Michael Talia's dream to be a Bulldog

[The Coon Dog]

Jay Clark - Herald Sun - 5 October



MICHAEL Talia is happy his grandfather and footy hero Harvey Stevens made it to the 1954 Grand Final on time.

The Western Bulldogs ruck great narrowly averted a disaster on the day of the club's only flag after forgetting his boots.

After working as a butcher that morning and realising his mistake, Stevens had to dash home to Reservoir, while his teammates completed their warm-up.

"It's one of my favourite stories," Talia said. "He rocked up without his boots for the Grand Final and had to quickly get back home to get them so he could play. I think he drove pretty quickly."

Talia, who is rated the best key-position defender in this year's draft pool, makes sure he packs his footy bag the night before every game.

Article in full...

[KT31]

Re: Michael Talia's dream to be a Bulldog

Tall defenders are a wanted commodity, what are the chances he will last until our pick ?
is he rated or is this a story to keep the AFL on the back pages ?
Would be great if he is decent and already has the hunger to play for us in his veins.
Pitty Judas I and Judas II had the wrong hunger.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Re: Michael Talia's dream to be a Bulldog

One of the more interesting players in this year's draft. Seems he could go pretty early, or slip to the second round.

[GVGjr]

Re: Michael Talia's dream to be a Bulldog

He's a really good prospect and is a very capable tall defender. His kicking is a bit proppy but he's a strong mark and very physical.
I think we will look to get a running player with our first pick but he would be a great addition.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Michael Talia's dream to be a Bulldog

I recall him being in last year’s draft and a few posters mentioning him as a prospective DP. He seems to have blossomed this season. Anyone know if we looked at him and passed over due to him being an unknown/underdeveloped?

[Desipura]

Re: Michael Talia's dream to be a Bulldog

The headline is a bit miselading. Whilst he would love to play at the dogs, its not the be all and end all.

[Sockeye Salmon]

Re: Michael Talia's dream to be a Bulldog

I recall him being in last year’s draft and a few posters mentioning him as a prospective DP. He seems to have blossomed this season. Anyone know if we looked at him and passed over due to him being an unknown/underdeveloped?

Pretty sure this is his first year draft eligible

[LostDoggy]

Re: Michael Talia's dream to be a Bulldog

If he's anything like his grand-father he will do.

[Mofra]

Re: Michael Talia's dream to be a Bulldog

The only problem is he has a brother playing AFL, and our record with brothers is deplorable.

[Cyberdoggie]

Re: Michael Talia's dream to be a Bulldog

The only problem is he has a brother playing AFL, and our record with brothers is deplorable.

His brother played some good footy for the crows this year, so that will also raise his stocks.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Michael Talia's dream to be a Bulldog

The only problem is he has a brother playing AFL, and our record with brothers is deplorable.

That would make an interesting list. Here's a start from way back

Don Whitten
Barry Ion
Doug Ion
Robert? Schultz
Barrie Kerr

[1eyedog]

Re: Michael Talia's dream to be a Bulldog

His brother played some good footy for the crows this year, so that will also raise his stocks.

Except neither of them can kick, a serious constraint.

[Missing Dog]

Re: Michael Talia's dream to be a Bulldog

Pretty sure this is his first year draft eligible

Pretty sure he was eligible last year, but he could only be picked up in the main draft.

He has improved defensively, along with his kicking which wasn't too good. He can still be inconsistent in these two areas though which can be costly. I see him as a late first round pick or early second, so if we want him we will probably have to take him in the first round. I'd rather look at others personally though.

[Desipura]

Re: Michael Talia's dream to be a Bulldog

That would make an interesting list. Here's a start from way back

Don Whitten
Barry Ion
Doug Ion
Robert? Schultz
Barrie Kerr

Ben Sexton, Lappin, Nathan Bassett, Sam Power, Justin Pickering to name just a few.

[The Coon Dog]

Re: Michael Talia's dream to be a Bulldog

That would make an interesting list. Here's a start from way back

Don Whitten
Barry Ion
Doug Ion
Robert? Schultz
Barrie Kerr

Those that were the better brothers as I recall were: Chris Grant, Scott Wynd, Liam Picken & Paul Dimmatina.

Perhaps not as good as their brother: Andrejs Everitt, Sam Power, Patrick Bowden, Patrick Wiggins & Ben Sexton.

Others who flitted briefly by were: Phil Krakouer, Jade Rawlings & Allen Jakovich.

*Between us Desi I think we have most of them covered.