Game Day NAB Challenge Match 2 - Western Bulldogs V Fremantle Etihad Stadium

[G-Mo77]

Re: Game Day NAB Challenge Match 2 - Western Bulldogs V Fremantle Etihad Stadium

On a side note, how awefull was the commentary team?

Frawley and Dunstall should never be allowed in a box together. Campbell his usual hideous annoying self. Then to rub it in an elongated interview with Wayne Campbell that went on and on interspersed with Frawley's self indulgence of their heyday (what heyday?) whilst the play was in progress. Even my mild mannered Mrs asked "who are these idiots babbling on"!!

Fortunately I had some Daddy/Son time during the Wayne Campbell part so the sound was very low.

I don't mind Dunstall as a commentator.

[Hotdog60]

Re: Game Day NAB Challenge Match 2 - Western Bulldogs V Fremantle Etihad Stadium

I going to see if there is a feedback line for Fox so I can vent my displeasure of the producer whom I assume is responsible on were the camera goes.

[Hotdog60]

Re: Game Day NAB Challenge Match 2 - Western Bulldogs V Fremantle Etihad Stadium

I going to see if there is a feedback line for Fox so I can vent my displeasure of the producer whom I assume is responsible on were the camera goes.

I found the feedback so this is my comment:
Hi,

I would like to say on the most part I’m very happy with the coverage of the AFL (which is the only reason I have FOX).
Do think it would be possible not to show the commentary box while play is going on. Does the controller of the cameramen really think anyone is interested in seeing the commentary team and whoever they are talking too while a game is going on.
Seconds of play has been missed from boundary throw ins and from ball ups on a number of occasions already this season and it’s only the NAB games.
The same goes following a injured player, alright he got injured but do we need to see him for long periods of time while the game is in progress.
I pay hard earnt money to watch the game I love so I get very frustrated when I miss the play.

Thank you,

[LostDoggy]

Re: Game Day NAB Challenge Match 2 - Western Bulldogs V Fremantle Etihad Stadium

Great analysis.

A good hit-out leading into round one. There were some positives to take out of the game, and there's obviously still a lot to work on. I think this game against elite opposition will hold us in good stead for the start of the season.

Our effort was pretty consistent throughout the game but some fundamental errors both in execution and decision making let us down badly. Even though it's only pre-season, some of the errors are quite frustrating. The most disappointing part about tonight, for mine, were our continual defensive lapses. Fremantle fumbled a bit tonight and really could have punished us more if they were cleaner. We looked extremely unaccountable and easy to play/transition against at times. This has been a weakness since the beginning of the rebuild and although it has been a focus over pre-season it was very poor tonight.

The amount of space afforded to Fremantle was mind boggling from a structure point of view. I wasn't at the game so it was difficult to see how we were setting up, but the "loose man" play certainly didn't help us going forward. Added to this, we clearly missed some easy shots at goal too - an area that needs improving.

Our defensive pressure/work rate was very good in the second quarter and we saw what came as a result.

My opinion of player performance:

Wallis - Solid performance. I'd like him to be cleaner with his hands at times but his effort is very good. Starting to really use his body well in contests too.

Boyd - Decision making and skill execution at times were woeful. As always, he did have a positive impact too though. Simply needs to find a way to minimize his costly basic errors.

Dahlhaus - Thought he was quiet tonight, did some nice things too though.

Higgins - First game back so I don't want to be too harsh but I thought he was very, very poor. His decision making was average (long kicks to nobody) and his intensity at the contest/opposition was non-existent. Good to see him back out there, but he's a mile off it at the moment.

Crameri - He doesn't look fit. Not sure why, given he's always mentioned as one of the better runners. Better performance than last week but missing two shots he should kick really lowered his overall performance. He did do some nice things though, laying some strong tackles and competing in the air.

Stringer - Quiet, but I like the education we gave him tonight by playing him behind the ball. Did some nice things, although he needs to flatten his kicks out - too many loopy hospital passes.

Wood - Quiet with a few disappointing misses.

Macrae - Outstanding. Just heard David King say he wouldn't be surprised to see him (or Libba) win a Brownlow. Big wraps, but he deserves 'em. At one point he was getting tagged by Crowley, such was his influence. He just rarely makes an error, despite not being the greatest user by foot in the world. So much composure and makes the right decision.

Williams - Looked very, very rusty.

Giansiracusa - Defensive game lacking leaves us vulnerable, as does his propensity to over commit to certain contests, but as always he bobs up with a few goals because he's such a smart footballer.

Cooney - A huge positive. Had an inspiring second quarter, looked like he did back in 2008. Electric pace, good skills, strong and evasive. Kicked one beautiful goal and nearly out did himself not long after. Great signs.

Libba - Not as good as he was last week, but the 'judgement ceiling' is quite high with Tom. He's always contributing and looks set for a huge year.

Honeychurch - I really liked what I saw. A lot of energy, a bit of mongrel. Very nice first goal and I thought he contributed well. Made some good decisions and clearly likes going in hard. I was quite impressed.

Roughead - Will be better for the run.

Stevens - Best on ground in the first half, he did fade a little after that. Looks set for a big year. He's starting to look like a complete mid - he's extremely tough, a great tackler but he also spreads very well and uses it well. Seems to be finding more of the ball (obviously fitter) and gut runs. Like him a lot.

Hunter - Like Dahl he was a little quiet, but still made some really good efforts and should be in for a strong season ahead. Going to be a special player.

Minson - Fantastic first half, but got dominated by Sandilands in the second half. Will be better for the run. Looks pretty lean, fit and strong - nothing to worry about.

Dickson - He really, really, really struggles when moved up the field. His decision making is dreadful in traffic, but just when I'm ready to announce he might not be in our best 22, he'll win a great one on one contest forward of the centre. Needs to do more though.

Young - Very poor for the second week running. I wonder if Darley or Fuller will get an opportunity next, because Young has been poor.

Talia - A couple of nice efforts, but he was pretty ordinary. At times he looked clumsy and coughed up goals when he really shouldn't have. Just when you think he's off his game, though, he'll make a really good spoil. Young player who still has a lot to learn but he'll get there.

Morris - Thought he was beaten today, but as always keeps on keeping on.

JJ - His pace and decision making is excellent. A couple of skill errors that he wouldn't usually make, but it's no secret I am a big fan. Quiet tonight but showed enough for his first game back.

Picken - Poor. Along with Young, I don't have him in our 22 at the moment. His decision making and skill execution is dreadful and this is emphasized when he's played down back. He really isn't a defender - it has to be tagging mid or VFL in 2014.

Goodes - Ordinary game with a host of silly errors and poor defensive work. It's unfortunate that we have 3 players (Goodes, Young, Picken) who have put in 2 poor weeks and all are small/medium backs - an area we're light on. Goodes needs to keep things simple and be much better defensively.

Campbell - Quiet and didn't quite do enough, although he still made a contribution at times with his willingness to compete.

Jong - Quiet but made some strong tackles.

[Maddog37]

Re: Game Day NAB Challenge Match 2 - Western Bulldogs V Fremantle Etihad Stadium

Goodes, Young and Crameri have all had massive preseasons apparently but all looked stuffed most of the time. Might need to taper their training now and freshen up for the real thing or does that sound silly?

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Re: Game Day NAB Challenge Match 2 - Western Bulldogs V Fremantle Etihad Stadium

We need to stabilize our defence which IMO should include Roughead and Talia as our key defenders supported by Murphy Morris and JJ for starters. After watching last night against quality opposition it was obvious that Young Goodes Picken and Wood are all under pressure as to being good enough. Maybe it's time to consider Fuller and Darley to complete our defence going forward.
The forward line at this stage looks best with Campbell Crameri Stringer Grant when fit plus Dahlhaus and Hunter representing our best attack. This would leave Dickson Jones Gia as back ups.
I am still to be convinced that Williams is going to be good enough whilst Higgins might be best suited in defence.
The midfield is our strength with Griffen Liberatore Cooney Boyd Stevens and Wallis together with Minson with back up from Campbell making us more than competitive in gaining first use of the ball.
Macrae is a standout on one wing with our midfielders rotating on the other.Tutt is another given his extra pace which we do not have a lot of that warrants consideration.I would hope that Fletcher Roberts can emerge as a vital big man that can play either forward and back. In today's football this type of flexibility is required as a key ingredient towards moving up the ladder. Apart from Roughead we are light on for tall players that can consistently compete overhead. Players like Cordy Howard Pearce Wood Williams and Higgins should come under close scrutiny as to whether they are going to be good enough to cut it at the elite level.

[bulldogtragic]

Re: Game Day NAB Challenge Match 2 - Western Bulldogs V Fremantle Etihad Stadium

I got kicked off the tele at quarter time so I'm half way through the last tonight. God 2016 can't come quick enough, another 50 games into these kids and people will go back to hating us (have you notices were everyone's second team until we pump their team game in, game out). The few problems at the moment I'm watching was poor decision making, which will hopefully elude our game as we get better. Boyd kicking 45 metres straight to Sandilands on his own... Just some rust, but seriously if our playing group were listed on the ASX they'd be going like hot cakes.

[Remi Moses]

Re: Game Day NAB Challenge Match 2 - Western Bulldogs V Fremantle Etihad Stadium

Watched the game and that was a very positive performance.
Our lapses are costing us ( will come with experience)
Sandilands took over and picked up Mundy Bsrlow and the other mids.
Great experience and education for our side, and the best thing for me is that we play football that stands up in September. We've still got a way to go but the signs are good.

[FrediKanoute]

Re: Game Day NAB Challenge Match 2 - Western Bulldogs V Fremantle Etihad Stadium

I can't agree. I have been generally impressed with Young. Good mid sized defensive option.

[whythelongface]

Re: Game Day NAB Challenge Match 2 - Western Bulldogs V Fremantle Etihad Stadium

I got kicked off the tele at quarter time so I'm half way through the last tonight. God 2016 can't come quick enough, another 50 games into these kids and people will go back to hating us (have you notices were everyone's second team until we pump their team game in, game out). The few problems at the moment I'm watching was poor decision making, which will hopefully elude our game as we get better. Boyd kicking 45 metres straight to Sandilands on his own... Just some rust, but seriously if our playing group were listed on the ASX they'd be going like hot cakes.

Don't wish your life away BT But yeah I know what you mean. We have an outstanding core group of youngsters who, once they continue their development over the next two years and with the added inclusion of a couple more outstanding prospects, will be knocking on the door of a Flag.

From 2016 onwards I really believe we will be up there as title contenders. Let's hope we can achieve a period of sustained success that we have been longing for.

[bulldogtragic]

Re: Game Day NAB Challenge Match 2 - Western Bulldogs V Fremantle Etihad Stadium

Don't wish your life away BT But yeah I know what you mean. We have an outstanding core group of youngsters who, once they continue their development over the next two years and with the added inclusion of a couple more outstanding prospects, will be knocking on the door of a Flag.

From 2016 onwards I really believe we will be up there as title contenders. Let's hope we can achieve a period of sustained success that we have been longing for.

In 97 I thought for a nanosecond about how I could get tickets for the week after. Haven't made that mistake since, but I think this group is fundamentally better than the group from 6 years ago. Ie:

Hahn - Stringer
Eagleton - Macrae
Crameri - Johnson (aged)
Hooper - Dahl
Cross - Liberatore
Lake - Roughead
Addison - Hunter
Hill - Jones
Griffen & Cooney then - Griffen & Cooney now


Obviously some need to prove it, but pound for pound, as highly talented as our last group was, I'd invest my money in thus group. The real challenge will be to keep getting our high draft picks right, then having the cap to keep them together and see which free agents we can get our hands on.