POSTGAME: Rd 11 vs Western Bulldogs

[Demon Disciple 12,529]

28 minutes ago, Jaded said:

We have another gear to go and this year we seem to lift when required (last week aside). I’m excited to see where this side can go. Maybe it’s all the way. Maybe not this year but definitely in the next few years. 

How many times do you have a 10-1 start to the year. Won’t get a better chance to win the big one than we do right now.

Gotta make it count. Keep going Dees. Do I dare to dream?

[gregdemon 628]

21 minutes ago, deebug said:

I was that happy after last night win, i wanted to go out and about with my demon gear on today? then remembered we are still in lock down? oh well, still will when going shopping?

Yeah for that brief period forgot about lockdown.  Great win    another 5 cases today   can see see lock down extended  hopefully not

[P-man 13,367]

Rarely seen a post game thread with this level of unanimous “hell yeah we stuck it right up em!”...ness. 

I’m still a bit hazy after a three day golf trip but even in my groggy state I could appreciate the significance of that win. Loved the absence of passengers across the four quarters.

Also want to second the shout outs to Riv and Harry Petty. It’s awesome to see two young players visibly maturing with each game.

 

[binman 44,776]

10 minutes ago, layzie said:

Can we talk about Petty for a second? Real impressive, all he needed was a decent run for it to come together and I think that was his most complete performance to date. Good job mate, tracking beautifully. 

Made some costly mistakes.

A couple of bad clangers, allowing English to outmark him for a goal (though Lever didn't help the cause) and then getting too easily blocked to give English an easy mark on the lead and goal.

But is much more attacking than tomorrow, and omac before him. Looks for intercept marking opportunities, zones off aggressively and really backs himself in marking contests. And is a much better kick than he has shown in the last two games. Could see him sharing kick out duties with may.

He is a gun. And has huge upside. A future AA defender. 

[layzie 34,514]

1 minute ago, binman said:

Made some costly mistakes.

A couple of bad clangers, allowing English to outmark him for a goal (though Lever didn't help the cause) and then getting too easily blocked to give English an easy mark on the lead and goal.

But is much more attacking than tomorrow, and omac before him. Looks for intercept marking opportunities, zones off aggressively and really backs himself in marking contests. And is a much better kick than he has shown in the last two games. Could see him sharing kick out duties with may.

He is a gun. And has huge upside. A future AA defender. 

Plenty of stuff to work on, the block was pretty lacklustre gotta be stronger than that. Was a bit unlucky with a bobbling English mark but yeah still room for improvement on the defensive side. 

All in all I’m more than happy to back him in based on his performance last night, plenty to work with there. 

[Guest]

29 minutes ago, deebug said:

I was that happy after last night win, i wanted to go out and about with my demon gear on today? then remembered we are still in lock down? oh well, still will when going shopping?

I am out and about right now in all my Dees regalia (within 5km of course) and since I live in the norf-wezzie ‘burbs I’m already copping a fair bit of the old stink-eye. Dogs supporters abound here. I’ve never been more happy to cop the greasies like this. ?

[Deefensive Language 129]

The one word that came to mind last night was professional. Right from the first bounce it felt as if the boys were thinking: "we've got a job to do and we're gonna f****n nail it!" Our setup, running patterns and decision making was decisive and implemented with intensity.

Harmes' efforts straight after the first bounce summed up his day and was a massive warning sign for Libba - he got completely left in the dust and never impacted. I'm loving his role in the centre...just wondering how you can have he, Clarry, Trac and Viney all in there together??

Oliver and Trac were superb. Trac especially in the first half where he helped set up the win, and Oliver has clearly stepped up a level. He now has more time, space and confidence to play on his (and the team's) terms. His kick to handball ratio is no different to previous years but the dump kicks are gone. And both his and Trac's handballs are really flat, fast and decisive - they help spread everyone out more than previously.

The other thing that's obvious is how much time our core midfield group are spending on the ground compared to league averages. These guys are pushing 90% and over and rarely slow down. Compare that to Macrae, Bont, Libba, Smith's averages and it's clear that teams are going to struggle to go with us if this keeps up.

Darren Burgess is a goddamm guru!

-----

A few other observations:

- Brayshaw superb with his defensive efforts and team focus. With he and Langdon keeping their width, it's allowing Trac and Oliver to stay corridor side (especially check Oliver's heatmap...always in dangerous areas).

- Melk started well and doesn't deserve some of the flack he cops, but he barely spends any time on the ground. All year this has been a significant trend compared to previous years. Any idea what's up?

- Loved Spargs' game. He's constantly running to the right spots, presents for marks as well as crumbs. They paid so much attention to Pickett early but that allowed Spargo to cause a bit of havoc in the first quarter and set up a few chances. Reminds me of Richmond's 2017 system.

- On Pickett, he hasn't been as statistically strong the last few weeks but that just makes his effort levels rise even more. Doesn't seem to get frustrated and fade away like other youngish "buzz" players do when they're not having a great game. The stress levels and load on the Dogs defenders to watch him was so intense that it affected their rebound. For any defender, look away for a half second and when you turn back around it's like "where the f is he?"

- Loved the fact that TMac kicked three but didn't have a hugely influential game. The full weight is off his shoulders and he looks mega fit. Weid barely saw it until that purple patch but you have to like that he made contest after contest and did his job for his teammates.

-  Lever is a gun and still young. And Rivers is learning to intercept from the best of them. With May (and Petty coming along now) I'm getting reminders of Scarlett/Milburn/Enright/Harley quality and cohesion (still a way to go for that comparison, but on the right track!)

- I thought May played really well on Naughton, but Naughton actually played a decent game. He kept presenting and working hard for ball, but you could sense by the last quarter he had a look on his face as if to say "ffs I'm working my balls off and still can't master this defence". This guy is used to owning defences and if we can keep up this strangling effect that's finals winning quality.

- In fact the Dogs really weren't that bad. Their effort was decent, especially in that third quarter where they tightened up and possessed more of the ball. Guys like Hunter, Smith, Macrae, Dale were industrious and linking up, but the pressure was just too intense. They had to work way too hard to get anyway and it wore them down. You don't often see teams keep pressing and bashing their heads against the wall without result. Normally they either break through or give up.

So that overall is why Melbourne were so damn good last night. The system was just too good for a fit 9-1 team. 

[Gorgoroth 13,210]

46 minutes ago, old dee said:

Where are you watching replay?

Foxtel mate. But pretty sure the AFL website has replays you can watch or try the channel 7 app?

[deebug 1,754]

9 minutes ago, gregdemon said:

Yeah for that brief period forgot about lockdown.  Great win    another 5 cases today   can see see lock down extended  hopefully not

Hope it's only five days, and not like last year?

We can't keep locking the place down, need to find a better solution then lock downs.

[deebug 1,754]

4 minutes ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

I am out and about right now in all my Dees regalia (within 5km of course) and since I live in the norf-wezzie ‘burbs I’m already copping a fair bit of the old stink-eye. Dogs supporters abound here. I’ve never been more happy to cop the greasies like this. ?

Love it?

[Adam The God 30,687]

Just watching the replay for a second time.

Our pressure was outstanding. Our defensive shape was even better and as others have said, it completely spooked the Bulldogs. They couldn't move the footy. When we bring our work rate for the shape and the pressure game, I can't see any team in the comp going with us. I've never been able to say that in my almost 34 years.

I thought Oliver was incredible. His consistency at being elite is elite.

Harmes' tag game was brilliant, but as when he plays thst negating role, he hits the scoreboard, which makes him and our midfield so dangerous.

Gus played one of the great defensive games you'll ever see. He lost one contest in the second quarter, otherwise I don't think he lost one and was integral to ensuring they couldn't transition the footy. Superb game.

Lever, May and Petty were all terrific as our defensive bigs. Lever sets us up so beautifully and we all know his ability at reading the play and knowing when to go.

Watching live I felt Hibberd had struggled, but he's pretty solid. Salem is the one that really struggled. Can't remember him winning a 1v1 and made some uncharacteristic errors by foot. Hopefully that's his one off week.

Rivers is an absolute beauty. His first half was brilliant. The rest of his game was solid too. He wills himself to win contests and then at pace uses the ball so well. He will make a very good mid, I reckon. 

The forward chemistry was good, but that first half from Weideman was not good enough. They constantly tried to play through his man and he laid one tackle. He was our weak link, despite crashing a few packs. He worked his way into the game though and should have ended with 3. It's a bit of a watch this space with him. I hope that second half gives him the confidence to take the second half of the season by the scruff of the neck.

McDonald kicked some important goals as usual and continues his very good 2021. Fritsch got into the right spots this week, but the distance between his best and worst is staggering wide. He can be a game breaker and an out and out liability other weeks.

As others have mentioned, our role players were excellent. JJ, Spargo, ANB, Jackson and Kozzie all brought tremendous frontal pressure that made it easier for our mids and backs. Some of JJs repeat pressure acts in stoppage were phenomenal and he hit the scoreboard. He's a ripper too.

Petracca was good without starring and aside from two dropped uncontested marks that could have cost us, Max was much better.

One of the most impressive Melbourne wins I can remember. Langdon missing for next week will make it very tough though. I hope we can bring the same intensity and work rate next week. If we do, we're a big shot.

[binman 44,776]

This might sound strange, but having no crowd last night might well be a positive when we play them next. 

I reckon some dog's fans, and perhaps the team on a subconscious level, might use no crowd as a bit of excuse for their lacklustre performance.

All teams feed on the energy of the crowd, but dogs particularly so when they get rolling.

But it is bollocks. Think of the tigers, blues and cats games. We take the air our other teams tyres. They just struggle to get into gear.

Really the crows have been the only team who could get going for anything other than bursts. Not only do we suffocate other teams we take their fans out of the equation.

Cant wait for round 20. 

[Mr Steve 3,820]

11 hours ago, Mr Steve said:

$4.50 outright flag Fav . Trac and Ollie 2nd and 3rd fav for the Brownlow and sitting a game clear on top of the ladder. Don't wake me up I'm enjoying this dream. 

Bloody hell just woke up it wasn't a dream. 

[Rab D Nesbitt 8,923]

9 minutes ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

I am out and about right now in all my Dees regalia (within 5km of course) and since I live in the norf-wezzie ‘burbs I’m already copping a fair bit of the old stink-eye. Dogs supporters abound here. I’ve never been more happy to cop the greasies like this. ?

I think I might end my bike ride today by whipping out the beanie and running a few laps around the Whitten Oval as a warm down. 

[sue 9,271]

35 minutes ago, Smokey said:

I’m not sure it’s an option mate. Once a concussion happens that’s it medical sub is in 

Yes, but if it really was 90 seconds to go (?) and we had the game in the bag, why would you put the sub on the ground at all (even if he may be formally 'on').  Can't see any gain in doing so - can only see possibility of injury.

Edited May 29, 2021 by sue

[Adam The God 30,687]

11 hours ago, titan_uranus said:

No, that was Carey.

Daisy Pearce stands out in this commentary line up. The rest are morons.

She does stand out, although made some errors too, like confusing Petty for Rivers. Not sure how you do that, but she did.

Still, a long way better than any of the other muppets. I like how she dissects the game.

[BDA 23,048]

One other observation about our approach this year is how disciplined we’ve been and ignored any provocations from the opposition or bad umpiring calls

Max gets belted from pillar to post but just gets on with it

Fritsch ignores Willams (I think it was Williams) roughing up after the caught high free. Got up and slotted the goal. I also noticed in that incident a few doggies players gathered around Fritsch but the Weid just shielded Fritsch, he didn’t push or shove. Calm and composed.

We didn’t appeal the deliberate last week (although maybe we should have been more demonstrative) we just set-up again.

Real focus in the moment.

Goody to his credit didn’t make a big deal of the non-call last week and its obvious that’s the type of mentality he is instilling in the team. Just get on with it. No excuses. Focus on the controllables.  

A big contrast to how Richmond go about it

[JTR 2,906]

1 hour ago, leave it to deever said:

Some interesting stats.

Dogs had seven players with more than 25 disposals.

We had one...Oliver.

 

[snipped the rest]

They certainly had plenty of ball, but they key difference to their previous games is that they only had it where we wanted them to have it.

We controlled them beautifully and completely took the the middle of the ground away forcing them wide or into chips around the back half as they tried to find a way through.

Macrae had 36 touches and its probably one of the most ineffectual and least damaging 35+ games I've seen from him.

[Demon Dynasty 17,150]

Gus on SEN now

[DeeSpencer 26,650]

36 minutes ago, binman said:

Made some costly mistakes.

A couple of bad clangers, allowing English to outmark him for a goal (though Lever didn't help the cause) and then getting too easily blocked to give English an easy mark on the lead and goal.

But is much more attacking than tomorrow, and omac before him. Looks for intercept marking opportunities, zones off aggressively and really backs himself in marking contests. And is a much better kick than he has shown in the last two games. Could see him sharing kick out duties with may.

He is a gun. And has huge upside. A future AA defender. 

Yeah I thought he wasn’t amazing as well. But I loved the aggressive zone off and mark at the start of the 3rd or 4th? After we gave up a howler of a centre bounce clearance giving Libba a free run.

I’d love to see Rivers take more kick outs in the plan is just bomb it long. I get the feeling Salem was on light duties last night. And May was stuffing plenty up with misdirected long kicks, including the one that gifted a goal just before half time. I wouldn’t mind them using Petty as a marking target on the other flank to Gawn and the key forwards from kick outs.

I’m still not sure on his ideal fit long term. He doesn’t seem all that powerful or quick on the lead, but has excellent agility to chase smalls and compete on the ground. He’s a unusual mix of attributes. Still, hopefully he’s settling in and it’s impressive to see him play well given he had an interrupted summer on the back of missing all of last year 

[DeeSpencer 26,650]

4 minutes ago, Rusty Nails said:

Gus on SEN now

Tell him to say hi to Marcus for me 

[P-man 13,367]

43 minutes ago, Deefensive Language said:

The one word that came to mind last night was professional. Right from the first bounce it felt as if the boys were thinking: "we've got a job to do and we're gonna f****n nail it!" Our setup, running patterns and decision making was decisive and implemented with intensity.

Great post but this in particular rings true. I had the same thought about the Carlton win so really it’s becoming a running theme. We are growing to know what to expect from this team now. There is a base level of performance, sticking to structures and executing roles that can be expected. They trust one another out there and the trust is flowing into the stands.

This is a team that is properly humming now. It’s bloody hard not to get overly excited about it.

[Dr. Gonzo 24,463]

1 hour ago, old dee said:

Have not seen the game DR. And through drug haze forgot to put on the recorder. As I said yesterday 50 years of disappointment does not disappear after 11 games.  I am just happy we keep winning. 

Keep well od, we're on the right track.

[Deefensive Language 129]

22 minutes ago, Better days ahead said:

One other observation about our approach this year is how disciplined we’ve been and ignored any provocations from the opposition or bad umpiring calls

Max gets belted from pillar to post but just gets on with it

That Port Adelaide game Round 1 2019 is a big part of his story. He seems so chilled on the ground and would have to be one of the best leaders out there.

Bont is also a good leader, but he got caught behind centre for too much of the game and didn't do enough to really lead by example (as Gawny does week in week out).

[Guest]

Front page, today’s The Age...