JLT 4 vs GC Suns

[Mantis]

Squad:

WESTERN BULLDOGS

1. Matthew Suckling
2. Robert Murphy
4. Marcus Bontempelli
5. Matthew Boyd
6. Luke Dahlhaus
7. Lachlan Hunter
8. Stewart Crameri
9. Jake Stringer
10. Easton Wood
11. Jackson Macrae
12. Zaine Cordy
13. Travis Cloke
14. Clay Smith
16. Toby Mclean
17. Tom Boyd
18. Fletcher Roberts
20. Josh Dunkley
21. Tom Liberatore
24. Shane Biggs
25. Marcus Adams
31. Bailey Dale
34. Bailey Williams
35. Caleb Daniel
39. Jason Johannisen
42. Liam Picken
44. Tim English
46. Lin Jong

Not named: Wallis, Campbell, Webb, Honeychurch, Roughead, Hamilton, Lipinski, Prudden, Dickson, Greene, Collins, Young, Lynch, R. Smith, Morris, Mullenger-McHugh, Redpath, Tweedie

[Eastdog]

Just read the article about the team for Thursday in the Bulldog app. Looks a strong squad with a few though notable players missing. I wonder what's happening with Dicko?

[bulldogtragic]

That's one hell of a team, even without Morris & Dickson. It's an under statement to say I'm looking forward to:

Crameri Cloke McLean
Stringer Boyd Smith/Picken/Dahl/Bonts/Daniel/Dale

[Eastdog]

That's one hell of a team, even without Morris & Dickson. It's an under statement to say I'm looking forward to:

Crameri Cloke McLean
Stringer Boyd Smith/Picken/Dahl/Bonts/Daniel/Dale

That will scare any opposition

[Mantis]

I'm up in Southern Qld this week for work and as it happens my commitments finish up around noon on Thursday.. Fancy that. ;)

[soupman]

I'm up in Southern Qld this week for work and as it happens my commitments finish up around noon on Thursday.. Fancy that. ;)

Catching the early flight back then i take it?

[Mantis]

Catching the early flight back then i take it?

Flights were too expensive so best to stay the night.. Not that I actually looked.

[Go_Dogs]

So we can rule Campbell out for round 1, Dickson too.

Any word on Moz?

[bornadog]

So we can rule Campbell out for round 1, Dickson too.

Any word on Moz?

Campbell started running, so he maybe ready? No word on Dickson

[bornadog]

Bont checks in, set for first run in 2017 (http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-03-08/bontempelli-set-for-first-run-in-2017-as-he-checks-in-for-flight-north?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter)
Hopefully he is ok to play.

[Eastdog]

Saw on the news tonight Bonti at the airport so should feature tomorrow night.

[Templeton31]

Interesting that English named. Have to be a very strong chance for Round 1 debut - hard to see Big Tom rucking whole game.

[Eastdog]

Interesting that English named. Have to be a very strong chance for Round 1 debut - hard to see Big Tom rucking whole game.

Will be a great challenge for him if that does eventuate.

[Bulldog4life]

Heard on the radio that the Bont trained separately from the main group. You have to wonder if he will play.

[craigsahibee]

Campbell started running, so he maybe ready? No word on Dickson

Dickson is apparently worse than first thought. Not sure of the exact details but my source isn't giving too much away.

[chef]

Dickson is apparently worse than first thought. Not sure of the exact details but my source isn't giving too much away.

No rush. Just get him right for September.

[bornadog]

Squad:

WESTERN BULLDOGS

1. Matthew Suckling
2. Robert Murphy
4. Marcus Bontempelli
5. Matthew Boyd
6. Luke Dahlhaus
7. Lachlan Hunter
8. Stewart Crameri
9. Jake Stringer
10. Easton Wood
11. Jackson Macrae
12. Zaine Cordy
13. Travis Cloke
14. Clay Smith
16. Toby Mclean
17. Tom Boyd
18. Fletcher Roberts
20. Josh Dunkley
21. Tom Liberatore
24. Shane Biggs
25. Marcus Adams
31. Bailey Dale
34. Bailey Williams
35. Caleb Daniel
39. Jason Johannisen
42. Liam Picken
44. Tim English
46. Lin Jong

Not named: Wallis, Campbell, Webb, Honeychurch, Roughead, Hamilton, Lipinski, Prudden, Dickson, Greene, Collins, Young, Lynch, R. Smith, Morris, Mullenger-McHugh, Redpath, Tweedie

Dunkley, Dale, Williams not playing

[bulldogtragic]

Dunkley, Dale, Williams not playing


Dunkley to start the season playing VFL then. That's my assumption.

[bornadog]

Dunkley to start the season playing VFL then. That's my assumption.

He played last Thursday, as did the other two.

[Dry Rot]

Does the game start @ 4.50pm our time or QLD time?

[jeemak]

Does the game start @ 4.50pm our time or QLD time?

The AFL list games as local time I think. It hasn't started yet......

[aker39]

Bont playing

[Dry Rot]

The AFL list games as local time I think. It hasn't started yet......

Thanks.

Is it on the radio?

[comrade]

Couldn't be less enthused during this preseason when I'd normally be frothing at the bit for footy to start.

The flag has changed me.

[Mantis]

Couldn't be less enthused during this preseason when I'd normally be frothing at the bit for footy to start.

The flag has changed me.

First one I care about, not the result, just how some individuals perform.

Bont warmed up fine.. nice wheels too.

[jeemak]

Thanks.

Is it on the radio?

Probably via the AFL web site.

[Dry Rot]

Probably via the AFL web site.

Yes, working now.

[chef]

Gee that was pretty lackluster

[bulldogtragic]

Rusty. Bevo said this is a full dress rehearsal...

[GVGjr]

A number of our players are a mile behind where they need to be.

[jeemak]

Fairly pedestrian start to the game. Should have been a titch closer.

GCS seem to be running over the ground a fair bit better, they've also caught us forward of centre on the overlap from a contest for an easy goal a couple of times too many.

We look under prepared by the way we've moved these past two weeks.

[Mantis]

A number of our players are a mile behind where they need to be.

Yep, defensive positioning has been very poor.. No offensive transition from defence either, miss JJ down there.

[Mantis]

Fairly pedestrian start to the game. Should have been a titch closer.

GCS seem to be running over the ground a fair bit better, they've also caught us forward of centre on the overlap from a contest for an easy goal a couple of times too many.



They have players charge forward when ball is the back half with the hope it gets through our zone.. We aren't tracking back very well.

[LostDoggy]

This is as listless a performance as I've seen

[jeemak]

They have players charge forward when ball is the back half with the hope it gets through our zone.. We aren't tracking back very well.

I feel sorry for you having made the effort to attend and watch this tripe.

[Mantis]

I feel sorry for you having made the effort to attend and watch this tripe.

Yep, should've flown home.. Sitting amongst GC supporters who don't even know their own players whilst we serve up utter tripe.

Are we just expecting to flick a switch in 2 weeks time and all will be good?

[ledge]

We aren't going in hard that's for sure .. Playing bruise free footy . Don't seem to be interested at all .
At what stage if any do we put in a bit?

[jeemak]

Yep, should've flown home.. Sitting amongst GC supporters who don't even know their own players whilst we serve up utter tripe.

Are we just expecting to flick a switch in 2 weeks time and all will be good?

I think we are.

[GVGjr]

No rush. Just get him right for September.

So you don't think he's needed to help get us there?


Couldn't be less enthused during this preseason when I'd normally be frothing at the bit for footy to start.

The flag has changed me.

It's changed a lot of people and I sense there is a thought or people are overly confident it will just happen for us again this year.

One drink from the cup won't be enough for me and it's why I'm shirty of what we are currently dishing up.
The lack of trading to address our needs plus the passive way we managed the list in the off season isn't helping either.

[AndrewP6]

I know it's only practise, but....

[Mantis]

Keeping a track of who attends the centre bounces, 17 so far:

Libba - 11
Jong, Stringer - 9
Bont - 8
Macrae - 6
Dahl - 5
Picken - 2
Daniel - 1

I need to do something to keep engaged.

[chef]

So you don't think he's needed to help get us there?.

I'd prefer he was fit and playing, but i think we showed last season we can cover injuries pretty well.

My comment was tongue in cheek though.

[bulldogtragic]

Cordy & Suckling pushing their cases on the flip side.

[Eastdog]

Home from work now so can watch the 2nd half.

[Eastdog]

Picko involved early on in the 3rd.

[Eastdog]

Expect a different mindset come round 1. There will be some big performances coming up from our side.

[Go_Dogs]

How's Stringer impacting the centre bounces Mantis?

[jeemak]

They're certainly viewing the throw in a one sided way.

[Eastdog]

Great kick from Suckers. Just snuck through for a goal.

[Eastdog]

How's Stringer impacting the centre bounces Mantis?

Just broke out of a tackle on the boundary line now having a shot for goal.

[Mantis]

How's Stringer impacting the centre bounces Mantis?

He's not.

[Eastdog]

Have you liked Lin Jong's quarter Mantis?

By the way great effort for making a pre season game up in QLD.

[Mantis]

They're certainly viewing the throw in a one sided way.

Embarrassing really.

[Eastdog]

Both us and them have had the same number of inside 50s.

[jeemak]

Embarrassing really.

Interestingly the commentators seem to be barracking for it to be called against us.

[Webby]

May lined Boyd up there. Did damage, has form. The commentator club (thugs Dermie and Lynch) will play the "nothing in it" card to death, but have no doubt, May instinctively tried to iron Boyd out. Hopefully just a split lip and not a cracked jaw... for both players' sake...

[Eastdog]

May lined Boyd up there. Did damage, has form. The commentator club (thugs Dermie and Lynch) will play the "nothing in it" card to death, but have no doubt, May instinctively tried to iron Boyd out. Hopefully just a split lip and not a cracked jaw... for both players' sake...

Yeah was a bit worried there for Boydy but I think he should be fine.

[Mantis]

Interestingly the commentators seem to be barracking for it to be called against us.

We are the obvious target, and it's being officiated that way.

How many weeks for May? 2 or 3?

[Eastdog]

Commentators saying Stringer has been good

[AndrewP6]

Commentators saying Stringer has been good

Seems to have a bit more of his energy and explosiveness back.

[Eastdog]

Seems to have a bit more of his energy and explosiveness back.

Agree just scores now. Liked how he broke that tackle in the 3rd quarter.

[jeemak]

We are the obvious target, and it's being officiated that way.

How many weeks for May? 2 or 3?

I don't know if May will get any.


Stringer is putting together some good work forward.

[Eastdog]

Great to see Stewie being a good contributor.

[Eastdog]

Picko!!!!!

[Eastdog]

Been good this 2nd half. Still can be better and lift another notch but it's a praccy game.

[Eastdog]

Great stuff! Stewie goals. We are back!

[Eastdog]

It's him!

[Webby]

Tom Lynch is a superstar.

[chef]

Lynch is pretty special.

[Eastdog]

Jake can build more on what his shown tonight. Good endeavour tonight.

[Webby]

Stringer and Suckling the big positives from tonight, for me.

[Eastdog]

Stringer and Suckling the big positives from tonight, for me.

Yeah my thoughts as well Webby.

[Eastdog]

Our forward pressure in the latter part of this game has been very good.

[Dry Rot]

11 goal turnaround.

[Eastdog]

Great to have kicked a good high score.

[Dry Rot]

Has Boyd rucked all game?

[chef]

Has Boyd rucked all game?

Pretty much

[divvydan]

Has Boyd rucked all game?

Pretty much, with relief from Cloke for a little bit each quarter.

[Dry Rot]

Thanks for the replies.

Odd that English did not get a run.

[bulldogtragic]

70 point turn around. Commentators didn't seem happy...

[bulldogtragic]

Thanks for the replies.

Odd that English did not get a run.

Bevo played 22 and 90 interchange caps. GCS played 24 and 140 interchange caps. We played for the real stuff and still over run them by 70 points from before half time.

[Dry Rot]

Stringer judged SEN radio BOG.

[bulldogtragic]

Having more fun there Mantis?

[G-Mo77]

So only caught the last quarter on the radio. Any injuries? Heard Matty Boyd copped a whack.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Although a pre-season hit out, i still feel that was a very important result for confidence going into round 1. We looked like we were going to be on the receiving end of a belting to the Suns for a good portion of that game.
To have lost badly would've seen the pundits have talking about a premiership hangover.
A massive last quarter and a bit was just what we needed.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

So only caught the last quarter on the radio. Any injuries? Heard Matty Boyd copped a whack.

Copped an elbow to the ear in a marking contest. His ear looked a mess of blood

[jeemak]

70 point turn around. Commentators didn't seem happy...

No they didn't.

They lost their early season narrative. Huddo's a funny one, he seemed great when we were on the way up, but now not so much. Lynch is a twit, Dermie is busy concentrating on his pursed lips between inane comments.

[Eastdog]

It was great to hear the song for the first time in 2017.

[Mantis]

Nice turnaround.. Some good signs from late in 2nd qtr, but desperately need Morris in our team.

[I'm Not Bitter Anymore!]

Poor Boydy his ear looks shredded

[Mantis]

Bevo played 22 and 90 interchange caps. GCS played 24 and 140 interchange caps. We played for the real stuff and still over run them by 70 points from before half time.

Brodie only came on late, but was noticeable the difference in rotations.. We did ours in bulk.

[jeemak]

The balance of effort in the game was reminiscent of last year's final hit out. From memory we came out and really gave it to the Pies in the first half, and then trailed off. This was the other way around, intensity lifted and we put in genuine second efforts instead of token second efforts.

What will be good to see is genuine third efforts on a regular basis, we have too much inside talent not to impact a contest if we bring effort.

I agree with YHF, that was an important win for us. The commentators were talking of the competition taking note early on, they sure will be after that last third of the game.

[bulldogtragic]

No they didn't.

They lost their early season narrative. Huddo's a funny one, he seemed great when we were on the way up, but now not so much. Lynch is a twit, Dermie is busy concentrating on his pursed lips between inane comments.

Let's see how Ch7 commentate us. Because Foxtel have been between shit and spiteful, not least of which Dixon's snide comments about 'paying that' about our players caring about Roarke in the rooms after his injury. But haters gunna hate, so I hope the hate counties indefinitely (with our success).

[Eastdog]

Let's see how Ch7 commentate us. Because Foxtel have been between shit and spiteful, not least of which Dixon's snide comments about 'paying that' about our players caring about Roarke in the rooms after his injury. But haters gunna hate, so I hope the hate counties indefinitely (with our success).

Who cares what they think BT. I say that is the best way to deal with some of the media scrutiny.

[ledge]

One thing I noticed GC have a good midfield and forward line but their back line is seriously lacking in pressure and chase. They seemed like front runners when they have it they are millionaires when they don't they are boiled lollies.

[1eyedog]

Yep, should've flown home.. Sitting amongst GC supporters who don't even know their own players whilst we serve up utter tripe.

Are we just expecting to flick a switch in 2 weeks time and all will be good?

How about just at half time? Who has Suckers in their round 1 team?

[Eastdog]

How about just at half time? Who has Suckers in their round 1 team?

Suckers would now have to be in contention for round 1. Good endeavour tonight from him.

[ledge]

Is interchange amount over rated ? Two extra players and 50 more interchanges and we ran over the top of them.

[Eastdog]

Is interchange amount over rated ? Two extra players and 50 more interchanges and we ran over the top of them.

When a team just stops against us and we are on will do a lot of damage.

[SonofScray]

Rope a dope in terms of interchange tactics. I've felt like that was a theme of the preseason, other teams were set to put in a real good showing against us and we were doing some funky stuff with the rotations to cultivate fatigue and certain game scenarios under physical duress.This evening it was definitely part of the plan and we were able to run over the top.

It was worrying early with our poor conversion, 66% accuracy in the field and some really weak defensive efforts. I felt like we playing football with self preservation in mind. Not a quality that appeals to our identity. Once we shook that off we started to look good.

I feel like the chatter re: throwing/quick hands has had a priming effect on the umpires. We are going to get pinged a lot this season.

[jeemak]

We'll get pinged SoS until the AFL emphasises some other technical area of the game in a needless crackdown, and then it will swing back to us and then swing away again.

Conversion is king for us, if we convert well we're almost unstoppable.

[FrediKanoute]

Game of 2 halves for mine. Didn't watch it close enough to really understand what caused us to change and come back, but I felt it was always on. When we play well we play superb, but gee we get burned sometimes!

Loved Stringer's game - hopefully this is what we can expect for the season. No convinced about Cloke and Crameri in the one side. Little too top heavy. Suckers......what a left foot!

[Mantis]

2nd half centre square attendee's (20 in total):

Bont - 13
Jong - 11
Libba, Dahl - 10
Daniel - 8
Smith - 7
Stringer - 1

Game total (37)

Libba, Bont - 21
Jong - 20
Dahl - 15
Stringer - 10
Daniel - 9
Smith - 7
Macrae - 6
Picken - 2

Interesting that Stringer was only present for 1 in the 2nd half... Bont was in for 10 of 13 in the last qtr.

[Mantis]

Loved Stringer's game - hopefully this is what we can expect for the season. No convinced about Cloke and Crameri in the one side. Little too top heavy. Suckers......what a left foot!

Crameri is extremely scratchy, moving ok, but just lacking touch.

Cloke was ok, playing on some good defenders and competed well.. When we get a ruckman back it will be interesting to see how we structure up.

Suckling's kicking was insanely good.. The spot up to Jongy in the last qtr was outrageous.

[bulldogtragic]

A lot responsibility for Jong. Great stat keeping.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Only caught the last half.

I wasn't worried looking at the HT scores. I mentioned "we'd want to start getting better", but I had faith we would, and we certainly did. Hell of a turn around.

I only have two concerns on our list:

1 - Ruck stocks are poor. If Rough and Campbell stay fit we are 'OK', but I wish we went after Vardy or a similar cheap option. I know it's ironic suggesting Vardy, but worst case scenario = the situation we're in now and best case is he stays fit and brings enormous talent to the field. For whatever it's worth he's looked impressive at West Coast so far.

2 - Defensive stocks are poor. Unless Adams finds his early 2016 form, our key defensive stocks are awful. Can't expect much from Collins yet, though I hope he cracks a few games. Roberts is a 3rd tall, Morris ideally suited to the small/mediums. If we're caught out in the midfield, then I expect the likes of Lynch, Franklin, Kennedy etc. to really hurt us.

Other than that, we look fierce.

[SonofScray]

There was a 'sliding' decision paid against Libba tonight. it baffles me that rule and why it needs to exist. He got to the footy first, was stationary over the top of it and a guy jumped into his back to win a free kick.

[GVGjr]

I only have two concerns on our list:

1 - Ruck stocks are poor. If Rough and Campbell stay fit we are 'OK', but I wish we went after Vardy or a similar cheap option. I know it's ironic suggesting Vardy, but worst case scenario = the situation we're in now and best case is he stays fit and brings enormous talent to the field. For whatever it's worth he's looked impressive at West Coast so far.

2 - Defensive stocks are poor. Unless Adams finds his early 2016 form, our key defensive stocks are awful. Can't expect much from Collins yet, though I hope he cracks a few games. Roberts is a 3rd tall, Morris ideally suited to the small/mediums. If we're caught out in the midfield, then I expect the likes of Lynch, Franklin, Kennedy etc. to really hurt us.

Other than that, we look fierce.

I agree

I still can't understand why we thought we could cover the ruck position with two players that aren't known for being durable types.

Once it was known Hamling was leaving us it was strange we didn't do a lot to replace him and even stranger once Adams also requested a trade.

We didn't necessarily need great players to cover them but we needed some depth in both positions and we had a list that could accommodate it easily.

We made a play for Deledio but he decided to head north so it doesn't sound like we are hard pressed on the salary cap.


Could Crameri run himself back into form and touch with a couple of weeks playing as a defender?

[1eyedog]

http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/video/2017-03-09/post-match-beveridge-press-conference-jlt3

[bornadog]

I agree

I still can't understand why we thought we could cover the ruck position with two players that aren't known for being durable types.

Once it was known Hamling was leaving us it was strange we didn't do a lot to replace him and even stranger once Adams also requested a trade.

We didn't necessarily need great players to cover them but we needed some depth in both positions and we had a list that could accommodate it easily.

We made a play for Deledio but he decided to head north so it doesn't sound like we are hard pressed on the salary cap.


Could Crameri run himself back into form and touch with a couple of weeks playing as a defender?

I really don't believe there was anyone out there we could have lured to the club. Vardy is worse than our ruckman for durabilty.

Boyd had 27 hitouts tonight which is pretty good, I thought.

[GVGjr]

I really don't believe there was anyone out there we could have lured to the club. Vardy is worse than our ruckman for durabilty.

Boyd had 27 hitouts tonight which is pretty good, I thought.

Did your mind cross to how we would look at round one when Boyd hit the turf at 3 quarter time? I did for a fleeting time.
I'm not questioning Boyds ability in the slightest but I think he's our best key forward and he's probably our 3rd best ruckman. I'd just prefer to see him rucking 10 minutes a quarter than having to go it alone for games.

Regarding luring players to the club, do you really think there was no players available that could have provided a bit of depth at either the ruck position of as a key position defender?

[jeemak]

G, how many AFL standard rucks can you have on your list? At what stage does the third or fourth ranked AFL standard ruck leave much like Minson did last year? Eventually they look elsewhere, which is why teams end up blending forward roles with rucking roles.

[comrade]

I agree

I still can't understand why we thought we could cover the ruck position with two players that aren't known for being durable types.

Once it was known Hamling was leaving us it was strange we didn't do a lot to replace him and even stranger once Adams also requested a trade.

We didn't necessarily need great players to cover them but we needed some depth in both positions and we had a list that could accommodate it easily.

We made a play for Deledio but he decided to head north so it doesn't sound like we are hard pressed on the salary cap.


Could Crameri run himself back into form and touch with a couple of weeks playing as a defender?

Who's to say we didn't on both fronts and no deals could be manufactured? And picking up someone like Vardy as injury coverage for Roughy & Campbell is illogical.

The one I hope we had a conversation with is Eric Mackenzie. Had a bad year last year but is a previous AA selection. Looking good so far this pre-season.

[lemmon]

G, how many AFL standard rucks can you have on your list? At what stage does the third or fourth ranked AFL standard ruck leave much like Minson did last year? Eventually they look elsewhere, which is why teams end up blending forward roles with rucking roles.

Minson's not a great example, we chose not to offer him a cotract rather than he left for opportunity.

I said at the time I'd like to keep him on the list, or re-rookie. Hindsight is great but he'd probably be playing round 1.

I think you can get away with 3 and a rookie as backup but realistically Rough and Campbell have never made it through a season and English doesn't have the body for it. We should have targetted extra cover and scooped someone like a Vardy or a ready-made mature ager from the state leagues on the rookie list.

[GVGjr]

G, how many AFL standard rucks can you have on your list? At what stage does the third or fourth ranked AFL standard ruck leave much like Minson did last year? Eventually they look elsewhere, which is why teams end up blending forward roles with rucking roles.

It didn't have to be a full time ruckman it could have been a player capable of playing in a couple of positions and helping out as required. We could have also looked to add a player via the rookie list had we been prepared to cut into the list a bit deeper.

Lets look at the Swans, they have Sam Naismith, Callum Sinclair, Kurt Tippett and added a 22 yo player with WAFL experience in Darcy Cameron. They can also use Sam Reid there from time to time.

We added Tim English but everything we have said since indicates he is a long term prospect and he needs time to develop.
Given we used an early pick on him I hope we take the cautious approach.

[1eyedog]

I've said it before I'll say it again Bevo does not want a Witts type on,the list. He'd rather play a few bit part rucks who can play in a number of positions rather than a primary ruck who an only play in one.

He has little respect for the role unless he has the right person.

[Sedat]

No serious injuries - that is far and away the best news of the night.

[always right]

Talk about a tale of two halves. Dead set witches hats in the first half.....hopefully we take the second half form into round one.

That's two matches in a row the opposition have dominated us for a large portion of the match with a game plan that involves kicking short to loose players we leave un-manned on the wings before transferring the ball deep and quickly into their forwardline. We really struggle to counteract this but thankfully GC were unable to maintain their game plan once we stepped up our pressure and intensity. Good sides will maintain their game plan for all the match not just some of it.

Players that caught my eye for four quarters and not just the last quarter were Jong, Biggs, Suckling, Dahlhaus and Stringer who IMO was the best thing to come out of the match. Very encouraging signs that his confidence and explosiveness might be back.....and he brought others into the game as well.

On the negative front, a few blokes really struggled to have an impact. Crameri, Macrae, Wood, Murphy and JJ were all down on form. I hate to say it but Murph looked old. I know it is only two games back from an ACL but he looked significantly off the pace. I really hope he picks up after a few matches but I'm slightly fearful. The worst player for us was Clay Smith who was simply terrible......slow and fumbling. Replaced by Morris in our round one team IMO.

A couple of other observations......the clampdown on illegal disposal seems targeted at us. Umpires seemed intent on penalising us while letting GC get away with the same thing. This is going to drive us mad I fear.
Without a competitive ruckman we are going to need a better centre bounce clearance strategy. Rediculous that we won that game when centre clearances were one way traffic for GC.

[Eastdog]

No serious injuries - that is far and away the best news of the night.

Yeah a big positive of the night for sure particularly being another practice game and all.

[GVGjr]

Who's to say we didn't on both fronts and no deals could be manufactured? And picking up someone like Vardy as injury coverage for Roughy & Campbell is illogical.




And yet we were linked to him early in the trade period. It didn't have to be Vardy



The one I hope we had a conversation with is Eric Mackenzie. Had a bad year last year but is a previous AA selection. Looking good so far this pre-season.

I can't recall reading anything linking us with him in the off season but he would certainly have been worth having a serious discussion with.

By your own admission you might still be basking in last years win and still not that interested in the footy but it's good to see you're still up for a list management discussion :)

[Webby]

Talk about a tale of two halves. Dead set witches hats in the first half.....hopefully we take the second half form into round one.

That's two matches in a row the opposition have dominated us for a large portion of the match with a game plan that involves kicking short to loose players we leave un-manned on the wings before transferring the ball deep and quickly into their forwardline. We really struggle to counteract this but thankfully GC were unable to maintain their game plan once we stepped up our pressure and intensity. Good sides will maintain their game plan for all the match not just some of it.

Players that caught my eye for four quarters and not just the last quarter were Jong, Biggs, Suckling, Dahlhaus and Stringer who IMO was the best thing to come out of the match. Very encouraging signs that his confidence and explosiveness might be back.....and he brought others into the game as well.

On the negative front, a few blokes really struggled to have an impact. Crameri, Macrae, Wood, Murphy and JJ were all down on form. I hate to say it but Murph looked old. I know it is only two games back from an ACL but he looked significantly off the pace. I really hope he picks up after a few matches but I'm slightly fearful. The worst player for us was Clay Smith who was simply terrible......slow and fumbling. Replaced by Morris in our round one team IMO.

A couple of other observations......the clampdown on illegal disposal seems targeted at us. Umpires seemed intent on penalising us while letting GC get away with the same thing. This is going to drive us mad I fear.
Without a competitive ruckman we are going to need a better centre bounce clearance strategy. Rediculous that we won that game when centre clearances were one way traffic for GC.

I wouldn't worry too much about Murph. He's a tad rusty, but no one comes back from a broken leg or a knee reco looking great. It takes at least ten weeks of playing until you're totally back. Murphy's kicking was light years ahead of where it was in the first JLT game and his knee and confidence levels will feel better with every week. Morris wasn't looking great with his first few games back, but he improved greatly.

Suckling looked the player we were sold on twelve months ago. I feel he must have a clean bill of health, now. Macrae was solid on the inside and was a strong contributor imo - if not getting as much space as usual on the outside.

Crameri is still rusty, but becoming less so with every minute. Jake played what I think was his most team oriented, unselfish game for the club. It seems he's made some development over the summer. A good sign.

Cloke's questionable, but a handy player for the grind of a season and gives us options. I think a lot of players are peaking perfectly for the season start. We can take that approach as we're comfortable in our skin and have nothing to prove in February or March.

The second half felt like the old band got their beat back. Our strength is our intensity in the inside contest and pressure off the ball. That's hard to get up for in February in front of a dozen odd crowd. Particularly when your last game was in front of 100k, you know the game means nothing and you're still in a heavy training block.

[Mantis]

And yet we were linked to him early in the trade period. It didn't have to be Vardy



Who should it have been? Drew Petrie?

The reality is another tall option would be nice, but there isn't much around, and attracting someone to be 3rd or 4th in line wouldn't be all that appealing to potential suitors.

[chef]

Who should it have been? Drew Petrie?

The reality is another tall option would be nice, but there isn't much around, and attracting someone to be 3rd or 4th in line wouldn't be all that appealing to potential suitors.

Would have cost our first round for someone half decent, seems we rode our luck and ended up with a great prospect anyway.

[craigsahibee]

No they didn't.

They lost their early season narrative. Huddo's a funny one, he seemed great when we were on the way up, but now not so much. Lynch is a twit, Dermie is busy concentrating on his pursed lips between inane comments.

Lynch makes listening to Dwayne Russell almost bearable.

[kruder]

I'm a bit confused about questions regarding our list management particularly in regards to ruck and key defender depth. Would people prefer the Collingwood approach and just go and and buy whoever is available while at the same time trying to win the PR battle over the off season?

We were obviously close with Hurley, it also sounds like we also targeted Nicholls from the GC and missed. Getting Cloke and with the addition of Crameri enables us to hold a structure forward when Boyd has to ruck which is a huge plus and a luxury we didn't have when Redpath was out of the team last year. Campbell has a rolled ankle, he will be back and the ever improving Roughead who jumped as good as I've ever seen him in JLT 1 will be back.

Marcus Adams is suddenly shit after 6 months out, wanting to go home and a few JTL games. Um go back and watch the game again Hawthorn last year and you may have different views. Remember its a system defence and during games such as JLT and when our pressure is off, the majority of defenders outside Morris and Rance would be exposed.

I think you will find the free agency/trading benefits of our success will lag a little as it takes time when your targeting specific players.The only questionable list management decision for mine was the resigning of Hamilton who from draft videos until now hasn't shown an AFL trait.

I cant be any more bullish this year its the best bulldogs team we have ever put on the park since i've been following them and if you add the scoring power of 15 to the defensive traits of 16 while continuing to dominate inside look out!

Oh and a guy called Jake Stringer had 26 and 4 goals last night :) Life's good indeed.

[Mofra]

I think you can get away with 3 and a rookie as backup but realistically Rough and Campbell have never made it through a season and English doesn't have the body for it. We should have targetted extra cover and scooped someone like a Vardy or a ready-made mature ager from the state leagues on the rookie list.
Roughy played 25 games last year, more than almost anyone else on our list.

I would have liked cover but I'm not sure there was anyone available. Which mature ruckman would come to us knowing we had Roughy as first choice, Campbell second and Boyd playing 40% ruck?

The only ruck delistees from last year I can think of that played games (Fitzpatrick & McKernan) were rookied by their old clubs, and the others looked nowhere near it (Max King and Liam McBean).

[1eyedog]

Roughy played 25 games last year, more than almost anyone else on our list.

I would have liked cover but I'm not sure there was anyone available. Which mature ruckman would come to us knowing we had Roughy as first choice, Campbell second and Boyd playing 40% ruck?

The only ruck delistees from last year I can think of that played games (Fitzpatrick & McKernan) were rookied by their old clubs, and the others looked nowhere near it (Max King and Liam McBean).

Nankervis, Witts and I guess if you're desperate Petrie.

[soupman]

Our rucks are fine.

We have 4 players capable of playing there, and a couple of others that can pinch hit. How soon are you recruiting rucks for the sake of it, rather than them improving your list?

Besides we have demonstrated that through both the quality of our midfield and the structure of our defence we can cope with losing ruck contests. Last night alone we were killed in the centre clearances in the second half yet still killed them.

Also since Beveridge has arrived we have demonstrated time and again that faced with a decision between someone who is big enough to play a traditional key position or someone smaller who is more talented we will always go with the smaller bloke. So whats the point of signing a ready to go ruck that will only play if 3 specific players are injured ahead of him and even then would only be a line ball decision at best to be picked?

If we did sign an additional ruckman they should only fit two categories:
-They are immediately in contention for best 22
-They will possibly be in contention for best 22 down the track, ie. they possess the attributes we like (English).
Going for someone like Witts so he can be third in line is the most un-Beveridge like move we could make.

[Mofra]

Nankervis, Witts and I guess if you're desperate Petrie.
The first two left for more opportunity which means they would have ruled us out immediately.
Petrie I'm not sold on and he had more chance at WCE (at the time) anyway with their first two rucks under serious injury clouds.

[LostDoggy]

Few times we got pinged for "throwing" was just dead set embarrassing. I counted 4 times the umpire was completely out of position and basically guessed because our hands are so quick. Hopefully something else becomes the flavour of the month really soon.

I really liked Cordy's game down back. Also I was pretty happy with Roberts. Lynch got him a couple of times in one on ones but Lynch is the best forward in the game. And our midfield and forwards were putting on zero pressure in the first half so it made it impossible. When we turned up the heat all over the ground in the second half Lynch only kicked 1 on him.

Boyd was really good in the ruck, That's about as easy as it will get with a spud like Witts though. I would prefer him be our 2nd option for 10 minutes a quarter but beggers can't be choosers.

Bont got better as the game wore on. Biggs looks like he could be a top 5 best and fairest prospect this year. Jong played himself into our Round 1 side.

[Axe Man]

Few times we got pinged for "throwing" was just dead set embarrassing. I counted 4 times the umpire was completely out of position and basically guessed because our hands are so quick. Hopefully something else becomes the flavour of the month really soon.

Agreed, I thought the same thing wathcing the game but annoyingly Foxtel never seemed to show a replay of the supposed throws. Nothing annoys me more than when an umpire guesses. If they see a throw clearly then absolutely pay the free, but if they are un-sighted or unsure then it has to be play on.

[The Pie Man]

Nankervis, Witts and I guess if you're desperate Petrie.

Might've been BS, but I saw* during the trade period we were in for Nankervis - if true at all, I can understand why he chose Richmond, as opportunity would surely be more forthcoming at Punt Rd.**

* Saw on Twitter - the Trade Whisperer account

** Well, except for now of course

[The Pie Man]

There was a 'sliding' decision paid against Libba tonight. it baffles me that rule and why it needs to exist. He got to the footy first, was stationary over the top of it and a guy jumped into his back to win a free kick.

I'll hold my rant on this (other than to say I completely share your view) but in that instance, the Suns player came from another direction, so Tom wouldn't have necessarily seen him, just to run over Lib - if anything, it was high/ITB.

See someone on the turf fighting for the ball, just run over them and you'll get a free. It's the new buckle of the knees/ shoulder shrug for ITB/too high.

[jeemak]

Minson's not a great example, we chose not to offer him a cotract rather than he left for opportunity.

I said at the time I'd like to keep him on the list, or re-rookie. Hindsight is great but he'd probably be playing round 1.

I think you can get away with 3 and a rookie as backup but realistically Rough and Campbell have never made it through a season and English doesn't have the body for it. We should have targetted extra cover and scooped someone like a Vardy or a ready-made mature ager from the state leagues on the rookie list.


It didn't have to be a full time ruckman it could have been a player capable of playing in a couple of positions and helping out as required. We could have also looked to add a player via the rookie list had we been prepared to cut into the list a bit deeper.

Lets look at the Swans, they have Sam Naismith, Callum Sinclair, Kurt Tippett and added a 22 yo player with WAFL experience in Darcy Cameron. They can also use Sam Reid there from time to time.

We added Tim English but everything we have said since indicates he is a long term prospect and he needs time to develop.
Given we used an early pick on him I hope we take the cautious approach.

I would have thought the discussion with Minson prior to him not being offered a contract would have been along the lines of there being no place on the senior list for him, leaving his best chance of getting a senior game being from the rookie list on a significantly lowered wage. I could be wrong.

We have Roughead, Campbell, Boyd and English, and seemingly Cloke to chip in. I'm not sure how much more value than English the likes of Darcy Cameron will offer, we'll have to wait and see should he get his opportunity. Our first three selections are all capable of carrying the first ruck position at a high standard at AFL level, that's not a bad starting position.

Possibly our list management personnel view an ordinary non-AFL standard ruck as exactly what it is, and think that a rookie list spot isn't well used on one. I tend to agree, but can see both sides of the argument. If ordinary rucks were the only rucks available, I can understand why we didn't use a spot on one.

[Topdog]

Rucks just aren't that important.

[Mantis]

Found it amusing post game when Bont was walking back to the group post TV interview that he starting limping/ dragging his leg which was much to the amusement of his team mates.

[bulldogtragic]

Found it amusing post game when Bont was walking back to the group post TV interview that he starting limping/ dragging his leg which was much to the amusement of his team mates.

How much ground did Cloke cover do you think Mantis? It looked from TV like he covered a lot of ground and was almost always on the move, certainly none or not much of the stand and wrestling stuff.

[Mantis]

How much ground did Cloke cover do you think Mantis? It looked from TV like he covered a lot of ground and was almost always on the move, certainly none or not much of the stand and wrestling stuff.

Not sure in pure numbers, but he certainly covered lots of ground, but not always to the right spot, but this will improve as he gets more in sync with his new team-mates.. Whilst he wasn't super influential he was opposed to some handy players in May & Thompson who would have no doubt been much more influential if they didn't have to compete with Cloke.

[bornadog]

Not sure in pure numbers, but he certainly covered lots of ground, but not always to the right spot, but this will improve as he gets more in sync with his new team-mates.. Whilst he wasn't super influential he was opposed to some handy players in May & Thompson who would have no doubt been much more influential if they didn't have to compete with Cloke.

I realise both teams had to put up with the weather, but what was it like up there? Hot?, Humid? We seemed uncomfortable in the first half and the look at the players in the rooms at half time, they were suffering. Once the sun went down we seem to fire up.

Suns of course train in that weather and are use to it.

[Cyberdoggie]

It didn't have to be a full time ruckman it could have been a player capable of playing in a couple of positions and helping out as required. We could have also looked to add a player via the rookie list had we been prepared to cut into the list a bit deeper.

Lets look at the Swans, they have Sam Naismith, Callum Sinclair, Kurt Tippett and added a 22 yo player with WAFL experience in Darcy Cameron. They can also use Sam Reid there from time to time.

We added Tim English but everything we have said since indicates he is a long term prospect and he needs time to develop.
Given we used an early pick on him I hope we take the cautious approach.

Note that we are a 1 specialist ruckman in the side team, while others are often 2 at least.
So with that in mind, having a backup plus a developing player as spare is probably ok.
They probably thought with Boyd as a backup, and maybe Roberts and Cordy and emergency backups then they would roll the dice on this.
Campbell didn't really get a look in when he was available last year so it is worth a gamble if they think they can use that space for another on baller for this year.

I don't have a problem with the selection, I don't think it's crucial that we have to win the ruck. It can help but unless your Sandy, Gawn or Natanui does it really make a lot of difference?

[Mantis]

I realise both teams had to put up with the weather, but what was it like up there? Hot?, Humid? We seemed uncomfortable in the first half and the look at the players in the rooms at half time, they were suffering. Once the sun went down we seem to fire up.

Suns of course train in that weather and are use to it.

It wasn't that hot, maybe 25 when the game started, no humidity to talk of.. so the weather wasn't a factor.. There was a 1-2 for the GC in the 1st qtr which dropped off as the game went on.

[bornadog]

Highlights from Al


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGTSGcDBweM

[merantau]

I really enjoyed Al's highlights.

[always right]

Interesting to note that GC won the last quarter centre clearances 8 to 4 yet we scored nine goals for the quarter. Obviously we need to work on our strategy to deal with losing the centre hitouts but it also says what a great job our defence did in the last quarter to not only stop GC scoring but launching our own scoring from the backline.

[ledge]

Not sure in pure numbers, but he certainly covered lots of ground, but not always to the right spot, but this will improve as he gets more in sync with his new team-mates.. Whilst he wasn't super influential he was opposed to some handy players in May & Thompson who would have no doubt been much more influential if they didn't have to compete with Cloke.

Stringer kicked 4 because Cloke took away a defender or two .. That's all he has to do. He could be shit full but you still have to put your best back on him ., doesn't matter if he runs to the wrong spots because it causes the back man to as well .. Releases blokes like Stringer or Dickson .. Would be great if Boyd didn't have to ruck and could play forward more. If only Redpath or Roughead were fit.