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Re: Round 12 - 2017, Footscray Bulldogs v Sandringham
Thoughts on today's game...
Young - clearly his best game for the team. His confidence is skyrocketing each week. He is a slight player, but he is a disciplined backline player (will punch the ball first if in a contested marking situation). Today he almost took the best mark of the game, but lost it coming down to the ground. He was used as the release player from the backline (hence his 25 possessions). I reckon he would have taken at least 10-12 marks today, such was his dominance across half back. In games earlier this season, he got caught out a few times not getting the ball out quick enough - clearly a lack of experience with the pace of the game and also ability to execute under pressure. Today in the last quarter he was under pressure on the Sandi goal line and took on his opponent and cleared the ball out of the danger area. For me, this single play showed his improvement from the ungainly player he appeared to be in earlier rounds to a more confident team member this week.
Last week I mentioned I would be reluctant to play him in the AFL side due to his size. I've changed my mind....
Williams - one of the better players on the park. Took on the opposition repeatedly (Murphy like). Has to play next week (and for the rest of the AFL season).
Webb - I love watching this guy play (probably seen him play too often in the twos...). He is such a hard at it midfielder at this level and gave as much as he got today (he was clearly targeted all game by his Sandi opponents). I think his game today was a return to how he was playing before he was elevated to the AFL last time. I am aware many WOOFERS would like to see him play off the half back line at AFL level, whereas I'd like him to play midfield and not as a deep forward (per the Geelong game). His ability to win the ball at this level would have to translate somewhat to AFL level and we could do with another player of his ilk until Libba sorts out his game.
Hamilton - solid game - liked some of his contested ball stuff. Wouldn't have hurt his cause for a late call up later this season.
Lipinski - gee this kid can play. Off the leash today and allowed to play forward, mid and back and took the opportunity to accumulate a lot of the ball. He is a real clean user of the ball generally (surprisingly coughed up a couple of passes but he is still only a kid...)
English - worked hard against a much taller ruck opponent (American basketballer...can't remember his name). Beat this same opponent however with his work around the ground. Took plenty of marks acting as a link player across half back/half forward.
Collins - quieter day and played as a deep defender. Outshone by Young's efforts across half back.
Cloke - worked hard all day playing deep forward and relief ruck. Got amongst the goals and was solid in the ruck duels. Personally I think he needs another game in the twos as his touch was a bit rusty at times. It was great to see him out there and he was a constant worry for Sandi when the ball went deep into our forward line.
Lynch - quietish game with Williams and Young being used as link players out of the defence. Did some nice work but would like to see him play a bit more defensive on his opponents.
NMM - quiet first three quarters then play ruck in final quarter (Cloke rested from this role). As a result of his work in the middle, we slammed on 4 quick goals and the game was over. Versatile...
Dicko - played forward for first half and then spent some time in the midfield in second half. Kicked some important goals but needs another week at least in the twos.
Prudden - got thru another game without injury. Solid once again playing mainly back and then later around the middle of the ground in the second half.
Tweedie - a bit like last week. Took a few nice marks but still clearly a 'project' player.
Special shout out to the VFL midfield players - dominated!There is no sadder sight than a young pessimist.
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Re: Round 12 - 2017, Footscray Bulldogs v Sandringham
Awesome Smads. Great reading.Rocket Science: the epitaph for the Beveridge era - whenever it ends - reading 'Here lies a team that could beat anyone on its day, but seldom did when it mattered most'. 15/7/2023Comment
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Re: Round 12 - 2017, Footscray Bulldogs v Sandringham
Great report Smads. You'd have to think of the kids Webb and Williams would be certainties to come in, with Lippa and Young a chance.
I'd lock Webb into the seniors midfield rotation for the rest of the year and see what he can do. I still love his talent.Comment
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Re: Round 12 - 2017, Footscray Bulldogs v Sandringham
Get Williams, Webb, Lipinski and Young in.
Suckling, Boyd, Honeychurch and whoever else can have a spell.Our 1954 premiership players are our heroes, and it has to be said that Charlie was their hero.Comment
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Re: Round 12 - 2017, Footscray Bulldogs v Sandringham
If I was Webb, I'd be playing elsewhere in 2018. He's clearly not rated by our coaching group.W00F!Comment
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Re: Round 12 - 2017, Footscray Bulldogs v Sandringham
Just my thoughts on this - Webb has been played exclusively midfield with short stints forward in the VFL side When he has been played at AFL level, he was been played as a deep forward (potentially expected to be a KPF!). I say play the boy where you have been developing him in the Twos versus locking him into the hardest position to play in for any Bulldog player.There is no sadder sight than a young pessimist.
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Re: Round 12 - 2017, Footscray Bulldogs v Sandringham
Thanks Smads. Excellent VFL report."Footscray people are incredible people; so humble. I'm just so happy - ecstatic"Comment
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