PREGAME: Rd 01 vs Western Bulldogs

[Vipercrunch 2,847]

2 minutes ago, Lucifers Hero said:

On news reports it sounded like he may not have got the contract renewal he wanted.

Despite their 2016 premiership and 2021 GF they haven't been a consistent finals team.  Also, last year wasn't his best in the media. 

Will always be their hero but could quickly become 'yesterday's man'.  Reckon he needs to regularly make top 4 and contend in at least a few PF's in the next 3 years to keep his job.

His reputation is all based on 2 incredible finals runs, but given he has never once coached them to the Top 4, is he really as good as some in the media want us to believe?  I don't think so.  I think he tries too hard to be edgy and it will catch up with him if he can't get more out of his talented list.

[Willmoy1947 4,198]

On 3/7/2023 at 4:55 PM, DEE fence said:

Very torn about team selection, watched the practice match back, Harmes worthy of playing but then Chandler found space (not that they are in for the same spot) but I like Kozzie as a mid more than Harmes. I also think Hibbo should be a spare and we need to blood some others, Hibbi is ace and there is a role for him this year but we have to give some new players a go after a few seasons. ANB looked in wonderful touch. I wasn't completely convinced with Tmac mobility though, and I would understand if the coaches take a different approach between bBB and Tmac JVR. Sorry for the stream of consciousness type post, just really can't pick how the team is going to or should look, many people have made a case for playing.

They call it the Brodie Butterfly Affect

[Lucifers Hero 40,509]

8 minutes ago, Vipercrunch said:

His reputation is all based on 2 incredible finals runs, but given he has never once coached them to the Top 4, is he really as good as some in the media want us to believe?  I don't think so.  I think he tries too hard to be edgy and it will catch up with him if he can't get more out of his talented list.

I agree.  I have always thought they fluked the 2016 flag.  Good on them.

Without that he would be long gone.  Since then they have yo-yoed in and out of the 8 with a good 2021 to make the GF and get smashed.  Otherwise, no top 4 and no consistency in reaching or progressing thru the finals.

Edited March 9, 2023 by Lucifers Hero

[Willmoy1947 4,198]

I would put Schache in straight away against his old side, with Hunter of course.

[layzie 34,326]

48 minutes ago, Lucifers Hero said:

I agree.  I have always thought they fluked the 2016 flag.  Good on them.

Without that he would be long gone.  Since then they have yo-yoed in and out of the 8 with a good 2021 to make the GF and get smashed.  Otherwise, no top 4 and no consistency in reaching or progressing thru the finals.

Not to mention finals fails in 2015, 2020 and 2022 that were very winnable. 

[titan_uranus 25,174]

23 hours ago, Lucifers Hero said:

Can't disagree.  The bulldogs have only a handful of 'impact' players or players that regularly and consistently hurt the opp:  Bontempelli, Smith, Naughton and maybe Libertore who will soon be 31.  As mentioned elsewhere, their midfield is no longer elite imv. 

Then they have a stack of young highly talented players with potential whose impact will wax and wane during the season.  I include English in this group.  I also put Treloar in this group as he is often injured.  Of course, each and every one of them will have some games where they star but I doubt they can put enough together to succeed.

The challenge for them is getting the max from the two groups of players while trying to build on field cohesion after all the list and position changes in the off season. 

Interesting that Beveridge chose to not play a scratch match.  Bound to have something up his sleeve.  Maybe they did a bit of experimenting but I see a need for them to experiment a lot more with their position changes and cohesion.

Doubt they will make the 8.  We will beat them round 1.

I don't agree. I think the Dogs' best 22 going into 2023 is better than it was in 2022.

They've lost Dunkley, which is a major loss, but the Dogs are probably the only side in the league who can lose a midfielder of that quality and cover it - they had over-invested in their midfield in 2022.

Their midfield still has Bontempelli, Macrae, Treloar, Smith and Libba whilst they're now working Caleb Daniel and his elite kicking through there too. Their forward line now has height and instead of Josh Bruce as the second tall they've got Lobb and Darcy to spread the load (I don't rate Ugle-Hagan highly but he gets to be a bit of a Fritsch-style forward there). Whilst down back they've added Liam Jones who from all reports continues to be more than capable at AFL level despite his year out.

I think there are better sides holistically (Geelong, Brisbane and us) but I think the Dogs are more likely to make top 4 than they are to miss the finals.

[kev martin 10,670]

Watched a replay of the dogs game.

I thought they were very fumbley and made lots of mistakes with their ball  movement (kicking to contests,  and choosing the wrong corridor).

They will be better for run.

Where as we looked ready for "it".

Bont and McCrea are the dangers. Will, Rivers step up as a stopper, along with Harmes? 

It will be a good game. Just hope we can finish them off "if" we get on top and get a great 3rd quarter in. 

Edited March 9, 2023 by kev martin

[Demonstone 23,336]

2 hours ago, Willmoy1947 said:

They call it the Brodie Butterfly Affect

Can't wait to see TiMOTHy English get his wings clipped.

[Guest]

Was just told the boys are about to run out at Gosch’s. 

[old55 23,833]

2 hours ago, Lucifers Hero said:

I agree.  I have always thought they fluked the 2016 flag.  Good on them.

Without that he would be long gone.  Since then they have yo-yoed in and out of the 8 with a good 2021 to make the GF and get smashed.  Otherwise, no top 4 and no consistency in reaching or progressing thru the finals.

Couldn't see Goodwin going into the 2029 season with Bevo's record over the 7 years since their flag including this year if the Dogs don't make finals. Surely goneski?

[Bring-Back-Powell 15,240]

Despite the perception that we have the stronger list, I definitely see this game as a 50/50 affair. You only need to look back at the recent meetings between the two clubs from 2020 onwards - it's a 3-3 split.

Just when you thought we had the wood over them with early season wins (2021 and 2022) and the grand final, they come back and beat us in the return game of seasons 2021 and 2022. They also beat us in 2020 despite us being in better form at the time.

In terms of changes from the selected 23 I see Laurie and Woey both making way, but the latter looked like he could handle the tempo of an AFL game and can see him featuring in the seniors during the season.

Two out of Fritta, Viney, Jordon and Hibberd will come in for Laurie and Woey depending on availability.

I think Chandler and McVee will retain their spots. The lineup gelled really well Vs' Richmond so you'd imagine changes will be at a minimum.

Can't wait for the game, and can't wait to see us playing improved footy at our ground.

 

 

 

[Bring-Back-Powell 15,240]

16 hours ago, Monbon said:

McDonald needs to lift

You realised he kicked 3 goals and looked to be a viable option throughout the game?

[layzie 34,326]

10 minutes ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

Despite the perception that we have the stronger list, I definitely see this game as a 50/50 affair. You only need to look back at the recent meetings between the two clubs from 2020 onwards - it's a 3-3 split.

Just when you thought we had the wood over them with early season wins (2021 and 2022) and the grand final, they come back and beat us in the return game of seasons 2021 and 2022. They also beat us in 2020 despite us being in better form at the time.

In terms of changes from the selected 23 I see Laurie and Woey both making way, but the latter looked like he could handle the tempo of an AFL game and can see him featuring in the seniors during the season.

Two out of Fritta, Viney, Jordon and Hibberd will come in for Laurie and Woey depending on availability.

I think Chandler and McVee will retain their spots. The lineup gelled really well Vs' Richmond so you'd imagine changes will be at a minimum.

Can't wait for the game, and can't wait to see us playing improved footy at our ground.

 

 

 

Agree. I think Chandler gives us a new edge and McVee to slot in across half back. Gonna be a beauty can't wait as well!

[Demonland 73,465]

 

[Diamond_Jim 12,686]

Dogs game is a must win.

We need to win 2 out of our first three. If we go 0-3 makes the season that much harder

[Monbon 1,840]

57 minutes ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

You realised he kicked 3 goals and looked to be a viable option throughout the game?

He dropped a few marks, got beaten for every hit out he went for and while I hold him in the highest regard - his absence hurt us immensely last year - I think it's time to blood the Van Man.

I wasn't all that impressed by Brown either.

I love Chandler but he doesn't do enough at this level. 

[Sir Why You Little 37,296]

3 hours ago, Lucifers Hero said:

I agree.  I have always thought they fluked the 2016 flag.  Good on them.

Without that he would be long gone.  Since then they have yo-yoed in and out of the 8 with a good 2021 to make the GF and get smashed.  Otherwise, no top 4 and no consistency in reaching or progressing thru the finals.

But we were exactly the same when The Reverend was Coaching us. 
The Dogs have always lacked 1-2 Key Players as Melbourne did under both Northey and ND. 

I think Beveridge has done a pretty solid job. 
 

Let’s watch Lyon and Clarkson coach Ordinary Players and see how well they adapt 

[Jaded No More 68,975]

36 minutes ago, Demonland said:

 

Who is going to tell Viney he won't be fit to play round 1?

[BW511 2,724]

Quite surprised Fritta is considered a walk up start considering his lead up to Round 1.

 

[loges 6,767]

5 hours ago, NeveroddoreveN said:

Curious re Fritsch!  He has not trained for like 3-4 weeks now?  So many have him in the team....surely he is not remotely prepared for a hitout like this?

CHandler i think has to stay within the team....He kicked 1.3 and had hands in several others.  He had a better game then Tmac/BB imo and does not deserve to get dropped for narrowly missing a few shots.

Thought TMac was pretty solid, always been a fan of BBB but he's starting to worry me.

[Deemania since 56 6,763]

5 hours ago, NeveroddoreveN said:

Curious re Fritsch!  He has not trained for like 3-4 weeks now?  So many have him in the team....surely he is not remotely prepared for a hitout like this?

CHandler i think has to stay within the team....He kicked 1.3 and had hands in several others.  He had a better game then Tmac/BB imo and does not deserve to get dropped for narrowly missing a few shots.

Yep, he was one of the stand-outs for the Dees against Richmond - very busy with teaming, possessions and forward movement, and very unlucky to miss a few. I watched him closely in the game warm-up at Casey and he really impressed with about six consecutive shots at goal going through the big sticks midway - from about 55m out, well beyond the forward arc. Distance, no problem. Accuracy, surprisingly good. Height through the goalposts, excellent. Confidence and encouragement to 'take the shot' is all that is required with this young bloke. 

[Bring-Back-Powell 15,240]

40 minutes ago, Monbon said:

He dropped a few marks, got beaten for every hit out he went for and while I hold him in the highest regard - his absence hurt us immensely last year - I think it's time to blood the Van Man.

I wasn't all that impressed by Brown either.

I love Chandler but he doesn't do enough at this level. 

Fair enough. I saw T Mac's game differently and was considering putting him in the hypothetical "Demonland" votes.

I agree Brown was poor until the last quarter, and looks half the player he was compared to his peak North years when he was banging home 60 goals a season. I'd still play him as he takes a key opponent away from T Mac, Fritta and the resting ruck and his long range set shots are like rolled gold.

Your man JVR will get his opportunity. BBB and T Mac won't play all games.

[Demonland 73,465]

 

[Redleg 41,933]

14 minutes ago, Demonland said:

 

Was that a condition of his new contract with us?

[loges 6,767]

16 minutes ago, Demonland said:

 

In preparation of his new contract signing .