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BulldogBelle
24-02-2007, 09:27 PM
An article about Aker, he definitely is very happy to be a Bulldog!

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It's fantastic to be a Dog: Aker
by: Paul Gough - Sportal

Fantastic was the way Jason Akermanis described the experience of playing his first game for the Western Bulldogs as the 2001 Brownlow Medalist finally donned his new colours for the first time on Saturday.

After months of build-up since his sensational switch from Brisbane to the Bulldogs during the October trade period, Akermanis finally took to the field and although below his best gave Doggies' fans plenty to look forward to as he played his part in the club's 27-point first-round NAB Cup win over Sydney in Canberra.

Akermanis had just 10 possessions as he was well tagged after half-time by Sydney rookie Kieren Jack, who himself has been in the news recently having been one of four players named for betting on AFL matches.

On his 30th birthday, Akermanis had the first touch of the game and almost kicked a goal after just six minutes.

The former Lion had several telling touches in the first half and although quieter after half-time saved his most important contribution for the start of the final term when he set up a goal for Shaun Higgins in the opening minute, which all but sealed the Dogs' victory.

After the game Akermanis told Fox Sports he was satisfied with his first outing for his new club.

"It wasn't too bad first-up," he said.

Akermanis is clearly revelling in his change of scenery after falling out spectacularly with Brisbane Lions' coach Leigh Matthews last year, following a series of controversial public comments.

"It's fantastic, I can't believe it's taken me 30 years to play for the Bulldogs," he said.

Akermanis was at his showy best at half-time when he stopped to give young Jack some advice after the half-time siren and he paid tribute to the 19-year-old son of rugby league legend Garry after the game.

"It's all part of it, I really enjoyed it," he said of Jack's close marking throughout the match.

"Maybe if (number one Swans' tagger) Jared Crouch can't come up this year, he (Jack) could take over and I will be looking to next time we play them."

Aker Article (http://www.sportal.com.au/football.asp?i=news&id=95000)

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BulldogBelle
24-02-2007, 09:40 PM
Another Aker related article, this time from Bris player Charman - obviously Aker does bother some of the Lions players, Charman being one of them, enough to talk to the media about it.

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Aker doesn’t bother Lions
The Border Mail 24.02.07

THE threat of Western Bulldog Jason Akermanis being let off the leash does not scare the Brisbane Lions, according to Jamie Charman.

Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade has asked Akermanis to cut the Lions bashing he was doing but has stopped short of gagging the onballer.

But Brisbane’s No. 1 ruckman Charman says the Lions would not be listening to Akermanis.

“I don’t think any of us care what he thinks at the moment, he’s got no affect on us whatsoever,” Charman said.

“We don’t care what he says.

“You’d be surprised at what a tight bunch we are at the moment.”

Charman article (http://www.bordermail.com.au/news/bm/sport/674541.html)

Sunshine
24-02-2007, 10:01 PM
The Lions will seriously be distracted when we play them trying to level the score with Akermanis.I cant miss this game so I had better book it.

Charmdog
24-02-2007, 10:57 PM
Look the Lions are annoyed with Aker doesn't matter what they say or do it reminds me when Brown left us in the manner that he did - it annoyed us and the club to no end at the time. So a bit of verbal sniping is normal when an important player leaves your club.