Aquamarinejewel
7 Jun 2006, 21:26
Interesting article in "The Age" Eade calling the next two games classic eight point games.
Eight Point Games (http://www.theage.com.au/news/Sport/Eightpointers-coming-up-for-AFL-Dogs/2006/06/07/1149359807257.html)
Eight-pointers coming up for AFL 'Dogs
June 7, 2006 - 5:14PM
The Age
Calling the next two AFL matches "classic eight-point games", Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade says this fortnight will be critical for his team's season.
The Bulldogs play Fremantle this Sunday at Telstra Dome, followed by a Saturday night game in Brisbane before the mid-season break.
They are fifth on six wins, with the Dockers behind them on percentage and the Lions another two games back.
While each game is worth four premiership points, the proximity of these three teams on the ladder means the Bulldogs can put some distance between themselves and two likely finals contenders - in other words, an eight-point turnaround.
"These next two games are classic eight-point games for us, we've got to win both these games, Freo and Brisbane," Eade said.
"For us to play in the finals, we need to ice the games - we've got a pretty big focus over the next two weeks."
His side's injury woes appear to be easing slightly, with Daniel Giansiracusa set to return from a hamstring problem and ruckman Will Minson (ankle) to come back through the VFL.
As usual, Dockers tall utility Matthew Pavlich will be a game-deciding factor on Sunday.
While a tall defender will stand with Pavlich while he is in attack, Fremantle often throws him into the midfield to great effect.
"That's a pretty good move from them and I think it depends how you react," Eade said.
"You don't chase your centre half-back to go in the midfield.
"Do you really have to go and counter it? Can you take them and be pro-active, make them chase you?"
Eight Point Games (http://www.theage.com.au/news/Sport/Eightpointers-coming-up-for-AFL-Dogs/2006/06/07/1149359807257.html)
Eight-pointers coming up for AFL 'Dogs
June 7, 2006 - 5:14PM
The Age
Calling the next two AFL matches "classic eight-point games", Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade says this fortnight will be critical for his team's season.
The Bulldogs play Fremantle this Sunday at Telstra Dome, followed by a Saturday night game in Brisbane before the mid-season break.
They are fifth on six wins, with the Dockers behind them on percentage and the Lions another two games back.
While each game is worth four premiership points, the proximity of these three teams on the ladder means the Bulldogs can put some distance between themselves and two likely finals contenders - in other words, an eight-point turnaround.
"These next two games are classic eight-point games for us, we've got to win both these games, Freo and Brisbane," Eade said.
"For us to play in the finals, we need to ice the games - we've got a pretty big focus over the next two weeks."
His side's injury woes appear to be easing slightly, with Daniel Giansiracusa set to return from a hamstring problem and ruckman Will Minson (ankle) to come back through the VFL.
As usual, Dockers tall utility Matthew Pavlich will be a game-deciding factor on Sunday.
While a tall defender will stand with Pavlich while he is in attack, Fremantle often throws him into the midfield to great effect.
"That's a pretty good move from them and I think it depends how you react," Eade said.
"You don't chase your centre half-back to go in the midfield.
"Do you really have to go and counter it? Can you take them and be pro-active, make them chase you?"