POSTGAME: Rd 01 vs Western Bulldogs

[Hatchman 485]

I loved TMacs game, his deft clearances out of defence were excellent and so calm under pressure. Our defence looked so settled yesterday 

 

Tomlinson is not getting a look in if that form continues 

[Kick_It_To_Pickett 2,930]

Having just watched the replay, does anyone else think the Foxtel cameras look weird and blurry ? I thought the quality of the cameras were awful. It only looks good when it’s close up. Whatever they’ve tried to implement looks shocking for AFL 

[Frosticles 59]

14 hours ago, Dr. Gonzo said:

... Windsor showed he has the tools to be something quite special.

I was very impressed by Windsor.  There were little things he did which don't get a stat but which won us the ball at the contest, or enabled us to break from a contest.  Plus the run-down tackle to win holding the ball inside the Dogs F50.  He's got smarts and speed.

Edited March 17 by Frosticles

[dees189227 10,764]

I just liked how we used the corridor more & different players took the kick out from the dogs behind and didn't kick to max all the time 

[WheeloRatings 906]

13 hours ago, Binmans PA said:

Super impressed with our set up today. We let them have +1 at contest and sat really deep all day, and because our pressure around the ball (outside of the first 10 mins of the game) was excellent, they dump kicked it back to us most of the day. 

Now that's our DNA, but what we've undoubtedly changed is we looked to move the ball really quickly with great spread from contest through the likes of Billings, ANB, Langdon and others along the wings and half forwards. We also looked to repeatedly use the width of the ground and switched the ball, like I don't remember us ever doing. If we can do that every week, we will be very tough to beat. It helps having better kicks behind the ball in Howes, McVee and Salem.

Aside from one brain fade TMac worked really well as a defender, and unlike Tomlinson who is so slow to move the ball on, TMac goes straight away. Risk reward stuff. And that's what our current defensive system on slingshot/intercept is set up to do.

We also managed to score more than the Bulldogs from forward half intercepts, despite them having many more forward half intercepts.

As I note above, we sagged our defensive system right back and allowed them to run into our pressure and kick the ball back to us, then we'd slingshot. And today there were a number of times we were lightening quick on slingshot. The best I can recall. Looking forward to hearing how many points we scored from the back half @WheeloRatings. And how many inside 50s we had from the back half.

Some stand out performances from Clarry and Billings, and I thought TMac too, Max and Viney as well. Our ball use was superb for the most part too. A little rusty at times, but I can't recall the last time we've gone at 76% DE.

Now to do it against top 8 opposition.

 

[Dee Viney Intervention 1,483]

Really liked our ball movement and our work ahead of the ball in general. We made the ground big, there was spread, we used the switch and changed angles with more corridor use with quick ball movement. This allowed us better quality looks at goal. 
Loved Clarries game and a glimpse of why we recruited Billings. Kozzie back gives us spark but I was really pleased for Chandler. If Kozzie is to spend more time in the midfield I think Chandler can become super important and played his role well as the small forward. A lefty with a bit of speed and evasive, great front half pressure player and uses the ball well and a great work rate.As a small I think he has more to offer than Laurie and Spargo. The whole team played their role well overall and played team oriented selfless football. 

[forever demons 1,814]

6 hours ago, Bobby McKenzie said:

Caleb has been given the perfect playing number. Number 6.This number was owned by Bluey Adams, the fastest Demon I have seen. Maybe only up until now with Caleb 's speed electrifying.

I think Bluey ran in the stawell gift

[TheWiz 692]

9 hours ago, titan_uranus said:

I forgot to mention the "best" bit.

The late surge to the 45-point margin meant our percentage increased over Geelong's, and means we are in the 8.

It keeps our streak alive (we've been in the top 8 every week since Round 1, 2021).

No idea what the record is, but we're now at 49 (I think) H&A rounds in a row.

Now THAT is a stat to love!

[old dee 22,850]

14 hours ago, old dee said:

First home game for 2024. A great 7 Goal win. A couple proved me wrong today and I am very glad. Now a week of good thoughts enjoy everyone. 

Well this morning I notice a vomit award above. Thank you. Today has started well. 

[leave it to deever 15,330]

10 hours ago, Roost it far said:

I believe it is but I doubt the Swans would have given us that much space today. Or do you have another point?

No was just genuinely interested.

Thanks RiF.

 

[chook fowler 18,226]

cudos to the recruiters for Hore and Billings and the selectors for returning TMac to the backline.

[leave it to deever 15,330]

How nice to have a replay you want to watch.

And how good that we have 3 players who did very well when we thought they may not play at all this year.

It's been said by not a few that anything we get from Bbb and Tmac is a bonus.

Well yesterday was our reward day for sure.

[Brownie 5,175]

7 hours ago, DutchDemons said:

Seriously, the quality of this call was miles above channel 7. Except when Huddo called Kade Kyle.

And, both Hill and Hudson are back on the Fritz train. It drives me a bit mad.

They don't say "cricket pitz" why do they keep saying Bailey Fritz?

[ManDee 7,077]

I have noticed that finally our kickins are more random. In fact we appear to be kicking less to the left. Hoo[censored]ray!

[leave it to deever 15,330]

5 hours ago, Hatchman said:

I loved TMacs game, his deft clearances out of defence were excellent and so calm under pressure. Our defence looked so settled yesterday 

 

Tomlinson is not getting a look in if that form continues 

Yep. I'll put my hand up for being upset Tmac got the nod but he played very well.

[Deemania since 56 6,132]

16 hours ago, BoBo said:

Kozzie and Oliver kicking to teammates in the last instead of trying for glory is huge reason to be optimistic. Haven’t seen that in this team for a long time and I loved it. Both produced goals. 

Excellent - great to see ... 

[Deemania since 56 6,132]

6 minutes ago, ManDee said:

I have noticed that finally our kickins are more random. In fact we appear to be kicking less to the left. Hoo[censored]ray!

I really like McV kicking in from Fullback; he has a good boot and delivery arc; it also releases - where necessary - May's good marking upfield, his aggressive distribution and unsettling of opponent packs and hopefuls. In time, when back in the gameday, it will release Bowser for his clever space-making, accurate passing and beneficial plunder into forward progress of the ball to great team effect.

[Demonstone 19,105]

10 hours ago, titan_uranus said:

It keeps our streak alive (we've been in the top 8 every week since Round 1, 2021).

No idea what the record is, but we're now at 49 (I think) H&A rounds in a row.

Wouldn't it be 69?  It's a number that just rolls off the tongue.  (Maybe 49 was just a typo)

22 in 2021 and 2022 plus 23 last year plus two this year.

[DEE fence 4,451]

Ripper game on so many levels, every week I say a little prayer that we kick more goals than points 🙏 done. I said I'd give us a mulligan last week and was glad to be right. Salem's pick-up on the wing was elite Judd like level of control, and demonstration of our dry ball mastery.

Lots of really good commentary so will try not to rehash other than acknowledge. 

I felt sorry for the Bullfrogs today, (not really was humming a tune we all are familiar with, chorus is similar to a Special AKA song), we were brutal was like watching the Hawks or Bombers in their pomp but without thuggery. May played an AA game. Viney is a pocket Zeus.

Pickett has stopped giving extras, on a couple of occasions I expected a cheapie and was really please that is out of his game without diluting his lethalness.

Tmac back surprised me, was nervous as hell when he was kicking it. But as much Tominson was stiff he had an ok game. Would still drop him for Petty though. Petty is Neitz like at going forward and back.

BBB demonstrated exceptional positioning today, that just meant the dogs couldn't play off or through him. It might be twighlight for BBB but his presence brought Chandler into the game (who also worked bloody hard)

Gawn along with May are BOG for me, in the 1st he was key to wrestling advantage in the game. After the 1st qtr I felt good about the game, while we didn't shake the dogs properly, the leaders of the club created the confidence in everyone else to go on and win the game, that started with Gawn May and Viney.

BTW It's not just the similarity of the names or being indigenous, JUH uses his arms to mark like Jurrah used too, inspector gadget style, made me realise for the XXth time what a tragedy that story was. My opinion of JUH went up today, will be a phenom.

We had the 4th highest crowd, and dogs supporters were not there.

Lastly Goodwin has adapted our game, brilliant coaching, again.

[Deestar9 1,402]

16 hours ago, binman said:

Give me a spell.

I didn't name names.

And I wasnt rude and I didn't take any pot shots.

Unless you call the truth a pot shot.

And frankly I'm heartily sick of posters spewing vitriol against my club after a loss.

And then going silent after an impressive win.

If you are gonna call out the club - repeatedly- after a loss then show some spine and put your hand up you might have got it wrong.

It's the opposite of fair weather supporters.

Well said …(even though it will fall on deaf ears) today at the G was like watching a game from dare I say it..2021. Often with our wins over the last couple of seasons they weren’t satisfying or exhilarating..today was. As our new game plan becomes more entrenched & connections are built with new players in new positions…we will play better. There will be hiccups along the way but I loved what I saw. I was so proud of our supporters who gave Clarry a standing ovation…we’re back in the 8 !!

[Deemania since 56 6,132]

2 hours ago, dees189227 said:

I just liked how we used the corridor more & different players took the kick out from the dogs behind and didn't kick to max all the time 

It meant that the 'team' began to anticipate, make space, find space, provide good alternatives; McV did kick well, too, looking for links within a potential, longer chain.

[titan_uranus 22,343]

6 minutes ago, Demonstone said:

Wouldn't it be 69?  It's a number that just rolls off the tongue.  (Maybe 49 was just a typo)

22 in 2021 and 2022 plus 23 last year plus two this year.

Thanks @Demonstone, I mucked this up. I missed a whole year!

I think it’s 72 - 23 in each of 2021 and 2022, and 24 in 2023, then 2 so far this year. 

[rjay 23,901]

Same old Goodwin...stuck in his ways, doesn't listen, no plan B, can't coach.

Oh, wait a minute.

We won.

Thant can't be right.

Fake news.

[Brownie 5,175]

10 minutes ago, leave it to deever said:

Yep. I'll put my hand up for being upset Tmac got the nod but he played very well.

Me too @leave it to deever

I wondered if both Tmac and BBB would be fit and fast enough. Such a bonus to see them play so well.

Seeing Clarry getting back to his best and being happy and acknowledged by our supporters.

Fast and creative ball movement

A more open forward line and lowered eyes / team first kicking

Watching Kozzys effort and skill through the midfield

Variation in kick outs

Our captain adjusting his ruck work and dominating

Windsor's lightening speed

Our fitness and hard running

Our fantastic demon army honouring Gus

So many great things to recognise in that game

[In Harmes Way 7,492]

Shout out to Howes who I thought looked really comfortable and composed in game 2. He, Marty Hore and Judd McVee showed really solid support to the three tall defenders and I agree with the earlier poster who highlighted the benefit of this being that this provides the grounds for Salo to move into the midfield.