2014 Game Day Round 16 - Geelong V Western Bulldogs

[jeemak]

Re: 2014 Game Day Round 16 - Geelong V Western Bulldogs

This is what is getting missed by most and I agree G-Mo.

You've mentioned Higgins as being one player you've thought has let us down defencively at times this season (a point with which I agree to some extent - though I understand he's only having his first solid season of footy in years let alone his first solid season as a defender in his entire career).

Would you be OK with Bmac pointedly answering a question specifically about him at a press conference?

[Scorlibo]

Re: 2014 Game Day Round 16 - Geelong V Western Bulldogs

Macca knows Jack better than any of us do. I think he has enough credits in the bank (player relations and development wise) to be backed in on this one.

[G-Mo77]

Re: 2014 Game Day Round 16 - Geelong V Western Bulldogs

You've mentioned Higgins as being one player you've thought has let us down defencively at times this season (a point with which I agree to some extent - though I understand he's only having his first solid season of footy in years let alone his first solid season as a defender in his entire career).

Would you be OK with Bmac pointedly answering a question specifically about him at a press conference?

I wouldn't have as much of an issue because Higgins as been around a bit longer but still, IMO you should tread a very fine line on what you say in public and I think Macca crossed that Sunday. I wouldn't have that much of an issue with his response but is tone was quite sarcastic when he mentioned "20 - 25 disposals" then his last comment about him lucky to be playing was a bit to much of a slap in the face for my likings. Don't care for it and I think it could have been handled better a lot better. A response along the lines of Jack's still learning and has to improve on his defensive side would have been more appropriate.

Also as someone else brought up being sub is punishment now? What a bad message to send. If Jack is not listening drop him like we should with anyone else in the same situation.

And before anyone jumps on me I have rarely had an issue with Macca's cliched responses in press conferences. My issue is I hear our players didn't listen to instructions week in week out and it's taken him until now to take aim at someone who's played, what 20 - 25 games? Give me a break?

[jeemak]

Re: 2014 Game Day Round 16 - Geelong V Western Bulldogs

Fair enough G-Mo.

He was obviously frustrated, and has probably raised this directly with the player on numerous occasions over the last two years. If the final straw was Macrae slipping back to habit in the last portion of the game then I can understand why he thought he needed to publicly address it.

With respect to Macrae being the sub, perhaps it wasn't a punishment but more of a challenge to Macrae to be able to demonstrate ability to play the way he's been asked to play for a full quarter or half as something to build on.

[Happy Days]

Re: 2014 Game Day Round 16 - Geelong V Western Bulldogs

Macrae doesn't play defence, coach addresses it in house, Macrae continues not to play defence, coach makes him the sub, Macrae continues not to play defence, what else does the coach do?

What's the definition of insanity again? Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result? No problem with this, my problem is with Macrae not playing to instruction and generally disregarding what he's told to do.

[Dogs 24/7]

Re: 2014 Game Day Round 16 - Geelong V Western Bulldogs

Macca knows Jack better than any of us do. I think he has enough credits in the bank (player relations and development wise) to be backed in on this one.

I think most people that are objecting to what McCartney said because McCrae is a popular player where if it was Austin or Howard McCartney would be lauded for taking a public stand against an under performing player.

Much like the stock market young Bulldog players are initially rated more on their popularity and potential than their results.
Right now it doesn't matter if McCrae isn't a defensive expert he shouldnt be criticized by the coach because he gets the ball a lot and he plays with some attacking flair which we all crave for.
In 2 years time if McCrae's defensive ethos has developed into something similar to Eagleton's he will cop his right whack even from those defending him now.
Timing is everything.

[Guest]

Re: 2014 Game Day Round 16 - Geelong V Western Bulldogs

image.jpg

Different speed depending which way the balls going but he will get there. He will respond. Or he'll get cheesed off and go play for Collingwood.

[GVGjr]

Re: 2014 Game Day Round 16 - Geelong V Western Bulldogs

I I wouldn't have that much of an issue with his response but is tone was quite sarcastic when he mentioned "20 - 25 disposals" then his last comment about him lucky to be playing was a bit to much of a slap in the face for my likings. Don't care for it and I think it could have been handled better a lot better.

While I respect your stance and clearly you are very disappointed in his response on why Macrae was the sub, I've gone back and had a listen to his presser twice now and I can't hear any form of sarcasm from Macca. Perhaps as you suggest he should have handled things better by avoiding a direct answer to the question or just played the straight bat to it but I still don't see his comments as sarcastic or even a slap in the face of the player.

It's interesting how so many of us have a vastly different interpretation of the same response.

[boydogs]

Re: 2014 Game Day Round 16 - Geelong V Western Bulldogs

I think most people that are objecting to what McCartney said because McCrae is a popular player where if it was Austin or Howard McCartney would be lauded for taking a public stand against an under performing player.

He actually took a nice swipe at Jones too which hasn't rated a mention. He got called out for his inconsistency earlier in the year, and now when Macca was asked about Redpath (not Jones, unlike the Macrae comment which was in response to a question about Macrae himself) he said he will be playing for a while as others who have been given an opportunity haven't taken it. He didn't need to add that in.

It's so rare that we see public truths from Macca though that I'm not convinced they were deliberate prepared remarks, he may have just been a bit grumpy this week

[Scorlibo]

Re: 2014 Game Day Round 16 - Geelong V Western Bulldogs

It's so rare that we see public truths from Macca though that I'm not convinced they were deliberate prepared remarks, he may have just been a bit grumpy this week

Maybe it was a case of mood for Macca, but maybe it's just that time of the year where he starts to expect a more cohesive team unit. Making 3-5 changes to the side on a regular basis is fine in the first half of the year, but it would be frustrating for Macca to see Jones (for instance) unable to hold his forward spot come this stage of the year when we want to be putting in some good performances and showing the collective improvement.

The team would have also been very aware of Geelong's sustained poor form. This was a winnable game for us and we didn't get over the line.

[Remi Moses]

Re: 2014 Game Day Round 16 - Geelong V Western Bulldogs

You played there have you Remi?

A good half backman drives needs to be a good ball user by foot and have the ability to run and make space. On top of that he also needs to keep his opponent in check.

Key thing being able to defend. I guess none of us should comment seeing nobody has played at league level.

[Bornadog]

Re: 2014 Game Day Round 16 - Geelong V Western Bulldogs

Key thing being able to defend. I guess none of us should comment seeing nobody has played at league level.

That is not strictly true

[Remi Moses]

Re: 2014 Game Day Round 16 - Geelong V Western Bulldogs

Clearly picked his mark.Was asked a question and answered it honestly.

[Remi Moses]

Re: 2014 Game Day Round 16 - Geelong V Western Bulldogs

That is not strictly true

Just a tongue in cheek comment. There are a few media types who trott out "how many games did you play"
Brian Taylor springs to mind

[westdog54]

Re: 2014 Game Day Round 16 - Geelong V Western Bulldogs

Just a tongue in cheek comment. There are a few media types who trott out "how many games did you play"
Brian Taylor springs to mind

Its one of my pet hates.

I have been breathing for 31 years but I don't claim to be an expert on the respiratory system.