Fevola tailor-made for Bulldogs
29 July 2007 Sunday Herald Sun
Jon Ralph
THE question for the Western Bulldogs before Friday's clash with West Coast was whether they needed Carlton's enfant terrible Brendan Fevola.


Fits well with Bulldogs: Jon Ralph writes why Brendan Fevola would be a good fit with the Western Bulldogs.
In the space of four revealing quarters, the question changed to the combination of players and picks they should sacrifice to acquire him.
In Friday's belting at the hands of the Eagles, the penny would have dropped that despite the continuing magnificence of Brad Johnson, the forward structure is not working. Or, more to the point, does not have a chance against sides with superior onball units that can sufficiently pressure the Bulldog ball-carriers.
When Johnson pushed into the midfield late in the second quarter, the Bulldogs had a forward line of Stephen Tiller, Nathan Eagleton and Daniel Giansiracusa - hardly premiership material.
Coach Rodney Eade admitted as much when asked about Fevola in his post-match press conference.
The Dogs desperately need a release valve when their midfield is being dominated, someone they can kick long to when the 40m laces-out pass is not possible.
That man is Fevola, and if the Dogs are aware he is far from the perfect package, that is the risk they will have to take.
Fevola is emotionally immature and inconsistent but, above all else, is a goalkicker.
The Dogs gave up only pick 34 for Jason Akermanis, so can justify to their fans giving up a high draft pick this year, especially in a mediocre draft.
What would they need to give up for Fevola?
They are likely to have a first-round draft pick in the 8-10 region, but you figure they may have to sweeten the deal with one of the midfielders Carlton so desperately needs.
Some may say Fevola is the only player the Blues cannot afford to lose, but the new coach needs to build a young, cohesive list that matures together.
Fevola is 27 in January, and by the time the Blues are ready to surge again, is likely to be far away from professional football.
A trade for the goalkicker could potentially see the Blues with picks 1, 3, 8, 18, a midfielder along the Sam Power/Farren Ray/Mitch Hahn lines and another chance to lure a key uncontracted player.
Both the Bulldogs and Carlton are in transition. A brave move at the trade table may be the making of both of them.
THE only man who wants Kevin Sheedy to coach next year as much as the man himself is Terry Wallace.
Richmond's Wallace is secure to coach next year, and so he should be.
But Sheedy today confirms in the Sunday Herald Sun that if he can't get a gig next year, it won't discourage him from applying again next year.
That would see Wallace coaching next year with the spectre of a Sheedy return hanging over him like a guillotine.
Far from an ideal scenario, but a very real possibility.