Bulldog Intraclub Clash - 11 February 2012

**F'scary** · 12-02-2012, 02:04 PM

Re: Bulldog Intraclub Clash - 11 February 2012

thanks for reports and pics. Drove past the ground when I took the girls to ballet lessons, there were a lot of people there.

Comments on J Grant's hitout are worrying. Otherwise, very encouraging news on the Prez, the Ayce, Libba Jnr, the King and others who really have to step up this year if we are going to press for the final.

thanks again and regards

**azabob** · 12-02-2012, 02:49 PM

Re: Bulldog Intraclub Clash - 11 February 2012

Originally posted by Mofra

- Liberatore will be A grade. Just needs to to become an elite player. I'm convinced.

Liberatore seems to work hard, go about his business with no fan fair what so ever. He seems very quite and reserved by nature and probably enjoyed the spot light being on Mitch Wallis last year and the final year or so in under age footy.

He has great vision and has the knack of knowing where the ball is and where it is going to be.

We all will enjoy watching him for the years to come.

**Bornadog** · 12-02-2012, 03:41 PM

Re: Bulldog Intraclub Clash - 11 February 2012

Originally posted by GVGjr

I think we have to play Howard as much as we can this year. He's physically ready and we know he has the skills so to really gauge his worth we must be prepared to play him as much as we can.
.

I think he has put on some kilos and agree this should be the year he starts to cement a spot in the top 22.

**Mantis** · 12-02-2012, 04:42 PM

Re: Bulldog Intraclub Clash - 11 February 2012

Originally posted by bornadog

I think he has put on some kilos and agree this should be the year he starts to cement a spot in the top 22.

Where would you play him?

**The Bulldogs Bite** · 12-02-2012, 05:38 PM

Re: Bulldog Intraclub Clash - 11 February 2012

I thought Howard was disappointing too. His disposal is overrated; he misses too many targets for what is supposed to be his strength. Bit worried about him, as he's been physically ready for a little while.

Agree we need to play him, but as Mantis said, where? He's poor defensively, and I'm not sure he's mobile enough to play across a wing.

Could he play half forward?

**The Underdog** · 12-02-2012, 05:42 PM

Re: Bulldog Intraclub Clash - 11 February 2012

Thanks for the reports all. While I view the pre-season and intra club games as too much like dancing with your sister to read too much into it and am wary of the form line of anybody based on these kind of contests, it's still fun to read the positives.

**GVGjr** · 12-02-2012, 05:54 PM

Re: Bulldog Intraclub Clash - 11 February 2012

Originally posted by The Bulldogs Bite

I thought Howard was disappointing too. His disposal is overrated; he misses too many targets for what is supposed to be his strength. Bit worried about him, as he's been physically ready for a little while.

Agree we need to play him, but as Mantis said, where? He's poor defensively, and I'm not sure he's mobile enough to play across a wing.

Could he play half forward?

Where possible we have to get him on a back flank but unlike you I don't think his mobility is a problem where it would stop him playing on a wing. He's no speedster but he isn't slow either.

His disposal can be patchy but in the main he's more than effective with it.

**Rocco Jones** · 12-02-2012, 07:17 PM

Re: Bulldog Intraclub Clash - 11 February 2012

Originally posted by Mantis

Where would you play him?

I am thinking the same. He has a really good kick but he desperately needs another string to his bow. Howard neither has explosive pace or a tank allowing him to run all day. He also really struggles to find the ball. I think this really hurts his midfield chances. I believe his best hope is on the half back but he needs to improve his defensive efforts. Perhaps his weight gain could see him in a role similiar to Hurn's. Have a physical presence and be really damaging despite only getting say 12-15 disposals.

**Maddog37** · 12-02-2012, 07:41 PM

Re: Bulldog Intraclub Clash - 11 February 2012

I liked him on the wing in the VFL. His attack on the ball was first rate in the senior games he did play. He only played school footy did he not?

**Ovatheboarder** · 12-02-2012, 07:42 PM

Re: Bulldog Intraclub Clash - 11 February 2012

Thanks for the reports and the photos guys.
Funny how diverse the reports are on certain players. Don't read too much into intra clubs, wait till we go up against another jumper

**neddie** · 12-02-2012, 07:54 PM

Re: Bulldog Intraclub Clash - 11 February 2012

Originally posted by GVGjr

Where possible we have to get him on a back flank but unlike you I don't think his mobility is a problem where it would stop him playing on a wing. He's no speedster but he isn't slow either.

His disposal can be patchy but in the main he's more than effective with it.

He played on the back flank for Glenelg Under 18s,where his defensive and kicking ability were the main reason he was recruited by the Bulldogs

**Mantis** · 12-02-2012, 08:54 PM

Re: Bulldog Intraclub Clash - 11 February 2012

Originally posted by neddie

He played on the back flank for Glenelg Under 18s,where his defensive and kicking ability were the main reason he was recruited by the Bulldogs

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure he played mainly as the spare defender at Glenelg so that his kicking ability could allow him to be the set-up player.

**GVGjr** · 12-02-2012, 09:49 PM

Re: Bulldog Intraclub Clash - 11 February 2012

Originally posted by neddie

He played on the back flank for Glenelg Under 18s,where his defensive and kicking ability were the main reason he was recruited by the Bulldogs

Dalrymple rated him in the elite bracket but he was always insistent that the club (and the supporters) would have to take a long term view on him. Physically he looks ready, skill wise he's nearly there so we have to patient with him now, in what is going to be very much a development year for the club, and give him as many opportunities as we can.

I think half back or on a wing are the positions he needs to fill for us. I'm not convinced his defensive ability was a strong consideration in drafting him but I suppose he was mainly used as a defender.

**Ghost Dog** · 12-02-2012, 10:52 PM

Re: Bulldog Intraclub Clash - 11 February 2012

Originally posted by GVGjr

Where possible we have to get him on a back flank but unlike you I don't think his mobility is a problem where it would stop him playing on a wing. He's no speedster but he isn't slow either.

His disposal can be patchy but in the main he's more than effective with it.

I thought Howard was doing quite well in time trials in the past? Right up there with the leaders.... is this wrong?

**Mofra** · 13-02-2012, 10:35 AM

Re: Bulldog Intraclub Clash - 11 February 2012

Originally posted by Rocco Jones

I am thinking the same. He has a really good kick but he desperately needs another string to his bow. Howard neither has explosive pace or a tank allowing him to run all day. He also really struggles to find the ball. I think this really hurts his midfield chances. I believe his best hope is on the half back but he needs to improve his defensive efforts. Perhaps his weight gain could see him in a role similiar to Hurn's. Have a physical presence and be really damaging despite only getting say 12-15 disposals.

IIRC he was 6th at the club in the endurance running?
For mine he does have the tank, but not yet the smarts to play a midfield role and find the ball with any regularity.

I'm worried that he will be an Everitt type - overall a good player without being outstanding, good skill set, slightly below the intensity level required and worryingly, wont cement himself in a set position in the side (jack of all trades, master of none).

Everitt in his last season for us was interviewed after a VFL game and was asked his best position - he couldn't answer the question. I hope Howard at least has a favourite position in mind.