Cautious Bulldogs spin out of control
Cautious Bulldogs spin out of control
Damian Barratt - Herald Sun
THE Western Bulldogs aren't good at publicly managing the good times.
Like most clubs unfamiliar with success, they panic when they begin to feel they could be in line for some.
This week the Bulldogs, unbeaten after five rounds, have devoted much effort in attempting to manipulate the image in which the public views it.
Questionable strategy has seen the Brian Lake issue from Sunday afternoon become a saga, maybe even a charade.
Lake no doubt felt something "go" in his hamstring just after he took that sensational pack mark in the final seconds of the game against Richmond, and that he chose to vacate the field, leaving Will Minson to take the score-equalling kick, is now almost irrelevant.
What is of issue, though, is how the Bulldogs, clearly sensing people were about to ask questions about the legitimacy of Lake's departure, have gone way over the top in stage management and spin.
By first thing Monday morning, the word was put out that Lake would be having scans.
Even teammate Daniel Cross was made aware of the scan news, which he proudly passed on to SEN.
Then we had Lake refuse to talk to media about the injury, when a quick stand-up conference would have removed much of the football world's cynicism.
Hopefully, his silence wasn't club-ordered.
Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade, a long-time media master, later said Lake's hamstring was "tight", that it might have been "cramp" or a "spasm", and that there was "no tear".
Then we were told by the club that Lake was offended by claims he dodged the pressure kick. Please.
Lake will play against West Coast at Telstra Dome on Saturday night.
While the Lake matter has played out publicly, behind the scenes the club has applied a few more gags to the mouth of Jason Akermanis.
A scheduled video appearance on this newspaper's website was cancelled yesterday. It followed heavy club editing of recent columns he had prepared for the sports pages of the paper.
The club was annoyed Aker dared say on Herald Sun video last week that Geelong might be considering conspiring to rest some of its players from the Hall of Fame game.
Heavy stuff, as you can see. Heavy enough for the order to be given that yesterday's video would not be happening.
Aker also has had his trademark handstand banned.
Remember the pride of the Bulldogs when they recruited Aker?
"It's going to be unleashed . . . it's entertainment," said Bulldogs chief executive Campbell Rose last year of Akermanis and his handstand.
The Bulldogs regularly scream out for publicity. They are good at that.
But they're terrible at dealing with the news they can't control, and they'll need to improve drastically if they are to cash in on what is shaping as a pretty good year.
Re: Cautious Bulldogs spin out of control
What a load of croc - must be bad news day
Re: Cautious Bulldogs spin out of control
Re: Cautious Bulldogs spin out of control
Aker's mouth piece not happy with his treatment, so decides to bag the club for defending the integrity of one of its players.
Re: Cautious Bulldogs spin out of control
That is the worst article I've read for many years.
Barrett should be ashamed to call himself a journalist if this is all he can muster.
Re: Cautious Bulldogs spin out of control
Quote:
Originally Posted by
The Coon Dog
Cautious Bulldogs spin out of control
What is of issue, though, is how the Bulldogs, clearly sensing people were about to ask questions about the legitimacy of Lake's departure, have gone way over the top in stage management and spin.
By first thing Monday morning, the word was put out that Lake would be having scans.
Even teammate Daniel Cross was made aware of the scan news, which he proudly passed on to SEN.
Then we had Lake refuse to talk to media about the injury, when a quick stand-up conference would have removed much of the football world's cynicism.
Hopefully, his silence wasn't club-ordered.
I was told that the club sent out a media update on Monday morning that Brian would be having scans. They apparently also added that there would be no further comment from the club. I think the fact that Brian eluded the media when he left after the scan and the fact the club was quickly on the defensive has triggered a pay back.
As others have pointed out it is obviously a slow day for footy news but this does smack of pettyness.
Re: Cautious Bulldogs spin out of control
Worst article I have read in years.
Reporters are told instantly if there will be further comment or not.
Aker on the other hand was told by his players to stop the handstand, that had absolutely nothing to do with the club. His comments about Geelong would have been quite offensive to the Geelong players and now anyone from Geelong who misses the game is going to be scrutinized. It was a stupid thing to say and kind of ironic that we are now defending a player who has been accused of faking an injury.
Is there anything in the article that is factually correct?
Re: Cautious Bulldogs spin out of control
It would be interesting to see the reaction from this article in house at the dogs
Re: Cautious Bulldogs spin out of control
He came across as a pathetic journalist on Footy confidential - just looked a goose
He's obviously got an issue with someone at the club
Re: Cautious Bulldogs spin out of control
How funny is it that we start the year undefeated and yet all we seem to get is ignored or bad press. This was one of the most self-serving, horrible article I have read in a while it makes Caroline Wilson look well-informed.
Re: Cautious Bulldogs spin out of control
It certainly seems that the way you finish a season carries over for the following year with the media. Look at Hawthorn this year and when we had a strong finish at the end of 2005.
Re: Cautious Bulldogs spin out of control
That was by far, the worst newspaper article that I have ever read. I cant believe that, that was even published.
Re: Cautious Bulldogs spin out of control
Someone wrote a negative story about the dogs.....shock horror.....'Its rubbish' , 'he's a crap journo etc etc''... Come on guys, we have got no idea what goes on down at the club. The chap must have his reasons
Re: Cautious Bulldogs spin out of control
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jerry
Someone wrote a negative story about the dogs.....shock horror.....'Its rubbish' , 'he's a crap journo etc etc''... Come on guys, we have got no idea what goes on down at the club. The chap must have his reasons
The chap must have his reasons? So that is good enough to slag us off is it? If you think that is ok then what kind of supporter are you.
Read the article for what it is, a crap piece of journalism.
Re: Cautious Bulldogs spin out of control
This is the worse, meaningless article I have ever read. Barrett you're an IDIOT!