Game Day - R21 Western Bulldogs vs Sydney

[azabob]

Re: Game Day - R21 Western Bulldogs vs Sydney

No s***

Unfortunately, our lack of leadership and on-field accountability has been an issue all year, yet the repeat offenders get a free run.

One could argue lack of leadership has been an issue for the last 5 years.

Eade can blame injuries we got during the game all he wants, reality is for the second time in two weeks no one stood up when the opposition got a run on.

No one stood up when Collingwood got a run on twice this season.

No one stood up when St.Kilda came back from the dead this season.

No one stood up when the game was to be won against Hawthorn this season.

Who was the last player to stand up and drag the team over the line?

[Bornadog]

Re: Game Day - R21 Western Bulldogs vs Sydney

Too much faith in the group or do we just not have the depth in the list to make an example out of one of them?

One thing for sure is we stuffed up the draft last year with some stupid picks. Supporters were critical of Clayton over the years but really, he is a damn good recruiter. We have been unable to play one first year player this year, although I do suspect Howard would have played if it wasn't for injury. The rest of our picks donot look like AFL players, including the Rookie pick of Moles.

I agree with you GvGjr, we should have cut into the list a little bit deeper when we had the chance. At minimum, Eagleton, Aker, should have been cut.

[Flamethrower]

Re: Game Day - R21 Western Bulldogs vs Sydney

I still can't believe we went in with only 1 ruckman, who had been ill during the last 2 weeks.
It doesn't matter whether it was Roughead or Minson, one of them had to play. China Doll Tom is a NOT a backup ruckman (he is still learning how to play as a backman) and Huddo was always going to get worn down going against 2 "monsters" like Mumford and Pyke.

This game was decided at selection - many of us said it before the game. Everitt and Roughead/Minson had to play against a team that stuctures up like the Swans. I was convinced that there would be 2 late changes when I saw the team, but when I saw all 3 of these players run out at Box Hill I knew the Swans were over the line. It was easy money for anyone who enjoys a punt on the footy.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Game Day - R21 Western Bulldogs vs Sydney

The Swans had 360 disposals to 256. Obviously this shows we couldn't even get near it. So why did this happen? Was it because we lost Cooney early on and Johnson struggled with injury and we ran out of legs? Was it work ethic? It seemed to me that at every stoppage the Swans were winning the contested ball and would continually bring the ball out to their defensive side and move it from there. I'm not sure what the statistics for contested ball are but I'm sure we were beaten. Another interesting stat would be goals from stoppages. When I look back we were a much better team last season. Too many players have dropped off to be able to compete with the better sides of the competition. If we were have a bad game last season it felt like we would always find a way to win. That's not the case this year. We have lost the tight ones and when the heat is on we are vulnerable.

[soupman]

Re: Game Day - R21 Western Bulldogs vs Sydney

I consider myself an optimistic supporter, who can make reasonable judgements on where players and the side are at, and looks for the positives in performances. I watch every game I can, and haven't willingly left or stopped watching a match before the final siren since I can remember.

Last night, halfway through the last quarter, I had had enough. That is the most pissed off I have ever been with our club. We were nothing short of pathetic and I came away from it with a multitude of points of annoyance.

Team Selection How did both Roughead and Everitt, two young players who weren't terrible last week, lose their spots? Roughead has continued to show that he offers a good option as a second ruck, and will only get better. Why would we drop him in a match against a team that loves stoppages on a small ground like the SCG.

And Everitt was dropped for Hahn. Everitt was the perfect cover for injuries, unexpected matchups and whatever thi week. He could play a role down back, help out in the ruck, play forward, or play a midfield type role. Very dissapointed he was dropped after a promising display last week.

Meanwhile, Eagleton and Hahn both got a game. I know there may have been solid reasons for these inclusions, but Eagleton was poor last week and isn't the way forward for finals, and Hahn has been put into the side on a currently outdated reputation.

Ruck As an extension of the above, why would we turn a strong area of the team (hudson+Minson, or Hudsoon+Roughead) into a weakness with our main ruckman trying to play most of the match with an injury prone defender who whilst admirable in his efforts, shouldn't be playing in the ruck if we can help it.

Brett Kirk I undertsnad Kirk's last match was always going to have them up and about, but for him to embarass us as a leading forward is unforgiveable. Kirk has none of the attributes of a good leading forward, yet made Gilbee look like an idiot. How can a player like Kirk beat our defence so easily in a role he is so unfamiliar and unsuited too?

Hudson Charging Why would you do that? Pointless, irresponsible crap. I know he is a much loved figure at the club, but someone needs to pull him aside for that and tell him it's not on. It's stupid and will cost us games when he inevitably gets suspended

Nathan Eagleton Truly I don't dislike him like some on this forum do, and I actually think he adds something to our side sometimes. However, he should not have been slected, and whilst getting a couple of handy goals he showed why he shouldn't be in our side when he missed a set shot from straight in front that would have truly gotten us back into the game. He is not a player we can count on to stand up when we need him.

Leadership Speaking of players not standing up, who did last night? Nobody for mine. We were just happy to roll over and take it. No fight, no desperation. Not good enough.

Brodie Moles on Jude Bolton It seemed from the Tv coverage that Moles was matched up on Bolton, yet Bolton continually got free, got possessions and influenced the match. Likewise with Boyd on Jack. Where is the accountability?

One on One Did we win a one on one contest? Continually we were shown up as not wanting the footy enough, and too frequently they managed to push extra numbers to the contest while our players never appeared.

Zone defence over man on man Why when the opposition are working the ball out of defence do we put our 18th player as a loose player trying to anticipate the long kick. Every time good opponents will just use up their free man and work it forward that way. Our current system never works. Just find a man each for gods sake.

Desperation There was too little desperation on our behalf. The one player I remember chasing with real intent was Liam Jones. Other than that we were half hearted and it showed. Sydney on the other hand were hard at it and desperate. That smother on Grant is what wins games. We lack that kind of desperation too often.

Pace You realise just how slow we are when a team like Sydney is clearly quicker than us. This is an area we really need to recruit in in the off season, but I have no idea how. We need a quick, crumbing forward who applies defensive pressure and a quick mid who can break the lines. Atm we are slow and one paced.

Why do we continually insist on breaking our supporters hearts by stuffing up again and again? It makes it so hard to be a Bulldogs member when you continually have to defend them. After a week of defending us after the Geelong loss, promising that we'll bounce back and prove why we will be finals contenders I get to watch us put in another piss-poor effort. It was the complete lack of desperation that was most dissapointing.

[mighty_west]

Re: Game Day - R21 Western Bulldogs vs Sydney

I still can't believe we went in with only 1 ruckman, who had been ill during the last 2 weeks.
It doesn't matter whether it was Roughead or Minson, one of them had to play. China Doll Tom is a NOT a backup ruckman (he is still learning how to play as a backman) and Huddo was always going to get worn down going against 2 "monsters" like Mumford and Pyke.

This game was decided at selection - many of us said it before the game. Everitt and Roughead/Minson had to play against a team that stuctures up like the Swans. I was convinced that there would be 2 late changes when I saw the team, but when I saw all 3 of these players run out at Box Hill I knew the Swans were over the line. It was easy money for anyone who enjoys a punt on the footy.

This.

Was scratching my head on thursday night with the team selection, and Everitt simply had to play if we went in with only one ruckman, Hahn is finished imo and shouldn't have played, he looked like a 36 year old out there.

Eagleton is good for those have to win games against teams that allow us to run freely, not usually on the small SCG, he was ok when the game was open for the first term, but when things went their way, and then closed up shop on us, he was found wanting.

Harbrow should have played at least a game for Willy after a month off, play god damn fit & in form players!!!!!

[anfo27]

Re: Game Day - R21 Western Bulldogs vs Sydney

The Swans had 360 disposals to 256. Obviously this shows we couldn't even get near it. So why did this happen? Was it because we lost Cooney early on and Johnson struggled with injury and we ran out of legs? Was it work ethic? It seemed to me that at every stoppage the Swans were winning the contested ball and would continually bring the ball out to their defensive side and move it from there. I'm not sure what the statistics for contested ball are but I'm sure we were beaten. Another interesting stat would be goals from stoppages. When I look back we were a much better team last season. Too many players have dropped off to be able to compete with the better sides of the competition. If we were have a bad game last season it felt like we would always find a way to win. That's not the case this year. We have lost the tight ones and when the heat is on we are vulnerable.

The key stat you need to look at and always need to look at is tackles Arkie. They had 100 more possesions and still ended up with more tackles than us and that is unacceptable. Before Eade arrived we were the worst tackling team going around and nothing has changed in this area. I'm sick of seeing the opposition win the cleareance without any pressure from our midfielders and put our defence under immense pressure.

I've had enough and the buck stops with rocket, its time for him to go.

[azabob]

Re: Game Day - R21 Western Bulldogs vs Sydney

The key stat you need to look at and always need to look at is tackles Arkie. They had 100 more possesions and still ended up with more tackles than us and that is unacceptable. Before Eade arrived we were the worst tackling team going around and nothing has changed in this area. I'm sick of seeing the opposition win the cleareance without any pressure from our midfielders and put our defence under immense pressure.

I've had enough and the buck stops with rocket, its time for him to go.

Who do we replace him with?

[anfo27]

Re: Game Day - R21 Western Bulldogs vs Sydney

Who do we replace him with?

What about Ricky Bobby or Jackie Moon?

Seriously though didn't Smorgan say that a grand final berth was the only result that would be acceptable?

I'd like Mick Malthouse when hs is done at the pies but that is 12 months away still. I guess i'm saying I don't know who you replace him with but are you happy to keep going with him?

[azabob]

Re: Game Day - R21 Western Bulldogs vs Sydney

What about Ricky Bobby or Jackie Moon?

Seriously though didn't Smorgan say that a grand final berth was the only result that would be acceptable?

I'd like Mick Malthouse when hs is done at the pies but that is 12 months away still. I guess i'm saying I don't know who you replace him with but are you happy to keep going with him?

Yes Smorgon did say that.

I think we need to make very hard calls on our playing list. Not sure what we gain by sacking Eade, so yes I'd keep him.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Re: Game Day - R21 Western Bulldogs vs Sydney

Yes Smorgon did say that.

I think we need to make very hard calls on our playing list. Not sure what we gain by sacking Eade, so yes I'd keep him.

The bind is we really should've done this a year ago, possibly even two. Now with the bulk of draft picks and talent going to GC and next year GWS, we are going to have to potentially pay more for any trades. That is the offer of draft picks now are not as valuable as prior years, and therefore we may need to offer more to get a deal done.

The match committee also face the dilemma of perhaps trading out some seasoned blokes, and in losing a couple of these types we may end up having to go backward to go forward eventually. Is the club in a financial position to risk having a poor year or two?

We seriously need to inject some pace in the team, and with the probably loss of Harbrow come seasons end, we are going to look even slower next year without some big changes.

I hope the club is going to be in a position to make the tough decisions that need to be made at seasons end.

[anfo27]

Re: Game Day - R21 Western Bulldogs vs Sydney

Yes Smorgon did say that.

I think we need to make very hard calls on our playing list. Not sure what we gain by sacking Eade, so yes I'd keep him.

I don't think Eade is capable enough to make these tough decisions. He has shown too much faith in players that continually let the team down.
We have had a pretty crap year and which senior players other than Minson & Eagleton has he dropped?
The pies are on top of the ladder and they have dropped Fraser, Lockyer, Medhurst. O'Bree & Brown when they haven't performed.

[azabob]

Re: Game Day - R21 Western Bulldogs vs Sydney

I don't think Eade is capable enough to make these tough decisions. He has shown too much faith in players that continually let the team down.
We have had a pretty crap year and which senior players other than Minson & Eagleton has he dropped?
The pies are on top of the ladder and they have dropped Fraser, Lockyer, Medhurst. O'Bree & Brown when they haven't performed.

Agree about Eade and his unwillingness to drop senior players. Problem this year is injuries have made it hard to drop the senior players.

[azabob]

Re: Game Day - R21 Western Bulldogs vs Sydney

I hope the club is going to be in a position to make the tough decisions that need to be made at seasons end.

Agree, disapointing thing is we have said the same thing for the last couple of years.
Yet nothing seems to change.

[Go_Dogs]

Re: Game Day - R21 Western Bulldogs vs Sydney

I consider myself an optimistic supporter, who can make reasonable judgements on where players and the side are at, and looks for the positives in performances.

Great post soupaman. Agree with just about everything you have said.