Round 3 - 2017, Footscray Bulldogs v North Ballarat

[comrade]

Re: Round 3 - 2017, Footscray Bulldogs v North Ballarat

17 goals to 1 after half time. Such a shame to see a proud and successful club like NB hit rock bottom like this.

Great to hear both Wally and Dicko got through unscathed. Another week in the 2s and they'll be right for the big time.

Encouraged by reports that English and NMM had solid games. Both are probably outperforming expectations. Webb and Biggs are way too good for this level.

[KT31]

Re: Round 3 - 2017, Footscray Bulldogs v North Ballarat

Cheers and thanks, Meshe.

[Eastdog]

Re: Round 3 - 2017, Footscray Bulldogs v North Ballarat

Thanks Remi for the brief report and meshe for all the updates.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Round 3 - 2017, Footscray Bulldogs v North Ballarat

Wally wore a ruckmans shin guard for the game. My main motivation for going to the game was Wally's return, but he far exceeded my expectations. Looking at the stats Biggsy would appear to have a good game, I would have expected more impact at this level and with the quality of the opposition, same with Webby. Worried about Fergus, I have a soft spot for him, geat kid.
Thanks for the thanks but I enjoy posting what I can.

[Bulldog4life]

Re: Round 3 - 2017, Footscray Bulldogs v North Ballarat

Thanks for all the info guys. Special mention to Meshe.

FOOTSCRAY
Goal Kickers: N. Mullenger-Mchugh 3, D. Hamilton 3, T. Dickson 3, M. Wallis 3, N. Jamieson 2, J. Foster 2, L. Webb, K. Collins, L. Dalgleish, W. Hayes, B. Dance, A. Bruhn, N. Ryan, B. Gowers, J. Russell
Best Players: M. Wallis, S. Biggs, L. Webb, N. Mullenger-Mchugh, N. Jamieson, D. Hamilton

http://websites.sportstg.com/round_info.cgi?a=MATCH&fixture=124787020&c=1-118-0-436949-0&pool=1

[Bulldog4life]

Re: Round 3 - 2017, Footscray Bulldogs v North Ballarat

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-04-28/wallis-gets-through-vfl-comeback-game-in-style

Wallis gets through VFL comeback game in style

MITCH Wallis has made a successful return from a badly broken leg with a starring performance in the VFL on Friday night.

The 23-year-old racked up the ball at will through the midfield in 90 minutes of game time, finishing with 34 disposals, 11 tackles and three goals in Footscray's 124-point win over North Ballarat at Whitten Oval.

Wallis told AFL.com.au post match that returning to the field after nine months on the sidelines was "pretty special."

"I was a little bit nervous before the game, but I couldn’t wait to get out there," Wallis said.

"I was able to play with freedom, which was nice, because I got tackled a few times and made a few tackles and (my leg) didn't really cross my mind.

"It's a foundation and hopefully I can build on that from here."

While he "blew the cobwebs out" with style, Wallis conceded he'd probably need to play another game in the VFL before being considered for senior selection.

"I’m assuming (the club) wants me to get through a full game in the VFL next week first," he said.

"In terms of how I feel, I'm ready (to play senior footy), but I'll just go by the physiotherapist's call and (Luke Beveridge's) call."

In further good news for the Bulldogs, Tory Dickson made a successful return from an abdominal injury, while Shane Biggs responded to being dropped for the second time in a month with a busy evening.

Dickson kicked three goals from 16 possessions and Biggs racked up a game-high 35 touches across half-back.

Third-year midfielder Lukas Webb put forward another strong case for a senior recall, collecting 32 possessions, seven inside 50s and a goal.

[bulldogtragic]

Re: Round 3 - 2017, Footscray Bulldogs v North Ballarat

Webb 32 posies & 7 inside 50's. If those entries were clean, then he must play sooner rather than later. Clean I50's are at the top of my wish list.

[comrade]

Re: Round 3 - 2017, Footscray Bulldogs v North Ballarat

Webb 32 posies & 7 inside 50's. If those entries were clean, then he must play sooner rather than later. Clean I50's are at the top of my wish list.

When you have Jong, Dunkley and Smith as your forwards you could have Nathan Buckleh spearing in quality inside 50s and it won't matter. Once Dicko and Crameri are fit and firing, we'll be much more dangerous. Trav Cloke too. These guys know when and where to lead to create separation and give the players up field an option.

[bulldogtragic]

Re: Round 3 - 2017, Footscray Bulldogs v North Ballarat

When you have Jong, Dunkley and Smith as your forwards you could have Nathan Buckleh spearing in quality inside 50s and it won't matter. Once Dicko and Crameri are fit and firing, we'll be much more dangerous. Trav Cloke too. These guys know when and where to lead to create separation and give the players up field an option.

It beats bombing it 30m for four quarters, relatively unsuccessfully.

[comrade]

Re: Round 3 - 2017, Footscray Bulldogs v North Ballarat

It beats bombing it 30m for four quarters, relatively unsuccessfully.

It's the chicken and the egg. Do we bomb it in because the forward set up stinks and the players down there aren't suited to the roles or do the players not bother getting to better positions because they know we'll just bomb it to 30m out regardless.

[bulldogtragic]

Re: Round 3 - 2017, Footscray Bulldogs v North Ballarat

It's the chicken and the egg. Do we bomb it in because the forward set up stinks and the players down there aren't suited to the roles or do the players not bother getting to better positions because they know we'll just bomb it to 30m out regardless.

Either way is shithouse. Improved foot skills should help either way hopefully, as will getting our better forwards back soon.

[Smads57]

Re: Round 3 - 2017, Footscray Bulldogs v North Ballarat

A few very late thoughts from Friday nights game (with the need to consider the quality of the opposition).

1. Young getting better each week - has clearly been told to punch the ball whenever in contested marking situations. Not a bad user of the ball, but can be easily caught with the ball if he doesn't give it off first time - still getting used to the pace of VFL footy
2. NMM must have been told to go for the ball each time it goes forward. As a result, some of his marking attempts were pretty exciting to watch (remember however to consider the quality of the opposition)
3. I've never seen Collins so comfortable with the ball - good signs regardless of the opposition!
4. Jayden Foster is a good back up ruck option and will likely improve his game/confidence with this aspect of his role versus what he was doing at Carlton.
5. Jamieson is an important VFL player in this team as is the captain (Russell)
6. I thought Greene was playing injured - came off late in third and didn't return with what appeared to be abdominal soreness (his gait gave him away)
7. I think English will be a gun eventually (trying to hold back excitement...)
8. Last year we played a 23rd man for a few games in Ben Long and he was recruited by St Kilda. This year it is Dance (no 73) and he has proven to be a very handy 23rd man so far.....

[comrade]

Re: Round 3 - 2017, Footscray Bulldogs v North Ballarat

Seems like the VFL listed guys are definitely pulling their weight early in the season. Jamieson has been a rock solid contributor for a few years, as has Hayes. Dalgleish was a great pick up last year and seems to be performing again. Russell is just a gun at this level. Shame that Liam Nash didn't play, as I rate him highly.

Testament to the set up at Footscray and the coaching staff that VFL listed guys can integrate so well and contribute. 3 finals campaigns and 2 flags in 3 years, with this year also looking promising doesn't happen by accident.

[Bornadog]

Re: Round 3 - 2017, Footscray Bulldogs v North Ballarat

So exciting to watch a tall develop - can't wait to see him in the next few years.

[Happy Days]

Re: Round 3 - 2017, Footscray Bulldogs v North Ballarat

VitalDread (assuming its the guy from BF) is uploading individual highlights packages of players from the VFL for each game (!!!). Well worth a look, especially Tim's. He really murked the NB ruckman, some of his taps are silver service. He also appears to like to hurt people (not that he's really capable yet). Would love to see him not take every single mark on his chest (aka Jones-Schultz-Minton-Connell Syndrome), but there are some great signs.

Shout out to Sedat who said he could play before the end of the year in a spot other than the ruck. Think it's a chance to see him play as a third tall forward.