Round 1 Match Preview: Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood

[Cyberdoggie]

Re: Round 1 Match Preview: Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood

Great read Comrade,


One thing to note on the Collingwood defenders is against us they traditionally play quite dirty. Lot's of tugging jumpers and physical pressure to our smaller forwards.
In the 2 games last year i was screaming my brains out at the umpires for not giving us any free kicks to our forwards for the treatment they were receiving.

Will be interesting to see their tactics against Barry.

[Bornadog]

Re: Round 1 Match Preview: Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood

thanks a lot Comrade now all the reviews will have to reach your standard.

Last year first time round against the Pies caught us out through quick ball movement through the corridor. In round 22, we managed to deny them the ball by cutting off supply to the forward line. Amazingly in that game there was very little tackling with the dogs laying only 39 tackles compared to the season average of over 60. The dogs will play a similar game on Sunday, and will be too classy for the Pies.

Dogs by 32 points

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Re: Round 1 Match Preview: Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood

As much as I rate Collingwood, this game is on our hand. We're a better football side with a better midfield and forward line. Apart from Swan, Collingwood don't have the 'complete' prototype midfielder of a Cooney, Griffen or Higgins who can play both inside and out. It's a real weapon to have and although Pendlebury, Davis and Didak are good players - they can be contained.

A lot depends on the availability of Johnson and Hahn. If they both miss, it's going to be difficult and we'll need a contribution from the twenty two men who step out onto the field. If they play and are OK - we should have far too much ability and flexibility for them up forward.

As a few have already noted, it's our defensive pressure which will either win or lose us the game. It's been impressive thus far in the pre-season but if it tapers off or we're half asleep at the start (Round 15 last year) then we'll find it difficult to peg them back.

O'Brien and Maxwell are two players we need to make accountable. Both play well against us and O'Brien has smashed Hill in recent times. Both are capable defenders and give great rebound when Collingwood are playing their best footy. Swan and Didak are two we need to keep in check in the midfield - can't afford them to run around picking up uncontested possessions at will like they did in Round 15. Davis is their main threat up forward and is a very slippery player, but one you have to play the percentages on. He carved us up badly in Round 15 and gave Harbrow a bath.

I think Boyd, Cooney, Griffen and Higgins can really put Collingwood to the sword through the midfield. Swan and Boyd are fairly even, with Dane perhaps a little ahead. Cooney, Griffen and Higgins have the potential to shame the black and white army if they play like they should/have been.

One thing I hope we're mindful of is indeed Presti. Solid record on Hall and with Maxwell/O'Brien/Shaw they'll be giving him a chop out as much as possible. Barry's been in great form and if he's in the best position - kick it to him. However - I really hope we don't blaze away like we have at times to him. Gia, Murphy, Aker, Hahn, Johnson, Hill, Higgins etc. are all very good options and it's been our medium forwards that have really troubled them in the past.

I just hope we don't change our game plan against them because we've got a big forward. Against some sides, our medium forwards are more effective. (IE. Collingwood) Against others, we'll really need Hall to contribute (Saints).

All in all - can't wait for this game. Should be filled to capacity and a real spectacle.

[Mofra]

Re: Round 1 Match Preview: Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood

Re: Presti's record on Hall.

I know a few have mentioned that Presti has been solid on him, but I'm not that sold to be honest.
Since 2005 Hall has averaged 4.3 shots on goal against the Pies, which includes only one win (2005). This is during a low-scoring era where the Swans brought the ball in slowly which makes life difficult for him.
We are a higher scoring team, moving the ball faster, and Hall will be playing closer to goal. To me that means Hall should be able to at the very least replicate his form against Collingwood.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Re: Round 1 Match Preview: Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood

Wow, comrade, I mean this with no disrespect to previous contributors for Match previews (of which I am one), but your write-up was superlative. Easy & interesting to read with a fantastic array of information.

Talk about setting the bar high for the rest of us... So actually then, on second thoughts comrade - 'up yours' for making it harder for any mere mortals who follow in your footsteps trying to compose a match preview.

[Sedat]

Re: Round 1 Match Preview: Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood

If I may be a little self-indulgent, I reckon Dogs supporters are the most knowledgable and informed club supporters in the competition, and sensational previews like this only confirm my belief. With a couple of exceptions, I can't think of too many media scribes that could come close to matching the quality of detail that Comrade has provided for us here - talk about raising the bar for the rest of the season.

Jolly v Hudson shapes as a most critical match-up - if we can nullify Jolly's outstanding clearance ability and prevent him from dangerously ghosting forward, we should ensure that Collingwood's myriad of outside mids do not win their share of the ball. Hopefully Hudson's fanatical desire for repeat efforts will pressure Jolly all day and prevent him from asserting control at the stoppages. TBB touched on a great point about Hall and using him wisely against a team like the Pies - their defenders zone off like there's no tomorrow so I hope that we can spot up the free targets inside forward 50 that will invariably pop up.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Round 1 Match Preview: Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood

Umm now, do I bask in the euphoria or shut that lid on tight???? I'm going the first - Bulldogs by 25 points in a sensational, sell-out game

[LostDoggy]

Re: Round 1 Match Preview: Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood

Amazing write up Comrade.
You wait all summer for the footy to begin, and what a game to kick things off .
I have a feeling it will be well worth the wait.
30+ degrees, drinking beer in the sun! does it get any better than this ?

I really rate collingwood but reckon we will get home by 20 points after a close first half.

[Happy Days]

Re: Round 1 Match Preview: Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood

Absolute top shelf write up Comrade, thanks for that.

In regard to Presti v. Hall, Presti took Welsh last time, and even though Presti beat Welsh, we still won. I don't think anyone could make the point of Welsh being better than Hall, plus we have many, many other avenues to goal, so Presti's negating ability will not be much of a factor for mine.

Also, regarding the inclusion of Jolly, we were able to win the battle in the middle last time without our no. 1 big, so the differential in the ruck may not be as big a concern as it is made out to be.

Given recent form, as well as the respective talent levels, there's no reason why we should not be able to comfortably win this match, around the 5-6 goal mark is about right.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Round 1 Match Preview: Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood

Great preview. Can't think of a better way to start the season than Johnson playing his 350th (hopefully) and beating Collingwood in the process. It's a win win

[BulldogBelle]

Re: Round 1 Match Preview: Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood

Huge effort Comrade!

As l gaze into to my crystal ball it tells me........

We SHOULD win but the Pies COULD win.

This will be a tougth close game. But l think we will run over them in the last quater.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Round 1 Match Preview: Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood

Dogs to win by 28.

First goal: Barry Hall.

BOG: Ryan Griffin.

[Charlie the Wonder Dog]

Re: Round 1 Match Preview: Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood

Agree with (mostly) everyone that we should account for them relatively comfortably.

For mine, what has stood out to me when i have watched us v Collingwood after the last three years is 'focus' and 'running power'.

The Woods are a lot like Geelong in that instance, they are a very well disciplined side who have a very consistent output (focus) across all 4 quarters. We have tended to wax and wane a little against the Woods and Geelong - this has lead to us having a mountain to climb in the 3rd and 4th quarters.

However, against both these teams we really show them up for our ability to run out the last quarter.

I have perceived a maturing in our levels of focus from the start of games over the last half of a season (eagles came excluded) and so I am very confident of our ability to remain unbeaten against the Woods and Geelong in 2010.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Round 1 Match Preview: Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood

I'm predicting a cracking game between two top 4 sides. Great summary Comrade so thanks for the read.

[Dry Rot]

Re: Round 1 Match Preview: Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood

Excellent preview which continues the recent high standard and eclipses the preview you'll read from the "experts".

Question: I read that you're expecting 31 degrees tomorrow - will the heat and our superior fitness NB late in the game be a significant advantage for us, or have the Pies been doing some expensive altitude, under water and extra-terrestial training too?