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But then again, I'm an Internet poster and Bevo is a premiership coach so draw your own conclusions. -
Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: James O'Donnell
I honestly have no idea how you can be so definitive about it.
Would someone else playing as the 22-23 player on the list have made any difference in those games we lost? Maybe, but probably not.
Do young players get humiliated by having quiet games in positions unfamiliar to them at the start of their careers, or do they get humiliated by getting smacked in their natural positions under high pressure? Honestly I don't know, but I can see a case for the latter just as much as the former. Also throwing someone who's barely been at the club for a couple of months deep into our defensive set up probably carries some risk.
The amount of handwringing over a few games giving someone a taste at the level has me really surprised. Young players just want to play and any opportunity is better than none, unless they're genuinely not ready physically or mentally.TF is this?.........Obviously you're not a golfer.Comment
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Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: James O'Donnell
I really liked what I saw on Friday. O'Donnell looks like a kid who is calm under pressure, makes good decisions and has a confidence to back himself regardless of the opposition around him. Couple that with what looks like supreme athleticism and i can see why the MC has persisted with him. I think he is the real deal. Play him as a third tall for the next 12-24 months and let him grow in every aspect of the game. You cant teach what he has, but you can teach the polish on top of it.The dam wall has busted!Comment
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Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: James O'Donnell
The son of anyone who scores a century in his first knock at Lords gets his foot in the door in what ever sport. From our point of view, James may well end up a godsend of Bont equivalence but, at the expense of representing Australia. This may end up a touch more complicated that we'd thought.Comment
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Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: James O'Donnell
Re-signed for 2 yearsBT COME BACK!
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Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: James O'Donnell
If only there was a comprehensive compendium of this information that we could refer to for such answers."It's over. It's all over."Comment
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Rocket Science: the epitaph for the Beveridge era - whenever it ends - reading 'Here lies a team that could beat anyone on its day, but seldom did when it mattered most'. 15/7/2023Comment
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Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: James O'Donnell
The article does not advise us either way.
James O’Donnell will remain in the red, white and blue for the next two seasons after re-signing with the Club until at least the end of 2025.
The Category B Rookie has endured a wild ride in his first season at the Kennel, drafted in April before making his debut 35 days after joining the Club.
The 20-year-old has since played 10 games, spending the large majority in defence playing important roles on dangerous opposition forwards.
O’Donnell is a third generation VFL/AFL player, following grandfather Kevin and Father Simon representing St Kilda during the 1940s and 1980s respectively.
The youngster was thrilled to sign on at the Club into the future.
“It’s just pure excitement to have re-signed,” O’Donnell said.
“The last four months have just been incredible, to sign for two years and for the Club to put faith in me to hopefully influence a successful team is very exciting. I am over the moon.”
“It’s been a whirlwind journey; it is surreal. It hit me between the eyes a little bit – but each step I’ve taken forward I’ve had so much fun.
“From the start of the year being at Essendon Cricket Club to now, playing a few games and signing on, it’s been special.”
Bulldogs’ GM of List Management and Recruiting, Sam Power, was happy to secure O’Donnell for a further two seasons.
“James is still in the infancy of his career, but we’re really excited about him committing to the club and continuing to grow as a footballer,” Power said.
“He has the attributes to become a good defender over time, having strong athletic traits and a team first mentality.”More of an In Bruges guy?Comment
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Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: James O'Donnell
I’d assume he’s staying Cat B. There’s absolutely no good reason to move him unless he threw a mega tantrum. Referencing team first leads me to believe that did not happen. Since I do not think that would happen, I’d assume 100% he’s staying Cat B.
Plus usually the language is about elevating rookies. He’s just had his contract extended/re-signed.Rocket Science: the epitaph for the Beveridge era - whenever it ends - reading 'Here lies a team that could beat anyone on its day, but seldom did when it mattered most'. 15/7/2023Comment
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Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: James O'Donnell
I'm assuming he stays as Cat B?Comment
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