Doc26
12-08-2010, 01:03 AM
Round 20 - Western Bulldogs v Geelong
http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/4458/ablettgriff.jpg
When and Where
Saturday August 14, 2010
7:10pm
Etihad Stadium
Ladder Positions
Western Bulldogs 4th - 13 wins 6 losses 140.26%
Geelong 2nd - 14 wins 5 losses 142.07%
Last Time We Met
Qualifying Final- Sep 5, 2009 – MCG
Western Bulldogs 2.1 4.3 8.4 12.10 (82)
Geelong 6.5 7.5 13.9 14.12 (96)
Best 3 Players Last We Met:
Geelong
Joel Corey, Matthew Scarlett, Gary Ablett
Western Bulldogs
Lindsay Gilbee, Jason Akermanis (Especially 2nd half), Adam Cooney
Key Take Outs:
1. Geelong got the jump on us early forcing us to play catch up for 3 quarters
2. Geelong's high efficiency
3. Geelong's pressure on us effected our efficiency
4. We didn't capitalise on our opportunities especially in the last quarter
5. Contested marking was a problem for us; they more than doubled us
Last 3 Games Head to Head
Qualifying Final 2009 - Geelong 96 def WB 82 - MCG
Round 21 2009 - WB 110 def Geelong 96 - Etihad
Round 9 2009 - Geelong 116 def WB 114 - Etihad
The Form Leading In
Western Bulldogs
WWWWWL(Just)WW
Geelong
LWWLWWLW
The Selection Table
Western Bulldogs
The dreaded lurgy has hit the club and at time of posting it is unclear who may be left to run out in the Red, White and Blue. Woofers keep close to the phone as Rodney may yet give you a call up.
My take on what I've seen and read:
It would appear that Adam is doubtful and if he doesn't come up we will certainly miss him in particular his run and clearance work against one of the best midfield outfits. Get well Coons. Cal Ward to return to provide some rotational support and midfield grunt.
Hudson has done a magnificent job again this season and a rest is on the cards being only a few weeks out from our finals campaign and after wearing a heavy load last week against the Crows. With Will Minson performing at Williamstown and Roughead developing well I would expect these two to hold down the ruck duties against Ottens and Hawkins.
Subject to the extent of the epidemic that has hit the Club, Grant may also benefit from a week off to freshen up with Bobby Murphy hopefully ready to return.
Similarly, Shaun who was left out last week due illness may also be ready for a recall for Josh Hill who again did not take his opportunity when given to him by the MC.
In summary: In Minson, Murphy, Ward, Higgins; Out Hudson (Rested), Grant (Rested), Cooney (Ill), Hill
Geelong
A handy out for us is Harry Taylor III who was the recipient of Corey Enright's 'friendly fire' last week which inflicted damage to his AC joint. I can’t think of a direct substitute with any experience for the role that Harry plays for them and will be difficult for Geelong to replace. I suspect Wojcinski to come in to provide more run and carry for them off the half back line.
http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/6995/wojodefensiverun.jpg
Although Neil Balme has denied it there appears some doubt on Cameron Ling this week. He has been down of late although he has good form against us in recent encounters. With Adam doubtful, Ling's possible omission would be more than timely for us.
Podsiadly is the other possible out for them this week. If he is sore, as is claimed, Etihad is unlikely to do much for his rehabilitation. Bomber Thompson has also indicated that he is no certain starter for them this week.
In summary: In Wojcinski, T Hunt, Hogan; Out H Taylor (AC), Podsiadly (General Soreness), Ling (General Soreness)
Possible Key Match Ups
What a different looking team we have going into this round from the last time we met Geelong in the Qualifying Final. Rather than talk of the possible / confirmed omissions those that are new from that evening are Hall, Williams, Everitt, Wood, Jones, Roughead, and Moles.
Hawkins v Lake
The Cats were ineffective in attack last week against Collingwood getting beaten in inside 50’s. They will be working hard to rectify this and our defense will come under immense pressure as the Cats look for Mooney and Hawkins out on the lead. I suspect Hawkins is more likely to be used as a decoy to minimise Lake’s influence in setting us up. Hawkins modus operandi when not changing ruck duties will be to negate Lake’s influence.
Mooney v Williams
Mooney performed well for them when we last met in the Qualifying Final with 12 marks and 3 goals. I pondered Dale on Mooney as has gone before but have gone with Tom this time seeing as he is available this time around and is holding his own. Tom will need to be on his game on Saturday and play Mooney tightly as I envisage a lot of ball coming his way.
http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/8108/morrispressure.jpg
Johnson / Chapman v Morris / Murphy
From memory Johnson didn’t play in the Qualifying Final. I’m matching up arguably Geelong’s most dangerous forward in StevieJ, yes they have a lot, with Dale being our best close checking defender. The experience and skill of Murph to take the elusive and classy Chapman off the half back line.
Ablett / Selwood v Boyd / Cross
If Cooney and Ling fail to come up it will change the look of the typical midfield match ups.
Depending on whether Ling plays we may try to match Boyd up with Ablett in a head to head. If Ling plays he is likely to go to Boyd to negate his clearance work. Last week Swan went head to head with Ablett with Swan taking the honours on the night topping the clearances with 7. If Ling plays he goes to Boyd. I see Liam as the likely match up on Ablett. I expect Selwood and Crossy to go to each other in a fight to the death.
http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/301/crosstackle.jpg
Mackie / Enright v Higgins / Johnson / Everitt / Eagleton
Our half forward line was starting to do my head in, I’m suspecting our MC’s as well. What we do know is that the Geelong back line and especially their half backs set their forward thrusts up time and time again. As with St Kilda’s Gilbert, Fisher etc we must shut these guys down with immense F50 pressure. The question is do we have what it takes across this line. Curb Mackie’s, Enright’s and a floating James Kelly’s influence and I see us having a great chance on Saturday.
Corey v Griffen
With a midfield setup of Minson, Boyd, Picken and Cross I have put Griffen on a wing on Corey in the hope that Griffen might be able to exploit Corey for speed having only recently returned from a leg injury. With that said, Corey does have a wonderful record against us. Of course with the possibility of no Cooney, Griffen will continue to be rotated through the midfield as Cross and Boyd take a breather.
Varcoe v Hargrave (possibly Wood although for now I have him on Stokes rather than Gilbee taking him – Hurry back Jarrod)
Varcoe’s been in good form and looms as a danger. Hargrave’s last couple of weeks has seen him regain some good form and his role this week in shutting down Varcoe will be key for us halting their forward thrusts. I expect Varcoe to spend some time through the midfield this week. He is one of their better ball users and for too long flew under the radar.
Scarlett v Hall
With no Taylor I don’t see Geelong having any viable alternative to Scarlett to match up on the dangerous Hall in the sterile Etihad surrounds. What will be critical is for Barry to hold his own defensively in negating the run of Scarlett. Our delivery to Barry will need to be spot on.
Where The Game Will Be Won and Lost
http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/4655/bradjohnsonpressure.jpg
Against Geelong contested pressure has proven to be where it’s at and to negate their play on at all costs approach. I expect Rodney and the MC have been hammering home the importance of applying immense pressure and in particular in the forward fifty all week. We need to force Geelong into making costly turnovers. Last week Collingwood scored 86 of their total 107pts from turnovers more than double that from what Geelong were able to capitalise on.
Unlike in the QF last year we must also make the most out of the opportunities presented. We must win our fair share of ball out of the centre but importantly use it efficiently rather than spraying it into the arms of their rebounding defenders who will hurt you. We will need to look to Boyd, Crossy, Griffen and Ward etc for high efficiency out of the corridor.
If the likes of Cooney, Hudson and Harbrow don’t come up then others will need to step up to fill the large hole left by them. This one will take an effort across the entire twenty two selected but it certainly can be done.
http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/9518/hallcelebrate.jpg
http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/4458/ablettgriff.jpg
When and Where
Saturday August 14, 2010
7:10pm
Etihad Stadium
Ladder Positions
Western Bulldogs 4th - 13 wins 6 losses 140.26%
Geelong 2nd - 14 wins 5 losses 142.07%
Last Time We Met
Qualifying Final- Sep 5, 2009 – MCG
Western Bulldogs 2.1 4.3 8.4 12.10 (82)
Geelong 6.5 7.5 13.9 14.12 (96)
Best 3 Players Last We Met:
Geelong
Joel Corey, Matthew Scarlett, Gary Ablett
Western Bulldogs
Lindsay Gilbee, Jason Akermanis (Especially 2nd half), Adam Cooney
Key Take Outs:
1. Geelong got the jump on us early forcing us to play catch up for 3 quarters
2. Geelong's high efficiency
3. Geelong's pressure on us effected our efficiency
4. We didn't capitalise on our opportunities especially in the last quarter
5. Contested marking was a problem for us; they more than doubled us
Last 3 Games Head to Head
Qualifying Final 2009 - Geelong 96 def WB 82 - MCG
Round 21 2009 - WB 110 def Geelong 96 - Etihad
Round 9 2009 - Geelong 116 def WB 114 - Etihad
The Form Leading In
Western Bulldogs
WWWWWL(Just)WW
Geelong
LWWLWWLW
The Selection Table
Western Bulldogs
The dreaded lurgy has hit the club and at time of posting it is unclear who may be left to run out in the Red, White and Blue. Woofers keep close to the phone as Rodney may yet give you a call up.
My take on what I've seen and read:
It would appear that Adam is doubtful and if he doesn't come up we will certainly miss him in particular his run and clearance work against one of the best midfield outfits. Get well Coons. Cal Ward to return to provide some rotational support and midfield grunt.
Hudson has done a magnificent job again this season and a rest is on the cards being only a few weeks out from our finals campaign and after wearing a heavy load last week against the Crows. With Will Minson performing at Williamstown and Roughead developing well I would expect these two to hold down the ruck duties against Ottens and Hawkins.
Subject to the extent of the epidemic that has hit the Club, Grant may also benefit from a week off to freshen up with Bobby Murphy hopefully ready to return.
Similarly, Shaun who was left out last week due illness may also be ready for a recall for Josh Hill who again did not take his opportunity when given to him by the MC.
In summary: In Minson, Murphy, Ward, Higgins; Out Hudson (Rested), Grant (Rested), Cooney (Ill), Hill
Geelong
A handy out for us is Harry Taylor III who was the recipient of Corey Enright's 'friendly fire' last week which inflicted damage to his AC joint. I can’t think of a direct substitute with any experience for the role that Harry plays for them and will be difficult for Geelong to replace. I suspect Wojcinski to come in to provide more run and carry for them off the half back line.
http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/6995/wojodefensiverun.jpg
Although Neil Balme has denied it there appears some doubt on Cameron Ling this week. He has been down of late although he has good form against us in recent encounters. With Adam doubtful, Ling's possible omission would be more than timely for us.
Podsiadly is the other possible out for them this week. If he is sore, as is claimed, Etihad is unlikely to do much for his rehabilitation. Bomber Thompson has also indicated that he is no certain starter for them this week.
In summary: In Wojcinski, T Hunt, Hogan; Out H Taylor (AC), Podsiadly (General Soreness), Ling (General Soreness)
Possible Key Match Ups
What a different looking team we have going into this round from the last time we met Geelong in the Qualifying Final. Rather than talk of the possible / confirmed omissions those that are new from that evening are Hall, Williams, Everitt, Wood, Jones, Roughead, and Moles.
Hawkins v Lake
The Cats were ineffective in attack last week against Collingwood getting beaten in inside 50’s. They will be working hard to rectify this and our defense will come under immense pressure as the Cats look for Mooney and Hawkins out on the lead. I suspect Hawkins is more likely to be used as a decoy to minimise Lake’s influence in setting us up. Hawkins modus operandi when not changing ruck duties will be to negate Lake’s influence.
Mooney v Williams
Mooney performed well for them when we last met in the Qualifying Final with 12 marks and 3 goals. I pondered Dale on Mooney as has gone before but have gone with Tom this time seeing as he is available this time around and is holding his own. Tom will need to be on his game on Saturday and play Mooney tightly as I envisage a lot of ball coming his way.
http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/8108/morrispressure.jpg
Johnson / Chapman v Morris / Murphy
From memory Johnson didn’t play in the Qualifying Final. I’m matching up arguably Geelong’s most dangerous forward in StevieJ, yes they have a lot, with Dale being our best close checking defender. The experience and skill of Murph to take the elusive and classy Chapman off the half back line.
Ablett / Selwood v Boyd / Cross
If Cooney and Ling fail to come up it will change the look of the typical midfield match ups.
Depending on whether Ling plays we may try to match Boyd up with Ablett in a head to head. If Ling plays he is likely to go to Boyd to negate his clearance work. Last week Swan went head to head with Ablett with Swan taking the honours on the night topping the clearances with 7. If Ling plays he goes to Boyd. I see Liam as the likely match up on Ablett. I expect Selwood and Crossy to go to each other in a fight to the death.
http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/301/crosstackle.jpg
Mackie / Enright v Higgins / Johnson / Everitt / Eagleton
Our half forward line was starting to do my head in, I’m suspecting our MC’s as well. What we do know is that the Geelong back line and especially their half backs set their forward thrusts up time and time again. As with St Kilda’s Gilbert, Fisher etc we must shut these guys down with immense F50 pressure. The question is do we have what it takes across this line. Curb Mackie’s, Enright’s and a floating James Kelly’s influence and I see us having a great chance on Saturday.
Corey v Griffen
With a midfield setup of Minson, Boyd, Picken and Cross I have put Griffen on a wing on Corey in the hope that Griffen might be able to exploit Corey for speed having only recently returned from a leg injury. With that said, Corey does have a wonderful record against us. Of course with the possibility of no Cooney, Griffen will continue to be rotated through the midfield as Cross and Boyd take a breather.
Varcoe v Hargrave (possibly Wood although for now I have him on Stokes rather than Gilbee taking him – Hurry back Jarrod)
Varcoe’s been in good form and looms as a danger. Hargrave’s last couple of weeks has seen him regain some good form and his role this week in shutting down Varcoe will be key for us halting their forward thrusts. I expect Varcoe to spend some time through the midfield this week. He is one of their better ball users and for too long flew under the radar.
Scarlett v Hall
With no Taylor I don’t see Geelong having any viable alternative to Scarlett to match up on the dangerous Hall in the sterile Etihad surrounds. What will be critical is for Barry to hold his own defensively in negating the run of Scarlett. Our delivery to Barry will need to be spot on.
Where The Game Will Be Won and Lost
http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/4655/bradjohnsonpressure.jpg
Against Geelong contested pressure has proven to be where it’s at and to negate their play on at all costs approach. I expect Rodney and the MC have been hammering home the importance of applying immense pressure and in particular in the forward fifty all week. We need to force Geelong into making costly turnovers. Last week Collingwood scored 86 of their total 107pts from turnovers more than double that from what Geelong were able to capitalise on.
Unlike in the QF last year we must also make the most out of the opportunities presented. We must win our fair share of ball out of the centre but importantly use it efficiently rather than spraying it into the arms of their rebounding defenders who will hurt you. We will need to look to Boyd, Crossy, Griffen and Ward etc for high efficiency out of the corridor.
If the likes of Cooney, Hudson and Harbrow don’t come up then others will need to step up to fill the large hole left by them. This one will take an effort across the entire twenty two selected but it certainly can be done.
http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/9518/hallcelebrate.jpg