Game Day 2011 - R10 Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn

[Desipura]

Re: Game Day 2011 - R10 Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn

A few observations from yesterdays game (that I haven't covered in other threads):

* Liam Jones - this kid can play, took some nice strong marks, but his positioning is horrible. So many times when we were looking for someone to present Liam was on the wrong side of the ground. He is still a baby in footy terms, but this part of his game needs some serious attention.

* Dale Morris - is a warrior, he just battles his arse for the entire game. Inspirational.

* Brian Lake - you should take a look at Dale Morris and be ashamed of yourself. Here we have a dual AA FB who at times was picking up Whitecross & Mitchell all while Morris was busting his arse on Buddy. Brian you should be on Buddy. Brian pull your head our from where it's hiding, train your butt off and get yourself fit because your team needs you. It's time to earn the big pay cheque you fought hard to receive.

* Work around the ball - Our contested play was very good yesterday, we hit in hard and won the ball well, but our spread and decision making from the contest was (is) horrible. So many times we have a numbers advantage, but rather than working our way through the congestion we kick quickly to our disadvantage. We moved the ball well at times in the 2nd half, but early on it was horrible.

Where are we at:

* We are not a great team to watch at present and we aren't very good. Our best 2 players are injured or playing injured, we have 4 or 5 'oldies' who are battling and we have 4 or 5 kids who are just finding there way. We are being held together by 4 to 6 'goers' who need to be commended on their efforts.

* Leaders - Can we try and just get the basics right. Let's man up. Let's chase. Let's set the example for our kids.
* The coach - Rocket says he loves the teaching aspect of coaching. As long no rash decisions are made over the next 13 games Rocket has this time to show that he can teach our players. We are a team going through a transition period so Rocket & the MC need to carefully pick the players who can take us forward and teach these players how to implement a game style which can be competitive against good teams. I watched with interest how Rocket interacted with players at the 1/4 & 3/4 breaks and it looked like he was in 'teaching' mode, he was animated with his movements, but he looked like he was giving solid advice on positioning and the like... it was good stuff.

Re: Lake should be ashamed of himself, you have quoted Matthew LLoyd word for word this morning.
How do we teach the guys (especially the older ones) to chase? I know you said Rocket has to choose the players who can take us forward carefully.

To spread, you need to have ample pace, a midfield of Wallis, Libba, Cross, Boyd, Gia (when he has stints in there) and Boyd is way too slow. Griffen and Cooney excluded.

Is retiring 3 or 4 players ie Hall, Hudson, Gilbee and Gia and rash? No matter how many older guys we retire or choose to retire, it will be considered rash by some.

[Mantis]

Re: Game Day 2011 - R10 Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn

How do we teach the guys (especially the older ones) to chase? I know you said Rocket has to choose the players who can take us forward carefully.

You set non-negiotables and if they don't do they pay the consequence whether it be removal from the leadership group or demotion to the 2's.

Is retiring 3 or 4 players ie Hall, Hudson, Gilbee and Gia and rash? No matter how many older guys we retire or choose to retire, it will be considered rash by some.

The 'rash' comment was more to do with sacking the coach mid-season which hopefully isn't something we will do.

[Greystache]

Re: Game Day 2011 - R10 Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn

You set non-negiotables and if they don't do they pay the consequence whether it be removal from the leadership group or demotion to the 2's

Can you see Eade or the current MC ever making that stand?

Can you see Gia being dropped after kicking 3 goals because his opponent was BOG and he refused to run and man up? Or dropping Higgins because his opponent was close to BOG for the same reason? We had a chance to make a statement last year with Boyd and it wasn't even a consideration, our current coaching group have made their position clear, so long as you contribute offensively you're safe no matter how bad you get burnt defensively.

[Desipura]

Re: Game Day 2011 - R10 Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn

Can you see Eade or the current MC ever making that stand?

Can you see Gia being dropped after kicking 3 goals because his opponent was BOG and he refused to run and man up? Or dropping Higgins because his opponent was close to BOG for the same reason? We had a chance to make a statement last year with Boyd and it wasn't even a consideration, our current coaching group have made their position clear, so long as you contribute offensively you're safe no matter how bad you get burnt defensively.

100% spot on!

[Bornadog]

Re: Game Day 2011 - R10 Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn

A few observations from yesterdays game (that I haven't covered in other threads):

* Liam Jones - this kid can play, took some nice strong marks, but his positioning is horrible. So many times when we were looking for someone to present Liam was on the wrong side of the ground. He is still a baby in footy terms, but this part of his game needs some serious attention..

I though it was Liam's worse game for us. Picked up 5 miserable disposals. One of his major issues is when he is in a marking contest, he prefers to switch from infront of his opponent to the back. Having said that, I would not drop him for the season as he has alot of upside.

A few observations from yesterdays game (that I haven't covered in other threads):

* Brian Lake - you should take a look at Dale Morris and be ashamed of yourself. Here we have a dual AA FB who at times was picking up Whitecross & Mitchell all while Morris was busting his arse on Buddy. Brian you should be on Buddy. Brian pull your head our from where it's hiding, train your butt off and get yourself fit because your team needs you. It's time to earn the big pay cheque you fought hard to receive.

Will be better for the run.

[Bornadog]

Re: Game Day 2011 - R10 Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn

100% spot on!

No its not

Can you see Gia being dropped after kicking 3 goals because his opponent was BOG and he refused to run and man up? .

Guerra didn't play on Gia, Puopolo did.

The uncontested marks and high possessiosn in the backline for the Hawks was due to the keeping off style footy. (This is how we use to play last year)
Yes our players didn't man them up, but was this part of the game plan? Whilst Guerra and co were passing the ball to each other, our entire forward line, yes all 6 including Gia, and Higgins were zoning off in the Hawks half of the ground.
Was this deliberate instructions by the coach?

[Cyberdoggie]

Re: Game Day 2011 - R10 Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn

To spread, you need to have ample pace, a midfield of Wallis, Libba, Cross, Boyd, Gia (when he has stints in there) and Boyd is way too slow. Griffen and Cooney excluded.

There is not a lot of pace in the side and that clearly showed against a side i wouldn't call particularly quick in Hawthorn (A few exceptions of course).

The only players of real pace or acceleration we have in the side are Wood, Griffen, Murphy. The rest are either 1 paced, slow, or ageing and getting slower.

Early under Rocket we were a dangerous side with our run and carry, and our risk taking football. Play on, run and break the lines. Obviously we got found out defensively in the end but now we suck at both. The game is changing with far more defensive work being done but if you don't attack or try to attack then you can't succeed.

in the GC v Geelong game, even a young side like the GC in the first half were going breaking the lines and more importantly clearing a path for that player by laying a shepherd or bump. We are bloody awful at this and we just dish it off to someone else. All the while the opposition just hunt us and then wait for one of the few players we have to get the ball who will run then they nail him (Griffen).
Just once i'd like to see the bloke who gives the ball to griffen follow it up with a bump to try and clear the space for him to move through.

[Bornadog]

Re: Game Day 2011 - R10 Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn

There is not a lot of pace in the side and that clearly showed against a side i wouldn't call particularly quick in Hawthorn (A few exceptions of course).

The only players of real pace or acceleration we have in the side are Wood, Griffen, Murphy. The rest are either 1 paced, slow, or ageing and getting slower.

Early under Rocket we were a dangerous side with our run and carry, and our risk taking football. Play on, run and break the lines. Obviously we got found out defensively in the end but now we suck at both. The game is changing with far more defensive work being done but if you don't attack or try to attack then you can't succeed.

in the GC v Geelong game, even a young side like the GC in the first half were going breaking the lines and more importantly clearing a path for that player by laying a shepherd or bump. We are bloody awful at this and we just dish it off to someone else. All the while the opposition just hunt us and then wait for one of the few players we have to get the ball who will run then they nail him (Griffen).
Just once i'd like to see the bloke who gives the ball to griffen follow it up with a bump to try and clear the space for him to move through.

Sherman is pretty quick but doesn't get enough of it, ditto Moles.

[always right]

Re: Game Day 2011 - R10 Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn

I though it was Liam's worse game for us. Picked up 5 miserable disposals. One of his major issues is when he is in a marking contest, he prefers to switch from infront of his opponent to the back. Having said that, I would not drop him for the season as he has alot of upside.

Could not disagree more. This bloke with Morris were absolute beacons yesterday. It wasn't about posessions...it was about commitment. Some of his efforts when caught one-out with Buddy were inspirational, particularly early in the game.

I'm not sure if it was a tactic but there were occasions where Picken manned up on Buddy and allowed Morris to come over the top and spoil. Is this bloke in our leadership group and if not...why not?

[Maddog37]

Re: Game Day 2011 - R10 Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn

It really does look like a case of someone who has got their big pay day and couldn't give a stuff anymore.

This really is a bit sad IMO.

He just looks like a bloke out of form and struggling with his body and by extension motivation. He has been a loyal servant and great player for the club for quite a few years now.

Suddenly there is a few stories about him in the media etc and he is copping shit from people.

Short memories........

[Bornadog]

Re: Game Day 2011 - R10 Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn

Could not disagree more. This bloke with Morris were absolute beacons yesterday. It wasn't about posessions...it was about commitment. Some of his efforts when caught one-out with Buddy were inspirational, particularly early in the game.

I'm not sure if it was a tactic but there were occasions where Picken manned up on Buddy and allowed Morris to come over the top and spoil. Is this bloke in our leadership group and if not...why not?

Sorry talking about Liam Jones, you need to follow the thread I quoted.

[always right]

Re: Game Day 2011 - R10 Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn

Sorry talking about Liam Jones, you need to follow the thread I quoted.

sorry

[Mantis]

Re: Game Day 2011 - R10 Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn

Can you see Eade or the current MC ever making that stand?

Can you see Gia being dropped after kicking 3 goals because his opponent was BOG and he refused to run and man up? Or dropping Higgins because his opponent was close to BOG for the same reason? We had a chance to make a statement last year with Boyd and it wasn't even a consideration, our current coaching group have made their position clear, so long as you contribute offensively you're safe no matter how bad you get burnt defensively.

They really need to.

I was really surprised by the amount of abuse Higgins copped from our members yesterday.

Say what you like our members, but the ones who were there yesterday were there to see there team put up a fight, show some pride and to have a crack. To many Higgins wasn't having a crack, he was bludging and our members don't like bludgers.

[Greystache]

Re: Game Day 2011 - R10 Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn

They really need to.

I was really surprised by the amount of abuse Higgins copped from our members yesterday.

Say what you like our members, but the ones who were there yesterday were there to see there team put up a fight, show some pride and to have a crack. To many Higgins wasn't having a crack, he was bludging and our members don't like bludgers.

My fear is if we don't make changes at years end our leadership group will be allowed to continue to play the game on their terms until they drift off into retirement, then hand responsibility over to the next generation having taught them the leaders are bigger than the club.

[Bornadog]

Re: Game Day 2011 - R10 Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn

My fear is if we don't make changes at years end our leadership group will be allowed to continue to play the game on their terms until they drift off into retirement, then hand responsibility over to the next generation having taught them the leaders are bigger than the club.

What changes would you like to see at year end?