Dogs don't want to rebuild, says captain Matthew Boyd

[The Coon Dog]

Sam Edmund - Herald Sun - 8 December

WESTERN Bulldogs skipper Matthew Boyd says the Dogs' premiership window is still open - because they will keep it open.

A run of three consecutive preliminary finals came to a shuddering halt last season, when a 10th-place finish lead to the sacking of veteran senior coach Rodney Eade.

The subsequent retirement of Barry Hall and departures of Callan Ward and Ben Hudson have seen the critics write the Dogs off as a premiership threat.

But Boyd said the winds of change at the Whitten Oval didn't mean his side would stay on the outer.

Article in full... (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/dogs-dont-want-to-rebuild-says-captain-matthew-boyd/story-e6frf9jf-1226217287605)

[Sockeye Salmon]

Sam Edmund - Herald Sun - 8 December

WESTERN Bulldogs skipper Matthew Boyd says the Dogs' premiership window is still open - because they will keep it open.

A run of three consecutive preliminary finals came to a shuddering halt last season, when a 10th-place finish lead to the sacking of veteran senior coach Rodney Eade.

The subsequent retirement of Barry Hall and departures of Callan Ward and Ben Hudson have seen the critics write the Dogs off as a premiership threat.

But Boyd said the winds of change at the Whitten Oval didn't mean his side would stay on the outer.

Article in full... (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/dogs-dont-want-to-rebuild-says-captain-matthew-boyd/story-e6frf9jf-1226217287605)

Wishing it doesn't make it so

[comrade]

Or in other words, "please don't drop off fickle members".

[the banker]

This is the right state of mind for the players to take into 2012. And members. Why lay down?

[LostDoggy]

This is the right state of mind for the players to take into 2012. And members. Why lay down?

Agree. Aim high.

[LostDoggy]

This is the right state of mind for the players to take into 2012. And members. Why lay down?

Couldn't agree more - let's just hope the supporters/members feel the same and sign up again! ;)

[LostDoggy]

This is the right state of mind for the players to take into 2012. And members. Why lay down?
Absolutely. What do you want the captain to say? Dogs need to fight hard this year.

[Murphy'sLore]

That idiot Greg Denholm was banging on about it this morning on SEN, saying "Brad Boyd" shouldn't be misleading the members about the Bulldogs' chances -- said it all really.

Good to hear someone ring up and correct him, but it's appalling that KB didn't pick him upon it.

[Bulldog Joe]

I'm with Boydy on this.

We did have a horror run last year and the early season fixturing made it really difficult and I believe added to the injury woes.

A few early wins does marvels for the confidence of the group AND if we get Lake, Morris and Cooney on the park fit and firing we will be dangerous.

The fixture is much better in 2012 as well.

Winnable even on 2011 form are
Rd 1) West Coast at Etihad
Rd 2) Adelaide in Adelaide
Rd 3) St Kilda at Etihad
Rd 4) Melbourne at the G
Rd 5) GWS at Manuka

If they got 4 of those 5 they would be feeling pretty confident and could approach

Rd 6) Collingwood at Etihad
Rd 7) North Melbourne at Etihad
Rd 8) Gold Coast in Darwin

with an expectation of perhaps 2 of 3.

If we get to round 8 at 6 and 2 (or better) plenty will think we are more than an outside finals chance.

Time to be positive.

[KT31]

Wishing it doesn't make it so

I don't no, in "97" you had us gone after a round one loss to Freo.
And it nearly cost me the worst kiss of my life.:p
And you wished you would Marry someone above of your legue and we both accomplished that.:D