often they are the ones who have to push up high to get to these contests when it's obvious to all that this high role doesn't suit either player.

[Ozza]

I think we've been a better side for having Barlow there. As Mantis and Sedat suggested - his workrate just keeps him involved all the time - and gives the kicker an option when we are pressed up against.

I don't expect him to be a champion - I just expect him to work hard and compete - and I think he is doing well.

[LostDoggy]

Cross's head high hit on Griffen might be looked at :D

I was more surprised that Jack Trengove's sling tackle on Callan Ward resulted in a holding the ball decision against Ward and not a report. :confused:

Adam Cooney was on Before the Game Saturday night and they did a split screen of that tackle and the one Trengove was suspended for earlier this season. They asked Cooney what the difference was and straight faced he said "Well, the main difference would be Callan's hairstyle". :D

[LostDoggy]

I was more surprised that Jack Trengove's sling tackle on Callan Ward resulted in a holding the ball decision against Ward and not a report. :confused:

Adam Cooney was on Before the Game Saturday night and they did a split screen of that tackle and the one Trengove was suspended for earlier this season. They asked Cooney what the difference was and straight faced he said "Well, the main difference would be Callan's hairstyle". :D

Yep, saw that too! Made me smile. Personally I don't think there was much difference in the tackles, just that Callan "Cement Head" Ward seems like the Incredible Hulk and gets keeps getting up no matter what is thrown (or how he is thrown) at him! Don't go Callan!

[bornadog]

Yep, saw that too! Made me smile. Personally I don't think there was much difference in the tackles, just that Callan "Cement Head" Ward seems like the Incredible Hulk and gets keeps getting up no matter what is thrown (or how he is thrown) at him! Don't go Callan!

The main difference in the tackle was in nthe first one, Trengrove had one of Dangerfields arms wrapped up, which made it hard for him to brace himself at all.

[Bulldog4life]

In watching the game live I thought there would have been atleast 6-8 occassions where we kicked long to Barlow close to the line and he nullified the contest and a boundary throw-in contest resulted.

As others have suggested (Sedat & dog town) he worked bloody hard to get to these contests and gave us a 'bail out' option. He also allowed Gia & Hall to play closer to goal as often they are the ones who have to push up high to get to these contests when it's obvious to all that this high role doesn't suit either player.

After watching the replay I agree 100%. He was always making a contest and we don't really know how his finger injury affected his marking. Certainly did his job.

[LostDoggy]

I picked us by 66, I should say that I pick us EVERY week, my heart will not let me not pick us.
Someone very wise told me the Bulldog never lose on their TV, same here, funn about that.

I was one of very few at work that picked the dogs, I was always confident, I usually pick the dogs but this time I had reasons why we would win, the midfield and forward line.

[azabob]

In watching the game live I thought there would have been atleast 6-8 occassions where we kicked long to Barlow close to the line and he nullified the contest and a boundary throw-in contest resulted.

As others have suggested (Sedat & dog town) he worked bloody hard to get to these contests and gave us a 'bail out' option. He also allowed Gia & Hall to play closer to goal as often they are the ones who have to push up high to get to these contests when it's obvious to all that this high role doesn't suit either player.

Murphy used to play the lead up role from CHF but since his injuries and now back in defence we have really missed that link up player and personally I think Barlow is improving each week playing a similar role. Albeit no where to the same effect Murphy played it.

[SlimPickens]

In watching the game live I thought there would have been atleast 6-8 occassions where we kicked long to Barlow close to the line and he nullified the contest and a boundary throw-in contest resulted.

As others have suggested (Sedat & dog town) he worked bloody hard to get to these contests and gave us a 'bail out' option. He also allowed Gia & Hall to play closer to goal as often they are the ones who have to push up high to get to these contests when it's obvious to all that this high role doesn't suit either player.

I guess my criticism is two fold, firstly the continued long bombing to Barlow which was out numbered (by no means- Barlows fault) but on multiple occasions I was disappointed the Melbourne players were able to take the ball away. I understand he would require other players to come in and give him a chop out but as an observation it struck me the ease in which the dees players took the ball away. Barlow has really surprised me with his contribution(in a good way). I think if he can maintain this form, he'll be a very important player.