Game Day 2011 - R18 Western Bulldogs vs Sydney

[BulldogBelle]

This is the discussion thread for our Saturday afternoon game against Sydney at the SCG.

My predictions are:

The Dogs by 14 points
BOG : Adam Cooney
Barry Hall to kick the first goal

[Daughter of the West]

Dogs by 3 to squeak home
BOG: Griff
First goal: Bazza!

[1eyedog]

Sydney by 2 goals
Boyd best for us
First goal to Gia

Baz is terrible in the wet.

[LostDoggy]

Sydney by 4 goals
Bog McVeigh
First goal Grant

[DragzLS1]

Wet weather footy dogs by 11 points
Bog ward
First goal dalhouse

[bornadog]

Dogs by 17

First Goal - Grant

BOG - Cross

[the banker]

Dogs 9 points

BOG Boyd

Goal Gia

[LostDoggy]

We are nothing if not expectation defying, and everyone's tipped against us this week, so:

Dogs by 18.
BOG Ward
First Goal Griff

[LostDoggy]

Read on Facebook we were supposed to train up there today but because of the state of the ground we stayed here and trained and flying up later. Other places knock our weather !

[LostDoggy]

Dogs by 8.

[LostDoggy]

Just read that after having flight delayed because of the weather their plane was hit by lightning. Arrived safely.

[the banker]

The conditions will test everyones resolve.

[jasopan]

Dogs by 40
Cooney BOG
First goal Hall :D

[Doggy]

Swans by 18 points
Boyd BOG
Hall First goal

[Ghost Dog]

Dogs by a kick
First Goal HALL
BOG HALL ( we are not worthy...we are not worthy...)

[Flamethrower]

After being eliminated from playoff contention by North last week, the Doggies are now playing a spoiler role in trying to make life miserable for finals contenders (starting with the Swans, followed by the Coasters, Dons, Hawks and Dockers) battling for positions in the top 8....

Swans by 45 points (Dogs are useless in the wet).

1st goal: Luke Dahlhaus

BOG: Keiren Jack

[BulldogBelle]

South by 25 points

1st Goal : Jones

our BOG : Cross

[LostDoggy]

Swans by 23
1st goal Goodes
BOG Jack

[Dry Rot]

The conditions will test everyones resolve.

Weather clearing now. Some blue sky, not raining now.

[The Underdog]

Swans by 7 points
Ward - Dogs BOG
Cooney -First Goal

[Hotdog60]

Dogs by 2
Ward BOG
1st goal Hooper

[G-Mo77]

Would love to watch this game. Hint hint.

PM me please.

[LostDoggy]

Doggies by 9 points

Griffen BOG

Dahlhaus 1st Goal

[GVGjr]

Scrappy game.

[Ghost Dog]

Must shut down goodes

[LostDoggy]

Who did Libba come in for?

[GVGjr]

Who did Libba come in for?

Schofield is ill.

[AndrewP6]

Very scrappy from both teams. Hall our only scorer with 2 goals early. Crossy taken a couple of good grabs, Marko IMO looking comfortable down back

[LostDoggy]

Schofield is ill.

Thanks.

If it is a wet & scrappy match, might suit Libba.

[the banker]

Dogs not sharp yet. Some bad handling errors. Bazzas 2 goals keeping us in it. Lucky to be this close.Goodes dangerous. Jack stitching up Boyd. Griff and Coons need more clean ball. Ward no influence ATM.

[the banker]

Boyd getting more of it. Morris awesome mark. Happy to go in 3 points down if we hold tehm out.

[LostDoggy]

Trying to hit targets but offline , good tackling 27 tackles for the quarter , under pressure we have resisted handpassing , the conditions will suit Libba when he comes on as the Sub - quick handpasses to clear a contest

.

[ledge]

A this rate we are in for a hiding.

[angelopetraglia]

They are much cleaner around the packs than us.

[the banker]

Markovic doing some good things. Goodes continues to create problems. Tommy doing OK.
Gilbee on Sam Reid was a big problem. Neither team convincing. Dogs need to start winning contested ball. One on one all over the ground.

[angelopetraglia]

Tom Williams has matured so much this year. Just looks comfortable now, like he belongs.

[LostDoggy]

Cross KO,d

Libba likely to come in

.

[LostDoggy]

Effort has ben horrible. Cross giving it 100% now he's been smashed in the head and doesn't look good.

Can't see us winning this game atm.

[the banker]

Major defensive mistake with kickout down teh centre and then 2 up swans only down - goal.

Play the %'s dogs! Kickouts a continuing issue for us.

[angelopetraglia]

Cross KO,d

Libba likely to come in

.

By an elbow to the head in the marking contest and stiff not to get a free that resulted in a Swans goal. Doh! He was playing OK too, in conditions that suit him.

[LostDoggy]

Pathetic effort from Griffen, then gives away a stupid 50 and costs us a goal.

Do our players know the season is on the line?

[Greystache]

We must be trying to break the AFL record for most goals against from 50m penalties!

[AndrewP6]

Looking like the last month of good footy was an aberration :(

[MrMahatma]

We're in strife. Big strife.

[ledge]

There goes this season.

[the banker]

We look weak. No one creating or finishing. 20 points looks a solid lead to the Swans.

Correction: Ward creates a goal for Hoops back to 14 points. Hanging in.

[MrMahatma]

coast to coast for the swans. Horrible pressure by the dogs. Looking horrible.

[ledge]

Worst skills ever, thank god we arent playing Adelaide.

[angelopetraglia]

Just being completely outworked. They ran that out of 50m like it was a training run for the easiest of goals. Disappointing.

[LostDoggy]

In the interest of my mental health, I've switched it off. Season is on the line, where is the effort? Also cannot stand watching games on that tiny little ground.

[ledge]

Thank god for Hooper.

[LostDoggy]

Good predator goal from Hooper

Grant puts one through , closed the gap to 8 points

Picken has to go to Hanneberry

.

[Greystache]

Libba already having a big impact in tight.

[AndrewP6]

Well done Grant for a strong mark on the lead, and good conversion. Down by 9

[AndrewP6]

In the interest of my mental health, I've switched it off. Season is on the line, where is the effort? Also cannot stand watching games on that tiny little ground.

Gone a bit early? What happened to sticking fat?

[ledge]

2 points the difference, amazing.

[Greystache]

Play another year Barry!

[LostDoggy]

BBBB from 55 , fighting back

.

[comrade]

Libba already having a big impact in tight.

Who's subbed?

[LostDoggy]

Now we just need Cooney Griffen Ward to get into the game

[LostDoggy]

Gone a bit early? What happened to sticking fat?

I could feel myself getting angry and I've learned that walking away for a little while helps me deal with it.

[angelopetraglia]

Wow. Hard to believe that we are three points down.

Massive effort by Hooper to swing the momentum with the first of three goals in a row.

[LostDoggy]

Who's subbed?

Cross has gone off, not sure what the injury is.

[angelopetraglia]

Who's subbed?

Cross knocked out. Elbow or knee to the head.

[LostDoggy]

BAZZA!!!! What a goal

[Greystache]

Seriously Barry, play another year!

[LostDoggy]

Super effort from the Big Man , back with a bang

DJ having a crack

.

[ledge]

Cant believe Bazzas retiring at this rate and we in front.

[Greystache]

Who's subbed?

Cross KO'd

[AndrewP6]

Seriously Barry, play another year!

Seriously Barry, don't. :)

[LostDoggy]

Our kickouts are a serious problem.. They are constantly winning the ball back and pumping it back in.

[MrMahatma]

Our kick ins are killing us.

[ledge]

Our kick ins are killing us.

Used to be our strength

[angelopetraglia]

What is it? In patches we go completely missing? Happened last week too. Just don't look interested again.

Fitness?
Concentration?
Desire?
Just not good enough?

[LostDoggy]

Game is finally watchable, not just stoppage after stoppage. Anybody get the impression that the commentators want Sydney to win?

[ledge]

Game is finally watchable, not just stoppage after stoppage. Anybody get the impression that the commentators want Sydney to win?

Quite obvious.

[LostDoggy]

Our kick ins are killing us.

Thought our new tweak to the game plan involved being more patient and precise coming out of defence?

[Greystache]

Could Roos possibly barrack any harder for Sydney? :rolleyes:

[LostDoggy]

Could Roos possibly barrack any harder for Sydney?

Said to Longmire before the game "hopefully the swannies can get a win for you"

[Desipura]

Umps are a disgrace. Higgins gets a head high, play on. Libba lays a tackle that should have been holding the ball, it spills loose and his opponent brings in to a grounded Libba, holding the ball against Libba.
The umps wrongly pay a push in the back against Reid who goaled , where is the 50 metre penalty?

[Pickenitup]

Roos should be banned from calling Swans games it is so hard to listen to him .

[LostDoggy]

Hopefully Cooney comes out and actually looks like he wants to be out there after half time.

Commentary is very poor.

[choconmientay]

Umpirer are trying to compensate Swans for last week?!

[Desipura]

Hopefully Cooney comes out and actually looks like he wants to be out there after half time.

Commentary is very poor.

Unfrtunately such is his injury, we may not see him play conistently well

[LostDoggy]

They have 49 more disposals , 34 more handballs , the rest of the stats are close but our tackling has been good we have made 20 more tackles 51 to 31

Picken just has to go to Hanneberry

.

[LostDoggy]

Apparently Marcus Picken has gone onto Jack???

[MrMahatma]

Marcus Picken plays for us.

[MrMahatma]

Apparently Marcus Picken has gone onto Jack???
haha - beat me to it.

[LostDoggy]

haha - beat me to it.

Yep I was lightning on that one!!

[ReLoad]

Just have to start winning a centre clearance, the ones we have won look great, that handball from libba to DJ was awesome.

Some senior players have to lift right now, if they can i think we can pinch it.

Some smart coaching is also required, dont let libba be dragged back into the backline, or have someone isolated on goodes.

[Greystache]

Healy has called him Marcus his whole career, he also continually calls Boyd, Brad Boyd. The bloke's an out of touch relic. Luckily Roos is making him almost look neutral today, I'm sure he'll step it up if the game gets close.

[ledge]

Well the first half was atrocious,can only get better!!

[Happy Days]

Healy has called him Marcus his whole career, he also continually calls Boyd, Brad Boyd. The bloke's an out of touch relic. Luckily Roos is making him almost look neutral today, I'm sure he'll step it up if the game gets close.

His calling when Higgins won that holding the ball free kick was absolutely disgusting.

"How can it be holding the ball when he gets smashed in the back?!"

Should have the headset taken off him at halftime.

[w3design]

Unfrtunately such is his injury, we may not see him play conistently well
I guess he has to have benefit of the doubt that it's his knee but TBH he looked a bit disinterested. Griff is not playing well, what's happening?:eek:

[the banker]

Another centre clearance to the Swans. Missing a dynmaic Cooney in the contested centre.

[angelopetraglia]

Don't they pay their throws? Disgraceful.

[the banker]

We do all the attacking then Reid and Goodes do special things for a Swans goal. They have the answers ATM. Next goal critical.

[G-Mo77]

Don't they pay their throws? Disgraceful.

Don't they pay holding the ball?

[angelopetraglia]

What is it? In patches we go completely missing? Happened last week too. Just don't look interested again.

Fitness?
Concentration?
Desire?
Just not good enough?

Why? All the hard work to get back in it, then just stop. 3.4 to nothing.

[the banker]

Swans spreading well out of defence. McGwynn a goal. Sydney with a serious break.

[the banker]

Cooney in trouble. Cant keep his feet and looks half pace.

[the banker]

Swans dominating. Tommy done some good things.

[the banker]

Loos eball and conteste dball Swans on top. Swans a press the last 5 minutes keeping us under constant pressure.

[LostDoggy]

Their willingness to protect the ball carrier and willingness to play team footy is killing us. On paper we shouldn't lose this. Rocket needs to try something different. Higgins forward for a bit?

[the banker]

Rocket, got to do something with Griff and Higgins and Gia.

[LostDoggy]

Cooney have his flight delayed?

[Doc26]

Apparently Marcus Picken has gone onto Jack???

I do wonder whether Robert Walls actually knows of Liam's existence.

[angelopetraglia]

Now Roos is literally barracking like he is in the outer. "go on, have a bounce and kick the goal".

Watching us play this bad I can cope, listening to Roos barack and tell us how bad we are I can't.

[G-Mo77]

Really disappointing, they look done and dusted and me thinks there will be a blow out.

[MrMahatma]

We've dead set gone home already. Completely insipid effort the past 30 mins of footy.

[Greystache]

Craig Bird tearing Higgins apart, Bird FFS!

[the banker]

No imagination no dynamic.

Swans just squeezing us. Kicking to an outnumbered contest every time. Missing Murphs line breaking runs. Bird looks to have sealed it. 27 points. We have no attack, no=one but Ward taking the game on.

We have been pressed out of it this quarter.

[angelopetraglia]

Did this team really beat Carlton? Is this the same team?

Hard to believe. Where is the intensity we showed that night.

[Desipura]

Higgins needs to go forward. Gilbee needs to announce his retirement along with Huddo. Cooney and Griff were hopeless, Grant not involved. Wood knows no fear. No surprise that Addison and DJ are not AFL standard.
Gia as one of the leaders misses an easy goal at a crucial stage

[G-Mo77]

Kick to a contest, boundry throw in.
Kick to a contest, boundry throw in.
Kick to a contest, boundry throw in.
Kick to a contest, boundry throw in.

:mad:

[ReLoad]

Imagine trying to play in our backline with that amount of footy coming in. - Simply no good.

Ah well its now official, send players off for thier operations, put the cue in the rack, shut up shop, and start planning towards 2012.

Thank you linesmen, thank you ballboys.

[the banker]

Gia misses from 20 metres. Thats the game folks.

[Desipura]

Hall is going to be a massive loss to us on current form. Can he change his mind?

[Greystache]

Kick to a contest, boundry throw in.
Kick to a contest, boundry throw in.
Kick to a contest, boundry throw in.
Kick to a contest, boundry throw in.

:mad:

We spent 6 months training run and carry, run and carry, run and carry, only to finally realize in round 12 that game style is dead, we've got no other plan in place but bomb to the boundary.

[G-Mo77]

Easton Wood has showed a bit today.

[LostDoggy]

Hall is going to be a massive loss to us on current form. Can he change his mind?

I am hoping we can have Lake play FF next year, it might limit the loss of Hall.

That's if our backline can stay solid without Lake.

[the banker]

Bazza having an awesome week for the dogs. Kicking a treat. If we sneak a laet one soem remote chance.

Grant 3 touches. DJ and Addison not up to it. Gilbee struggling, injured before.

[G-Mo77]

We spent 6 months training run and carry, run and carry, run and carry, only to finally realize in round 12 that game style is dead, we've got no other plan in place but bomb to the boundary.

We've bombed to the boundary all season. It would be alright if we could win in some of the stoppages but that doesn't happen.

[comrade]

Why are we so shit?

[angelopetraglia]

Difference between the teams and game. Grant gets a shocking holding the ball given against him after Keneally just dropped it the second before. Same thing happens down the other end. Looks like it will be holding the ball against them, they work it, work it, work it, don't give up and somehow will a goal from nothing with three Swans goal side Vs no one for us.

[the banker]

Could have got a couple of frees within range then. Finally paid one the other way.

McVeigh scrounges one in the last 15 seconds.

We haven't worked hard enough. Some of these guys dont believe winning is their responsibility = they are passengers. Go hard and risk it all.

[Grantysghost]

How do I turn off Paul Roos bias is appalling

[chef]

Why are we so shit?

Crap game plan and half a dozen players in the side who aren't AFL standard

[w3design]

Why are we so shit?
That is indeed the question.

[Happy Days]

Glad we picked Addison, who else could have zero impact on the game and get torn to shreds by Hannebery?

[chef]

How do I turn off Paul Roos bias is appalling

Maybe they should have Johnno there too to even it out.

[Desipura]

No run, no one showing leadership other than Hall, no interest, it's all too tough for them.
We look tired, that is the end of the season everyone.
Let's get games into Roughy (long overdue), let's see if Ves can offer a target up fwd, Grant certainly is not.
Let's introduce some speed in Tutt with Gilbee making way. What contingency do we have when Hall retires?
Cordy hopefully plays a game or 2 by seasons end.

[LostDoggy]

Wood the only shining light.

Midfield getting smashed for the second week in a row.

Our backline has really stood up today, we should be 60 points down. Will probably blow out in the last quarter.

[Desipura]

Why are we so shit?

Look who is in our side and look how our 2 best players are playing

[G-Mo77]

30 minutes boys, prove us all wrong.

[Greystache]

Any danger we can try a few changes and try and get back into the game? We're getting blown away and doing nothing about it.

Higgins getting murdered, Grant getting beaten everytime we bomb to him, Cooney unsighted in the midfield, Addison not restricting Hannerberry, Kieran Jack doing as he pleases, Jones not getting involved, Dahlhaus out of it. Nothing being done, I guess the players just aren't following instructions again :rolleyes:

[the banker]

Crap game plan and half a dozen players in the side who aren't AFL standard

yep.

[w3design]

I have always loved Addison. He can't play a senior game again.

Gilbee and Huddo have to retire.

What is this game plan? Have we had ONE effective kick out? We are playing into their hands by bombing it to contests.

I feel almost worse than the eagles' match. This really feels like a water shed for this club.

[bornadog]

Addison not up to AFL Standard - 4 disposals

Grant not good enough - 4 disposals

Jones - not good enough

Gilbee - piss weak

DJ - tries hard but not up to it



Midfield - struggling again


Season - now officially gone

[comrade]

Crap game plan and half a dozen players in the side who aren't AFL standard

So our game plan is to get smashed out of the middle and show no accountability?

Blaming the game plan is a cop out for the 22 blokes out there stinking it up.

[Desipura]

Addison not up to AFL Standard - 4 disposals

Grant not good enough - 4 disposals

Jones - not good enough

Gilbee - piss weak

DJ - tries hard but not up to it



Midfield - struggling again


Season - now officially gone
Why are Cooney and Griffen excluded?

[the banker]

Griff misses from 20 m

[MrMahatma]

Griff is a rubbish shot at goal. Rubbish.

[comrade]

Griffen misses. Blame the game plan :o

[w3design]

Has griff ever played worse? How can he miss that?

[LostDoggy]

Griffen misses. Blame the game plan :o

Hahaha.

[G-Mo77]

Why are Cooney and Griffen excluded?

Because they've got a name behind them.

Shit house Grif! :mad:

[GVGjr]

Why are we so shit?

Some big decisions need to be made at the end of the season

[AndrewP6]

Why are Cooney and Griffen excluded?

I think they come under the "Midfield" banner...and struggling is an understatement.

[G-Mo77]

Some big decisions need to be made at the end of the season
Why wait? It's done now, plan for 2012.

[Desipura]

Dalyrmple and Fantasia need to move on, what did they see in DJ to offer him 3 years? Hooper elevated, we are a laughing stock.

[Grantysghost]

How does Craig bird rip us a new one ? Roos and Healy doing my head in both have swans ties on waiting for the inflatable hand for the after match

[GVGjr]

Why wait? It's done now, plan for 2012.

Such as?

[Greystache]

Why are Cooney and Griffen excluded?

Or Higgins? or Gia?

Can't name the "scape goats"

[the banker]

Libba great poise to kick that goal. Didnt rush , just measured it.

[G-Mo77]

Great grab Jonesy!

[LostDoggy]

Was the Jones mark good?

[angelopetraglia]

Liam Jones, fair pair of hands on the boy. Can take a grab.

[comrade]

Did a Bulldogs player have a fling with Mark McClure's missus or something? The hatred is palpable (and hilariously petty).

[the banker]

Jones great hands and converts.

[Greystache]

Griff is a rubbish shot at goal. Rubbish.

He'd miss that set shot 9 out of 10. How have we turned a highly skilled young player into a player who can't convert from 20m out :confused:

[comrade]

He'd miss that set shot 9 out of 10. How have we turned a highly skilled young player into a player who can't convert from 20m out :confused:

What are you talking about?

[G-Mo77]

Such as?

Hudson, Gilbee won't be there next year I'd faze them both out.

Grant is on very thin ice.

Do we persist with Addison?

[Desipura]

Some big decisions need to be made at the end of the season

Why end of the season? That been my issue all season. We knew some players were on a decline and we did not get more games into Roughy, Howard
Grant is clearly out of form, play Ves.
Add pace with Tutt, move on Gilbee.
You saw something in Sam Reid, why are our recruiting men so ordinary at their job?

[Greystache]

What are you talking about?

Griffen, probably the worst set shot at the club these days. How can a players core skills go dramatically downhill AFTER becoming a full time professional footballer?

[comrade]

You saw something in Sam Reid, why are our recruiting men so ordinary?

Oh, FFS. Every other club overlooked Reid at least once, why single out ours?

Our recruiters picked up Schofield, Dahlhaus and Markovic - why not mention them?

[MrMahatma]

Gilbee is cooked. Liability.

[chef]

So our game plan is to get smashed out of the middle and show no accountability?

Blaming the game plan is a cop out for the 22 blokes out there stinking it up.


Griffen misses. Blame the game plan :o

Is there a need for that?

[Desipura]

Oh, FFS. Every other club overlooked Reid at least once, why single out ours?

Our recruiters picked up Schofield, Dahlhaus and Markovic - why not mention them?

Oh FFS don't use the every other club line. Name one mobile and quick kpp that has played with us in the last 10years?
We always miss out on them.
Markovic will not be a long term player for us IMHO. Why would I mention Schofield? What he he done to say he was a good choice? A bit premature I think.

[AndrewP6]

Was the Jones mark good?

Yep, really good. Came through 3 or 4 players and clunked it.

[comrade]

Is there a need for that?

Yes, there is. As soon as things turn to crap, most posters knee-jerk react to things like the game plan without actually analysing what's going wrong.

Funny, there was no mention of our game plan when we won four in a row. I'm assuming you think the coaching staff said to the players last week - "you know how we played for four weeks, stop doing that".

[the banker]

Sydney gone ultra defensive maul.

Maybe an opportunity to kick a couple of quick ones...

[comrade]

Oh FFS don't use the every other club line. Name one mobile and quick kpp that has played with us in the last 10years?
We always miss out on them

What has the last 10 years got to do with Dalrymple?

[G-Mo77]

That would have been a nice one to get.

[Desipura]

What has the last 10 years got to do with Dalrymple?

We always miss out on them

[comrade]

That would have been a nice one to get.

Game plan.

[comrade]

We always miss out on them

Brian Lake was AA the last 2 years.

[Desipura]

Piss weak

[Greystache]

Game plan.

Give it a rest.

[G-Mo77]

Put your arms down Goodes you sook. I hate that ugly prick so much!

[Ghost Dog]

Blown out now. What's going on?
Grrrrrrrrrrr.
FIGHT, DOGS

[LostDoggy]

Yes, there is. As soon as things turn to crap, most posters knee-jerk react to things like the game plan without actually analysing what's going wrong.

Funny, there was no mention of our game plan when we won four in a row. I'm assuming you think the coaching staff said to the players last week - "you know how we played for four weeks, stop doing that".

I found it funny :D

Game plan is fine when executed, sadly, we have players who aren't capable of doing it.

[the banker]

How is it that the opposition kick outs flow relatively simply and ours are super pressurised ?

That is one very frustrating thing of the current game plan. (From a Rocket fan).

We have either chosen to go man on man the past 2 weeks or been forced into it by the oppostion coaches.

We havent been able to create the pressure we had in the Carlton and Melbourne games.

[angelopetraglia]

Both their goals from long range this quarter. We miss two sitters.

Not that we deserve to be close, but we had such a good opportunity to put real scoreboard pressure on them against the flow. Nothing, zip, zero, going right.

[Desipura]

Libba was a great pick, oh that's right he was gifted to us

[LostDoggy]

How long is Djerrkura contracted for?

[Greystache]

How long is Djerrkura contracted for?

3 years, great get!

[comrade]

3 years, great get!

Yes, ripping work by Fantasia.

[LostDoggy]

3 years, great get!

That is ridiculous.

[Desipura]

Sam Reid takes a beauty, was a diehard doggies supporter. You build forward lines around guys like him.

[LostDoggy]

Sam Reid takes a beauty, was a diehard doggies supporter

Wish his Dad played 14 more games :(

[chef]

Game plan.

:rolleyes:Whatever.

[Desipura]

Wish his Dad played 14 more games :(

As painful as that would have been:D

[w3design]

Even Dale looks like he's had enough of this season

[AndrewP6]

Yes, ripping work by Fantasia.

Haven't we done DJ's contract to death? Yes, he got 3 years, no, he doesn't really warrant it. But, it is what it is. FWIW, I think he's at least got a bit of the ball today, when a heap of others have been second to it.

[ledge]

I feel sorry for Hudson , expected to do the ruck work on his own 90% of the time, got to give Minson the rest of year now.

[Desipura]

I feel sorry for Hudson , expected to do the ruck work on his own 90% of the time, got to give Minson the rest of year now.

He is not the answer

[Greystache]

Yes, ripping work by Fantasia.

Dalrymple talked him up as the second coming of JC, sent a recruiter to watch every game he played for the entire second half of last season.

[Grantysghost]

Can we expect one or two good games a year from Cooney from here on ? Must be tough for the coaches .... Would have been really messy today without Barry

[LostDoggy]

As painful as that would have been:D

Lol, we could have had a quality KPB & rising KPF :(

[comrade]

Haven't we done DJ's contract to death? Yes, he got 3 years, no, he doesn't really warrant it. But, it is what it is. FWIW, I think he's at least got a bit of the ball today, when a heap of others have been second to it.

It does get plenty of air time compared to other Fantasia list management snafus (Hooper elevated, Mulligan elevated).

[w3design]

Haven't we done DJ's contract to death? Yes, he got 3 years, no, he doesn't really warrant it. But, it is what it is. FWIW, I think he's at least got a bit of the ball today, when a heap of others have been second to it.
I'm not a fan but he has done ok today. Not our worst. There's strong competition for that honor!

[G-Mo77]

I'm not a fan but he has done ok today. Not our worst. There's strong competition for that honor!

I thought DJ was pretty good in the 2nd half as well.

[LostDoggy]

Haven't we done DJ's contract to death? Yes, he got 3 years, no, he doesn't really warrant it. But, it is what it is. FWIW, I think he's at least got a bit of the ball today, when a heap of others have been second to it.

Settle down, ffs.

I asked a question i didn't know, this place is called a FORUM, where people can express there thoughts & opinions.

[comrade]

Dalrymple talked him up as the second coming of JC, sent a recruiter to watch every game he played for the entire second half of last season.

What's wrong with due diligence? It's not as if DJ is an out and out spud and for a low pick the return (on field) hasn't been too bad, but he wasn't worth a 3 year contract up front. Fantasia was the one that offered 3 years.

[GVGjr]

Why end of the season? That been my issue all season. We knew some players were on a decline and we did not get more games into Roughy, Howard
Grant is clearly out of form, play Ves.
Add pace with Tutt, move on Gilbee.


That's just some natural match committee selection issues.
There needs to be a bigger review than just the likes of Tutt replacing Gilbee for the balance of the season. New for old isn't the fix that a lot of people think.

[AndrewP6]

Settle down, ffs.

I asked a question i didn't know, this place is called a FORUM, where people can express there thoughts & opinions.

I'm fairly settled actually. DJ's contract has been subject to a lot of 'discussion' here, I just think people need to leave it alone. FWIW, I probably didn't need to quote your specific post, just the issue in general.

[GVGjr]

Sam Reid takes a beauty, was a diehard doggies supporter. You build forward lines around guys like him.

He will play in a lot of positions and could be a like McPharlin type that gets moved between forward and back line duties. At 194cm I can see him being used in the ruck for short bursts as well given his great leaping ability

[azabob]

Settle down, ffs.

I asked a question i didn't know, this place is called a FORUM, where people can express there thoughts & opinions.

Just like Andrew did. Not sure why you took such offense. The contract has been mentioned in a lot of threads whenever DJ has played a game.

[LostDoggy]

I'm fairly settled actually. DJ's contract has been subject to a lot of 'discussion' here, I just think people need to leave it alone. FWIW, I probably didn't need to quote your specific post, just the issue in general.

You quoted comrade & not mine, but i think people are allowed to voice their concerns about certain issues regarding the club, it's why we come on here.

The fact that it has been done to death in other threads shouldn't be an issue, everyone is allowed to discuss something they dislike, especially if they weren't impressed with what DJ offered today.

We are looking at the club going forward, his contract is relevant to the discussion.

[Remi Moses]

Just insipid !!
Where are the so called leaders ?
Out worked
No Hunger ! INSIPID:mad::mad:

[G-Mo77]

Just insipid !!
Where are the so called leaders ?
Out worked
No Hunger ! INSIPID:mad::mad:

I love that word. :)

[azabob]

Sam Reid takes a beauty, was a diehard doggies supporter. You build forward lines around guys like him.

He is perhaps a little further on than Jones. They are both strong marks but poor kicks.

[GVGjr]

What's wrong with due diligence? It's not as if DJ is an out and out spud and for a low pick the return (on field) hasn't been too bad, but he wasn't worth a 3 year contract up front. Fantasia was the one that offered 3 years.

DJ is being unfairly targeted due to a couple of reasons beyond his control

1) Because we used a draft pick that Geelong didn't end up using.
2) Because we gave him a longer contract than his form would indicate he is worth.

I understand the frustration though because we talked him up (did the due diligence) and he hasn't answered the challenge as yet.

[Remi Moses]

You quoted comrade & not mine, but i think people are allowed to voice their concerns about certain issues regarding the club, it's why we come on here.

The fact that it has been done to death in other threads shouldn't be an issue, everyone is allowed to discuss something they dislike, especially if they weren't impressed with what DJ offered today.

We are looking at the club going forward, his contract is relevant to the discussion.

It was a poor decision to give a fringe player (at best) a three year deal.

[Greystache]

What's wrong with due diligence? It's not as if DJ is an out and out spud and for a low pick the return (on field) hasn't been too bad, but he wasn't worth a 3 year contract up front. Fantasia was the one that offered 3 years.

When you've (over) committed that heavily to a fringe player you're going to do whatever it takes to get them, the 3 year deal is testament to that. A 3rd round pick is not nothing, especially when your first 2 picks are already committed to players who's skillset are what they are.

[Happy Days]

Bang on about blaming the game plan, but the game plan is shit.

How long does it take to figure out that bombing it long down the line in the hope of winning the ball over the back doesn't work? Why was Higgins not moved forward when his play off half back failed to set anything up?

Our skills were terrible, but with a low-possession tactic which places high emphasis on skills we don't have, maybe its the wrong plan?

[LostDoggy]

It was a poor decision to give a fringe player (at best) a three year deal.

I even look now at the Vez deal & wonder what happened, i don't think anyone has won that deal to be fair.

But, could it have been done differently?

[Remi Moses]

I love that word. :)

Everyone knows when you play Sydney you're going to get a workout.
You Bring your hard hat and you get your hands dirty!Besides about 15 min we had a manicure and a facial scrub.Not prepared to get dirty,to often this season !!'

[LostDoggy]

How do they continue to do it.
They had to beat a top-4 team to give us a little hope, just so they can crush us again, like usual

It seemed we had a forward line with 3 contributing players. If you take out Dala, Hooper and Hall, there was absolutely nothing from the rest. Dalhaus and Hooper weren't exactly dominating either though

I loved Grant earlier, but he hasn't played a good game all year.
Gia battled, what the hell has happened to Griff in the last 3 weeks
Would have rather Tutty over DJ this week, and Tutt should be in soon regardless

We've talked about playing for next season earlier, but this is it. With the last 2 weeks the 8 is gone and without wins over both Hawthorn and WC theres nearly no chance. With Howard and Schoey behind him, Gilbee should't play another game and it's time for Hudson to go as well.

DJ tried hard, but he doesn't have much skill. I can't see him being more than the 21st or 22nd best player in a good team

Higgins was probably the most important player in securing the 4 points this week

On the other hand, Easton Wood is going to be one hell of a player. Great defender, brilliant when he decides to run and just so strong for his size. When he gets more experience running off his ran and can improve the disposal a little, he is going to be a dead set gun

[The Bulldogs Bite]

MC isn't doing themselves any favours by playing Gilbee and Hudson every week. Both really should not be on the list next year. I know Gilbee has another year to run, but he shouldn't be in our plans. I feel that these two specifically are holding us back from developing players we'll need in the future. Be it Minson, Roughead, Howard or Tutt. The last three need more games, especially in a year like this.

Anyone's guess who will go and who will stay at the end of the year.

[ledge]

Time to look at the future, bring in the likes of Vez,Wallis Libber, Howard, Schofield, Tutt, Roughead, give them time , see what they have got and what they need in the last few games.

Eade should stay and hopefully try a game plan that will work with these kids.
Different players, different skills, personalities lets start to get it moving now.

[comrade]

MC isn't doing themselves any favours by playing Gilbee and Hudson every week. Both really should not be on the list next year. I know Gilbee has another year to run, but he shouldn't be in our plans. I feel that these two specifically are holding us back from developing players we'll need in the future. Be it Minson, Roughead, Howard or Tutt. The last three need more games, especially in a year like this.

Anyone's guess who will go and who will stay at the end of the year.

As GVG said, playing kids for the sake of it won't be the panacea for success some hope it will be BUT when the kids will provide similar output as the incumbent veterans - go for youth.

[Mantis]

Bang on about blaming the game plan, but the game plan is shit.

How long does it take to figure out that bombing it long down the line in the hope of winning the ball over the back doesn't work? Why was Higgins not moved forward when his play off half back failed to set anything up?

Our skills were terrible, but with a low-possession tactic which places high emphasis on skills we don't have, maybe its the wrong plan?

You need to win the ball to actually have game plan and that was something we were unable to do today.

When it's seen that your midfield is a strength and they get pantsed you're up the creek without a paddle.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

As GVG said, playing kids for the sake of it won't be the panacea for success some hope it will be BUT when the kids will provide similar output as the incumbent veterans - go for youth.

It won't solve the problem, but when we keep playing the old horses in hope that they'll drag us to the line, we're only delaying the future improvement. It certainly isn't going to come from Hudson or Gilbee.

As you said - when you're going to get similar outout - play youth.

After the last two weeks, their effort alone couldn't be any worse.

[SonofScray]

I just hope the Club can get the balance right for the rest of the year and really prepare itself for making some tough calls on guys like Shaggy, Gilbee, Cross and Hudson who we all love but may need to be moved on if we are to open up space for other players to improve, or for new game plans to be implemented.

[comrade]

It won't solve the problem, but when we keep playing the old horses in hope that they'll drag us to the line, we're only delaying the future improvement. It certainly isn't going to come from Hudson or Gilbee.

As you said - when you're going to get similar outout - play youth.

After the last two weeks, their effort alone couldn't be any worse.

Yep, agree. I reckon we might start seeing it from next week onwards and we're probably going to have to put up with some beltings. I can accept that if the kids show something and our leaders stand up.

[LostDoggy]

If someone had said to me at the start of the year that bulldogs would not make the top eight i would have pissed my self laughing & taken steps to have them commited.
Can somebody please explain why we are going to finish out of the eight & seem to be in such disaray? Without the usual excuse of injuries please.

[bornadog]

Why are Cooney and Griffen excluded?

You didn't read my post. I said midfield struggling

[chef]

Yep, agree. I reckon we might start seeing it from next week onwards and we're probably going to have to put up with some beltings. I can accept that if the kids show something and our leaders stand up.

Do you think we will rotate the kids or replace some older bodies with them?

[bornadog]

Or Higgins? or Gia?

Can't name the "scape goats"

Stack didn't play:D

[Greystache]

Stack didn't play:D

There's always tomorrow ;)

[Rocco Jones]

If someone had said to me at the start of the year that bulldogs would not make the top eight i would have pissed my self laughing & taken steps to have them commited.
Can somebody please explain why we are going to finish out of the eight & seem to be in such disaray? Without the usual excuse of injuries please.

- Lake went from being our best player and AA FB to an ordinary VFL player. He was an out and out superstar last year consistently keeping his opponents quiet while also zoning off to take marks helping out team mates and offering rebound. Has there ever been a bigger dip?

- Hall: He is back to form but once again went from AA FP to struggling for most of the year due to the ankle.

- Hudson: Right up there in the best ruck stocks last season and now looks gone.

- Loss of Harbrow and Shaggy missing most of the year. Along with Lake a big dent in our backline.

- Press/forward pressure: We were always poor at applying forward pressure and it's become even a bigger part of the game. Also seems like explosive speed is even more important now, something we struggle with.

- Been to the well so many times and just come short. It can have a massively deflatting effect, Saints were the same but have come back.

[Desipura]

You didn't read my post. I said midfield struggling

Name names. I could say fwd line other than Hall struggled

[bornadog]

Name names. I could say fwd line other than Hall struggled

I could have named half the team today.

As for the midfield, I though you knew who rotated through there. Yes, Cooney and Griffen, were not good enough, Ward was okish. Boyd played his guts out but was a lone man and Cross was playing well till he copped it.

[bornadog]

There's always tomorrow ;)

He would have done better than Addison today in the backline, and Higgins for that matter.

[Greystache]

He would have done better than Addison today in the backline, and Higgins for that matter.

He'd certainly have found it hard to do worse. Forward or back, Higgins' is unprepared to be accountable, and his unwillingness to absorb body contact are always going to be exposed from time to time. It seems he's never going to be held accountable at the selection table, so we at least have to move him around when he's being carved up. To leave him back on Bird all day was just rediculously stubborn.

[Doc26]

Can't understand the plaudits for Boyd's game and why our own give him votes for another typical performance of butchering the ball. It is more an example of what's wrong with us rather than what might be working. Yes he gives his all, runs his butt off, but his ball use kills us. We should be demanding much more quality from our midfield leaders. Boyd @ 45% disposal efficiency, Griffen and Cooney @ 50 % is where much of our problem is. Our midfield needs reengineering to move forward.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Boyd was terrible. Again.

I don't care if he gets the ball 30 times, if 15 posessions are turn overs, what's the point?

He hurts us more than he helps us.

[AndrewP6]

I don't care if he gets the ball 30 times, if 15 posessions are turn overs, what's the point?


Agreed.

[Mantis]

Boyd was terrible. Again.

I don't care if he gets the ball 30 times, if 15 posessions are turn overs, what's the point?

He hurts us more than he helps us.

If there was a stat kept for most kicks smothered by the opposition Boyd would be the WR holder.

[chef]

Yes, there is. As soon as things turn to crap, most posters knee-jerk react to things like the game plan without actually analysing what's going wrong.

Funny, there was no mention of our game plan when we won four in a row. I'm assuming you think the coaching staff said to the players last week - "you know how we played for four weeks, stop doing that".

Who have we beaten over the last few weeks?

[Desipura]

Can't understand the plaudits for Boyd's game and why our own give him votes for another typical performance of butchering the ball. It is more an example of what's wrong with us rather than what might be working. Yes he gives his all, runs his butt off, but his ball use kills us. We should be demanding much more quality from our midfield leaders. Boyd @ 45% disposal efficiency, Griffen and Cooney @ 50 % is where much of our problem is. Our midfield needs reengineering to move forward.

Agree, and you know what? Losing Ward may enable us to strengthen our midfield. Dangerfield by some reports is homesick and with Craig likely to get the chop, he would be a good fit for us if we get 2 first rounders for Ward. I say offer Adelaide one of them.
Especially if Cooney continues to trouble him. We need a contingency for Cooney, sadly we don't know how much time he has left in the game due to his knee.
We would still have 2 other first rounds to use on a back man or or go down the youth path

[G-Mo77]

He would have done better than Addison today in the backline, and Higgins for that matter.

Higgins got 104 Supercoach points. :D

Fortunately they don't take points off for no accountability, would have got a minus figure otherwise.

[ledge]

Im not going to delve too much into this game if Coons , Griffin and Cross were injured, its a big hole that not many teams would get out of.

[Maddog37]

Stick a fork in us, we are done.

Play all kids rest of this year and next year and load up in the 2012 super draft.

Make Wallis captain and Libba VC.

Play Cooney as full forward permanently. Move Wood into the midfield starting as a tagger initially.

[LostDoggy]

Im not going to delve too much into this game if Coons , Griffin and Cross were injured, its a big hole that not many teams would get out of.

Yes , when Cross was knocked out , Cooney pulled up sore towards the end of of the second quarter , Griffen Boyd and Ward were pulled too close to the contests , as has been stated before their roles changed and they were pressured / boxed in without the time/ space to be effective with disposals , Griffen was worn down by the pressure and tired quickly after HT , Libba as the Sub gave us a spark but he also was pulled in too close , our outside choices just simply vanished the fact that we had only 51 marks and only 15 of them contested clearly shows that our structure broke down , too many times in order to find space we went too wide

Next week with Cross a likely out , Cooney rested , Griffen also likely rested or used as the Sub, the MC will have a task to create some links in the Midfield , right now based on form you would say that Wood can perform a wide midfield role to replace Griffen , Libba comes in for Cross , Howard has to considered for a wide midfield role to replace Cooney . So based on that Boyd, Ward and Libba in the engine room with Wood and Howard as the wide men , I would also use Higgins higher up the ground on the defensive side of the centre bounce

.

[Sedat]

How does Craig bird rip us a new one ?
The same reason that the likes of Jay Van Berlo, Kepler Bradley, Luke Vogels, Ed Sansbury, Marty McGrath, Daniel Bandy, Nigel Fiegert, etc.... have ripped us a new one in the past. No other club has such a rich history in making battlers and flat-out spuds look like the second coming of Wayne Carey :o

[Happy Days]

You need to win the ball to actually have game plan and that was something we were unable to do today.

When it's seen that your midfield is a strength and they get pantsed you're up the creek without a paddle.

The midfield got slaughtered, but what did you make of our kick-out tactics? (serious question btw).

It seemed to me that we were trying to create a quick transference of play out the back, and even though we didn't seem to win one of these contests all day, we stuck to it.

[LostDoggy]

The midfield got slaughtered, but what did you make of our kick-out tactics? (serious question btw).

It seemed to me that we were trying to create a quick transference of play out the back, and even though we didn't seem to win one of these contests all day, we stuck to it.

I wonder how much of a factor the small, tight ground played in our kickout strategy??