GVGjr
21-04-2007, 07:24 AM
Twinkle toes Murphy is back (http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,21594873%255E20322,00.html)
BEYOND the emphatic five-goal win by the Western Bulldogs, there was glint of greater expectations from coach Rodney Eade last night.
The fact his men levelled the win-loss ledger at 2-2 at the expense of Richmond was satisfying, as was a team total of 20 goals under the MCG lights.
But when the stats sheets showed eight goals shared by Robert Murphy and Luke Darcy, Eade really had something to smile about.
Both men have had stuttering starts to the year on their return from knee reconstructions but last night Bulldogs fans saw glimpses of what the pair are capable of.
Murphy and Darcy dispelled the myth that the Dogs were too reliant on skipper Brad Johnson when they went inside the forward 50.
"On tonight we can improve," Eade said.
"Individuals will get better. It was good to see Darcy and Murphy. They were the two positives."
Darcy booted three goals in the first term and another in the second, while Murphy collected three of his four goals after halftime.
Johnson, meanwhile, had a productive 20-possession game that produced just two goals.
Eade conceded that Darcy and Murphy were still not at their top, but while his big man may take a bit more time, the dynamic Murphy is ready to flourish.
"I think Darcy is still a little bit away. He took some marks and kicked some goals but Murph, he's not far away. You could see some signs tonight. He had his twinkle toes back and his agility," Eade said.
"The main thing with them tonight is they would have gained confidence."
Eade was clearly satisfied with the victory after his side led from start to finish, but he conceded his side was still rusty in some areas.
"Our skills at times, I suppose we set a high benchmark for ourselves, but certainly our skill level and decision-making can get better," he said.
The Bulldogs were tested by Richmond when the difference melted to 15 points early in the last quarter, but to kick away again was a big plus for Eade.
"They had a fair bit of ball in that third quarter – they kicked 3.8 or something – they had momentum and obviously their tails up, but full credit to our guys, they we able to answer that," Eade said.
"I think the win was really set up in the first half.
"Our pressure really opened the game up. Hopefully we can maintain that.
"In hindsight, it was a good plus we were able to answer that challenge. The guys will get a bit of confidence from that. Full credit to Richmond, they dug deep."
BEYOND the emphatic five-goal win by the Western Bulldogs, there was glint of greater expectations from coach Rodney Eade last night.
The fact his men levelled the win-loss ledger at 2-2 at the expense of Richmond was satisfying, as was a team total of 20 goals under the MCG lights.
But when the stats sheets showed eight goals shared by Robert Murphy and Luke Darcy, Eade really had something to smile about.
Both men have had stuttering starts to the year on their return from knee reconstructions but last night Bulldogs fans saw glimpses of what the pair are capable of.
Murphy and Darcy dispelled the myth that the Dogs were too reliant on skipper Brad Johnson when they went inside the forward 50.
"On tonight we can improve," Eade said.
"Individuals will get better. It was good to see Darcy and Murphy. They were the two positives."
Darcy booted three goals in the first term and another in the second, while Murphy collected three of his four goals after halftime.
Johnson, meanwhile, had a productive 20-possession game that produced just two goals.
Eade conceded that Darcy and Murphy were still not at their top, but while his big man may take a bit more time, the dynamic Murphy is ready to flourish.
"I think Darcy is still a little bit away. He took some marks and kicked some goals but Murph, he's not far away. You could see some signs tonight. He had his twinkle toes back and his agility," Eade said.
"The main thing with them tonight is they would have gained confidence."
Eade was clearly satisfied with the victory after his side led from start to finish, but he conceded his side was still rusty in some areas.
"Our skills at times, I suppose we set a high benchmark for ourselves, but certainly our skill level and decision-making can get better," he said.
The Bulldogs were tested by Richmond when the difference melted to 15 points early in the last quarter, but to kick away again was a big plus for Eade.
"They had a fair bit of ball in that third quarter – they kicked 3.8 or something – they had momentum and obviously their tails up, but full credit to our guys, they we able to answer that," Eade said.
"I think the win was really set up in the first half.
"Our pressure really opened the game up. Hopefully we can maintain that.
"In hindsight, it was a good plus we were able to answer that challenge. The guys will get a bit of confidence from that. Full credit to Richmond, they dug deep."