Round 2 Match Preview: Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne

[LostDoggy]

Re: Round 2 Match Preview: Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne

I think we all knew Picken was going to play, surprised about Callan being named.

When does Williamstown play?

[Bornadog]

Re: Round 2 Match Preview: Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne

Dogs out to buck trend
02/04/2009 6:42 PM
Paul Gough
Sportal

The Western Bulldogs are grateful no North Melbourne players are celebrating a major milestone match this weekend.

The Dogs have not beaten the Kangaroos since 2005 - losing their past five matches - and since that time Rodney Eade's team has beaten every other club in the competition bar Dean Laidley's underrated Kangas.

But heading into Sunday's clash at the MCG - after both sides scored comfortable first round victories last weekend - the Dogs believe their record against North is worse than it appears because of the fact recent meetings have tended to correspond with a major milestone game for the Kangaroos, who have then lifted dramatically.


First there was Glenn Archer becoming only the second North player to reach 300 games - against the Dogs in Round 13, 2007 - and then last year Brent 'Boomer' Harvey celebrated his 250th game in the first of two meetings against the Dogs, which North won when Brad Johnson missed a set shot from directly in front after the final siren.

Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade believes the milestones have played a key role in North's dominance of his team in recent times.

"Every time we seem to play them, they have a milestone game against us," he said after training on Thursday.

"And then last year we missed a shot on the siren so the games have been reasonably close, it's just the fact they have been in front at the right time."

Bulldogs' midfielder Matthew Boyd - the star of last week's ten goal opening round demolition of Fremantle in Perth - agrees.

"I am not sure why they have got the wood on but we seem to cop them a lot in milestone games, which seems to get them up," he said of North.

"But they are a really physical, consistent and a disciplined side and that is why they are competitive against everyone."

The Dogs were the second highest scoring team of last season and the highest scoring team in Round 1 - when they helped themselves to 25 goals against Fremantle - but Boyd says the Dogs are capable of winning a low-scoring slog against the disciplined Roos should that be needed.

"It's going to be a real struggle from the first bounce because they are a strong, physical side," he said of North.

"But that is something we have worked on, the defensive side of our game, which will hopefully help us hold them to a low score as well."

The Dogs will again be without key forward Robert Murphy, who instead will return from a post-season knee operation via the VFL, while Eade also indicated that veteran forward Scott Welsh was unlikely to break into the 22 with Eade reluctant to change a forward line that worked superbly against Fremantle last week.


Those bloody milestones killed us

[Missing Dog]

Re: Round 2 Match Preview: Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne

I think we all knew Picken was going to play, surprised about Callan being named.

When does Williamstown play?

Saturday. Wouldn't surprise me if Callan is a late withdrawal.

[Remi Moses]

Re: Round 2 Match Preview: Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne

Nothing really enlightening or astute to add but geez I'd love to get a win over these blokes - I have an irrational hate for them that extends back to a grizzled North supporter's booming voice as he screamed into my ear "COME ON YOU ROO BOYS" as Petrie destroyed us.

Couldn't agree more I hate their supporters. This nobody rates us we want respect bores me senseless. Shocking on Big Footy

[Bulldog4life]

Re: Round 2 Match Preview: Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne

Nothing really enlightening or astute to add but geez I'd love to get a win over these blokes - I have an irrational hate for them that extends back to a grizzled North supporter's booming voice as he screamed into my ear "COME ON YOU ROO BOYS" as Petrie destroyed us.

Funny that you say that Comrade. For some reason I always seen to have obnoxious North supporters around me when we play them. Always. You know the type: they continually run down our Club & players. The type that you have to have a go back at.

They bring out the worst in me....so my wife and daughters say. Compared to all teams from my experiences they have the worst supporters by far in my opinion......even including Collingwood!

[LostDoggy]

Re: Round 2 Match Preview: Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne

Oooh i don't know, Essendon supporters could give them a run for their money! They always seem to have something to say, even when they shouldn't.

One game i was at, North was thrashing us, may have been the Petrie 7 goal game, and had their "NORTH MELBOURNE" chant going (which is three syllables they try and stuff into a 2 syllable chant), and a heap of dogs supporters were chanting "GOLD COAST!" in time with the North chant. Pretty rude from our supporters, but amusing at the very depressing time!

[LostDoggy]

Re: Round 2 Match Preview: Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne

Sorry but the fruit loop supporters are the worst, screams of 'make the ball go the other way' and other knowledgeable football commentary in the cauldron(nut-bowl) of AAMI stadium. At least I went to bed with a smile last night.

[G-Mo77]

Re: Round 2 Match Preview: Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne

IN : Picken

OUT : Everitt

I think that is what will happen.....

[LostDoggy]

Re: Round 2 Match Preview: Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne

Good stuff bornadog.

Who goes to Harvey? As you pointed out the little prick always slays us. For me we have no real suitable match-up.

We do now! Liam Picken is in the side, what a great story this is.

All the best for Sunday Liam.

[Mantis]

Re: Round 2 Match Preview: Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne

Just received a message that both Everitt & Tiller are playing for Williamstown. Harbrow isn't out there so perhaps he will come in for Callan?

[Remi Moses]

Re: Round 2 Match Preview: Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne

Funny that you say that Comrade. For some reason I always seen to have obnoxious North supporters around me when we play them. Always. You know the type: they continually run down our Club & players. The type that you have to have a go back at.

They bring out the worst in me....so my wife and daughters say. Compared to all teams from my experiences they have the worst supporters by far in my opinion......even including Collingwood!

It's amazing 4 flags in 30 years and they can't shake the threat of extinction. Just imagine 1 flag in 80 odd years. Their supporters do have this chip on the shoulder problem.

[Bornadog]

Re: Round 2 Match Preview: Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne

It's amazing 4 flags in 30 years and they can't shake the threat of extinction. Just imagine 1 flag in 80 odd years. Their supporters do have this chip on the shoulder problem.

They bought the first two flags.

[Mofra]

Re: Round 2 Match Preview: Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne

Just received a message that both Everitt & Tiller are playing for Williamstown. Harbrow isn't out there so perhaps he will come in for Callan?

Not a bad call - I would have liked to have the versatility Tiller provides (especially with Hale forward) but we do need some run with guys likely to tire after the Subi trip.

Picken is super fit as we know, and Harbrow will be champing at the bit.

[Remi Moses]

Re: Round 2 Match Preview: Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne

They bought the first two flags.

Too true. nearly went broke with money they didn't have. Bob Ansett bankrolled them for years.