bornadog
30-03-2015, 12:44 PM
http://s.afl.com.au/staticfile/AFL%20Tenant/WesternBulldogs/Photo%20Galleries/2015%20-%20Galleries/NAB%203%20-%20WB%20v%20COLL/362912-tlsnewsportrait.jpg
Link (http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/2015-03-30/new-coach-sparks-talias-second-coming)
It has been commonly held for years that the Western Bulldogs weren't going to add to their lone premiership cup if they didn't recruit a gun key forward.
While they went a long way to addressing that need by snaring teenage prodigy Tom Boyd from GWS, a backline that has leaked plenty of goals over the past few seasons had largely gone unnoticed by most onlookers.
The key posts have been a particular problem. Veteran Dale Morris has been punching above his weight for more than a decade, while the jury is still out on whether Jordan Roughead is better suited to the ruck-forward role or combating the AFL's monster forwards.
So, one man the Dogs will be desperately hoping makes the grade is young key defender Michael Talia.
With the acquisition of Boyd, and the Dogs assembling one of league's best young midfields, Talia is well aware how important he can be to the Bulldogs' hopes of giving their 1954 premiership cup some long-awaited company.
"The midfield is pretty settled and the forward line is really coming together, but we really need to get the backline sorted," Talia told AFL.com.au
But the 22-year-old is coming off a year in the footballing wilderness, playing just three senior games after finishing the 2013 season as a NAB AFL Rising Star nominee and one of the league's brightest young key defensive talents.
"There was just a few things I needed to work on with my game and Brendan McCartney, our coach at the time, felt I needed to work on my defensive efforts off the ball, making it harder for my opponent," said Talia
"I played some pretty good footy in the VFL, but couldn't work my way back in."
But with the arrival of new coach Luke Beveridge and his more attacking game plan, Talia's slate seems to have been wiped clean. The 194cm stopper has featured in all three of the Dogs' NAB Challenge hit-outs.
Another reason for his improved form is the inspiration he gets from older brother Daniel Talia, who has enjoyed a rapid rise to become one of the best key defenders in the competition.
"To see him named an All Australian last year and also in the (Adelaide) leadership group, I'm extremely proud of him," Talia said
"I always use Daniel for tips on an upcoming opponent and feedback on my own game, so it's great to have someone so close to you that you can feed off."
But with the opening round less than a week away, big brother won't be much help if Talia gets a game and he's given the task of manning Eagles star Josh Kennedy at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.
"I'll be pretty disappointed if I don't play much this year to be honest because I know I have the ability to," said Talia
"I want to be a pillar of our defence for many years, not just this year."
Link (http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/2015-03-30/new-coach-sparks-talias-second-coming)
It has been commonly held for years that the Western Bulldogs weren't going to add to their lone premiership cup if they didn't recruit a gun key forward.
While they went a long way to addressing that need by snaring teenage prodigy Tom Boyd from GWS, a backline that has leaked plenty of goals over the past few seasons had largely gone unnoticed by most onlookers.
The key posts have been a particular problem. Veteran Dale Morris has been punching above his weight for more than a decade, while the jury is still out on whether Jordan Roughead is better suited to the ruck-forward role or combating the AFL's monster forwards.
So, one man the Dogs will be desperately hoping makes the grade is young key defender Michael Talia.
With the acquisition of Boyd, and the Dogs assembling one of league's best young midfields, Talia is well aware how important he can be to the Bulldogs' hopes of giving their 1954 premiership cup some long-awaited company.
"The midfield is pretty settled and the forward line is really coming together, but we really need to get the backline sorted," Talia told AFL.com.au
But the 22-year-old is coming off a year in the footballing wilderness, playing just three senior games after finishing the 2013 season as a NAB AFL Rising Star nominee and one of the league's brightest young key defensive talents.
"There was just a few things I needed to work on with my game and Brendan McCartney, our coach at the time, felt I needed to work on my defensive efforts off the ball, making it harder for my opponent," said Talia
"I played some pretty good footy in the VFL, but couldn't work my way back in."
But with the arrival of new coach Luke Beveridge and his more attacking game plan, Talia's slate seems to have been wiped clean. The 194cm stopper has featured in all three of the Dogs' NAB Challenge hit-outs.
Another reason for his improved form is the inspiration he gets from older brother Daniel Talia, who has enjoyed a rapid rise to become one of the best key defenders in the competition.
"To see him named an All Australian last year and also in the (Adelaide) leadership group, I'm extremely proud of him," Talia said
"I always use Daniel for tips on an upcoming opponent and feedback on my own game, so it's great to have someone so close to you that you can feed off."
But with the opening round less than a week away, big brother won't be much help if Talia gets a game and he's given the task of manning Eagles star Josh Kennedy at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.
"I'll be pretty disappointed if I don't play much this year to be honest because I know I have the ability to," said Talia
"I want to be a pillar of our defence for many years, not just this year."