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When and Where
Saturday July 17
7:10pm
TIO Stadium Darwin
Ladder Positions
Western Bulldogs 5th - 9 wins 6 losses 131.69%
Port Adelaide 14th - 5 wins 10 losses 79.00%
Last time they met:
Round 12- June 13 2009 – TIO Stadium
Western Bulldogs 4.2 8.5 13.9 21.11 (137)
Port Adelaide 1.1 4.1 5.2 7.2 (44)
GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Minson 3, Johnson 3, Hill 3, Gia 2, Hahn 2, Ward, Gilbee, Boyd, Griffen, Aker, Higgins, Hudson, Picken – all 1
Port Adelaide: Ebert 2, Cassisi, Tredrea, Rodan, Westhoff, Motlop – all 1.
BEST
Western Bulldogs: Hargrave, Cross, Ward, Harbrow
Port Adelaide: K Cornes, Cassisi, Thurstans.
Last 5 games head to head
Round 12 2009- WB 137 def Port 44 - TIO
Round 14 2008- WB 135 def Port 81 - TIO
Round 14 2007- WB 133 def Port 113 - Etihad
Round 19 2006- Port 105 def WB 91 - TIO
Round 7 2006 - WB 166 def Port 90 - AAMI
Form leading in:
Port Adelaide
LLLLL
Port Adelaide chose to start their season early gaining a month’s start on most other clubs. Accordingly, they hit the ground running in Round One and won five of their first seven games. At that point, they were only percentage away from 3rd position.
In Round 7, Warren Tredrea smashed his ankle and in his absence, they have not won a game since. They have now registered eight losses in a row and do not look like reversing that trend, until........................?
Port Adelaide, not being used to such failure, found a way to dismiss Choco Williams as Coach after last week’s game amid much cheer and joviality from Port supporters and much sorrow from opposition supporters. His replacement, Matthew Primus having been mentored by such luminaries as Jade Rawlings, Darren Crocker and Ben Allan, has declared he wants the job full-time.
Should Primus reverse the trend, he must find a way for Port to score. Over their last six matches, they have scored, 30, 63, 55, 93, 58 and 79 points. The absence of Tredrea has left them impotent in front of goal with only Ebert and the Richmond reject (doesn’t say a lot) Schulz, being able to find the big sticks.
For this week’s match, Port will be without P Burgoyne, Tredrea, Lade, Pettigrew, Thurstans, and M Motlop since the last time we met - a 93 point victory to the Dogs. I doubt whether their replacements will measure up to this lot, although the latter two were no champions and are probably playing for Henley Greek, Gaza or Myponga by now. Sorry, you need to be local.
Western Bulldogs
WLWWL
After an up and down start to the season, the Dog’s form over the past month has been pretty solid. Big wins over Brisbane and West Coast (both expected) have been followed by a solid effort against a rampant Hawthorn (who got within 2 points of Geelong without Mitchell last week) and a thumping of top 4 pretenders Carlton.
Regaining players of the calibre of Johnson, Ward, Hargrave, Picken, Williams and Higgins has added much to the side. The outstanding form of Lake and the inclusion of Wood and Murphy have brought solidarity and flexibility to the back six which has various mix and match options now available to it. Those of us of the persuasion that Backlines win Premierships are feeling pretty good at this point.
With Cooney, Griffen, and Boyd in form we have our best three mid-fielders able to match it with the competition’s best. The team has numerous options to run through the middle to complement the starting three.
Last week we saw a significant lift in the quality of our disposal particularly when entering the forward 50. It is critical for the team that this improvement continues
Potential Ins & Outs
Port Adelaide - the big news in Adelaide predicts Chad Cornes and Carr will be demoted to the SANFL (not a lot happens in Adelaide). If this proves to be true, it is not in our best interests as neither have had a kick for the year.
Western Bulldogs - Hall is out and Johnson must be considered doubtful although the latest reports are that he has recovered. Stack is gone. There is some talk of resting Hudson. Our previous experience tells us that the ball is on the ground a lot in Darwin due to the humidity and possible rain. It will not be a night for big grabs overhead (with the obvious exception of Lake who could catch a bar of soap in a waterfall).
Some Woofers are spruiking Jones but the conditions won’t suit him as they did not in the pre-season game.
Minson may replace Hudson if rested otherwise Roughead is heading back to Willi. Whilst the conditions won’t suit big fellows, the humidity will be draining, especially for them. I think it would be prudent to persist with two Ruckmen especially against Brogan who can play a bit.
Sure ball handling, speed and precision passing will be important. Eagleton is a chance and would be useful up there. How do I know? Mantis told me. In the absence of Hall, Hill may get a reprieve despite not breaking any records at Willi.
Key Match ups
Hudson/Minson v Brogan – Brogan is a good competitor and Hudson and/or Minson will need to be on their game to compete. They have some useful mid-fielders and it is important we get first use of the ball as we did last week.
Whilst Brogan is good around the ground I don’t expect any ruckman to make a big impression (other than in pure ruck-work) because of the conditions.
K Cornes v Cooney/Boyd
Cornes, who it must be said is the pre-eminent tagger in the business, cut-up Boyd during the first half last year. Boyd got back into it in the second half but Cornes held sway over the night. A good effort given the spanking Port received. It will be interesting to see whether Cornes is set on Boyd or Cooney but whoever it is they are in for a hard time. Fortunately, Cornes cannot kick over the man on the mark so he won’t hurt us going the other way.
Picken v Rodan
Rodan is a dangerous player around goals. Last year he even kicked one for us. I believe Picken will get Rodan and I have complete faith in him doing the job. Given a free rein he can be devastating through the middle and Picken will need to get hold of him early as he grows with confidence when he is on top.
Morris v Motlop
Coming into the game last year, Motlop was the big threat. Morris cut him to pieces to the point he waved the white flag late in the game and literally gave up. This is not new to him and Morris will put him in the flag-waving frame of mind again.
Midfield vs Midfield
As with all games the mid-field battle will be key. Cooney, Griffen, Boyd, Cross, Ward and Picken etc v Cassisi, K Cornes, Rodan, Salopek, Logan and Boak. On paper, ours is streets ahead but the job remains to be done. Where I think we can really damage them is through the middle (they allow this because they don’t employ a rolling zone too often) providing our disposal is as measured as last week. It is further critical given the change to our structure up forward without Hall.
Where the game will be won and lost
Other than the performance of our midfield, the critical issue remains how we perform without Hall. They have a couple of gorillas in Chaplin and Carlisle down back and we must structure up in recognition of this. Again the conditions will favour the smaller blokes so through a combination of Gia, Higgins, Grant, Johnson, Murphy (who I think will be play forward in Hall’s absence) we may be too nimble and classy for them.
Quick movement of the ball going into the forward line will enable our forwards to run into space. Get clogged, should they elect to use a zone and the gorillas will have a field day.
I have no doubt about our backline being able to hold their forwards. Unless their midfielders get involved they will continue to struggle to kick a winning score.
There is one factor which may come into play here and it is, to some extent, out or our control. The hype of a new coach and the success which historically comes to teams who change their coach mid-year is simply unexplainable. But it is a fact. And it is a threat. Hopefully, they played out their emotions last week for Choco’s last hurrah.
Verdict
Eight losses in a row says it all really. And for those of us who live in this city it is a beautiful thing indeed. Not as beautiful as it would be if it happened to the other mob, but still beautiful, nevertheless.
In the absence of them signing up a Coleman, Lockett and Ablett Snr overnight, I can’t see them kicking a winning score.
Bulldogs by 80 points
Motlop to be reported
__________________
Saturday July 17
7:10pm
TIO Stadium Darwin
Ladder Positions
Western Bulldogs 5th - 9 wins 6 losses 131.69%
Port Adelaide 14th - 5 wins 10 losses 79.00%
Last time they met:
Round 12- June 13 2009 – TIO Stadium
Western Bulldogs 4.2 8.5 13.9 21.11 (137)
Port Adelaide 1.1 4.1 5.2 7.2 (44)
GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Minson 3, Johnson 3, Hill 3, Gia 2, Hahn 2, Ward, Gilbee, Boyd, Griffen, Aker, Higgins, Hudson, Picken – all 1
Port Adelaide: Ebert 2, Cassisi, Tredrea, Rodan, Westhoff, Motlop – all 1.
BEST
Western Bulldogs: Hargrave, Cross, Ward, Harbrow
Port Adelaide: K Cornes, Cassisi, Thurstans.
Last 5 games head to head
Round 12 2009- WB 137 def Port 44 - TIO
Round 14 2008- WB 135 def Port 81 - TIO
Round 14 2007- WB 133 def Port 113 - Etihad
Round 19 2006- Port 105 def WB 91 - TIO
Round 7 2006 - WB 166 def Port 90 - AAMI
Form leading in:
Port Adelaide
LLLLL
Port Adelaide chose to start their season early gaining a month’s start on most other clubs. Accordingly, they hit the ground running in Round One and won five of their first seven games. At that point, they were only percentage away from 3rd position.
In Round 7, Warren Tredrea smashed his ankle and in his absence, they have not won a game since. They have now registered eight losses in a row and do not look like reversing that trend, until........................?
Port Adelaide, not being used to such failure, found a way to dismiss Choco Williams as Coach after last week’s game amid much cheer and joviality from Port supporters and much sorrow from opposition supporters. His replacement, Matthew Primus having been mentored by such luminaries as Jade Rawlings, Darren Crocker and Ben Allan, has declared he wants the job full-time.
Should Primus reverse the trend, he must find a way for Port to score. Over their last six matches, they have scored, 30, 63, 55, 93, 58 and 79 points. The absence of Tredrea has left them impotent in front of goal with only Ebert and the Richmond reject (doesn’t say a lot) Schulz, being able to find the big sticks.
For this week’s match, Port will be without P Burgoyne, Tredrea, Lade, Pettigrew, Thurstans, and M Motlop since the last time we met - a 93 point victory to the Dogs. I doubt whether their replacements will measure up to this lot, although the latter two were no champions and are probably playing for Henley Greek, Gaza or Myponga by now. Sorry, you need to be local.
Western Bulldogs
WLWWL
After an up and down start to the season, the Dog’s form over the past month has been pretty solid. Big wins over Brisbane and West Coast (both expected) have been followed by a solid effort against a rampant Hawthorn (who got within 2 points of Geelong without Mitchell last week) and a thumping of top 4 pretenders Carlton.
Regaining players of the calibre of Johnson, Ward, Hargrave, Picken, Williams and Higgins has added much to the side. The outstanding form of Lake and the inclusion of Wood and Murphy have brought solidarity and flexibility to the back six which has various mix and match options now available to it. Those of us of the persuasion that Backlines win Premierships are feeling pretty good at this point.
With Cooney, Griffen, and Boyd in form we have our best three mid-fielders able to match it with the competition’s best. The team has numerous options to run through the middle to complement the starting three.
Last week we saw a significant lift in the quality of our disposal particularly when entering the forward 50. It is critical for the team that this improvement continues
Potential Ins & Outs
Port Adelaide - the big news in Adelaide predicts Chad Cornes and Carr will be demoted to the SANFL (not a lot happens in Adelaide). If this proves to be true, it is not in our best interests as neither have had a kick for the year.
Western Bulldogs - Hall is out and Johnson must be considered doubtful although the latest reports are that he has recovered. Stack is gone. There is some talk of resting Hudson. Our previous experience tells us that the ball is on the ground a lot in Darwin due to the humidity and possible rain. It will not be a night for big grabs overhead (with the obvious exception of Lake who could catch a bar of soap in a waterfall).
Some Woofers are spruiking Jones but the conditions won’t suit him as they did not in the pre-season game.
Minson may replace Hudson if rested otherwise Roughead is heading back to Willi. Whilst the conditions won’t suit big fellows, the humidity will be draining, especially for them. I think it would be prudent to persist with two Ruckmen especially against Brogan who can play a bit.
Sure ball handling, speed and precision passing will be important. Eagleton is a chance and would be useful up there. How do I know? Mantis told me. In the absence of Hall, Hill may get a reprieve despite not breaking any records at Willi.
Key Match ups
Hudson/Minson v Brogan – Brogan is a good competitor and Hudson and/or Minson will need to be on their game to compete. They have some useful mid-fielders and it is important we get first use of the ball as we did last week.
Whilst Brogan is good around the ground I don’t expect any ruckman to make a big impression (other than in pure ruck-work) because of the conditions.
K Cornes v Cooney/Boyd
Cornes, who it must be said is the pre-eminent tagger in the business, cut-up Boyd during the first half last year. Boyd got back into it in the second half but Cornes held sway over the night. A good effort given the spanking Port received. It will be interesting to see whether Cornes is set on Boyd or Cooney but whoever it is they are in for a hard time. Fortunately, Cornes cannot kick over the man on the mark so he won’t hurt us going the other way.
Picken v Rodan
Rodan is a dangerous player around goals. Last year he even kicked one for us. I believe Picken will get Rodan and I have complete faith in him doing the job. Given a free rein he can be devastating through the middle and Picken will need to get hold of him early as he grows with confidence when he is on top.
Morris v Motlop
Coming into the game last year, Motlop was the big threat. Morris cut him to pieces to the point he waved the white flag late in the game and literally gave up. This is not new to him and Morris will put him in the flag-waving frame of mind again.
Midfield vs Midfield
As with all games the mid-field battle will be key. Cooney, Griffen, Boyd, Cross, Ward and Picken etc v Cassisi, K Cornes, Rodan, Salopek, Logan and Boak. On paper, ours is streets ahead but the job remains to be done. Where I think we can really damage them is through the middle (they allow this because they don’t employ a rolling zone too often) providing our disposal is as measured as last week. It is further critical given the change to our structure up forward without Hall.
Where the game will be won and lost
Other than the performance of our midfield, the critical issue remains how we perform without Hall. They have a couple of gorillas in Chaplin and Carlisle down back and we must structure up in recognition of this. Again the conditions will favour the smaller blokes so through a combination of Gia, Higgins, Grant, Johnson, Murphy (who I think will be play forward in Hall’s absence) we may be too nimble and classy for them.
Quick movement of the ball going into the forward line will enable our forwards to run into space. Get clogged, should they elect to use a zone and the gorillas will have a field day.
I have no doubt about our backline being able to hold their forwards. Unless their midfielders get involved they will continue to struggle to kick a winning score.
There is one factor which may come into play here and it is, to some extent, out or our control. The hype of a new coach and the success which historically comes to teams who change their coach mid-year is simply unexplainable. But it is a fact. And it is a threat. Hopefully, they played out their emotions last week for Choco’s last hurrah.
Verdict
Eight losses in a row says it all really. And for those of us who live in this city it is a beautiful thing indeed. Not as beautiful as it would be if it happened to the other mob, but still beautiful, nevertheless.
In the absence of them signing up a Coleman, Lockett and Ablett Snr overnight, I can’t see them kicking a winning score.
Bulldogs by 80 points
Motlop to be reported
__________________
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