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.
There is some concern about their dash off of half-back, if JJ is stinking up the joint or overwhelmed with a tag could we deploy him as a negating/pressure forward? He can kick a goal and with him and Weightman buzzing around it may rush a few players into dump exit kicks.
I guess I could say you're being pessimistic then!! And I'm certainly not one of the ones saying if Vanda kicks the goal that we win.
But I don't think the loss is worth getting too hysterical about. Carlton were red hot on Sunday night and we weren't able to mitigate it on a fairly poor night for us also. I don't really base my predictions of how they team will go on one week's form - so am happy to be backing us to knock off Essendon this week.
I have seen centre half forwards mark a kick in from full back. And I have seen centre half backs mark an opposition kick in.
They both seem to roam between the 40 metre spots but stay more at one end. Although on windy days it is not unknown for a dominant player to stay down wind.
So what I am saying is English can spend more time on what he does best, drifting as you say , and helping in the ruck, but not getting the physical punishment (?) from heavier ruckmen for so much of the game. He is very agile, a good mark and a good kick.
He is immature as a ruckman, poor at centre bounces (usually) but improving . I would rather play to his strengths while he is still developing.
In: Crozier, Weightman
Out: Butler, Schache
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.
Let him run around the ground who cares how many hit outs to advantage he's getting in the broaader scheme of things he's killing it.
I know we've been starved of high marking CHF over the past 40 years but we need him in the game around the ground. I guess I'm saying that for every mark he takes forward he takes one back as well he's tracking to well and is so far ahead of the curve that I'm loathe to change anything he does.
Anyway
Outs Butler, Dale
Ins: Crozier, Flea
But then again, I'm an Internet poster and Bevo is a premiership coach so draw your own conclusions.
Four Dogs will be dumped: Bevo sharpens selection axe
WESTERN Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge will swing the axe following his side's 52-point loss to Carlton on Sunday night.
Hayden Crozier is a certain starter as he returns from a one-match suspension and speedy forward Cody Weightman will also make his debut against Essendon on Friday night.
"Already this week we've had the four changes, none forced by injury, but in a sense its reward for players who are working hard behind the scenes for their opportunity," Beveridge said on Thursday morning.
Sam Lloyd has re-joined the main group earlier than expected from a collarbone injury, but the Dogs could instead choose to play him in a scratch match against the Bombers' non-selected group instead.
Lewis Young and Matt Suckling could be right in the mix, while potential debutants Jordon Sweet and Callum Porter have frequently been listed as emergencies.
Ryan Gardner was withdrawn from the emergency list last week with a minor calf injury and might be considered if he pulls up well.
Second-gamer Louis Butler found plenty of the ball against Carlton but had some costly turnovers, while forwards Josh Schache (two disposals), Bailey Dale (six disposals) and Rhylee West (nine disposals) will be feeling the heat at the selection table.
The Bulldogs piled on 21 consecutive goals last time they faced the Bombers, but Beveridge says there's not a lot his side can take from that game
"We haven't really gone to school too much on that," Beveridge said.
"They've changed significantly since then, not just personnel wise but the way that they're playing.
"The momentum and the surge side of the game is significantly different to what we've seen in the past."
Hope we don't drop West. 1 average game but he's been important since coming into the side.
My best guesses are:
Crozier for Butler
Weightman for Dale/West
Lewis Young for Schache
Suckling for Richards
Probably miles off.
I like it - primarily because you just know he'll run high to try and get involved in the play, and he's not bad on the run from outside 50. Saad leads the comp for running bounces doesn't he? JJ vs Saad would be good viewing.
Ed Richards can go back if we want another run & carry player behind the ball.
Western Bulldogs: 2016 Premiers
But then again, I'm an Internet poster and Bevo is a premiership coach so draw your own conclusions.
Something tells me Dale survives. Ample room for improvement, as with many, but the efforts to remain involved are generally better this season and he's adept at playing a link-man role upfield as need be.
Impossible to see Schache retained but you'd forgive the MC for granting him another trot in more suited conditions.
Seems unlikely but do hope we stick with West. Strikes me as a quick study and unlikely to back up a shocker with another one.
I'll be decidedly meh if we tap Suckers on the shoulder but you may as well lock it in.
BORDERLINE FLYING