Game Day 2011 - R19 Western Bulldogs vs WCE

[BulldogBelle]

This is the discussion thread for our Saturday afternoon game against WCE at Etihad Stadium.

My predictions are:

The Dogs by 2 points
BOG : Matthew Boyd
Daniel Giansiracusa to kick the first goal

[bornadog]

Now that Kennedy, Kerr and Nat are out, I think we have a chance. The Eagles are coming off a tough encounter, a six day break and travel to Melbourne and may be a little flat.

Dogs by 8 points

BOG: Boyd

First Goal Hall.

[Daughter of the West]

WCE by 32
BOG: A Weagle
First goal: Hall

I'm just hoping that we actually come to play and it's not a total whitewash.

[LostDoggy]

West Coast: by 3 goals
BOG: Cox
First Goal: Hall

[1eyedog]

I'll buck the trend and go against my better judgement by saying the Dogs by;

3 goals
BOG: Barry Hall to cap off a fine rivalry with Darren Glass
First goal: Barry Hall

[G-Mo77]

Winner: West Coast 40 odd points
BOG (For Us): Griff
First Goal (For Us): Gia

[DOG GOD]

WC by 18 pts
BOG: Cox
1st goal for us: Gia

[Remi Moses]

Eagles by 42
Ist goal Le Cras
BoG Embley( he killed us when they were poo)

[LostDoggy]

Dogs by 13 points
1st Hall
BOG Griff

[Flamethrower]

Doggies by 16 points

BOG: Ryan Griffen

1st goal: Luke Dahlhaus

[The Underdog]

West Coast by 15 points
Dogs BOG: Gia
First Goal: Hall

West Coasts outs help but can't see how we do it without Cooney et al.
Was going but am 50/50 now due to a pregnant wife with a pulled muscle. Missed the Kangas game due to sick family, so hopefully she can pull through and tough it out so I get there :p

[Go_Dogs]

Just hoping for a competitive game.

WCE by 5 goals.
BOG Boyd
First goal Dahlhaus

[LostDoggy]

Can't pick against us, so:

Dogs by 1 point
First Goal = The Grommet
BOG = Gia

[Hotdog60]

Dogs by 53

BOG Ward

Ist goal Sherman

:eek:

[LostDoggy]

I just dont know which way this will go. Dogs by 10 or Eagles by 30.

1st goal Sherminator
BOG Embley (just cause of his previous record against us)

[the banker]

Hoping for dogs by 15

goal Sherman

Best Ward

[w3design]

Dogs by 53

BOG Ward

Ist goal Sherman

:eek:

Yeah!!! Love it!!! Believing it is another matter;)

[anfo27]

Nothing to fear today fellow woofers as I have decided to go to the game. My record is 5 from 5 thus far and i plan on keeping that 100% strike rate up.

Dogs win by doesn't matter as long as we win.
First goal: my wee man favourite barbie
BOG: another favourite thanks to the tigers, the 4 million dollar man Mr Ward.

[BulldogBelle]

Gday guys, does anyone happen to know of any streams for our game today? Broke my bloody ankle and I'm stuck at home foxtel-less for the time being.

Thanks very much if anyone can help! :)

Edit: Nevermind, the Iphone Footy live TV Guide lied to me. It's on free to air! sweet.

[LostDoggy]

Well if Hooper has been switched to defense his best match up is on Le Cras , Jones and Barlow will have to work hard around the ground to give us marking targets , I would like to see Murphy and Sherman rotate through HB and HF to try and break up their structure , I would also like to see Stack and Wood rotate through midfield and BP we will need the extra leg speed in the midfield

Dogs by 11
BOG Rosa
First Goal Jones ( free kick )

.

[LostDoggy]

At the moment its all gone pear shaped but we have forced them to handball more than they like to

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[Scraggers]

I hope the swear filter is on ...

[BulldogBelle]

This is getting really ugly

[LostDoggy]

The SandGropers are wearing teflon suits , I,m sure thats illegal

.

[LostDoggy]

3 weeks back umpire Nichols was red hot on players over the mark. We've had 2 smothers already were WC have gone over and nothing.

[GVGjr]

Very embarrassing first quarter. West Coast have put in a great first quarter but we were woeful. Kicked into the man on the mark at critical times and we look to be a mile off the standard. Need to get two goals in a row early in the second quarter.

[BulldogBelle]

Very embarrassing first quarter. West Coast have put in a great first quarter but we were woeful. Kicked into the man on the mark at critical times and we look to be a mile off the standard. Need to get two goals in a row early in the second quarter.




At clearances we are constantly out of position, and their are spreading wider and quicker than us.

Not having Morris in the backline is killing us...I'm not sure why Mulligan was brought in for Markovic.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

At clearances we are constantly out of position, and their are spreading wider and quicker than us.

Not having Morris in the backline is killing us...I'm not sure why Mulligan was brought in for Markovic.

Well, if Mulligan looks slow on Lynch - and he does, I'd imagine Markovic would make the Queen Mary look like an agile mover by comparision

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

The effort by Mulligan and Picken on the wing against Nicoski was abyssmal. How Nicoski could mark that is beyond me.

[LostDoggy]

Mulligan is a poor excuse for a footballer

[Dog54]

Mulligan is a poor excuse for a footballer

How could anyone believe this guy is a better option than Markovic ?

[GVGjr]

The effort by Mulligan and Picken on the wing against Nicoski was abyssmal. How Nicoski could mark that is beyond me.
It wasn't like Nicoski beat Mulligan on the lead either but he just worked him under the ball and marked over the top of him. Mulligan needs a good 2nd half.

[Ghost Dog]

26 to 69 half time. We look psyched out. Ward, wood,Barry dhal, murphy are effective and damaging. The rest look unskilled. Gia marks 20 out. Girl in front of me says" he's so hot he can't miss! ".
sprays it for a point.

[LostDoggy]

Free kicks 14 to 5 , its just not happening

.

[LostDoggy]

Too many passengers or players not afl standard

[LostDoggy]

We are just not good enough, simple as that.

The rebuild is well & truly on, has to happen.

[kruder]

Time lane described us best. Souless!

[GVGjr]

Too many passengers or players not afl standard

I'd also add that we don't have good decision makers as well. Rocket prides himself on his teaching abilities but they haven't on on display much of late.

[Ghost Dog]

Shuey is boyds opponent. 10 tackles to 0

[BulldogBelle]

Time lane described us best. Souless!


Now that we aren't in the finals race the heads and certainly dropped

[kruder]

Dogs that are not up to standard include Eade, Williams ,Monty, Barlow,Hooper,Gillbee,Stack,Hill,DJ,Sherman,Hudson.

[Doc26]

Just of today's 'hopefuls', Mulligan, Hooper, Barlow and add Sherman to the list are not worthy of senior selection.

These players don't represent a rebuild, they represent an indictment on our talent identification, development and list management.

[Ghost Dog]

Soulless? Bs. Poor decisions

[LostDoggy]

Thats 2 in a row from the big unit , West Coast have taken the foot off the pedal

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[LostDoggy]

Shuey is boyds opponent. 10 tackles to 0

Commentators wrapping up Boyd, interesting.

[LostDoggy]

Couple of goals in a row and the gap has narrowed a little

.

[kruder]

Soulless? Bs. Poor decisions

Agree about decision making but if you can tell me there is any spirit in todays performance by the majority of the group I'd like you to point it out for me...

The first 5mins of the match showed were their mindset was and nothing has changed since then.

Eade will use decision making as a major excuse but unfortunatley there is alot more too it then that...

[LostDoggy]

Gian splits the uprights with one off the ground margin back to 20

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[Ghost Dog]

Agree about decision making but if you can tell me there is any spirit in todays performance by the majority of the group I'd like you to point it out for me...

The first 5mins of the match showed were their mindset was and nothing has changed since then.

Eade will use decision making as a major excuse but unfortunatley there is alot more too it then that...

Cheer on. 5 goals behind with one quarter left. That's doable. Plenty of fight in that half

[LostDoggy]

LaCras! did you see that right turn towards the goal that ball took???

[LostDoggy]

Curse our rotten luck! Would love to see the stat on the team that concedes the most goals in the last 15 seconds of a qtr. Great effort to fight back but we have seen it plenty of times that the work gets thrown out the window quickly, hopefully different this time.

[LostDoggy]

The 25 point margin might just be too big to cover in the 4th but we just have to have a crack

.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Agree about decision making but if you can tell me there is any spirit in todays performance by the majority of the group I'd like you to point it out for me...

The first 5mins of the match showed were their mindset was and nothing has changed since then.

Eade will use decision making as a major excuse but unfortunatley there is alot more too it then that...

So if the players are not playing with spirit as you suggest, then please tell me how a coach is supposed to flick a switch and turn it on? I would've thought that if player efforts are not up to scratch during a game, whether it be 5 mins in or 90 minutes in, that is more an indictment on the players.

So if Eade is to blame for the poor spirit of the players, then surely you must then credit him with being the cause of their spirit revival during that quarter?
Which is of course ludicrous, but it serves to highlight how silly it is to just automatically blame Eade for their poor effort

I've seen nothing out there today that would indicate that Eade has forgotten how to coach or that he has lost the players.
You say with some authority that 'Eade will use decision making as a major excuse but unfortunatley there is alot more too it then (sic) that.'

Please elaborate and tell me how you know there is more to it than that.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

The 25 point margin might just be too big to cover in the 4th but we just have to have a crack

.

Agree, West Coast have shown over the course of the year they are a far superior football team than us, it would appear beyond us.
Right now I just want to see us fight hard.

[LostDoggy]

The big unit gives us a kick start back to 19 points

.

[chef]

Game on.

[LostDoggy]

Now Ward joins in , only a 13 point margin , in with a chance now

.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

And Ward and The Big Guy again, 2 in a row, it is game on now.

[LostDoggy]

Wow just wow and please!!

[LostDoggy]

The big unit slams through another , now only a 7 point margin

.

[Doc26]

Lets work on Baz for a rethink.

[kruder]

Cheer on. 5 goals behind with one quarter left. That's doable. Plenty of fight in that half

here comes the spirit!

[Ghost Dog]

Tim lane, where are u? Go dogs

[LostDoggy]

Free kick Gia , dead straight , one point the difference

.

[jasopan]

Let's go Doggies finish strong and finish the eagles

[comrade]

Clearly a team not playing for their coach, eh kruder?

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

We're in front!!! Gia's kicks his 4th.
9 mins to go.
Big test for us now, can we maintain it!!!

[LostDoggy]

Gia again , 6 point lead , we really have turned the game on its head for the commentators who were calling for Rockets replacement

.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Razor Ray you are a joke. a complete joke.

[LostDoggy]

Darling gets one back from Stacks mistake

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[LostDoggy]

Evenif we win we have no chance next week ;)

[Doc26]

Chamberlain is a charlatan screaming look at me, look at me.
A potential game changing decision.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

That does it.
Damn it woud've meant so much for our terrible season to have snatched just one inspirational win for the year.
I hate honourable losses, but I really do admire the courage of the whole group today for refusing to just roll over and accept that they were going to get a pounding.

In the end we paid the ultimate price for being so woeful for the better part of two and a bit quarters.

[LostDoggy]

Jeez we've lost some close games this year. Well done to the young dogs for making a game of it.

[comrade]

Good effort, but once again we steal defeat from the jaws of victory.

*!*!*!*! me.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Good effort, but once again we steal defeat from the jaws of victory.

*!*!*!*! me.

WE do it better than anyone.... it's so frustrating.

[LostDoggy]

I think Cox just killed us off , great effort to come back from about 70 points down, they just denied us the ball in the end

.

[Ghost Dog]

We are as good as them

[Mantis]

We are as good as them

How do you work that out?

[LostDoggy]

Stacks kick out of the full which led to Darlings goals really put a dent in our chances to hammer home

5 goals straight for Barry , its going to be very,very difficult to fill his shoes once he closes his locker for the last time

.

[comrade]

I thought Cox might have a field day so made him my SC captain. Bitter sweet feeling right now :D

[Dog54]

Can someone please let me know when we last won a close game? Moral of the story is you can't give a team a 50 pt start!

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Stacks kick out of the full which led to Darlings goals really put a dent in our chances to hammer home

5 goals straight for Barry , its going to be very,very difficult to fill his shoes once he closes his locker for the last time

.

Razor's free kick against Picken gifting a goal to Darling and tieing it all up was for me the turning point . We had the lead, Wet Toast were all at sea and must've thought it was an irrereversible tide. That ensuing goal took the pressure off them, and was a real game changer.
A disgusting call by Chamberlain, yet The Giesch will no doubt tell the world it was a fantastic call.

[LostDoggy]

In reality , yes we had a poor first half but the fact that we a major personnel reshuffle due to injuries and the fact that we managed to come back from about 70 points down to take the lead was a real testament of the character of the side , we might not of won but but we didn,t roll over and cop a 100 point thrashing

.

[kruder]

We are as good as them

Your delusional.

[Stefcep]

We have become notoriously slow starters. Today was not a new thing.

But lots of good signs.

And scary ones: how will we replace Barry?

We don't deserve to play finals.

No point in trying to finish 8th and going out in the first week getting smashed. Play the rest of the season with the view to planning for 2011.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Your delusional.

Judging by your post about Eade being responsible for their 'lack of spirit' today, I'd be careful about throwing stones lest you break a window in that glass house ;)

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

We have become notoriously slow starters. Today was not a new thing.

But lots of good signs.

And scary ones: how will we replace Barry?

We don't deserve to play finals.

No point in trying to finish 8th and going out in the first week getting smashed. Play the rest of the season with the view to planning for 2011.

Agree with all points, but I wish the bolded bit was true and we could go back in time and start 2011 all over again:D!!

[angelopetraglia]

We were bad in that first half. Very bad. Looked like we could lose by more than 123 pts.

However we lifted. We decided to have a dip. We decided to put on some defensive pressure. Massive effort to hit the lead by 6 points. We had all the momentum. Looked like we would run away with it.

Ray's free kick on Picken was a disgrace. Never seen anything like that ever played. Where did he invent it from? I watched him closely after that, he watched on the replay of the decision on the scoreboard. Even he must of thought it was crazy! Definitely changed the complexion of the game. They got so much confidence after that and started running again and backing themselves.

The million dollar question for me: How can our level of effort and in particular our defensive pressure and accountability vary so much in one game?

[Ghost Dog]

Ok, today I was at the game. I was really down on our initial effort.
However, loved our rally and enjoyed the game much more once I had moved away from some smarmy WA supporter and near the tri-colour faithful ( The little kids cheering on the doggies always makes me smile)

Jibe of the day goes to the portly gent a few rows back.
AT LEAST I'M THE BEST FOOTBALLER IN MY FAMILY SELWOOD!

. Given a straight kick and a few points we would have made it.
So today was not all bad. There were some great efforts and I wore my gear away from the ground, proudly.

However, let's not shy away from it. We lost. Here's my two cents.

We cannot afford to have a club where the captain is not amongst the best on field.
Did anyone see the the very last play of the game?
classic Boyd. Gets the ball, kick across body to an opponent. Happens often.

This is a strategy he is using, IMO to cover up his kicking defficiency. It's like, oh I got the ball, then bang it quickly to cover up lack of confidence in ability to hit a target. It's not a fair swipe when he's under pressure and midfielders often have to use that trick. But it's like watching a painful replay every time he does it.

He doesn't trust himself, narry a glance up field, and at times he has the space to stop and prop.
Happened several times, had a gut-full, rant over.
Also, his lack of work the other way, tackles, is something commentators will always harp on about every time his name comes up.
So what are we doing about it. How long can this go on? SICK OF IT

[Doc26]

An unstable 22, remembering there were 8 changes to today's team, will bring with it the variability in performance like that displayed today.

[Ghost Dog]

Your delusional.

Huh?
less than two goals in it. Gia missed a gimme. Many quality outs. Few bad decisions.
how can you say we are categorically not? were we smashed??? No. could have easily won.

And it's not YOUR it's You're

[azabob]

Razor Ray you are a joke. a complete joke.

Was it a free kick? That decision has left me shatted. Umpires don't win or lose games but I'm seriously confused and frustrated at the free kick to Darling.

[LostDoggy]

Ray's free kick on Picken was a disgrace.

We were gifted one a couple minutes earlier from him too. It wasn't a good decision but anyone blaming it for the loss needs to look at the 50 point head start we gave away first.

[EasternWest]

However, let's not shy away from it. We lost. Here's my two cents.

We cannot afford to have a club where the captain is not amongst the best on field.
Did anyone see the the very last play of the game?
classic Boyd. Gets the ball, kick across body to an opponent. Happens often.

This is a strategy he is using, IMO to cover up his kicking defficiency. It's like, oh I got the ball, then bang it quickly to cover up lack of confidence in ability to hit a target. It's not a fair swipe when he's under pressure and midfielders often have to use that trick. But it's like watching a painful replay every time he does it.
IT

Respectfully I disagree GD. Boyd's disposal issues have been done over and over and I concede that it can let him down.

But I feel it incorrect to say he's not amongst the best when he was far and away our best player on the ground.

Again, respectfully, who would you say was better today?

[Ghost Dog]

How do you work that out?

Scoreboard is proof we are not far off.
But for a few straight kicks and decisions, injuries and maybe a better selection in Hooper, who didn't give us much return, we would have got there.
Demand victory but celebrate the effort.

[aker39]

We did not score in the last 8 and 1/2 minutes of actual game time.

If the AFL come out and say the Picken free was correct, than that is it for me, they can go and get *!*!*!*!ed. I've had enough of this crap.

[azabob]

We did not score in the last 8 and 1/2 minutes of actual game time.

If the AFL come out and say the Picken free was correct, than that is it for me, they can go and get *!*!*!*!ed. I've had enough of this crap.

Glad you agree. You are most likely the best person here to call it.

[Ghost Dog]

Respectfully I disagree GD. Boyd's disposal issues have been done over and over and I concede that it can let him down.

But I feel it incorrect to say he's not amongst the best when he was far and away our best player on the ground.

Again, respectfully, who would you say was better today?

That's cool. Agree to disagree

Dahlhaus, Wood, Hall, Ward,

[bornadog]

Razor's free kick against Picken gifting a goal to Darling and tieing it all up was for me the turning point . We had the lead, Wet Toast were all at sea and must've thought it was an irrereversible tide. That ensuing goal took the pressure off them, and was a real game changer.
A disgusting call by Chamberlain, yet The Giesch will no doubt tell the world it was a fantastic call.

Just got back from the game, I absolutely agree with you YHT. We had all the momentum and that free for I don't know what, stopped us. I am still scratching my head wondering what the free was for? It happended right in front of me.

You know I am sick and tired of umpires influencing games like this.

[LostDoggy]

Respectfully I disagree GD. Boyd's disposal issues have been done over and over and I concede that it can let him down.

But I feel it incorrect to say he's not amongst the best when he was far and away our best player on the ground.

Again, respectfully, who would you say was better today?

Murphy beats Boyd by a country mile for our best player

Murphy 26 possessions at 85% disposal efficiency 11 rebound 50,s

Boyd 40 possessions but only 19 contested 75% disposal efficiency , 11 clearances ,3 tackles

as far as the overall impact on the game with positive play Murphy is well ahead , Boyd did not win enough contested possessions, hit enough targets by foot and make enough tackles to get close to Murphy

.

[Hotdog60]

Just got back from the game, I absolutely agree with you YHT. We had all the momentum and that free for I don't know what, stopped us. I am still scratching my head wondering what the free was for? It happended right in front of me.

You know I am sick and tired of umpires influencing games like this.

It was payed against Picken for holding his arm and dragging him down, if there was any free kick it was to Liam for holding but the best call would have been play on.

[Ghost Dog]

Ok, the experiment is in doubt. We have several players that can give us much more than Hooper.
It was worth a try, but he needs the confidence to at least have a roost for goal, inside 50. A small foward at a minimum, needs that goal hunger. Very doubtful at this time - hope he proves me wrong

[Sedat]

I hated the Picken free as well but we were scoreless in the last 8 minutes and hardly looked like scoring. WC's leaders, by contrast, were a massive influence when it was up for grabs. This is why we lose so many close games.

[LostDoggy]

There were a number of decisions that went our way as well as against probably even in a ridiculously even in the end.

I don't know I am pleased for a number of things today bring on the fight for top 8 next year and the emergence of talent.

Love the dogs!

[G-Mo77]

Part of me wants to scream bloody murder at the umpires but they other wants to scream at the tripe our team dished up in the first half. You just don't win games giving teams a 50 point lead. All that being said if I walked past Matthew Nicholls in the next 2 - 3 months it would take every ounce of restraint in me to not blast him with swift right to the chops and hold back after that.

[SonofScray]

Ok, the experiment is in doubt. We have several players that can give us much more than Hooper.
It was worth a try, but he needs the confidence to at least have a roost for goal, inside 50. A small foward at a minimum, needs that goal hunger. Very doubtful at this time - hope he proves me wrong

He was woeful today but that comment is off the mark in the context of his time in the seniors. He very much has displayed that hunger for a goal and a strong ability to manufacture them. In fact today might have been the first time he has opted for a "disciplined" option and passed inside 50.

[AndrewP6]

Murphy beats Boyd by a country mile for our best player

Murphy 26 possessions at 85% disposal efficiency 11 rebound 50,s

Boyd 40 possessions but only 19 contested 75% disposal efficiency , 11 clearances ,3 tackles

as far as the overall impact on the game with positive play Murphy is well ahead , Boyd did not win enough contested possessions, hit enough targets by foot and make enough tackles to get close to Murphy

.

This...I thought Boyd picked up in the 2nd half, but Murph had more positive influence on the game.

[Ghost Dog]

He was woeful today but that comment is off the mark in the context of his time in the seniors. He very much has displayed that hunger for a goal and a strong ability to manufacture them. In fact today might have been the first time he has opted for a "disciplined" option and passed inside 50.

Fair enough. Yes, he will develop. I've been a supporter of his so far.

I worry about his kicking and technique. It's not a penetrating kick. The pass you make a point about was a poor one from memory. Most of the fans in my area were up in arms about it. Not against his selection per se and I'm not saying he has nothing to offer. But against such a tall outfit, I could not see the sense. Would have liked Howard instead or others.
he did do some good defensive things, blocks, small passes and it's these little things that sometimes I like to see more than flashy stuff.

[SonofScray]

Fair enough. Yes, he will develop. I've been a supporter of his so far.

I worry about his kicking and technique. It's not a penetrating kick. The pass you make a point about was a poor one from memory. Most of the fans in my area were up in arms about it. Not against his selection per se and I'm not saying he has nothing to offer. But against such a tall outfit, I could not see the sense. Would have liked Howard instead or others.
he did do some good defensive things, blocks, small passes and it's these little things that sometimes I like to see more than flashy stuff.

I agree that he was touch and go for a game this week. Expected him to make way in all honesty. He should get a tap on the shoulder this week.

Sherman's game was equally as poor.

What are peoples' thoughts on Mulligan, I've noticed he is getting massive knocks "not up to it" etc but when the ball came in in a fashion that gave any defender a chance he broke even. From the little I have seen he may have something to offer.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

I agree that he was touch and go for a game this week. Expected him to make way in all honesty. He should get a tap on the shoulder this week.

Sherman's game was equally as poor.

What are peoples' thoughts on Mulligan, I've noticed he is getting massive knocks "not up to it" etc but when the ball came in in a fashion that gave any defender a chance he broke even. From the little I have seen he may have something to offer.

Think you make a good point here SoS. After the first half I was confused as to what Mulligan had to offer us, but as you say once we had stemmed Wet Toast's almost constant firt use of the ball, and the ball came into their forward line more slowly when in a one on one he held his own.

I don't think he is ever going to be anything more than a stopper type, but he may not be a complete bust either.

[westbulldog]

One of these days an incompetent decision at a crucial time like the Picken / Darling one today will cost a team a Grand Final and there will be hell to play. It cost us momentum and cost us the game today IMO.
A terrific effort to comeback I thought. Hooper was unfortunately a passenger and gave nothing,

[LostDoggy]

What game were you watching? Mulligan was beaten for pace by Lynch and in the air by small players. He spoiled better in the 2nd half but is miles off afl level.

[The Underdog]

We did not score in the last 8 and 1/2 minutes of actual game time.

If the AFL come out and say the Picken free was correct, than that is it for me, they can go and get *!*!*!*!ed. I've had enough of this crap.

I have never seen a free like it. A man being tackled falling to ground having a free paid against him for holding the man. Bizarre. Giesch is going to have a hard time justifying that one.
We got a dodgy one which we goaled from just before it but bloody hell.

How is it that we keep coming back from big defecits and then we stop once we get there. Does my head in on multipl levels.

[always right]

I get sick to death of people using stats to justify their agrument. I don't need stats to tell me what my eyes saw today. Murphy was far and away our best player today. He may not have had the most diposals today but he was amazing in the way he broke open the play, carried the ball, and made really smart devisions. Do the stats reflect all of these?

[G-Mo77]

I get sick to death of people using stats to justify their agrument. I don't need stats to tell me what my eyes saw today. Murphy was far and away our best player today. He may not have had the most diposals today but he was amazing in the way he broke open the play, carried the ball, and made really smart devisions. Do the stats reflect all of these?

Agree on everything you just wrote. Stats can be bent anyway to strengthen an argument. The best player on the ground doesn't have to have 30+ possessions.

[Desipura]

Just got back from the game, I absolutely agree with you YHT. We had all the momentum and that free for I don't know what, stopped us. I am still scratching my head wondering what the free was for? It happended right in front of me.

You know I am sick and tired of umpires influencing games like this.

How about the Gia free that he was awarded? That was a goal gifted to us. Let's not be too biased.

[Happy Days]

Any idiot can pay the obvious holding the man frees, but it takes a real pro to insert himself on the game and pay something that isn't there.

[LostDoggy]

Was at the game and must admit, was thinking the 2nd half was going to be very ugly. So proud the boys proved me wrong, and whilst we didn't get the 4 points, for some reason I'm not as shattered as I thought I would be! Let's face it, West Coast had their A- team in and we had our B+ or - team in, and they only just beat us. Well, that's the story I'll be telling the guy in our WA office at work who will very likely ring me on Monday to give me a tongue lashing! We sure did give them a fright I reckon! Good to blood the younger guys, and it's obviously perhaps a few of them either need more game time, or maybe they will struggle at this level? Just keep playing them and see what transpires. I can't figure out why Minson didn't get a game really - I thought his size around the ground may help with WC tall timber??

[kruder]

scoreboard is proof we are not far off.
But for a few straight kicks and decisions, injuries and maybe a better selection in hooper, who didn't give us much return, we would have got there.
Demand victory but celebrate the effort.

if if if if if if.....

[bornadog]

How about the Gia free that he was awarded? That was a goal gifted to us. Let's not be too biased.

You mean when Selwood dived on the ball. Pretty sure the rule is dive on the ball you must make an attempt to get rid of it.

The Picken one was the most disgraceful umpiring decision I have ever seen.


If the AFL come out and say the Picken free was correct, than that is it for me, they can go and get *!*!*!*!ed. I've had enough of this crap.

I am with Aker39.

[G-Mo77]

How did everyone rate Roughead's game today? Personally I thought he offered very little. I really think we need to start running him more around the ground rather than running Hudson 90% in the ruck. A little more responsibility for the remaining 4 game is in order me thinks.

Looking at Libba today he looks to have gone backwards as well. :confused:

[Drunken Bum]

How did everyone rate Roughead's game today? Personally I thought he offered very little. I really think we need to start running him more around the ground rather than running Hudson 90% in the ruck. A little more responsibility for the remaining 4 game is in order me thinks.

Looking at Libba today he looks to have gone backwards as well. :confused:

I tend to agree with you but with Minson taking over from Hudson so he can at least go forward when Roughy is in the ruck, Minson to take 70 or maybe even 60% in the ruck.

It's time for the club to decide whether Hudson is going to be here or not next year and if he isn't going to be he shouldn't play again this year unless there are injuries. I love Huddo and what he has brought to the team but it really is time for him to pass the baton and get some valuable game time into Minson and Roughy in my not so expert opinion

[immortalmike]

How about the Gia free that he was awarded? That was a goal gifted to us. Let's not be too biased.

You see dodgy ones like that paid every week. Selwood dove on the ball and dragged it in, and htb was called. It was a bad decision but it was there. In contrast Razor Ray had to invent a new rule to award Darling that free against Picken.

[the banker]

A loss is a loss but in the context of this year the four points didn't matter as much as the comeback effort. This showed spirit and commitment to the club, team and coach. Murph's effort was inspirational and lots of guys picked it up and went with him. The side looked better without Grant and Higgins. Like the way Schofield gets to the contest and wants to impose himself. I would play him for the rest of the year before Gilbee. Mulligan is certainly not there ATM but his physical attributes give him potential, time will tell if he can make a quantum leap forward next year. Hooper needs a big pre season, he has smarts but is limited.

We just have to keep Ward and Wood. Ward has grown so much in the past 8 weeks.

A win would have put this as one of our great efforts for the past 5 years IMO. As it stands I hope it signals the team spirit of 2012.

[Desipura]

You mean when Selwood dived on the ball. Pretty sure the rule is dive on the ball you must make an attempt to get rid of it.

The Picken one was the most disgraceful umpiring decision I have ever seen.



I am with Aker39.

Agree on the Picken one , disgraceful decision! Disagree on the Gia one as he had no prior.

[SonofScray]

You mean when Selwood dived on the ball. Pretty sure the rule is dive on the ball you must make an attempt to get rid of it.

The Picken one was the most disgraceful umpiring decision I have ever seen.



I am with Aker39.

That's how I saw it, at the time and on the replay. Was he stiff? Yes. Didn't have a lot of prior opportunity, but that type of free is paid very often. There'd be a good 10 decisions across the round where someone in a similar situation to Selwood gets pinged.

Picken's free? Maybe 1 a year.

I'm not going to cry and say they cost us the game, because we as a Club put ourselves in that position far too often. But anyone that played the PC "it evens up, look at the Selwood free" within striking distance of me would have worn a left cross in the mouth.

[The Coon Dog]

Picken's free? Maybe 1 a year.

I've never seen that free paid in my life & I'm 46!!! :eek:

If I'm lucky I'll never see it paid again, awful, absolute howler, screamed of an umpire with a LOOK AT ME! mentality.

[SonofScray]

I've never seen that free paid in my life & I'm 46!!! :eek:

If I'm lucky I'll never see it paid again, awful, absolute howler, screamed of an umpire with a LOOK AT ME! mentality.

:D mixed with a lot of :mad: Exactly my point. Even if we forget the impact it had on our chances, it is just a baffling decision.

[Flamethrower]

How did everyone rate Roughead's game today? Personally I thought he offered very little. I really think we need to start running him more around the ground rather than running Hudson 90% in the ruck. A little more responsibility for the remaining 4 game is in order me thinks.

Looking at Libba today he looks to have gone backwards as well. :confused:

Roughy just does not work hard enough defensively. Libba looked very slow today - maybe the long 1st season at AFL level has caught up to him.


Agree on the Picken one , disgraceful decision! Disagree on the Gia one as he had no prior.

Prior opportunity is irrelevant when a player dives on the ball. The free against Selwood was correct despite all the bleatings of the media (and Wet Toast fans) after the game.

The Picken free was paid the wrong way - it should have been Liam's free kick for holding. It was unfortunate, but we still had plenty of chances to win after that. We just didn't have anyone to stand up and take the game by the scruff of the neck when it was there to be won. And that happens far too often at this football club.

[bornadog]

The Picken free was paid the wrong way - it should have been Liam's free kick for holding. It was unfortunate, but we still had plenty of chances to win after that. We just didn't have anyone to stand up and take the game by the scruff of the neck when it was there to be won. And that happens far too often at this football club.

That free gave a second wind to WC, they seem to rally after we had all the momentum. In the end, our big men didn't stand up during vital passages of play, with Cox dominating.

[Desipura]

Roughy just does not work hard enough defensively. Libba looked very slow today - maybe the long 1st season at AFL level has caught up to him.



Prior opportunity is irrelevant when a player dives on the ball. The free against Selwood was correct despite all the bleatings of the media (and Wet Toast fans) after the game.

The Picken free was paid the wrong way - it should have been Liam's free kick for holding. It was unfortunate, but we still had plenty of chances to win after that. We just didn't have anyone to stand up and take the game by the scruff of the neck when it was there to be won. And that happens far too often at this football club.

You saw the Gia free one way I saw it another. One thing that is unanimous was that the Picken decision was clearly wrong and no one can convince me otherwise

[Maddog37]

How did Williams pla?

I thought he looked very solid again today. Vastly improved this year.

[LostDoggy]

I thought Williams was hardly sited. Rarely got the ball but spoiled ok. Not sure who he man was? Maybe Darling?
Who ever started on the 1st gamer was awful early.

[G-Mo77]

Williams stood a few different opponents. I'll have to watch the replay to see who he played on for most of the game. Off the top of my head Lynch.

[LostDoggy]

As for the Picken free, if they are going to pay holding frees then the first free was to stack in the square seconds earlier.
The Gia one was soft but they occured all day.
Frees were +9 to WC at quarter time, they got there soft ones at the start and end of the game. Ended +1 to WC.

[LostDoggy]

Williams stood a few different opponents. I'll have to watch the replay to see who he played on for most of the game. Off the top of my head Lynch.

I thought Mulligan was on Lynch most of time. Certainly he gave him the run around in the second quarter.

[LostDoggy]

I'm sick to death of that sawn off shit "razor ray" every contraversey he is there, he thinks he is bigger than the game.
The picken decision was pathetic & has you questioning if you want to be a supporter of the game the only thing that would restore my faith back in the game now is to see a punishment to that pathetic umpire a fine, suspension something.
I need to know that the AFL recognise bad umpiring & that it will not be tolerated.
And stop all this we did it to ourselves, what about Selwood, we shouldn't of put ourselves in that position. BULLSHIT! we put ourselves in a winning position & it was taken away by an umpire.

[G-Mo77]

I thought Mulligan was on Lynch most of time. Certainly he gave him the run around in the second quarter.

You're probably right, it was a frantic 2nd half and I'm struggling to remember.

[LostDoggy]

Just prior to the game starting, a little kid behind me (must of been max 4yo) says 'Ohh no daddy, not that bald umpire again'- Nichols.

[G-Mo77]

Just prior to the game starting, a little kid behind me (must of been max 4yo) says 'Ohh no daddy, not that bald umpire again'- Nichols.

They were exactly my thoughts when I saw the turnip running around pre-game.

I do not want to see him again in the last 4 games. He's an absolute peanut!

[LostDoggy]

They were exactly my thoughts when I saw the turnip running around pre-game.

I do not want to see him again in the last 4 games. He's an absolute peanut!

What a duo too with Ray!
One can't bounce the ball and the other hits the ceiling(calls play on even though its 5m outside the circle).

[G-Mo77]

What a duo too with Ray!
One can't bounce the ball and the other hits the ceiling(calls play on even though its 5m outside the circle).

Didn't we have these 2 together against Carlton? I know Nichols was there that day can't remember if Ray was as well.

[bornadog]

Just prior to the game starting, a little kid behind me (must of been max 4yo) says 'Ohh no daddy, not that bald umpire again'- Nichols.

How about the pathetic free Nichols gave off the ball when we were attacking. The ball was in our 50 and about 40 metres away, Selwood starts fighting with Gia and he gives the free to Selwood who started it. The incident had nothing to do with general play, it was a wrestling match.

And to top it all off with umpires, the last three weeks we copped the softest 50 metre penalties ever and yesterday not one was given to us for similar things. No consistency.

[G-Mo77]

How about the pathetic free Nichols gave off the ball when we were attacking. The ball was in our 50 and about 40 metres away, Selwood starts fighting with Gia and he gives the free to Selwood who started it. The incident had nothing to do with general play, it was a wrestling match.

I was actually watching that one pretty closely. Gia punched him twice, nothing forceful in it though. I don't know if it got caught on camera or not.

[LostDoggy]

Didn't we have these 2 together against Carlton? I know Nichols was there that day can't remember if Ray was as well.

Yes they were though I think we've had Ray another time as well.

[lemmon]

Couldnt get there yesterday so Im just watching it for the first time now but wow the defense is all at sea. Mulligan, Stack even Hargrave were blasted, Williams was beaten, Pickens game was underrated, Roughy has done some nice things, Libba looks like the year has gotten to him and same goes to Griff. Boyd has the heart of a lion though.

We look okay when we win the ball from the stoppage but we get mauled on the spread.

[Ghost Dog]

Couldnt get there yesterday so Im just watching it for the first time now but wow the defense is all at sea. Mulligan, Stack even Hargrave were blasted, Williams was beaten, Pickens game was underrated, Roughy has done some nice things, Libba looks like the year has gotten to him and same goes to Griff. Boyd has the heart of a lion though.

We look okay when we win the ball from the stoppage but we get mauled on the spread.

Watching the game on TV is a bit different. Tom did some good things. Maybe I noticed them more as he tended to do them near the boundary I was sitting near.

The debate over Boyd continues here on the thread, and how he should play. his first half was awful and that's when we got smashed / damage done. We need him, he does a good job, but aspects of his game frustrate and guess they always will. Nobody's perfect.

[anfo27]

Dissapointed that i told woofers not to worry as we would win because i was attending and my record is perfect, not any more.
Disgusted that we can serve up that tripe for 2 and a bit quarters and all of a sudden at the drop of a hat we can play like that. To many woofers giving players pats on the back for not lying down, wrong wrong wrong people. We were a rabble in that first half, we can not pat guys on the back for finally pulling their fingers out.
First time i have seen Mulligan play and my oh my he is a terrible player and i can't see what we see in this guy. We need to do what Jackie Moon would do and trade him to Frankston for their washing machine.
I think I'm going to make myself very unpopular on this forum with my next observation. After the Picken incident I turned to a mate and said Picken played that beautifully, he totally fooled the umpire. From my viewpoint it was clear, crystal clear that as soon as Picken felt contact he grabbed Darlings arm and fell to the ground dragging Darling with him. Risky move by Picken but one that he would get away with 9 times out of 10 and I'm positive if you asked Liam he would admit to it.
The free Gia got for holding the ball should go down as one of the worst frees paid this year. I'm not sure how a bloke is supposed to dispose of the ball when he is on his feet and he has Gia tackling him from behind and wee man dollhouse tackling him from the front and trying to rip the ball from him and all this with the guy having no prior oppourtunity. I've read a lot of posters say he dived on the ball, he may have went to ground to pick up the ball but he was on his feet and tackled by 2 players when he was pinned. Disgraceful decision.
Plenty of positives as well but we can't let that gloss over such a poor showing in that first half. I know we had players out and 8 changes before the game but its not about whos out there but rather effort and intensity we play with.

[LostDoggy]

Dissapointed that i told woofers not to worry as we would win because i was attending and my record is perfect, not any more.
Disgusted that we can serve up that tripe for 2 and a bit quarters and all of a sudden at the drop of a hat we can play like that. To many woofers giving players pats on the back for not lying down, wrong wrong wrong people. We were a rabble in that first half, we can not pat guys on the back for finally pulling their fingers out.



Eade has stated that he switched the whole game plan at half time.

To me that seems like the boys did a great job following a new plan of action after half time.

[always right]

I think I'm going to make myself very unpopular on this forum with my next observation. After the Picken incident I turned to a mate and said Picken played that beautifully, he totally fooled the umpire. From my viewpoint it was clear, crystal clear that as soon as Picken felt contact he grabbed Darlings arm and fell to the ground dragging Darling with him. Risky move by Picken but one that he would get away with 9 times out of 10 and I'm positive if you asked Liam he would admit to it.


Yes he grabbed his arm but it was fleeting....certainly didn't drag Darling down...he was already on his way. If we are going to accept free kicks being paid for this sort of thing we should expect them to be paid for almost every contest as there is technically a free kick every time.

[Hotdog60]

For my mind Picken got the first part of the free kick and Darling the second, it should have been play on.

[LostDoggy]

They would never pay a free like Pickens against an Essendon, Carlton, Richmond let alone collingwood.

[aker39]

I just watched the decision again while showing it to someone at my work.

I seriously think it is one of, if not, the worst decisions I have ever seen.

[the banker]

Yes he grabbed his arm but it was fleeting....certainly didn't drag Darling down...he was already on his way. If we are going to accept free kicks being paid for this sort of thing we should expect them to be paid for almost every contest as there is technically a free kick every time.

Agree

[Desipura]

I just watched the decision again while showing it to someone at my work.

I seriously think it is one of, if not, the worst decisions I have ever seen.
And given your background, who am I to argue with you.

[bornadog]

I just watched the decision again while showing it to someone at my work.

I seriously think it is one of, if not, the worst decisions I have ever seen.

Its hard to know what the umpire was thinking? I can't see on what basis this decision was paid as a free? This stopped our momentum and gave the Weagles a sniff. Straight after the goal was kicking Boyd was arguing with Razor all the way back to the centre and Razor was trying to justify it. Surely the club must complain about this.

[Mantis]

Its hard to know what the umpire was thinking? I can't see on what basis this decision was paid as a free? This stopped our momentum and gave the Weagles a sniff. Straight after the goal was kicking Boyd was arguing with Razor all the way back to the centre and Razor was trying to justify it. Surely the club must complain about this.

It isn't going to change the decision (or the result of the game) so I can't see the point.

[bornadog]

It isn't going to change the decision (or the result of the game) so I can't see the point.

so that dickheads are held responsible and hopefully are weeded out of the AFL. Why should he get away with it.

[aker39]

I have never seen a free like it. A man being tackled falling to ground having a free paid against him for holding the man. Bizarre. Giesch is going to have a hard time justifying that one.


For those on twitter, go here to make sure that decision is one of the decisions they talk about on What's your decision

http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?in_reply_to=97893244767186945

[Doc26]

I have never seen a free like it. A man being tackled falling to ground having a free paid against him for holding the man. Bizarre. Giesch is going to have a hard time justifying that one.

What we wont here from the Giesch:

"We are working with Ray to improve his appreciation on the 'feel' of where the game is at, to lessen the appearance of grandstanding and to educate Ray on the differences between whistle blowing at childrens parties to that required of a senior official, umpiring an AFL standard match. No doubt little Ray is coming from a fair way back and with this is mind we are rolling out our prototype electro-shock stun whistle that Ray will be required to wear until he appreciates that the game simply isn't all about Ray."

[AndrewP6]

What we wont here from the Giesch:

"We are working with Ray to improve his appreciation on the 'feel' of where the game is at, to lessen the appearance of grandstanding and to educate Ray on the differences between whistle blowing at childrens parties to that required of a senior official, umpiring an AFL standard match. No doubt little Ray is coming from a fair way back and with this is mind we are rolling out our prototype electro-shock stun whistle that Ray will be required to wear until he appreciates that the game simply isn't all about Ray."

This from Mark Stevens on Twitter:


"Giesch gives tick to Chamberlain for free against Picken for holding Darling. Thumbs down for holding ball call against Selwood RT Reply"

[Greystache]

This from Mark Stevens on Twitter:


"Giesch gives tick to Chamberlain for free against Picken for holding Darling. Thumbs down for holding ball call against Selwood RT Reply"

No surprises there, and it will just encourage the attention seeking little gnome to stamp his authority on the game at the big moment again next week. The culture among the umpiring fraternity is a disgrace, the most arrogant group of people on the field on a weekend aren't even the *!*!*!*!ing players!!

[comrade]

This from Mark Stevens on Twitter:


"Giesch gives tick to Chamberlain for free against Picken for holding Darling. Thumbs down for holding ball call against Selwood RT Reply"

What a joke. Is the AFL actually encouraging their die hard fans to turn away in droves by treating them as idiots?

It's no suprise that crowd numbers are down across all states (except a bandwagoning Western Australia).

[The Underdog]

What a joke. Is the AFL actually encouraging their die hard fans to turn away in droves by treating them as idiots?

I think their hubris is clouding their vision.

[aker39]

Well it's been good knowing you all.

I look forward to putting my time and energy in to something that I will respect and get some enjoyment out of.

The AFL is made up of the most pig headed, no sense of reality, scum.

I thought my love for the bulldogs would always out weigh any negatives of the competition, but Demetriou and his merry men have proved otherwise.

Melbourne Storm may just have a new member next year.

[bornadog]

Well it's been good knowing you all.

I look forward to putting my time and energy in to something that I will respect and get some enjoyment out of.

The AFL is made up of the most pig headed, no sense of reality, scum.

I thought my love for the bulldogs would always out weigh any negatives of the competition, but Demetriou and his merry men have proved otherwise.

Melbourne Storm may just have a new member next year.

Mate, the dogs still need you, *!*!*!*! the Afl

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Well it's been good knowing you all.

I look forward to putting my time and energy in to something that I will respect and get some enjoyment out of.

The AFL is made up of the most pig headed, no sense of reality, scum.

I thought my love for the bulldogs would always out weigh any negatives of the competition, but Demetriou and his merry men have proved otherwise.

Melbourne Storm may just have a new member next year.

Agree with you.

I can't stand the state of the game anymore, and the direction its headed in.

[LostDoggy]

The Dogs keep getting my money and my emotional investment, but the game -- meh, it's been dead to me for years.

[The Adelaide Connection]

The Dogs keep getting my money and my emotional investment, but the game -- meh, it's been dead to me for years.

Swings and roundabouts. If our season ends prematurely (could be as soon as this weekend if results go against us) then we will all feel a little like this.

But all the frustrating, moronic tamperings and decision making kinda fades into the background a little when the Dogs are up and about. Hopefully the distraction of winning comes back very soon.

[Sockeye Salmon]

The Dogs keep getting my money and my emotional investment, but the game -- meh, it's been dead to me for years.

This

[Ghost Dog]

What a joke. Is the AFL actually encouraging their die hard fans to turn away in droves by treating them as idiots?

It's no suprise that crowd numbers are down across all states (except a bandwagoning Western Australia).

there was quite a bit of disquiet amongst fans at the wc game. if you listen to the crowd, its always about ump this and ump that. negative culture building? where are the stats for that fact abve? not surprised if true

[Mantis]

there was quite a bit of disquiet amongst fans at the wc game. if you listen to the crowd, its always about ump this and ump that. negative culture building? where are the stats for that fact abve? not surprised if true

Is your caps lock button broken?

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Is your caps lock button broken?

I needed a laugh and you sir delivered. :D

[Desipura]

I needed a laugh and you sir delivered. :D
He doesnt normally joke, are you sure?:D

[comrade]

there was quite a bit of disquiet amongst fans at the wc game. if you listen to the crowd, its always about ump this and ump that. negative culture building? where are the stats for that fact abve? not surprised if true

There was an article in the Herald Scum last week (I think) which touched on crowd numbers being down across the board.

The AFL obviously denied that there was any issue. Probably blamed it on the carbon tax.