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

[The Bulldogs Bite]

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

Some of the things I saw tonight concern me but we will get better over the next few weeks. I was pleased with Suckling and Daniel and thought they both made an impact.

Good summation TBB.

Also just wanted to add how impressive Suckling fitted in for his debut with us tonight.

His work rate was especially pleasing and his disposal efficiency was running close to 100%.

Good pick up. Forgot Suckling but he was very good tonight, I was pretty happy when we secured him and tonight illustrated why. Suits our style perfectly and will get plenty of ball with the likes of Wallis, Koby, Libba, Macrae, Bonti etc. winning the ball in close quarters.

[LostDoggy]

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

Our defense was very shaky all night. Although we were missing a couple of players, I was disappointed with the ease at which GWS were able to score given their own outs. There were quite a few passages of play similar to that of the EF v Adelaide where the ball got over the top and we were nowhere to be found. Our positioning was quite poor for most of the night in this respect and whilst Boyd and a few others will help, it's still an area of great concern. Will be interesting to see how this progresses over the season.

Caleb was sensational and is firmly within our best 18. His ball retention is fantastic; decision making spot on, skill level flawless. I love watching him play and feel assured whenever he has the ball in hand because he simply doesn't waste it. Clearly improved his tank too and looks set for a great season.

Campbell had a strong second half and should be our #1 ruck - proved again he is capable up forward, whilst also showing some inconsistencies at times but he is far, FAR superior to Roughead as a ruck/forward. I thought Minson was pretty good too and battled well around the ground.

It's early but Roughead looks absolutely out of his depth as both a ruck and forward. I really hope we reconsider his position; for me it's full back or VFL. We simply have better options in the ruck and forward.

Toby McLean showed some exciting glimpses and got better as the game worn on. Looking forward to his development, one of our most talented young players who will be a damaging player soon enough. Koby was rock solid and showed why he is so important to us both as a mid and resting forward, Stringer looks in good condition and Bonti improved as the game wore on too. Also impressed by both Hunter and Macrae.

The signs are good, but I still have deep concerns about our team defense and our key defenders. Collins and Adams will learn a LOT from tonight but they are both a long way off the pace for now, which you would expect. We really need Hamling and Roberts to have big seasons, but I still think Roughy should go back and if he can't take a position in our back six I see no position for him period.

Excellent overview TBB. I am a little more forgiving of the defensive unit given both kpd's were on debut, MBoyd was missing and Bob sat out the majority of the match. Collins was caught out a couple of times, but overall was most impressive - mainly played on Patton and beat him on the night for mine. Showed good composure in the contest and with the ball for a first gamer. Adams needs work though.

[Eastdog]

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

How did woofers rage Lachie's game tonight?

[Twodogs]

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

Great hit out, if I had sat down and written 3 or 4 things I really wanted to see, a big win, Campbell dominate a bit and stringer kick an outrageous goal, then I would be a happy little bulldog.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

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

How did woofers rage Lachie's game tonight?

Pretty solid. Work rate was up, used it relatively well. Both he and Macrae have similar styles and the former has certainly matured over the last 12 months to become a more well rounded and consistent player. Lachie looks set to continue on from last season.

[F'scary]

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

I like that jumper.

[LostDoggy]

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

Interesting stat for Lachie was that he was on the ground for 90% of the match, the most of any player. Outstanding effort for a midfielder under those conditions and speaks volumes for his tank and his preseason work.

[Eastdog]

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

And we have Libba and Smith still to come in.

[LostDoggy]

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

So if people were giving votes, who'd they go for? I'd go

3 - Stevens
2 - Daniel
1 - Hrovat

Unlucky: JJ, Stringer.

[Eastdog]

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

I'll go

3. Stevens
2. Stringer
1. Macrae

[SonofScray]

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

One of things I was keen to see tonight was Collins line up on Patton and see plenty of ball in, we got a good look at the kid tonight in a few scenarios and for the most part it was good. He got under the footy a bit trying to play in front and participate in the press but his body work in close and hustle on the loose ball was great. Composed, kept his feet and was aggressive. Liked what I saw.

Adams also had a solid hit out, he has the attributes and if he can limit his kicking errors could be a valuable addition earlier than I anticipated. Great to have some options and really challenge Sid and Hamling.

Koby was superb. Great to have him back and looking ready for a big season.McLean has the right stuff. Daniel is a lock for R1. Will still our best bet in the ruck. Worried about Roughie, looking more and more like an honest toiler every game he plays instead of the competent tall I thought he'd develop into.

That jumper is a shocker, won't harp about it here (saved that for Twitter) but gee whizz we've deviated from a classy design for a cheap cash grab.

[Bornadog]

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

TBoyd>Patton.

[Dry Rot]

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

TBoyd>Patton.

Daniel > TBoyd

[Bornadog]

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

I thought Biggs played well and will be in round one. He has continued his good form from the second half of last year.

He has got to stop doing those stupid little short passes.

[Eastdog]

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

Webb was quiet tonight I thought.