Where will we finish - 2016

[bornadog]

Some so called experts in the media have us finishing anywhere between 5th and 10th. Matthew Lloyd surprisingly has us 5th, Rohan Connelly 10th. Foxfooty had us outside the 8

Where do you think we will finish? I am predicting top 4.:)

[bornadog]

Sorry stuffed up the numbering a bit.:o

[chef]

As long as we have an average run of injuries I have us finishing 6-8. Hopefully we get a couple of finals and this group keeps growing and maturing together.

[bornadog]

From The Age:

Awards


Rohan Connelly

Rising Star: Caleb Daniel

Michael Gleeson

Brownlow Medal: Marcus Bontempelli

Peter Hanlon

Brownlow Medal – Marcus Bontempelli

[The Bulldogs Bite]

I'll say 6th.

With a full list including Crameri, I'd say top 4. Whilst our depth is good, I think Crameri is a massive loss for us in more ways than one.

[Greystache]

I'll say 5-6th.

I think top 4 might be a stretch unless we hit a real surge of form, and I'd be disappointed if we dropped out of the 8.

[bornadog]

From Bevo's press conference:


We aim to get to the top at some point in the future but when that is, I don't know. We'll be doing all we can to improve.

[Hotdog60]

I'm the eternal optimist and barring any injury crisis I would like to think that we will finish 2 or 3.

Our young brigade have had a reasonable amount of time in the game now to know what's required and I also think playing finals last season maybe a bit of a spur.

What we can't afford is the likes of Murphy, M.Boyd and Morris falling off the perch and still play on reputation. If their form takes a dive we have to reward someone else. If these guys can maintain the level we will be in good shape.

[craigsahibee]

6 - 8 for mine.

So much upside to this list, but I still feel 2016 will have too many inconsistencies to allow us to challenge for a top 4 berth.

The reliance on Murphy and M Boyd across half back may be an issue, but having said that, 12 months on and you would expect JJ and Wood to be better. KPD still concerns me if Roughy has to Ruck at times. It's gonna be a hell of a ride though. Can't wait.

[Bulldog Joe]

I am very optimistic on the season ahead as I was last year.

I actually see our fixture as being quite friendly with all the early games at Etihad.

Injury concerns for Freo and Hawthorn make both games winnable and I am actually more concerned with the St Kilda game.

Our group should have plenty of improvement and we clearly have 3 of the best 10 or so players from the 2013/14 drafts in Stringer, Macrae and Bonts. These players are coming into the traditional period where they make significant improvement yet they already influence games. Add Tom Liberatore and the continued upward trend from Wallis, Dahlhaus and Stevens along with JJ and we have some serious talent approaching the 60 to 100 game experience zone.

They should cover any drop off from the senior brigade of Murphy, Morris and Boyd.

I expect a minimum of top 4 and a competitive final series, where everything is possible.

[Remi Moses]

I see us holding ground and winning a final.
I think we're to inconsistent in games to challenge for top 4.

[Ghost Dog]

Long term supporters I can understand, are quite conservative and I can respect it.
However, I believe we will perform slightly better this year with additions like Libba in the engine room and a few giant-slayers down back. Collins is a massive addition for us, and Libba, even at 70% will make a big impact.
There is still improvement in almost every area of our list - Bont, Dahlhaus and Stringer, three of our most important attacking players, are yet to peak.

We will get into a final and then rise to the occasion, seizing our moment.

The time is now.I'm one of two people who believe we will be premiers. No, I didn't vote twice!

[dukedog]

Not a fan of predictions. But my guess will be 6th again. But win the home final. Who knows after thats. Its anybodys game.

[Bulldog Joe]

Long term supporters I can understand, are quite conservative and I can respect it.
However, I believe we will perform slightly better this year with additions like Libba in the engine room and a few giant-slayers down back. Collins is a massive addition for us, and Libba, even at 70% will make a big impact.
There is still improvement in almost every area of our list - Bont, Dahlhaus and Stringer, three of our most important attacking players, are yet to peak.

We will get into a final and then rise to the occasion, seizing our moment.

The time is now.I'm one of two people who believe we will be premiers. No, I didn't vote twice!

Not merely 1 of 2. We are just the first 2 to see what is ahead;)

[Mantis]

I went with 5-6 which looks like the favoured option.. After making such a huge jump last year it's hard to think that we will do the same again, not saying it won't, just think it's unlikely... Still some gaps to fill within the team/ list, but the signs are pointing in the right direction.

In general it's very hard to place a number of teams, going to be a fascinating year.

[Bulldog4life]

Not merely 1 of 2. We are just the first 2 to see what is ahead;)

Make that 3. Just got that feeling that this is THE year.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

7th or 8th. I wouldn't be surprised if it was a bit higher or even if we just missed out on the 8.
Last year was a breath of fresh air compared to our prior 4 years. But I'm not convinced we're yet ready or able to take the next step in our journey. I still have concerns about our ability to stop sides from scoring multiples of unanswered goals. Losses against Saints, Eagles, the elimination final, and even our 2nd half in the final NAB game against stick in my mind as examples.

[SonofScray]

The Flag. It will wag.

[Eastdog]

Went for 7-8 but wouldn't be surprised if we went higher. Will be a tougher year from last with the teams we face but if we have everyone on the park and our movitation is up will do very well. Would love to play in another final and win. Premiership - we still have a lot of hard work to do but will get there.

[Eastdog]

The Flag. It will wag.

Added the social club this year just in case ��

[The Underdog]

I think we'll finish between 7 & 10. I think we can be close to as good as we were last year but still lose a bit of ground results wise given the strengthening of some teams below us. I think given the age profile of the list that we're still a year or two from being top level contenders.

[F'scary]

Lachie Hunter. Brownlow.

[Twodogs]

Long term supporters I can understand, are quite conservative and I can respect it.
However, I believe we will perform slightly better this year with additions like Libba in the engine room and a few giant-slayers down back. Collins is a massive addition for us, and Libba, even at 70% will make a big impact.
There is still improvement in almost every area of our list - Bont, Dahlhaus and Stringer, three of our most important attacking players, are yet to peak.

We will get into a final and then rise to the occasion, seizing our moment.

The time is now.I'm one of two people who believe we will be premiers. No, I didn't vote twice!


Not merely 1 of 2. We are just the first 2 to see what is ahead;)


Make that 3. Just got that feeling that this is THE year.


The Flag. It will wag.

It will. I'm Luke Dahlhaus #6 on the flagtrain.

[1eyedog]

How exciting it is with round 1 just around the corner and what a stark contrast this poll is to last years! I had us in the 8 last year and have promoted us to 3/4 this year. I think the added bonus of having Libba back will have us well placed in the middle to free up guys like Wally and Stevens forward who can go some way to covering for the loss of Crameri. We'll be a much better side in the middle stages onwards than what we were last year when Libba regains some touch. He is elite.

[merantau]

We will win 14 and lose 8 which will see us finish 4th or 5th. After that it's a whole new ball game. Go Dogs.

[whythelongface]

Crameri a big loss but Libba a huge gain. I think in our structure that we will feel Crammers loss and therefore have us finishing around 5th or 6th. However next year will be our year when we really set this comp on fire.

[boydogs]

2nd. Everything is in place except our talls, they are below average at this point and it will take another year or two before Boyd, Campbell, Adams, Collins & Cordy start to dominate

The rest of the side is flag material

[bornadog]

We will win 14 and lose 8 which will see us finish 4th or 5th. After that it's a whole new ball game. Go Dogs.

We won 14 last year. I hope we can win 15 or 16 this year.

[BulldogBelle]

l think we will finish between 5-6th. The next jump up the ladder is a lot harder than the jump we made last year.
We are going to miss Crammers but Libba is a massive inclusion.
Anything is possible so hold on for the ride.

[Go_Dogs]

I think we will finish between 3-7, but there are about 13 teams who can challenge for a spot in the 8 and as always, injury will be what dictates where teams end up.

A good start early with our stretch of games at Etihad is crucial, too.

[LostDoggy]

Think we can push for 3 or 4,very bullish(Heh Heh ;) ) about our chances this year.
Get off to a flyer and we're off to the Races!!!!!
Make top four and anything is possible from there.

[Eastdog]

We won 14 last year. I hope we can win 15 or 16 this year.

Might just be a win or two more than last but if that happened still a big improvement again.

[jeemak]

Anywhere from 5-12 given 14 teams likely believe themselves a finals chance if things go well. Crameri out, Libba in and we're close to even on last year. An improved Port will make things a little more clogged in our region of the ladder.

I've gone with 7-8.

[ratsmac]

I went for 5th-6th.

I, like others are a bit concerned about leaking easy goals. Stop the cheapies of over the top and we could easily finish higher. We need to tighten the defence to be a top 4 team.
If we can get 50+ goals each out of Stringer and Dickson, and Big Tom Boyd has a break out year, our scores will take care of themselves. But like I said before its the stopping goals up the other end we need to sort out if we are to be any sort of threat for the flag.

[Smads57]

Went with 7-8. With the age of our team, think we are on the rise, but not for another season (or two).

[The Pie Man]

There's been a lot of media talk over the 7 games at Etihad to open the season as a huge plus - which it should be, but I get nervous when the opening 3 are Freo, St Kilda in Rooey's 300th and Hawthorn.....

If we can be 5-2 or better come round 7 (which is better than I'd tip) then we should play finals, but I've only got us winning 10 games this year.

Sunday will answer a few questions I have - can it just start already?

[LostDoggy]

I've voted for 7-8 but seriously could be 3-12!

Could even jag a flag, anything is possibl;e, however, I think the window cracks open in 2017.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

AFL website crystal ball has 1 journo tipping we win the flag and another runners up.

Most had us 7-9

[Bulldog4life]

Bump...A good time to look back. Only one Woofer had us out of the eight. Not sure who it was. Wonder who will be the closest?

[SonofScray]

I am pretty sure I chose Premiers. So it'll be me.

[azabob]

I am pretty sure I chose Premiers. So it'll be me.

How are we going to improve our inside 50 conversions? For me this is the one missing ingredient.

[1eyedog]

I am pretty sure I chose Premiers. So it'll be me.

I love your attitude - it's very much like mine. Always the optimist until it's an impossibility.

[Twodogs]

I am pretty sure I chose Premiers. So it'll be me.


Six of us chose Premiers. It'll be us.

[merantau]

I see this game against St Kilda as crucial to finishing top 4. Win this and we finish top four, lose and it's 5th or 6th.

[LostDoggy]

I think we have to win every game to be certain of finishing top four, unless we want to rely on other teams dropping games they should win. The ladder predictor says we lose one and we are in fifth on percentage if other results fall as expected.

[Mantis]

I see this game against St Kilda as crucial to finishing top 4. Win this and we finish top four, lose and it's 5th or 6th.

Aren't all our remaining games 'crucial' for our final ladder position?

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Aren't all our remaining games 'crucial' for our final ladder position?

Yep. Considering we need to win basically every game to guarantee top 4.

[bornadog]

Yep. Considering we need to win basically every game to guarantee top 4.

We keep winning and we can't be kicked out of top 4. I hate relying on other teams losing.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

We keep winning and we can't be kicked out of top 4. I hate relying on other teams losing.

Considering we will start favourite in all remaining games, except probably against Geelong, we'll see what the side is made of over the next 6 weeks.

The competition is very tight, but if we want to separate from the pack, the next 6 weeks is the perfect opportunity.

[bornadog]

Considering we will start favourite in all remaining games, except probably against Geelong, we'll see what the side is made of over the next 6 weeks.

The competition is very tight, but if we want to separate from the pack, the next 6 weeks is the perfect opportunity.

We have 4 games at Etihad, one at Kardinia Park and a visit to WA. Should be interesting. We have never won more than 16 games since the 22 home and away was introduced. I am hoping we break that record this year.




Season 2016 Games for Western Bulldogs



Desc
Date
Opponent
Venue

Result



Round 1
Sun 27 Mar 1:10pm
Dockers
Etihad Stadium
H
WIN



Round 2
Sat 2 Apr 7:25pm
Saints
Etihad Stadium
A
WIN



Round 3
Sun 10 Apr 3:20pm
Hawks
Etihad Stadium
H
Loss



Round 4
Sat 16 Apr 7:25pm
Blues
Etihad Stadium
A
WIN



Round 5
Sat 23 Apr 7:25pm
Lions
Etihad Stadium
H
WIN



Round 6
Fri 29 Apr 7:50pm
Kangaroos
Etihad Stadium
A
Loss



Round 7
Sat 7 May 7:40pm
Crows
Etihad Stadium
H
WIN



Round 8
Sun 15 May 3:20pm
Demons
MCG
A
WIN



Round 9
Sun 22 May 3:20pm
Giants
Spotless Stadium
A
Loss



Round 10
Sun 29 May 3:20pm
Magpies
MCG
A
Win



Round 11
Sun 5 Jun 3:20pm
Eagles
Etihad Stadium
H
Win



Round 12
Sat 11 Jun 1:10pm
Power
Adelaide Oval
A
WIN



Round 13
Sat 18 Jun 7:25pm
Cats
Etihad Stadium
H
Loss



Round 15
Sat 2 Jul 4:35pm
Swans
SCG
A
Win



Round 16
Sat 9 Jul 7:25pm
Tigers
Etihad Stadium
H
Win



Round 17
Sat 16 Jul 7:25pm
Suns
Cazaly's Stadium
H
Win



Round 18
Sat 23 Jul 7:25pm
Saints
Etihad Stadium
H




Round 19
Fri 29 Jul 7:50pm
Cats
Simonds Stadium
A




Round 20
Sat 6 Aug 7:25pm
Kangaroos
Etihad Stadium
H




Round 21
Fri 12 Aug 7:50pm
Magpies
Etihad Stadium
H




Round 22
Sun 21 Aug 4:40pm
Bombers
Etihad Stadium
A




Round 23
Sat 27 Aug 12:00pm
Dockers
Domain Stadium
A

[LostDoggy]

We have 4 games at Etihad, one at Kardinia Park and a visit to WA. Should be interesting. We have never won more than 15 games since the 22 home and away was introduced. I am hoping we break that record this year.




Season 2016 Games for Western Bulldogs




Desc

Date

Opponent

Venue


Result




Round 1

Sun 27 Mar 1:10pm

Dockers

Etihad Stadium

H

WIN




Round 2

Sat 2 Apr 7:25pm

Saints

Etihad Stadium

A

WIN




Round 3

Sun 10 Apr 3:20pm

Hawks

Etihad Stadium

H

Loss




Round 4

Sat 16 Apr 7:25pm

Blues

Etihad Stadium

A

WIN




Round 5

Sat 23 Apr 7:25pm

Lions

Etihad Stadium

H

WIN




Round 6

Fri 29 Apr 7:50pm

Kangaroos

Etihad Stadium

A

Loss




Round 7

Sat 7 May 7:40pm

Crows

Etihad Stadium

H

WIN




Round 8

Sun 15 May 3:20pm

Demons

MCG

A

WIN




Round 9

Sun 22 May 3:20pm

Giants

Spotless Stadium

A

Loss




Round 10

Sun 29 May 3:20pm

Magpies

MCG

A

Win




Round 11

Sun 5 Jun 3:20pm

Eagles

Etihad Stadium

H

Win




Round 12

Sat 11 Jun 1:10pm

Power

Adelaide Oval

A

WIN




Round 13

Sat 18 Jun 7:25pm

Cats

Etihad Stadium

H

Loss




Round 15

Sat 2 Jul 4:35pm

Swans

SCG

A

Win




Round 16

Sat 9 Jul 7:25pm

Tigers

Etihad Stadium

H

Win




Round 17

Sat 16 Jul 7:25pm

Suns

Cazaly's Stadium

H

Win




Round 18

Sat 23 Jul 7:25pm

Saints

Etihad Stadium

H





Round 19

Fri 29 Jul 7:50pm

Cats

Simonds Stadium

A





Round 20

Sat 6 Aug 7:25pm

Kangaroos

Etihad Stadium

H





Round 21

Fri 12 Aug 7:50pm

Magpies

Etihad Stadium

H





Round 22

Sun 21 Aug 4:40pm

Bombers

Etihad Stadium

A





Round 23

Sat 27 Aug 12:00pm

Dockers

Domain Stadium

A






For the record, we did win 16 h&a games in 1985 and in 1992.

They were our best campaigns, which we could equal with 5 wins from 6, our surpass with 6 from 6.

[bornadog]

For the record, we did win 16 h&a games in 1985 and in 1992.

They were our best campaigns, which we could equal with 5 wins from 6, our surpass with 6 from 6.

Thanks PP, my memory fails me, I will edit the post

[The Pie Man]

For the record, we did win 16 h&a games in 1985 and in 1992.

They were our best campaigns, which we could equal with 5 wins from 6, our surpass with 6 from 6.

We've had 12 wins - 5 more would give us 17.

[The Pie Man]

I've got us finishing 6th on 16 wins - % separating 2nd and 6th. Home final vs WCE

If it pans out as per my prediction, damn it'd be a good first round of finals.

1 Haw vs 4 Gee
2 GWS vs 3 Syd
5 Adel vs 8 NM
6 WB vs 7 WCE

If Port can win the Showdown, they'll likely be in a position to knock North out

If we can win all our games, I see us finishing 2nd - that's the slippery slope of this final 8. Finishing 6th and winning an elimination final would also mean a potential semi in Sydney

[LostDoggy]

We've had 12 wins - 5 more would give us 17.

True. Wow, what a staggering season given the injuries and young list.

[Eastdog]

True. Wow, what a staggering season given the injuries and young list.

Yes if we could get to 17 wins that is an excellent achievement for our side which is still very young and with like you say PP the injuries we've had to contend with losing our captain Bob Murphy, Stewart out for a 1 year and quite a few others. Will be very good having someone like Marcus Adams return in our defence.