Game Day 2012 - R21 Western Bulldogs vs Sydney

[BulldogBelle]

This is the discussion thread for our Sunday afternoon game against Sydney at EH.

My predictions are:

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

[AndrewP6]

I was surprised to read some of the tips in the Hun today, I don't expect us to get close.

Swans by 60+
BOG for us Willbur
First goal....ummm... Jong.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Swans by 68
BOG - Wallis
First goal - Higgins

[LostDoggy]

Swans by 115
BOG: Griff
First Goal : Someone who should be in the backline.

[bornadog]

Swans by plenty

BOG: Wallis

first Goal: Dicko

Have we ever played the Swans at Eithad? I don't think we have.

[LostDoggy]

Dogs to win by forfeit due to the whole swans team getting bird flu (fingers crossed)

First goal Wallis
bog For us Griff

[Eastdog]

Dogs by 1 point in thriller :D
BOG: Wallis
First Goal: Minson

[Sockeye Salmon]

Swans by plenty

BOG: Wallis

first Goal: Dicko

Have we ever played the Swans at Eithad? I don't think we have.

The last time was a NAB Cup game in 2005.

I think we played them in a NAB Cup game in 2004 as well. I think I took my pup in a pram when he was about 2 months old.

[westdog54]

Just looked at some stats, We've got 12 players who have less than 50 games to Sydney's 6, and 5 teenagers to Sydney's 1.

This will get ugly even by recent standards.

Swans by 80, Dicko first goal and Wallis bog

[Ghost Dog]

Just looked at some stats, We've got 12 players who have less than 50 games to Sydney's 6, and 5 teenagers to Sydney's 1.

This will get ugly even by recent standards.

Swans by 80, Dicko first goal and Wallis bog

Swans by 60+

BOG: Boyd
First goal: Skinner

Like to see us retain possession early and get our hands on it ; make them run around a bit. Am sure we can't outlast physically, but hope we catch them on the burst now and then.
Then again, are we 'educating' or actually trying to win?

[Greystache]

Sydney by 60+
BOG- Wallis
First goal- Dickson

[comrade]

The line is at 46.5 - get on Sydney to cover it comfortably.

BOG: Hopefully Wallis.
FG: Griff.

[westdog54]

The line is at 46.5 - get on Sydney to cover it comfortably.

BOG: Hopefully Wallis.
FG: Griff.

That's easy money.

[LostDoggy]

Sydney by <Insert Big Number Here>
BOG: Griff
First Goal: Gia

[AndrewP6]

Sydney by <Insert Big Number Here>
BOG: Griff
First Goal: Gia

I just noticed your signature. I'm sure you coped quite well ;)

[LostDoggy]

I just noticed your signature. I'm sure you coped quite well ;)

Yeah should change that. I saw a score here and there and wasn't missing it one bit :rolleyes:

[LostDoggy]

Heart: Dogs by 28
Head: Swans by 72
BOG: Murphy
FG: Dicko

[LostDoggy]

The last time was a NAB Cup game in 2005.

I think we played them in a NAB Cup game in 2004 as well. I think I took my pup in a pram when he was about 2 months old.

Didn't we play a semi final against them at etihad? The game that hooper kicked his goal from a dodgy free kick that got him a 2 year contract!

Swans by 78
Lake our best
First goal Gia

I'm predicting we will kick about 5 goals today. Sydney have the best defense in the league IMO.

Also it's going to be one of them embarrassing days for the club when your outnumbered by an interstate side playing at home..

[Sockeye Salmon]

Didn't we play a semi final against them at etihad? The game that hooper kicked his goal from a dodgy free kick that got him a 2 year contract!

..

That was at the G

[Eastdog]

That was at the G

That game we played them in the semi finals was a good comeback by us as we looked like going out in straight sets as we finished top 4 in 2010.

[bornadog]

Barry Hall in the Social Club today.

[LostDoggy]

Bulldogs by 9
First: Higgins
BOG: Griff

[bornadog]

Cooney Sub, no changes.

[F'scary]

No, you are all wrong. I can feel an upset today.

Dogs by 9 points
BOG Wallis
1st goal Minson.

You heard it here first!

[F'scary]

Bulldogs by 9
First: Higgins
BOG: Griff

Wow - weird - missed this when I posted (2 ships?) 9 points for us too - did you have the same dream last night as me? It is a sign.:cool:

[F'scary]

got to go - being harrassed off PC by 5 year old who wants to play games - back asap

[Go_Dogs]

Not expecting anything close to a good result on the scoreboard, but hopefully we can see some more promising signs from the younger players.

[westdog54]

Anyone have money on Brian kicking the first goal?

[Go_Dogs]

Good start, couple of nice touches for Smith inside the first clearance, and nice work by Griff and Lake to finish off.

[Go_Dogs]

Smith is going to be a relentlessly elite stoppage player in a few years, he's already very good.

Good to see Skinner get involved, Dickson has started very well.

[westdog54]

Don't do this to me Dogs. Don't start like this unless you can see it through...

[azabob]

Smith is going to be a relentlessly elite stoppage player in a few years, he's already very good.

Good to see Skipper get involved, Dickson has started very well.

Skipper / Skinner / Boyd?

[Eastdog]

Good start once again but as westdog54 said let's see it through for the entire match. Been impressed with Dickson and Minson.

[Go_Dogs]

Skipper / Skinner / Boyd?

:o I meant Skinner, have edited now.


Addison with the dribbler!

[GVGjr]

Gee I underrated what Dickson could do with us in his first season when we first got him.
With another full pre-season I wonder if he has another level in him.

[EasternWest]

Super crumbing by Addison.

[westdog54]

:o I meant Skinner, have edited now.


Addison with the dribbler!

Very nicely done by DFA.

Geez DJ is such a panicked footballer, should have done so much better then.

[GVGjr]

Jong puts his head over the footy doesn't he?

[Eastdog]

Griffen been really good as well. Lin Jong showing something.

[Go_Dogs]

Gee I underrated what Dickson could do with us in his first season when we first got him.
With another full pre-season I wonder if he has another level in him.

I think he definitely has more improvement in him as his fitness improves and he can do more work defensively.

[azabob]

Gee I underrated what Dickson could do with us in his first season when we first got him.
With another full pre-season I wonder if he has another level in him.

You would have to think so, he would be able to cover more ground and have repeated efforts throughout the four quarters.
He is such a clever player, could easily kick 50 goals in a top four side.

[EasternWest]

Gee I underrated what Dickson could do with us in his first season when we first got him.
With another full pre-season I wonder if he has another level in him.

He's so very clever.

Kicking style aside, I think Smith looks like he'll be a fine player.

[westdog54]

Jong puts his head over the footy doesn't he?

By my count he's won 3 frees for high tackles.

Good sign, and an effective centre clearance to boot.

We're getting the bounce going our way in front of goal ATM.

I reckon Longmire will be furious at the moment.

That's a very bad miss by DJ.

[GVGjr]

Kicking style aside, I think Smith looks like he'll be a fine player.

No doubt he is a youngster who has a go.

[westdog54]

Oh for Christs sake DJ!!

I don't like singling out players, but bugger me, he's a liability at the moment.

[westdog54]

Wood seems to be doing ok against Goodes so far.

Decision making in the last 5 minutes has been poor, could have really pressed the advantage.

I'll take that start though. Good quarter.

[EasternWest]

Ok I'll say it. Skinner did ok that quarter.

We seemed to have the rub of the green in the first. The real test will come after the break.

Happy enough with our intent. Seem switched on.

[Go_Dogs]

Great first quarter. Griffen on fire, Jong good, Wood battling well against Goodes, Smith doing well, Wallis a few good involvements.

A couple of noticeable mistakes by DJ, does some good things but undoes most of that with poor decision/execution.

Big focus on moving the ball quickly and taking the game on this week, good to see.

[DOG GOD]

What a difference it makes when we are making the play, not standing stagnant, and taking the game on...hope they don't go into their shells if swans get on a roll.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Best quarter of the year for us.
Griffen 16 touches, and most of them to our advantage.
Lin Jong has done very well in terms of hardness at the contest, as well as Smith.
Wood has looked good so far on Goodes, and Dickson very constructive up forward.
Higgins very lively as well.

Considering the last time we played the Swans it was over by quarter time, it's a great result for us to have kicked 6 goals to their 3.
Lets hope the positive signs continue.
It will be interesting to see how Sydney react to Griffen's dominance, and how Griffen responds.

[Eastdog]

One of the best quarters from us this year at this rate we are going to score over 100 points but time will tell. Hopefully we can stay in the match right to the end. Great qtr by Griff racking 16 possessions. We really looked switched on right now.

[GVGjr]

We rode our luck a bit that quarter and it's going to be a good test to maintain that work rate into the next quarter.
Griffen was excellent in that quarter I thought and Dickson is a nightmare for them.

[westdog54]

Great first quarter. Griffen on fire, Jong good, Wood battling well against Goodes, Smith doing well, Wallis a few good involvements.

A couple of noticeable mistakes by DJ, does some good things but undoes most of that with poor decision/execution.

Big focus on moving the ball quickly and taking the game on this week, good to see.

6 Kicks, 3 Handballs and 4 free kicks to quarter time, in his second game of footy.

Liking what I see.

Skinner gets a pass mark that quarter but lets see the game through.

Smiths kicking is very ugly to watch but I think the intent behind the kick, the decision itself, is good.

Longmire doesn't look to be a happy man.

[westdog54]

That's a soft goal to LRT, dissapointing.

Poor kick by Roughead to get it back to Goodes for the set-up

[Go_Dogs]

Maybe we should give Griff a week off more often!

[westdog54]

I just said the following out loud to myself:

"Well done JJ, good kick j... oh for F!*!*!*!'s sake DJ!!!" I'm struggling to remember when I seen a footballer with such an ability to undo so much hard work.

Griffen is having a day out, that kick to Picken was a rip snorter.

[DOG GOD]

Stupid mistakes costing goals.

[Ghost Dog]

Turnover city arizona. Just happy to get to 50 points.
COME ON DOGS

[Eastdog]

The turnovers are hurting us. Can we replicate this 1st half in the 2nd half?

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

I knew it was too good to be true. We've reverted back to type this quarter and Sydney well on top now

[Mantis]

The turnovers are hurting us. Can we replicate this 1st half in the 2nd half?

Going on the last 8 weeks (and the last 20min) I can't see it happening... Hopefully we don't fall away too far because there has been some good signs which will be quickly be forgotten if we cop another belting.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Markovic and Roughead in the backline together makes for a too lumbering setup and both not good below their knees.

[DOG GOD]

What the F is wrong with murph? Christ sake!!

[MrMahatma]

Lot of the turnovers coming from senior guys. Disappointing. But gotta be heartened by some of the kids.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Nice repeat defensive effort from Dickson, two important tackles in the same passage of play.

[GVGjr]

Going on the last 8 weeks (and the last 20min) I can't see it happening... Hopefully we don't fall away too far because there has been some good signs which will be quickly be forgotten if we cop another belting.

Same here. We need to get a couple of goals early in the 3rd quarter to get back some momentum. The last quarter won't be pretty if we don't play well in the 3rd.

Maybe Cooney can spark us.

[bornadog]

Two woeful umpiring decisions in front of goal really cost us that quarter as we as the turnovers from Marcovic and Boyd and Murphy.

DJ is do lucky to be out there, I don't understand why he is playing. As for Skinner he can't play

[DOG GOD]

Roughy and markovic aren't good under pressure down back together...this is one of the worst murph games I've seen...and once again Gia offering nothing!!!

Kids doing well..smith hard as nails.

Boyd the usual disposal hack.

[DOG GOD]

Two woeful umpiring decisions in front of goal really cost us that quarter as we as the turnovers from Marcovic and Boyd and Murphy.

DJ is do lucky to be out there, I don't understand why he is playing. As for Skinner he can't play

Yep!!

[Ghost Dog]

Roughy and markovic aren't good under pressure down back together...this is one of the worst murph games I've seen...and once again Gia offering nothing!!!

Kids doing well..smith hard as nails.

Boyd the usual disposal hack.

Boyd's done some very good things too. His in close game is fantastic. Anything long is a problem.

[LostDoggy]

What's going on? Just logged on to check out scores. The stats are telling me Boyd and Griff getting a lot of it and without Dickson the Swans would double us in the tackle stat.



Anyone have money on Brian kicking the first goal?


Swans by 115
BOG: Griff
First Goal : Someone who should be in the backline.
Is that close enough WD? Didn't have any money on it though.

,

[DOG GOD]

Anything where Boyd has to kick the ball is a problem :)

[LongWait]

Boyd's done some very good things too. His in close game is fantastic. Anything long is a problem.

Boyd's decision-making is a worry. As well as his disposal. Heart the size of the MCG though!

[westdog54]

Is that close enough WD? Didn't have any money on it though.

,

I suppose you get it on a techincality.

[GVGjr]

Two woeful umpiring decisions in front of goal really cost us that quarter as we as the turnovers from Marcovic and Boyd and Murphy.

DJ is do lucky to be out there, I don't understand why he is playing. As for Skinner he can't play

Murphy has been disappointing and his skills have dropped off over the past few weeks.
Boyd looks flat to me.

DJ just doesn't have the poise or the clean skills required and Skinner ahead of Grant still surprises me.

[LostDoggy]

Is that close enough WD? Didn't have any money on it though.
,


I suppose you get it on a techincality.

Don't blow any wind up my ar$e. I'll take the close enough. A true tipster would lay a few over the TAB.

[Ghost Dog]

EVERY time Djekurra touches it, bad things happen. Every time.
Skinner adds nothing.
Easton Wood doing really well on Goodes.

[LostDoggy]

Boyd looks flat to me.


Look, I'm a big Boyd basher, but he still has 21 touches at halftime! Surely someone flat couldn't do that? Don't get me wrong, Having not seen any of the game, I know disposals don't mean much in terms of BOG etc. But he must be applying something to get it that many times?

[Ghost Dog]

Griffen is having an absolute blinder.

[Eastdog]

Clay Smith has been good. The Swans getting away we need too now lift.

[westdog54]

That mark from Skinner frustrates me more than anything.

How does he drop sitters and yet clunk a mark like that?

Had to convert that.

Cooney warming up on the boundary.

[Eastdog]

That mark from Skinner frustrates me more than anything.

How does he drop sitters and yet clunk a mark like that?

Had to convert that.

Cooney warming up on the boundary.

Who will he replace.

[DOG GOD]

About to get very very ugly....hold on tight.

[MrMahatma]

This will blow out now.

Come on fellas. Lift.

[Eastdog]

We need to find that intensity again otherwise this will be another 10 plus goal loss.

[LostDoggy]

And the game plan has left the building.........

[westdog54]

That was good by JJ, read the situation well. Seems a very balanced footballer.

[MrMahatma]

Lake looks like he wants to be elsewhere. Far out.

[Evel]

Dicksons goal ends a 10 goal streak by the swans.

[Eastdog]

Tory Dickson has been great for a first year player and is only going to get better. We have to stem the flow now and stop them scoring.

[Ghost Dog]

Higgins - not that impressed with his fitness.

[MrMahatma]

I see light at the end of the tunnel. I reckon we'll be half decent next year.

[Eastdog]

Addison been good in the forward line with 3 goals. Griff may get 3 Brownlow votes for this game.

[Ghost Dog]

It's frustrating that normally good players are coughing it up a bit. But not for some skill errors, it would be less of a margin. the last 10 mins of that quarter was better. Glad to see Griff finally getting some media attention he deserves. Dickson, great in the tackle. Hope to see something from Cooney. Minno great. Cordy will come good in the end I reckon.

[GVGjr]

The last 6 or 7 minutes of that quarter turned things around a bit for us but we are a mile off them.

I hope we can kick 4 goals in the final quarter but I think we are more likely to fade.

Smith was very strong in 3rd quarter and has had a very good game. Roberts is struggling with some of his kicking and decision making.

[bornadog]

Griffen is a one man show with 38 disposals to 3/4 time

[westdog54]

Goodes getting on top of Wood now. Wood needs to be able to handle big jobs like this if he's going to be regarded as a top line defender. I think he's more than capable.

[Maddog37]

I like Roberts and JJ. Both seem to have good foot skills.

Goodes is a simultaneously trying to play and umpire.

[GVGjr]

Griffin is a one man show with 38 disposals to 3/4 time

38? Sensational stuff.

[westdog54]

I see light at the end of the tunnel. I reckon we'll be half decent next year.

A lot will depend on fitness and injuries. I can't see us winning many, if any, more games but I think we will be more competitive and not get blown away as badly as we have been.

[Eastdog]

Great courage from Lin Jong. Addison has had a very good game.

[stefoid]

EVERY time Djekurra touches it, bad things happen. Every time.
Skinner adds nothing.
Easton Wood doing really well on Goodes.

We wish him well in his future career.

[KT31]

Addison been good in the forward line with 3 goals. Griff may get 3 Brownlow votes for this game.

Four now and shows a bit forward.
Why hasn't he been tried there earlier ?
Griff 3 votes.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

Four now and shows a bit forward.
Why hasn't he been tried there earlier ?
Griff 3 votes.
Thats because they didn't listen to me, I've been asking for it all season. Well on second thoughts I think that he has really enjoyed the new coach! He gets a game;)

[Eastdog]

We are a chance to keep it under 40 points today.

[EasternWest]

Picken has owned Jetta to this point and Addison has smashed Shaw. They'll both deservedly get votes from me.

[Eastdog]

Maybe not under 40. The Swans up by 10 goals.

[Eastdog]

Gia has been very good in terms of goal kicking with 27 goals overall now. I see him playing on in 2013. Also good to see Cooney playing. Could you see Cooney playing a forward role.

[Eastdog]

Griff 47 possies. Club record.

[GVGjr]

Griff 47 possies. Club record.

Where are you getting these facts from?

[westdog54]

Where are you getting these facts from?

I think the commentary team made mention of it.

EDIT: Confirmed Club record and the 11th highest possession count of all time.

[LostDoggy]

Damn its so disappointing how they just drop off so easily. Glad some can see light at the end of the tunnel, cause I cant.

[GVGjr]

I think the commentary team made mention of it.

From the TV? Got it.

[Eastdog]

I think the commentary team made mention of it.

The commentary team said but for all we know they are wrong.

[Eastdog]

Damn its so disappointing how they just drop off so easily. Glad some can see light at the end of the tunnel, cause I cant.

There were a lot of positives in the 1st half but once again we dropped off dramatically and lost by a huge margin.

[westdog54]

The commentary team said but for all we know they are wrong.

No, they're right, see my post above. Boyd and Simon Atkins shared the record at 45 previously.

[Hotdog60]

Dickson spoiled the end of his game by spending the ball before he had it. Well not really spoiled it but missed a couple of chances.

[Eastdog]

No, they're right, see my post above. Boyd and Simon Atkins shared the record at 45 previously.

Thanks for clearing that up. Very good individual achievement from Ryan Griffen.

[EasternWest]

No, they're right, see my post above. Boyd and Simon Atkins shared the record at 45 previously.

Didn't West also get 45 at WCE when he singlehandedly won us a game over there?

[bornadog]

We must be the worst team in the AFL for the second half of the season

[Maddog37]

These fade outs are really poor. Anyone got suggestions why the drop off is so pronounced?

[GVGjr]

We must be the worst team in the AFL for the second half of the season

Hard to mount an argument against that. Really poor last quarters have hurt us in a big way.

[Ghost Dog]

At least you could watch it. We kicked enough goals and did enough right to actual make it viewable.

[KT31]

These fade outs are really poor. Anyone got suggestions why the drop off is so pronounced?
Could be a case of the younger and smaller bodies feel the bumps more and also need a few more kilometres in the legs.
And the older ones just don't have the kilometers left.

[firstdogonthemoon]

At least you could watch it. We kicked enough goals and did enough right to actual make it viewable.

It was watchable up till the fourth quarter i thought. And I found myself blaming the umpires for some of the debacle which was nice for a change.

[LostDoggy]

gee I hope there are some sweeping changes come the end of the season.

[Mantis]

We must be the worst team in the AFL for the second half of the season

We were out on our feet 1/2 way thru the 2nd qtr.

I hope the focus thru the pre-season is on our running ability because our fitness sucks at present.

[westdog54]

We were out on our feet 1/2 way thru the 2nd qtr.

I hope the focus thru the pre-season is on our running ability because our fitness sucks at present.

Definitely been a big issue, I think we had 5 first year players today plus another 3 who have done only two preseasons, plus what appeared to be a very top-heavy backline, which is more a selection issue than a fitness issue.

[Ghost Dog]

Definitely been a big issue, I think we had 5 first year players today plus another 3 who have done only two preseasons, plus what appeared to be a very top-heavy backline, which is more a selection issue than a fitness issue.

Problem is, senior players were amongst those walking around. Telling vision when you have the wide shot on TV. We were going forward and some players, 3rd quarter, just having a stroll.

[GVGjr]

We were out on our feet 1/2 way thru the 2nd qtr.

I hope the focus thru the pre-season is on our running ability because our fitness sucks at present.

Given McCartney's emphasis on adding size it's going to be difficult to juggle both size and fitness. Improving our fitness levels is more critical based on the last half of the season.

[Eastdog]

These fade outs are really poor. Anyone got suggestions why the drop off is so pronounced?

The younger bodies in the team and our overall fitness I think really need work. I just feel that the 82 point margin flattered us a bit. We simply aren't a 4 qtr team at present.

[Maddog37]

Cannot play Ruffy and Marko in the back line together. If the match committee intend Ruffy to stay as a backman long term then I would delist Marko.

Gone at years end for me would be DJ, Marko, Hooper, Grub, Gilbs, Shaggy, Moles. Is that enough?

Borderline Zeph and Panos.

[azabob]

Cannot play Ruffy and Marko in the back line together. If the match committee intend Ruffy to stay as a backman long term then I would delist Marko.

Gone at years end for me would be DJ, Marko, Hooper, Grub, Gilbs, Shaggy, Moles. Is that enough?

Borderline Zeph and Panos.

Grub?

[Maddog37]

Mulligan.

[GVGjr]

Cannot play Ruffy and Marko in the back line together. If the match committee intend Ruffy to stay as a backman long term then I would delist Marko.
.

I think that is why we need to move Roughead forward for the last two games and it's one of the reasons why I can't find a spot of Cordy.

[bornadog]

I think that is why we need to move Roughead forward for the last two games and it's one of the reasons why I can't find a spot of Cordy.

Personally I can't find a spot for Marko either.

[LostDoggy]

Mulligan.

Does that mean we get to delete the game today and play it again ? :D

[AndrewP6]

The most disappointing thing today for mine, apart from the blowout, was the poor contributions/efforts from some of our senior players.

[Maddog37]

The most disappointing thing today for mine, apart from the blowout, was the poor contributions/efforts from some of our senior players.

That will be more and more the case though won't it? That is part of the transition to the next generation.

[Ghost Dog]

That will be more and more the case though won't it? That is part of the transition to the next generation.

Doesn't have to be that way does it? Goodes, Fletch, Barry Hall. Age does / did not diminish them. I reckon Bob has to go back to basics. He's doing some really, really, risky things of late. Too cute by half.
Out of the back half, sometimes a contested ball on the boundary is better than a pinpoint pass inside our own 50.

[AndrewP6]

That will be more and more the case though won't it? That is part of the transition to the next generation.

On the contrary, the younger blokes need their senior 'leaders' to show them how it's done (and by 'It's', I mean fundamentals.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

The most disappointing thing today for mine, apart from the blowout, was the poor contributions/efforts from some of our senior players.

We lacked desperation under pressure apart from Griffen Addison and Smith who were terrific today. Competitive players like Cross Dahlhaus Liberatore and Williams have been big losses. The poor use of Lake by the MC didn't help. If he is meant to play FF then leave him there. Little point Lake playing loose in defence for half the game.We were beaten badly out of the centre once Minson began to tire. This would have been the opportunity to use Campbell who looks our best option as a second string ruckman. Roughead is still coming to terms as a defender and still needs more experience down back.Against the talent of the SS, DJ Cordy Skinner and newcomer Roberts didn't measure up today. Markovic Wood Higgins and Cooney were all underdone.

[Hotdog60]

I mentioned this once before, but could Skinner make it as a defender. His leap maybe to advantage and today he was at HB and sold the dummy and looked ok. He rucked better than Cordy. Marking wouldn't be nearly as crucial providing he can spoil, has a bit of zip and like to tackle.

Might save him.

[SlimPickens]

The most disappointing thing today for mine, apart from the blowout, was the poor contributions/efforts from some of our senior players.

Agree time after time they turned the ball over.

Boyd handballing it to a stagnate Gia who missed the handball back causing a turnover, the missed handball between Lake and Murphy.


All in all an ordinary day for the senior group

[G-Mo77]

Murphy and Lake would have been in the MMM worst votes.

I don't know, the scoreboard looked horrible but there were a few glimpses there that were impressive. The first quarter is were we want to be, maintaining that is the hard part.

[AndrewP6]

Mark Stevens Tweeting that Gilbs has retired, "still has sore spots, so no farewell game"

[Eastdog]

Mark Stevens Tweeting that Gilbs has retired, "still has sore spots, so no farewell game"

Could they do something if not the last two rounds first round 2013 for Gilbee.

[Ghost Dog]

We lacked desperation under pressure apart from Griffen Addison and Smith who were terrific today. Competitive players like Cross Dahlhaus Liberatore and Williams have been big losses. The poor use of Lake by the MC didn't help. If he is meant to play FF then leave him there. Little point Lake playing loose in defence for half the game.We were beaten badly out of the centre once Minson began to tire. This would have been the opportunity to use Campbell who looks our best option as a second string ruckman. Roughead is still coming to terms as a defender and still needs more experience down back.Against the talent of the SS, DJ Cordy Skinner and newcomer Roberts didn't measure up today. Markovic Wood Higgins and Cooney were all underdone.

Desperation is Liam Picken's middle name. Thought Wood was quite ok V Goodes for chunks of the game.

[Sedat]

Desperation is Liam Picken's middle name.
Likewise it is Smith's as well. Terrific effort from a 1st year player to have almost a quarter of the entire team's tackles, and against a tough experienced midfield brigade. Gee I wish he could kick (although he wasn't dire by foot today). I really, really want him to overcome his poor foot skill because I absolutely love his desire and attack at the contest.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Likewise it is Smith's as well. Terrific effort from a 1st year player to have almost a quarter of the entire team's tackles, and against a tough experienced midfield brigade. Gee I wish he could kick (although he wasn't dire by foot today). I really, really want him to overcome his poor foot skill because I absolutely love his desire and attack at the contest.

This.

Early on I wasn't a fan of Smith's, but since he's been able to string a number of games together, he has really improved to the extent that I enjoy watching him play more than most others on our list. His intensity is INCREDIBLE for any player, let alone a first year player. This guy is going to be an absolute beast in 3-4 years time. It's a big call but I don't think I've seen anyone attack the ball/man like he does -- at the least, he's gotta be equal with Archer.

Smith makes it difficult not to like him. Obviously his kicking needs work but if he can improve it ala Jobe Watson, he could be something very special.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

My short take on the game:

- We have some young talent to work with. Smith and Jong were really impressive and despite having similar faults, there's no doubt they can 'play' at this level. Jong was great in the first quarter. He's already quite strong and is a good athlete who is very courageous. He made a few skill errors, but he wasn't as bad as I thought he'd be my foot. Thought he used his body well in contests and has quick hands in close. There's a lot to like -- if he can replicate this performance in the next two games, he'll get upgraded. Additionally, JJ could be a really classy player in years to come. He has great composure and uses the ball well in both a physical sense (skill level) and a mental sense (decision making). He also takes the game on, but he does so at the right time, not Harbrow-like where it's boom or bust.

- Dickson is a really quality forward with great goal sense, a nice burst of speed and an ability to win one-on-one contests. In a good side, Dickson could kick 40+ goals. I'm excited to see him develop next season.

- Griffen deserves a mention. I don't think he's had a great year, but that was his best game for the club arguably. He was enormous in every sense of the word; we got hammered in the end, but Griff showed a real 'Hodge' like ability to drag the side over the line. Still wish he'd put his hand up to be inthe leadership group.

- Our senior core is poor. Boyd's ability to find the ball is second to none, but what's the point when you continually butcher it? Truth is he hurts us more than he benefits us. Murphy's decline has been rapid and I'd suggest he only has one year left, Lake possibly the same (a shift forward may extend his career) and Gia is physically finished. When you add Markovic and DJ to this group of senior players, it's an ugly mix. This group has let us down constantly this season and again today when the pressure was turned up.

It sounds harsh and dis-respectful, and I do mean this in the nicest possible way, but I'm looking forward to our senior group moving on so that we can develop a new batch of leaders.

[azabob]

Great summary Bulldog Bite. We really need Murphy, Boyd, Cross, Lake and Gia to play lesser roles but still contribute in the next one to two seasons, otherwise the pain will last a lot longer.

Hopefully players such as Williams, Higgins, Addison, Griffen, Minson, Wood can step up to help ease the load on both the old and younger players.

[bornadog]

My short take on the game:

- We have some young talent to work with. Smith and Jong were really impressive and despite having similar faults, there's no doubt they can 'play' at this level. Jong was great in the first quarter. He's already quite strong and is a good athlete who is very courageous. He made a few skill errors, but he wasn't as bad as I thought he'd be my foot. Thought he used his body well in contests and has quick hands in close. There's a lot to like -- if he can replicate this performance in the next two games, he'll get upgraded. Additionally, JJ could be a really classy player in years to come. He has great composure and uses the ball well in both a physical sense (skill level) and a mental sense (decision making). He also takes the game on, but he does so at the right time, not Harbrow-like where it's boom or bust.

- Dickson is a really quality forward with great goal sense, a nice burst of speed and an ability to win one-on-one contests. In a good side, Dickson could kick 40+ goals. I'm excited to see him develop next season.

- Griffen deserves a mention. I don't think he's had a great year, but that was his best game for the club arguably. He was enormous in every sense of the word; we got hammered in the end, but Griff showed a real 'Hodge' like ability to drag the side over the line. Still wish he'd put his hand up to be inthe leadership group.

- Our senior core is poor. Boyd's ability to find the ball is second to none, but what's the point when you continually butcher it? Truth is he hurts us more than he benefits us. Murphy's decline has been rapid and I'd suggest he only has one year left, Lake possibly the same (a shift forward may extend his career) and Gia is physically finished. When you add Markovic and DJ to this group of senior players, it's an ugly mix. This group has let us down constantly this season and again today when the pressure was turned up.

It sounds harsh and dis-respectful, and I do mean this in the nicest possible way, but I'm looking forward to our senior group moving on so that we can develop a new batch of leaders.

There is only one thing I can't agree on. Lake to the forward line is a waste of time. We need a two time all Australian Fullback playing in his rightful position, and teaching Roberts how to take over. Markovic isnot the answer in the backline, nor is Roughead.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

There is only one thing I can't agree on. Lake to the forward line is a waste of time. We need a two time all Australian Fullback playing in his rightful position, and teaching Roberts how to take over. Markovic isnot the answer in the backline, nor is Roughead.

If Lake was in that kind of form then I would agree, but aside from 5-6 games I don't think it's been a good year for Brian from a defensive standpoint. He's been beaten regularly and looks slower than he did a couple of years ago. Obviously he will still play next year as a FB for the majority of the season, but I don't think he has long left in the game. If he wants to extend it to 2 or so years, he/we might have to consider a move to FF, because he won't be able to keep up with the forwards in 2014.