What are the risks?

[LostDoggy]

We have discussed where the improvements will come from. I think it is now timely to discuss what risks exist which might prevent us from reaching higher stakes next year.

Obviously, injuries to key players are a risk but they exist for all teams at all times of the year. What about the risks relating to the Bulldogs alone?

To start the ball rolling:

What if Hudson fails to come up this year? It's possible given his age and playing style. What can we do to minimise the impact of this?

[LostDoggy]

Re: What are the risks?

It seems to be a low key preparation this year. Last year was the Arizona trip, and the sense of expectation. How do you continue to get the team up mentally each year?

[The Coon Dog]

Re: What are the risks?

One risk is thinking that it will happen without working very hard to make it happen.

I honestly thought in 1986 we would win the flag after our year in 1985. We didn't even make the finals!

Just to get to where we were against St.Kilda is going to take 12 months worth of blood, sweat & tears, it just wont happen automatically.

[GVGjr]

Re: What are the risks?

I think I'd have to agree with that TCD. Morris was talking about a 2 percent improvement being needed across the playing group to take the next step but I think if you saw a 2 percent drop in a proportion of the group we would struggle to make an impact next year. They can take nothing for granted next year.

I do think the club is making the right sounds and competition for places in the team should keep everyone on their toes. Davoren's second year with the team should help the boys consolidate some of their impressive fitness from last year.

Complacency would be the killer though.

[Ozza]

Re: What are the risks?

We went ok for injuries last year compared to some other clubs. Touch wood we get through ok again. I know we had a few players miss games - but we didn't lose the hard to replace types often or for too long. Lets hope that most of our boys stay on the park.

TCD was talking about the let down of 1986 - I was only 3 years old then - but I know the Hawk did his knee that year - which would have been fairly telling in the scheme of things.

[Mantis]

Re: What are the risks?

What if Hudson fails to come up this year? It's possible given his age and playing style. What can we do to minimise the impact of this?

Countering that Hudson is fairly new at the footy caper which could be beneficial to his durability. We have already seen that the club is hoping that Roughead can make big strides to help out with our rucking stocks.

If we lose one of our 2 main ruckman we could be in a bit of strife (like most clubs would be), but until we get to that situation we will not know how other players will cope.

[Mofra]

Re: What are the risks?

I think a bigger risk is losing Lake for an extended period of time; Williams struggles to get his body right and this disjointed playing opportunity also stifles his development and form.

The other risk with Lake is traditionally his best years are contract years so expecting him to replicate last year's form may be a little much.

[mighty_west]

Re: What are the risks?

Countering that Hudson is fairly new at the footy caper which could be beneficial to his durability. We have already seen that the club is hoping that Roughead can make big strides to help out with our rucking stocks.

If we lose one of our 2 main ruckman we could be in a bit of strife (like most clubs would be), but until we get to that situation we will not know how other players will cope.

If Hudson went down, obviously Minson would take up the number one position, with Barry up forward now, he won;t be as relied on to rest up forward, to be that big bloke to bash & crash, so that works in our favour somewhat.

Even though it was just one game, Everitt showed he can pitch hit as a more mobile ruck option, add giving Roughead some game time as well, obviously those two would more pitch hit than play a major role.

If both Minson & Huddo went down, well, would it be any different to 2006 and having alot of injuries to talls anyway?

[mighty_west]

Re: What are the risks?

One of the big obvious risks is Barry Hall, his on field mind set etc, if he goes nuttah around finals time, it could derail our chances etc etc, but for mine, a bigger risk would not go after him, and go in again with a smaller forward line, we have seen in the finals pressured games, of having the midfield suffocated, and not having that big option when at times, you just have to bomb it long.

[LostDoggy]

Re: What are the risks?

Murphy and Hahn are risks as they are key players and match winners but there is some doubt over consistency(particularly Mitch) and injuries(particularly Murph), Higgins is also becoming a very important player but had a lot of injuries all are important in the forward line. Of course Tom Williams, I really think we need backup for the tall defender. Tiller? Bouman?

[Bumper Bulldogs]

Re: What are the risks?

The biggest risk is their "Ego's"

I think we can cover a few injuries but need to have the young guns coming hard to keep Hill ect on their toes.

[LostDoggy]

Re: What are the risks?

i think age of the team is a risk. I would be loathe to write off any of the elder statesmen but there is a risk it could become an issue, say for instance if opposition teams can rebound off our forward line. Little evidence of this happening last year, but one year on who knows?

[Mantis]

Re: What are the risks?

i think age of the team is a risk. I would be loathe to write off any of the elder statesmen but there is a risk it could become an issue, say for instance if opposition teams can rebound off our forward line. Little evidence of this happening last year, but one year on who knows?

Good point.

Aker, Hall & Johnson are all well into their 30's and with Murf, Hahn & Gia all 27+ we don't really have a young forwardline. Many of these aren't all that quick or great chasers so this is one area we will need to manage.

[comrade]

Re: What are the risks?

Good point.

Aker, Hall & Johnson are all well into their 30's and with Murf, Hahn & Gia all 27+ we don't really have a young forwardline. Many of these aren't all that quick or great chasers so this is one area we will need to manage.

That’s why the demise of Malcolm Lynch has been so disappointing. His pace and ability to hunt down opposition defenders would’ve fit our game style perfectly.

[GVGjr]

Re: What are the risks?

That’s why the demise of Malcolm Lynch has been so disappointing. His pace and ability to hunt down opposition defenders would’ve fit our game style perfectly.

It's interesting that Mal has been allowed to train with us. Outside chance of being rookied?