We're 7-1. Does anyone think we can beat Port?

[DOG GOD]

Have you tipped us to win a game yet this year?

Against the Kangas I certainly did

Regarding the Port game, I expect it to be within 3 goals IF we can bring that defensive pressure. Dixon still poses a massive task for our defence. I’m hopeful, but the home ground advantage will most likely get them over the line. Hope I’m wrong.

The problem for me if that we are rarely playing 4 quarters, and against the really good teams, you need to.

[EasternWest]

Dixon is in horrific form but since when has that really mattered.

I hear Lukas Markovic is an in for this game.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

We match up pretty well, we will win as long as Dixon doesn't get off the chain. So the match winner will be Keith and he will not kick a Goal.

[1eyedog]

Lots of optimism on here. Good to see.

Can we win this MJP?

[FrediKanoute]

I like our chances. We match up well.

[Before I Die]

Absolutely we can. I’ve tipped the correct result for our games 7 out of 8 times this season so I am feeling very confident. I’m pretty sure that makes me a much more reliable tipper than many of the negative nellies (no offence intended) on the board.

[Vred]

If English and Hunter play, yes. If they're both out, no.

[mjp]

If English and Hunter play, yes. If they're both out, no.

What happened too "So - you aren't allowed to add in any caveats about team selection or player availability (aka no English or Hunter mentions etc)...it is just a simple question."

[Topdog]

I'm confident and actually much happier than most about the Carlton game.

We are still trying to work out how best to cover Dunks and the new structure needed in the midfield

Have seen some selections that have failed miserably up front (West, Schache) as well as JJ struggling to adapt there.

Also some struggles with Williams out down back and the half back flankers having problems adjusting with Crozier out of form.

An excellent last 45 minutes of football for me is a big plus and positive sign that the players are figuring it out.

[Ghost Dog]

Should win

Ladhams / Hayes not as good as English or Martin I'd say.
Bont is better than Boak
Libba is on par or a bit better than Wines
Smith is better than Amon ( from what I have seen )
Macrae is having a better year than Gray ( from the little I have seen ).
Pepper V Treloar I'd have Treloar.
Hunter V Houston, no idea.

[chef]

Yeah why not, we have a Bont.

[Eastdog]

We can do it for sure. Would be a season defining win away from home.

[whythelongface]

I think we can. Like 2016 we can steal a victory. It will be close and it will test our resolve but we have the team that can get over Port.

[Vred]

What happened too "So - you aren't allowed to add in any caveats about team selection or player availability (aka no English or Hunter mentions etc)...it is just a simple question."

Honestly, didn't read the first post, was skimming through real quick whilst I was on the bog at work, my bad.

Yes, we can win. Done.

[jazzadogs]

Of course we CAN beat Port, but that doesn't mean that we will. I'm a bit surprised at this talk of how we will collapse for a quarter, or not be able to handle their sustained pressure, like as though there is no chance that the same will happen to Port - who have been comfortably beaten by Brisbane and West Coast.

Keath on Dixon, Cordy on Marshall, Buku on Georgiadis, with Williams back to steady the defence. We cannot let Fantasia (Wood pls), Rozee, Gray, Motlop get out the back of contests like we did in the 2nd/3rd quarters against Carlton.

Naughton and Bruce, +/- English, to compete and either mark or bring to ground EVERY high ball in the F50 - assuming our midfielders actually kick it to them.

As with all of our games, the midfield and their connections with our forwards will be key to winning the match. We need to be 'on' with our skills, or else open up our defenders to crap goals on the turnover - Orazio will be licking his lips about some cheapies.

Lycett out is a loss, but Ladhams is no slouch. Dan Houston has been having a good year through the midfield but is in doubt with a sore shoulder. It might come down to contributions from our bottom 6 (JJ, Hannan, Scott, McNeill, Khamis, Sweet) vs their bottom 6 (I'm guessing but Bergman, Frederick, Farrell, Drew...i can't pick another two, maybe they are a stronger side?)