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Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: Laitham Vandermeer
Originally Posted by
Ozza
Its interesting to see the amount of love Laith is getting on here since his debut. I don't disagree with it at all - but interesting to see how fans react to players - where a 7 possession game from a new player can be so warmly embraced!
I tend to think that it gets analyzed a bit more critically if we lose games
I'd actually have him in the mix to be dropped this week but I remain bullish about his future
Western Bulldogs Football Club "Where it's cool to drool"
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Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: Laitham Vandermeer
Originally Posted by
Scorlibo
He’s got a bit of Jason Tutt in his posture and movement.
I mentioned it last game to people I was watching it with, he really does play like Jason Tutt except without the concrete hands.
Western Bulldogs: 2016 Premiers
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Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: Laitham Vandermeer
Originally Posted by
GVGjr
I tend to think that it gets analyzed a bit more critically if we lose games
I'd actually have him in the mix to be dropped this week but I remain bullish about his future
I think we lack speed up forward from a pressure perspective, so Laith could become important to our set up if he learns to use his speed a bit more at AFL level and add to his defensive game. Wally is great in a contest but struggles to impact defensively. Rhylee West is quite similar as this point in time.
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Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: Laitham Vandermeer
It's fair to say he's had a couple of challenging years since a promising debut and that injuries and form might have slowed his progress a bit what can we do to recharge his career?
Does he need a position change or can we use him in a better role that would improve his performances?
Western Bulldogs Football Club "Where it's cool to drool"
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Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: Laitham Vandermeer
His development has stalled because of injury. He's clearly rated within the four walls by his selection but hasn't had a consistent run.
They need to strip his program back and build his body up to stand up against the demands of AFL. He needs a full preseason to lay the foundation for a strong year or he could become lost to the game completely.
I don't mind the idea of going back but he's competing against better options in Richards, Dale, Daniel, and Duryea. His best option is to cement himself as a wing / forward.
If you go back to the start of our 2021 season, his form and influence in that role was very important. If you watch our highlights, you can see the impact he had on our goalscoring opportunities as well as the pressure he brings. I'd also put JJ in the same category. Both bring speed in our front half but need injury free seasons.
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Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: Laitham Vandermeer
Originally Posted by
Swoop
His development has stalled because of injury. He's clearly rated within the four walls by his selection but hasn't had a consistent run.
They need to strip his program back and build his body up to stand up against the demands of AFL. He needs a full preseason to lay the foundation for a strong year or he could become lost to the game completely.
I don't mind the idea of going back but he's competing against better options in Richards, Dale, Daniel, and Duryea. His best option is to cement himself as a wing / forward.
If you go back to the start of our 2021 season, his form and influence in that role was very important. If you watch our highlights, you can see the impact he had on our goalscoring opportunities as well as the pressure he brings. I'd also put JJ in the same category. Both bring speed in our front half but need injury free seasons.
He's had some moments, but he hasn't really had too many games where he's put it together as a forward. As a forward you really need to be able to either create (which requires footy IQ and skill) or hit the scoreboard. He does neither - in fact both are weaknesses in his game.
It could be argued he's played for his defensive pressure, which at times can be OK, but I believe you need more than just that if you're a forward at an elite level (and for a contending side). It basically means we're playing 1 option short, and we're already Naughton or bust.
Defensive pressure is important but you need to bring something else and he just doesn't.
It's back to half back for mine. I suspect the same issues (decision making, skill execution) mean this is risky but I feel it's his only hope. It was his natural position, he can break lines, and besides Dale we looked stifled all year.
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Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: Laitham Vandermeer
Mercifully he didn’t pull a hamstring
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Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: Laitham Vandermeer
Limited player for mine. His kicking is ordinary at best. I wonder if we’ll try him on a wing to use his pace. Shudder at the thought of him trying to hit a target.
"Loves a scrap....oh yeah & he's a pretty handy footballer as well"
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Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: Laitham Vandermeer
Originally Posted by
I’m Not Bitter Anymore!
Mercifully he didn’t pull a hamstring
He did change lanes though and completely cut off his opponent.
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Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: Laitham Vandermeer
Originally Posted by
Grantysghost
He did change lanes though and completely cut off his opponent.
Thought they would have it on the straight like previous years.
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Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: Laitham Vandermeer
He is a one-sided ball butcher who doesn't find it very much.
Officially on the Bus-wagon
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Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: Laitham Vandermeer
Vandermeer shouldn't even be on our list but we need to keep Baz happy.
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Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: Laitham Vandermeer
I would move him back and see how he goes.
FFC: Established 1883
Premierships: AFL 1954, 2016 VFA - 1898,99,1900, 1908, 1913, 1919-20, 1923-24, VFL: 2014, 2016 . Champions of Victoria 1924. AFLW - 2018.
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Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: Laitham Vandermeer
Have been a defender, but he lost ,e this year. Going to need to take a huge leap in his development and get back to some of that dash and aggro that appealed to us early on.
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Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: Laitham Vandermeer
Originally Posted by
SonofScray
Have been a defender, but he lost ,e this year. Going to need to take a huge leap in his development and get back to some of that dash and aggro that appealed to us early on.
He always appears to rush his possessions and as a result he turns the ball over too frequently.
I really don't know how we can best use him next season.
Western Bulldogs Football Club "Where it's cool to drool"