Always Right Match Committee - Round 3 Vs North Melbourne 2021

[Mantis]

Re: Always Right Match Committee - Round 3 Vs North Melbourne 2021

JJ really struggles to defend one on one. That’s why I prefer Wood over JJ.

True, and we probably need him to play on Charlie the following week, but to counter Easton isn't a great kick and hasn't been an effective or consistent interceptor for 6 or 7 years, but he did turn back the clock in the corresponding game last year so maybe we're hoping for more of that.

[Mantis]

Re: Always Right Match Committee - Round 3 Vs North Melbourne 2021

Khamis is another one to consider in that 3rd tall/intercepting role. Wouldn't be surprised to see him get a game soon if his form on the weekend was anything to go by. He was Footscray's best marking defender by far and that group included Wood.

He was impressive in the pre-season game when he had the unexpected opportunity so it would be great to get a look at him. Do you think his fitness levels would allow him to run out a game?

[soupman]

Re: Always Right Match Committee - Round 3 Vs North Melbourne 2021

True, and we probably need him to play on Charlie the following week, but to counter Easton isn't a great kick and hasn't been an effective or consistent interceptor for 6 or 7 years, but he did turn back the clock in the corresponding game last year so maybe we're hoping for more of that.

I'm not that keen to shoehorn Easton in, unless his form really demands it.

Duryea is able to play the small defensive role, so we don't need Easton for that. He hasn't been the intercept guy for years, so I wouldn't be picking him for that. Scott is the most vulnerable to come out, but I think he potentially offers more with his run and better footskills. I think playing Wood is like playing another tall defender except he doesn't play tall, I'd rather do the 2016 Bulldogs thing of backing our defence in to exploit the mismatches in our favour.

[comrade]

Re: Always Right Match Committee - Round 3 Vs North Melbourne 2021

He was impressive in the pre-season game when he had the unexpected opportunity so it would be great to get a look at him. Do you think his fitness levels would allow him to run out a game?

He's been on the list for a few years now so has some solid pre-seasons under his belt. Hasn't really struggled with injury either to hamper his development. It's hard to judge with the crappy anti-density rules at VFL level but he didn't seem to have an issue sprinting back inside 50 when required to re-set and finished the game out fine. I reckon he'd be ok.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Re: Always Right Match Committee - Round 3 Vs North Melbourne 2021

Khamis is another one to consider in that 3rd tall/intercepting role. Wouldn't be surprised to see him get a game soon if his form on the weekend was anything to go by. He was Footscray's best marking defender by far and that group included Wood.

Good suggestion. Rated his pre-season half v Melbourne.

If there's any week to 'blood' him, this is the week IMO.

[soupman]

Re: Always Right Match Committee - Round 3 Vs North Melbourne 2021

Do you think his fitness levels would allow him to run out a game?

If they aren't then why is he on the list? He has done 3 pre-seasons.

[Ozza]

Re: Always Right Match Committee - Round 3 Vs North Melbourne 2021

I don't feel the same need or rush to blood Sweet as others may.

Reilly O'Brien might be a similar case study to Sweet. Reilly was Drafted (a rookie) as a 20 year old in 2015 - and apart from 2 games he played due to an injury to Jacobs in 2016...he didn't play at all until 2019, and now is a regular and a good player turning 26 years old this season. And when he did start playing regularly in 2019 - he was fully prepared and a big contributor.

Sweet has just turned 23, English is 24 in August, Stef Martin is 35 in August. The opportunities will be there for Sweet to partner with Martin - and if it isn't until next year, I think that is fine. Martin playing this year and next - probably gets us through to a time where English and Sweet can make a really solid duo.

[Mofra]

Re: Always Right Match Committee - Round 3 Vs North Melbourne 2021

I don't feel the same need or rush to blood Sweet as others may.

Reilly O'Brien might be a similar case study to Sweet. Reilly was Drafted (a rookie) as a 20 year old in 2015 - and apart from 2 games he played due to an injury to Jacobs in 2016...he didn't play at all until 2019, and now is a regular and a good player turning 26 years old this season. And when he did start playing regularly in 2019 - he was fully prepared and a big contributor.

Sweet has just turned 23, English is 24 in August, Stef Martin is 35 in August. The opportunities will be there for Sweet to partner with Martin - and if it isn't until next year, I think that is fine. Martin playing this year and next - probably gets us through to a time where English and Sweet can make a really solid duo.

I'd happily debut Sweet this year to give Martin a rest.
I also don't think Goldstein is the guy to debut a kid against. Give him a crack at Flynn (GWS) or Hunter (St Kilda). Even a half fit Big O in Round 4 is a better option.

[comrade]

Re: Always Right Match Committee - Round 3 Vs North Melbourne 2021

Hard to get a handle on who comes in based on Bevo's presser today. He name checked Easton, JJ, Buku, Cavarra, West and Weightman as all knocking on the door.

He did say specifically that Easton's name was on the table and likely on the board so I expect him to come in.

[comrade]

Re: Always Right Match Committee - Round 3 Vs North Melbourne 2021

I'd happily debut Sweet this year to give Martin a rest.
I also don't think Goldstein is the guy to debut a kid against. Give him a crack at Flynn (GWS) or Hunter (St Kilda). Even a half fit Big O in Round 4 is a better option.

Yeah, I reckon Brisbane is the game to rest Martin from a match up perspective. He might want a crack at the old side though.

[Axe Man]

Re: Always Right Match Committee - Round 3 Vs North Melbourne 2021

Wood, JJ in selection mix

Experienced defenders Easton Wood and Jason Johannisen are in the frame to return for the Western Bulldogs, when they face North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Friday afternoon.

Wood has spent the past two weeks in the VFL as he’s worked back from a hamstring injury, while Johannisen was the unused medical sub last week, having missed selection in the starting 22 for the opening two rounds.

Despite a 2-0 start to the season and some good signs from a developing back line, senior coach Luke Beveridge believes the Bulldogs have a way to go before they settle on their best mix.

“We’re fortunate enough to have won games, but there’s competition for spots as well and the complexion of our team will continue to evolve,” he told media on Wednesday.

Beveridge said Wood was a likely inclusion to face the Kangaroos in the Kick for the Kids game.

“His name’s definitely on the table and it’s more than likely it will probably go on the board as well,” he said.

“We wanted Easton to play another VFL game last week – with 30-minute quarters and the 75 interchange these days, if players are coming off soft tissue and there’s a little bit of doubt, we’ll make sure we’re really confident with them going in.

“That might mean spending another game at state league level, which Easton went and did and he played really well.”

Johannisen didn’t play any footy last week, after not being called upon as the medical sub.

Beveridge said the Bulldogs would steer away from using the same player in that role in consecutive weeks – but said it was a guide as to who is close to being selected.

“He’ll definitely play a full game, at AFL level or VFL level – he won’t be the sub again,” Beveridge said on Johannisen.

“If you’re the 23rd man – there’s probably a particular type that suits, and it suits the team from a versatility point of view.

“But it’s also probably a pecking order and a selection order as well. Last week because we didn’t make any changes, Westy was the sub and played state league (the following week).

“This week if we make changes, JJ’s a chance to come in.”

[Grantysghost]

Re: Always Right Match Committee - Round 3 Vs North Melbourne 2021

Read : wood in for Scott, JJ needs a game.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Re: Always Right Match Committee - Round 3 Vs North Melbourne 2021

No change.
Do not worry about Wally,
he will come good and normally pretty solid set shot.
Looked a little rattled on Sunday but that is something he can control.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Re: Always Right Match Committee - Round 3 Vs North Melbourne 2021

Not hearing much about Cordy are we?

[Bornadog]

Re: Always Right Match Committee - Round 3 Vs North Melbourne 2021

Based on the press conference I would say it will be:

In: Wood

Out: Scott

I wouldn't be surprised if it was no change and Wood medical sub.