Mantis
09-09-2010, 10:53 PM
The_Bulldogs_ Bite's bit:
Introduction
We’re expected to crash out in straight sets after an incredibly disappointing month of football, capped off by a sour belting in last week’s QF v Collingwood.
Brad Johnson announced his retirement earlier in the week after a wonderful 362 game career, after admitting his body and mind can’t go on any longer. He’s had a difficult year, much like the club itself, but expect the Dogs to have extra motivation going into this game.
Sydney are deserved favourites heading into this Semi Final clash, coming off five consecutive victories, including a big win against Carlton in their EF last week. Their confidence is sky high; they’ve got a healthy list to choose from and will draw the key traits that came out of their Round 21 win against us.
This game is certainly known as the Johnson/Kirk factor – both great captains of their club, but one of them will retire on Saturday Night after a decorated career.
Last Time They Met
Round 21, 2010 (SCG)
Sydney – 18.13 (121)
Western Bulldogs – 12.7 (79)
Another night we’d prefer to forget, after losing to Geelong by 101 points the week before. The Dogs started well but Sydney pegged us back and then really got on top in the second quarter. Injuries to Cooney and Morris made it a very, very bitter night for the Tricolour as Trent Dennis-Lane booted 4 majors. Kieran Jack collected 25 disposals, 9 clearances, 5 inside 50’s and kicked 2 goals.
The Bulldogs had 9 players with less than 10 possessions and only one who managed above 20. (Boyd)
Despite the fact that the form line hasn’t changed since this night, expect it to be a lot closer. Sydney struggle on the MCG and one would think we won’t be throwing in the towel as easily as we have.
Mofra's bit:
The Mens’ Department vs Their Forwardline
Possible match-ups:
(NB: I have assumed Callan will miss and reserve the right to change selection on the basis of teamsheets being released, or posters coming up with better suggestions)
Lake vs Bradshaw – with Roos flagging Bradshaw could be back, I’d expect Lake to start with him in the absence of Morris. Lake has some size differential advantage, although Bradshaw is a very smart footballer who may play a sacrificial role for the team and try and drag Lake away from the action. Swans will be keen to exploit the absence of Morris. Lake may be switched onto Goodes if he starts to present a problem.
Williams vs Goodes – I almost typed Shaggy in, then Murphy, I really did. Shaggy’s rebound work has been down slightly over his usual standard, and Murphy was in good form last week and is smart enough to be able to go with Goodes, but on size alone I think Williams will get the job. Although I worry that Goodes will be too smart for Williams we really don't have many other options. Goodes normally demands a pure stopper so by trying Williams we may just have to hope he can do teh job.
Shaggy vs Dennis-Lane – Shaggy will need to watch TDL like a hawk, and run hard on the turnovers as TDL (despite the big tackle) only managed two for the game. He kicked 4 last week, and 4 against us in round 21 so this is a big match-up for us. If Tim Callan plays I would give him a pure stopping role on him. I’m not sure TDL Likes physical pressure so basically the biggest prick in the team should go to him. Shaggy snuck into the best in round 21 so has form against them.
McGlynn/Moore vs Gilbee/Murphy – McGlynn is smart and I expect him to return, but I think we can win this battle. Gilbee will need to get his skates on and try and hurt the Swans on the turnoverif he plays here, although I think Eade will try and push Gilbee up the ground to play a defensive wing role. Murphy was good last week.
O’Keefe/Hannebury vs Wood – Wood has the athleticism to go with both and Wood looked good against Stevie J a few weeks back so the bigger O’Keefe will be seen as an opportunity by Wood. Murphy as a back-up on O’Keefe is he gets going.
TBB' bit:
Midfield Battle
Griffen v Jack: This one seems a given considering Cooney got the attention last time and is now sitting on the sidelines. Griffen is clearly our best midfielder, as evidenced last week on yet another big stage for the #16. Jack has been a crucial player for the Swans this season, showcasing an ability to shut down opponents and then hurt them going the other way. He’s mastered the ‘one step, kick’ skill and is deadly around stoppages in the F50 with this trait. Griffen will have him covered for pace though, so out in the open spaces of the MCG, Jack may struggle. The key for Ryan is to get on his bike and run Jack around because although he’s a great inside player, I’m not sure Jack has the ability to shut down explosive mids who can play the outside game – especially on a wide ground.
Boyd / Cross v Kirk / Bolton: All four of these guys are very experienced footballers and whilst none of them are genuine match winners, the play often starts in their hands. Boyd and Cross have been dreadful lately. Their decision making and disposal has cost us dearly and unless they turn that around, we’ll be in trouble. Kirk and Bolton aren’t quick much like our duo, but they’re similar in that they dig in deep to feed the ball out. It’s probably fair to say Kirk and Bolton play within their limitations even at the late stage of their careers. Contested ball will be a real key here, but so too will blocking/pressuring the opposition’s players. We desperately need Boyd/Cross to play tighter.
Eagleton v McVeigh: Not too sure this one will happen but from a Swans point of view, McVeigh has the ability to hurt Eagleton but keep him in check at the same time. McVeigh likes to run forward and set up the play, he doesn’t mind kicking a goal himself and at times is a real barometer of their side if he’s running hard. Eagle is similar; he has to run hard to space, play on quickly and spot up targets with his piercing left boot. Sadly for us – Eagleton has struggled to do this for quite a while. On the upside, this is usually the game he rips apart. Like the rest of our midfield, he’s got to be accountable.
The midfield needs to be much more organised than it has been for the last month. No finger pointing – if you see a man free, go and pick him up. We just can’t allow cheap possession off a pack like Swan got last week. It’s pivotal we play desperate footy; meaning, we make Sydney’s mids earn their possessions. If it means that we play man on man – great. I really don’t want to see us employ zones whereby we allow them to create the overlap with Shaw, Malceski and Mattner running from the back.
One of Cross or Boyd must stand on the defensive side of every pack and the other must be prepared to block for Griffen. He’s the man that can break this game open, but only if we give him the opportunity to do so. This also requires Minson to do some bullocking work, of which he’s done little of this year. The structure has to be about players playing to their strengths. Hudson, Boyd, Cross, Picken, Ward and Minson going in hard and low to shovel the ball out to our runners in Griffen, Eagleton, Harbrow and Gilbee.
Sticking to these structures will go a long way to winning the game. Boyd trying to play like Ablett, Cross delivering the ball inside 50 and Minson/Ward trying to kick with their left foot won’t work. We need hardness, discipline, concentration and composure to succeed.
Introduction
We’re expected to crash out in straight sets after an incredibly disappointing month of football, capped off by a sour belting in last week’s QF v Collingwood.
Brad Johnson announced his retirement earlier in the week after a wonderful 362 game career, after admitting his body and mind can’t go on any longer. He’s had a difficult year, much like the club itself, but expect the Dogs to have extra motivation going into this game.
Sydney are deserved favourites heading into this Semi Final clash, coming off five consecutive victories, including a big win against Carlton in their EF last week. Their confidence is sky high; they’ve got a healthy list to choose from and will draw the key traits that came out of their Round 21 win against us.
This game is certainly known as the Johnson/Kirk factor – both great captains of their club, but one of them will retire on Saturday Night after a decorated career.
Last Time They Met
Round 21, 2010 (SCG)
Sydney – 18.13 (121)
Western Bulldogs – 12.7 (79)
Another night we’d prefer to forget, after losing to Geelong by 101 points the week before. The Dogs started well but Sydney pegged us back and then really got on top in the second quarter. Injuries to Cooney and Morris made it a very, very bitter night for the Tricolour as Trent Dennis-Lane booted 4 majors. Kieran Jack collected 25 disposals, 9 clearances, 5 inside 50’s and kicked 2 goals.
The Bulldogs had 9 players with less than 10 possessions and only one who managed above 20. (Boyd)
Despite the fact that the form line hasn’t changed since this night, expect it to be a lot closer. Sydney struggle on the MCG and one would think we won’t be throwing in the towel as easily as we have.
Mofra's bit:
The Mens’ Department vs Their Forwardline
Possible match-ups:
(NB: I have assumed Callan will miss and reserve the right to change selection on the basis of teamsheets being released, or posters coming up with better suggestions)
Lake vs Bradshaw – with Roos flagging Bradshaw could be back, I’d expect Lake to start with him in the absence of Morris. Lake has some size differential advantage, although Bradshaw is a very smart footballer who may play a sacrificial role for the team and try and drag Lake away from the action. Swans will be keen to exploit the absence of Morris. Lake may be switched onto Goodes if he starts to present a problem.
Williams vs Goodes – I almost typed Shaggy in, then Murphy, I really did. Shaggy’s rebound work has been down slightly over his usual standard, and Murphy was in good form last week and is smart enough to be able to go with Goodes, but on size alone I think Williams will get the job. Although I worry that Goodes will be too smart for Williams we really don't have many other options. Goodes normally demands a pure stopper so by trying Williams we may just have to hope he can do teh job.
Shaggy vs Dennis-Lane – Shaggy will need to watch TDL like a hawk, and run hard on the turnovers as TDL (despite the big tackle) only managed two for the game. He kicked 4 last week, and 4 against us in round 21 so this is a big match-up for us. If Tim Callan plays I would give him a pure stopping role on him. I’m not sure TDL Likes physical pressure so basically the biggest prick in the team should go to him. Shaggy snuck into the best in round 21 so has form against them.
McGlynn/Moore vs Gilbee/Murphy – McGlynn is smart and I expect him to return, but I think we can win this battle. Gilbee will need to get his skates on and try and hurt the Swans on the turnoverif he plays here, although I think Eade will try and push Gilbee up the ground to play a defensive wing role. Murphy was good last week.
O’Keefe/Hannebury vs Wood – Wood has the athleticism to go with both and Wood looked good against Stevie J a few weeks back so the bigger O’Keefe will be seen as an opportunity by Wood. Murphy as a back-up on O’Keefe is he gets going.
TBB' bit:
Midfield Battle
Griffen v Jack: This one seems a given considering Cooney got the attention last time and is now sitting on the sidelines. Griffen is clearly our best midfielder, as evidenced last week on yet another big stage for the #16. Jack has been a crucial player for the Swans this season, showcasing an ability to shut down opponents and then hurt them going the other way. He’s mastered the ‘one step, kick’ skill and is deadly around stoppages in the F50 with this trait. Griffen will have him covered for pace though, so out in the open spaces of the MCG, Jack may struggle. The key for Ryan is to get on his bike and run Jack around because although he’s a great inside player, I’m not sure Jack has the ability to shut down explosive mids who can play the outside game – especially on a wide ground.
Boyd / Cross v Kirk / Bolton: All four of these guys are very experienced footballers and whilst none of them are genuine match winners, the play often starts in their hands. Boyd and Cross have been dreadful lately. Their decision making and disposal has cost us dearly and unless they turn that around, we’ll be in trouble. Kirk and Bolton aren’t quick much like our duo, but they’re similar in that they dig in deep to feed the ball out. It’s probably fair to say Kirk and Bolton play within their limitations even at the late stage of their careers. Contested ball will be a real key here, but so too will blocking/pressuring the opposition’s players. We desperately need Boyd/Cross to play tighter.
Eagleton v McVeigh: Not too sure this one will happen but from a Swans point of view, McVeigh has the ability to hurt Eagleton but keep him in check at the same time. McVeigh likes to run forward and set up the play, he doesn’t mind kicking a goal himself and at times is a real barometer of their side if he’s running hard. Eagle is similar; he has to run hard to space, play on quickly and spot up targets with his piercing left boot. Sadly for us – Eagleton has struggled to do this for quite a while. On the upside, this is usually the game he rips apart. Like the rest of our midfield, he’s got to be accountable.
The midfield needs to be much more organised than it has been for the last month. No finger pointing – if you see a man free, go and pick him up. We just can’t allow cheap possession off a pack like Swan got last week. It’s pivotal we play desperate footy; meaning, we make Sydney’s mids earn their possessions. If it means that we play man on man – great. I really don’t want to see us employ zones whereby we allow them to create the overlap with Shaw, Malceski and Mattner running from the back.
One of Cross or Boyd must stand on the defensive side of every pack and the other must be prepared to block for Griffen. He’s the man that can break this game open, but only if we give him the opportunity to do so. This also requires Minson to do some bullocking work, of which he’s done little of this year. The structure has to be about players playing to their strengths. Hudson, Boyd, Cross, Picken, Ward and Minson going in hard and low to shovel the ball out to our runners in Griffen, Eagleton, Harbrow and Gilbee.
Sticking to these structures will go a long way to winning the game. Boyd trying to play like Ablett, Cross delivering the ball inside 50 and Minson/Ward trying to kick with their left foot won’t work. We need hardness, discipline, concentration and composure to succeed.