NAB Challenge Game 1 v GWS Thursday, 25 February, 7.10pm at StarTrack Oval (Canberra)

[dog town]

Re: NAB Challenge Game 1 v GWS Thursday, 25 February, 7.10pm at StarTrack Oval (Canberra)

Few things I found interesting.

We played two big talls inside 50 for large periods. I didn't think it worked but Campbell and Roughy dropping chest marks didn't help. Hard to know if we were trying something or if it was forced on us because we took in 3 rucks. Either way it's completely different to the mobile, get out the back set up we used late last year.

Use of little short passes through the middle seems to have increased. Noticed it in the intra club too. Have to see if this is just a coincidence or develops into a pattern.

Wallis really working on that forward craft again. Looks dangerous down there and almost got two forward stoppage goals in the first qtr.

Suckling looks fitter than when he was at the Hawks IMO. Pace a bit better than I thought too.

JJ looked great. So important for us as our real line breaker.

[Missing Dog]

Re: NAB Challenge Game 1 v GWS Thursday, 25 February, 7.10pm at StarTrack Oval (Canberra)

Went to Manuka last night. Great to have Dogs in Canberra (well great for me ) and was a beautiful evening. Thanks to club too for the little things - my daughter loved meeting woofer and the high fiving from players after the game and the giving out of footys after the game (even though she didn't get one). Things like that they didn't have to do for an away NAB Challenge game in Canberra but they did which was wonderful. Some observations from being at the ground:

- In the first half especially Stevens and Stringer seemed like they could beat Giants on their own. Koby working so hard and everywhere and Jake just at another level to everyone else on the ground. Good luck opposition stopping Jakey over the next few years. He did look stronger and fitter than last year and seemed to run more comfortably through the midfield than last year.

- Liked Collins game. He was clearly still learning our structures - often standing between two players looking side to side trying to work out which Giant to go to. But geez if he was near the ball he was competitive, hard to get past and very very strong. No problems contesting toe-to-toe with Patton, their ruck men etc Great spoil near us at one point when between two tall Giants. Most of the 1st half Kieran was our only "tall" defender as Adams was off the ground and Dale was playing more HBF-wing. Also Easton playing on auto pilot last night.

- Adams looked ok. I saw what people had been saying about his kicking. I dunno that its his kicking but maybe his decision making? He turned the ball over by foot right in front of us and TBH he seemed to kick it to exactly where he wanted to. It was just a bad choice as there was plenty of time for Giant to run over and intercept the kick. His long kick out of defence at one point was massive though and in fact a beautiful kick - just went to no one.

- I would say that Adams looked like he was giving his all when plenty of other players seemed to be running in 2nd gear.

- Murphy, Dickson, Wood, the Bont (not 2nd half) all spent plenty of time on the bench. Dickson was on the bench at 3/4 time with boots and socks off and was done but not receiving any treatment so I don't think a problem there. Murph just looked like he was running round trying to get serious about the game but his motivation was what you would expect for your 16th season of preseason games...

- I'd been wondering whether there is room for Redpath and Boyd in our side and after last night I think there is but it depends on the ruck set up. Last night we'd start each bounce with two 'talls' in the FF area with players sort of spread round them almost cluster like. The two talls were sometimes 2 of the 3 ruck men (Will, Roughy and TomC) but more usually one of the ruck men plus one of Stringer, Stevens, Wallis, the Bont or some other tallish midfielder who can mark playing the leading forward. Big Jack or TomB could definitely play that role better than the ruck men or the tall mid did last night - TomC gets to the contest but his marks don't stick (he got better as night went on), Will has no speed on the lead and Roughy was pretty bad last night often not even making a contest to bring the ball to ground which say TomB is very good at. So for mine you could have Redpath and Boyd in those roles but, with the new interchange rules, you could not have both of TomC and Will playing ruck. Basically I'd say you can have 3 of TomB, Jack, TomC and Will playing - but not all 4.

- Roughy wasn't much chop last night. There was a time right in front of us he just didn't get to a contest that I'm sure TomC, TomB or Jack would've got too. Half way through the last quarter he was moved to defence. Is Bevo trying to make Roughy into a ruck/fwd when really he's only cut out for a ruck/back? Thats what it looked like last night. Reminded me of Hird trying to make Carlisle a forward.

- TomC and Will both seemed to get round the ground and to more contests than they were last year. TomC seemed more confident in general taking on a few shots at goal etc. TomC could've had a really big game if his marking and goal kicking had been better early on.

- JJ was very good. Or did I just notice him more coz of his hair?

- Toby McLean has a great jump on him and very courageous in the air. Only really flashed in and out of play but was far from a bystander when he was in it.

- Hrovat looked more confident and more like he knew what he was doing within the side. He finished very well. Liked his game.

Anyway some random observations and I hope not too long - I appreciate all the contributions I get to read from up here so one of the few times I can add something.

FWIW I think the Giants will be alright this year. Ive been to many Giants games at Manuka and this was the first time it didn't look like half the side were underdeveloped kids who should be playing Little League. Last night they all looked big enough and strong enough to test any side and that was without Ward, Mumford, Traitor etc Not sure how Patton will go - he just looked too big and slow to get to enough contests.

Go Dogs!

[Axe Man]

Re: NAB Challenge Game 1 v GWS Thursday, 25 February, 7.10pm at StarTrack Oval (Canberra)

I don't want to kick a bloke while his down and whilst there were many positive performances tonight Roughy is a huge concern. I'm really starting to question his pain threshold and maybe AFL footy isn't for him. Zero confidence at the moment.

Have to agree with everyone about Roughy, horribly out of form last night. Fortunately we are a month away from the start of the season so hopefully he can keep working hard and increase his confidence.

I still believe the best footy he has played has been in the backline and I think that is still his best shot.

A bit rough questioning his pain threshold though. Didn't he play out a game against Richmond a couple of years ago with a busted shoulder, only to miss the the next 6 or so weeks?

[Greystache]

Re: NAB Challenge Game 1 v GWS Thursday, 25 February, 7.10pm at StarTrack Oval (Canberra)

He's the new Eagleton. It's gonna be great fun.

Eagleton was an appalling player against good teams, and even worse in big moments. Suckling already has Eagleton covered comfortably.

[always right]

Re: NAB Challenge Game 1 v GWS Thursday, 25 February, 7.10pm at StarTrack Oval (Canberra)

Only criticism of Suckling last night was his tendency on occasions to just bomb it long. Would really like him to try and pick out players going forward...even in congestion. Back himself.

[Cyberdoggie]

Re: NAB Challenge Game 1 v GWS Thursday, 25 February, 7.10pm at StarTrack Oval (Canberra)

Gee hate playing in that heat and that woeful jumper

Hehe yeah it's not great.
I can't believe they just dropped that bomb in the social club function last year and all the numpties in the crowd thought it was good.

[always right]

Re: NAB Challenge Game 1 v GWS Thursday, 25 February, 7.10pm at StarTrack Oval (Canberra)

Hehe yeah it's not great.
I can't believe they just dropped that bomb in the social club function last year and all the numpties in the crowd thought it was good.

Were they well fed and watered?

I hate the "cartoon" jumper. Maybe it's a kid thing.

[Mantis]

Re: NAB Challenge Game 1 v GWS Thursday, 25 February, 7.10pm at StarTrack Oval (Canberra)

Eagleton was an appalling player

Edited for accuray.

[Mofra]

Re: NAB Challenge Game 1 v GWS Thursday, 25 February, 7.10pm at StarTrack Oval (Canberra)

We played two big talls inside 50 for large periods. I didn't think it worked but Campbell and Roughy dropping chest marks didn't help. Hard to know if we were trying something or if it was forced on us because we took in 3 rucks. Either way it's completely different to the mobile, get out the back set up we used late last year.

I only heard the radio during the first quarter, the commentators were in raptures about how well BTC was getting to contests and the fall of the ball in the F50.... wasn't Tom Boyd doing the same thing last year as a 19 year old though?

I don't think the ruck issue is settled but a combo of Redders & Boyd chopping out a genuine first ruck (either BTC or Wilbur) seems to be the way forward.

[Bornadog]

Re: NAB Challenge Game 1 v GWS Thursday, 25 February, 7.10pm at StarTrack Oval (Canberra)

I only heard the radio during the first quarter, the commentators were in raptures about how well BTC was getting to contests and the fall of the ball in the F50.... wasn't Tom Boyd doing the same thing last year as a 19 year old though?

I don't think the ruck issue is settled but a combo of Redders & Boyd chopping out a genuine first ruck (either BTC or Wilbur) seems to be the way forward.

Bevo mentioned a few weeks ago the non-sub rule would allow us to experiment with an extra tall in the forward line.

[Ghost Dog]

Re: NAB Challenge Game 1 v GWS Thursday, 25 February, 7.10pm at StarTrack Oval (Canberra)

Are we going to be a tall team for once??? When was the last time we statistically dominated another team regarding height!

[Twodogs]

Re: NAB Challenge Game 1 v GWS Thursday, 25 February, 7.10pm at StarTrack Oval (Canberra)

Are we going to be a tall team for once??? When was the last time we statistically dominated another team regarding height!

Mid '70s probably with Quinlan, Sandilands, Dempsey, Round, Templeton and Merrington.

[Bornadog]

Re: NAB Challenge Game 1 v GWS Thursday, 25 February, 7.10pm at StarTrack Oval (Canberra)

Mid '70s probably with Quinlan, Sandilands, Dempsey, Round, Templeton and Merrington.

Salmon

[Go_Dogs]

Re: NAB Challenge Game 1 v GWS Thursday, 25 February, 7.10pm at StarTrack Oval (Canberra)

Caught the majority of the game and pretty pleased with what I saw.

Highlights
Tom Campbell
Toby McLean
Caleb Daniel
Matt Suckling

All players who weren't significant last year who will add a lot.

Koby showed how important he is for us and how much we need him fit for the business end of the season.

Collins and Adams showed a few glimpses. Liked Adams taking a good intercept mark (cannot recall the quarter) but it showed he has some tools that mean he can make the grade whilst having some areas of improvement.

Wallis, Stringer, JJ, Bont, Macrae, Hunter etc all showed they are primed to continue their good form from 2015.

Concerns
Roughead, still hasn't quite hit the mark but figure he will get more opportunities.
The fact that we have quite a few key players to fit in, Liberatore, Boydx2, Redpath, Murphy (limited game time). Good concern to have, but we are going to have to keep a lot of players hungry and ensure they are ready to step up when called upon during the year which will be a good challenge for our coaching group.

[Twodogs]

Re: NAB Challenge Game 1 v GWS Thursday, 25 February, 7.10pm at StarTrack Oval (Canberra)

Caught the majority of the game and pretty pleased with what I saw.

Highlights
Tom Campbell
Toby McLean
Caleb Daniel
Matt Suckling

All players who weren't significant last year who will add a lot.

Koby showed how important he is for us and how much we need him fit for the business end of the season.

Collins and Adams showed a few glimpses. Liked Adams taking a good intercept mark (cannot recall the quarter) but it showed he has some tools that mean he can make the grade whilst having some areas of improvement.

Wallis, Stringer, JJ, Bont, Macrae, Hunter etc all showed they are primed to continue their good form from 2015.

Concerns
Roughead, still hasn't quite hit the mark but figure he will get more opportunities.
The fact that we have quite a few key players to fit in, Liberatore, Boydx2, Redpath, Murphy (limited game time). Good concern to have, but we are going to have to keep a lot of players hungry and ensure they are ready to step up when called upon during the year which will be a good challenge for our coaching group.

I was thinking about this. We put a strong side out in NAB week one and said we'd put a less strong side in week two. I can't see that it will be a really weak side though. As you say there are a few good players to come back.