Gameday: Essendon vs Geelong

[Merv]

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/3074/rnd2im1.jpg
Match Preview


If you wanted a measure of where the Bombers are at in 2008, then this week’s match against the reigning Premiers presents the perfect occasion. The Essendon boys will be determined to make the most of the opportunity to test their skills against the benchmark of the competition this Sunday in what is shaping as the match of the Round.
After surprising football experts last week with an exciting 55-point victory against North Melbourne, who knows what the Bombers can cook up this week. Although the win has provided a much needed confidence boost for the youthful Essendon list, the team from Windy Hill are wary of not getting ahead of themselves.

Matthew Lloyd will have extra responsibility this week and has promised to stand up and lead the Bombers from the front in the absence of Scott Lucas who tore a ligament in his knee last week and will miss up to three months of football.
Lloyd will have the support of speedsters Leroy Jetta and Alwyn Davey and the strong marking Adam McPhee and Nathan Lovett-Murray up forward but the absence of Lucas will leave a hole in the Bombers armour and all forwards will need to be on song against a solid Geelong backline.
Tom Harley and Matthew Scarlett head up a star-studded defensive unit for the Cats and they will be typically determined to shut down the Bombers forwards and drive the ball back into their attacking 50m.

A key feature of the match will be the contest in the centre of the ground. Geelong are renowned for their swift and efficient ball movement through the corridor but the Bombers have improved their skills and defensive pressure over the break and showed on Monday that the hard work should pay dividends this year.
Essendon dominated the second half of Monday's match - thanks to their evasive ability and tackling pressure - and the new-look midfield damaged the opposition by running them ragged. If the Bombers can use their leg speed to their advantage again this week, they might achieve what so many teams could not and put pressure on Geelong’s midfield by finding space to run and create opportunities.

The unexpected return of the lightening quick Jason Winderlich will further add to the Bombers running stocks.
Mark McVeigh promised his teammates at last year’s Crichton Medal that he would ensure the courage and spirit of James Hird would continue at the Bombers in his absence, and he was true to his word on Monday. McVeigh put in an inspirational 31-possession performance and led his team from the front as he worked hard to create opportunities around clearances. This week he will need to deliver a similar game, as will prolific baller winner Jobe Watson, in order to put the heat on the opposition.
The David Hille and Jason Laycock ruck combination was another highlight of last weekend’s match. Hille, in particular, worked relentlessly at hit-outs to give his teammates first use of the ball but also presented across other areas of the ground. With Geelong likely to be without Brad Ottens again this week, the ruck looks to be an area where the Bombers hold a clear advantage.



http://www.essendonfc.com.au/matches/preview.asp?round_no=2&sub_section=preview

[fishguts]

Heres hoping for a good game might add my own review for something to do in the wee hours.

[bomba4eva]

Monfries misses again? Disappointing. Hopefully he tears up the reserves.
Just hoping for us to be competitive. Want us to be as daring as we have been and implement the gameplan. Geelong are beatable but it will be bloody tough. The midfield needs to hold their own and figh hard giving our forwards a chance. Will be interesting to see McPhee a CHF but it is annoying knowing this would have been a great opportunity for Gumbleton to get a solid crack at CHF. No point in dwelling on this. Neagle should be right for Round 4. Our forward line is more than capable in beating Geelong's defence. Our defensive line looks very strong and I can see us matching up well against them. If Dempsey goes on Johnson it will be a great match up to watch and I am salivating at the prospect. Our half back line looks superb with Ryder, Rama, Dempsey, Nash and Fletcher capable of playing through there.
Midfield holds the key but Geelong's stronger bodies could be a telling advantage. Hoping that Houli can back up last weeks performance with a strong showing this week. Tight game decided by 3-5 goals. Tipped Geelong, but I will be cheering on the Bombers with all my heart!

[fishguts]

Hopefully this is ok

YOUTHFUL BOMBER TO FACE THE ULTIMATE TEST

The bomber faithful are up again as an old pest in North Melbourne have finally been culled at the hands of Matthew Knights. The Baby Bombers suffered a major blow when Key Forward Scott Lucas When down with A knee injury. This seemed to spark the Bombers as they ran like 23 year olds with 3 kids. They blitzed the Kangaroos in a performance that would normally see them start favourites for this week; however, they face the AFL’s greatest challenge. The Reining premiers, The Geelong Cats.

Geelong played realistically a half against an opponent they destroyed in last years grand final, Yet still hung on to claim the 4 points. If they play 4 quarters of the quality they produced in the first hald they will be near impossible to beat. They were destroyed in the ruck as they were missing number 1 ruckman Brad Ottens. He will be again watching from the sidelines. Geelong don’t have an area of dominance rather they are solid over all areas of the ground. If Essendon is to get on top they will have will have to be the ones being chased.

If Geelong get the ball, they will hurts us with their pin point accuracy. If Essendon clangers the ball going into the forward 50, we will be slaughtered on the rebound. Essendon also have to be disciplined as ‘Razor’ Chamberlain is miked up and ready to make the back pages.

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/3074/rnd2im1.jpg

Cameron Ling v Jobe Watson

If Jobe Watson can get on top of Ling it will go a long way to winning the match. Jobe has been our clearance specialist for a year or two now and his influence is underrated. Jobe last year also averaged the most possession per minute spent on ground. If Ling gets on top, Geelong will get first crack at the footy and will kick a winning score.

David Hille/Jason Laycock v Mark Blake/Trent West

Another key Match up, If Hille and Laycock can get on top of these two inexperienced pair then it gives our midfield every chance to give it to Lloyd and Mcphee. If they do get on top then they have to hit it to our advantage. If we get our fair share of the clearances we will get close.

Matthew Lloyd v Matthew Scarlett

Arguably the most vital match up of the match, If scarlet holds Lloyd to 2 or less goals then we will struggle to kick a winning score. If Lloyd does get on top then it may change the match up and Lloyd may very well kick a bag, then again we will need to win the midfield battle first.

LATEST BETTING

Geelong $1.25
Essendon $3.75

The Verdict:

Essendon By 15 points.

[Jonesy1987]

Im really interested in Dempsey/Johnson matchup will be interesting if DC runs off him like his natural game or stays close as Johnson has proved to be a match winner

[S.C[BANKS]]

Great graphics guys!

Anyway hope we pull another upset. :thumbsu::thumbsu:

[SJ]

Bit toey about this one. Essendon and Geelong games have often thrown up upsets. Let's hope it's a cracker, best of luck.

[Merv]

Bit toey about this one. Essendon and Geelong games have often thrown up upsets. Let's hope it's a cracker, best of luck.

Should be a good game but i think Geelong will be far too strong.

Good result for us would be for us to be competitive and anything more than that would be a bonus.

Cheers

[retroparty]

Should be a fantastic game and there will be a great atmosphere.

Johns is an emergency lets hope no one pulls out late which allows him to be put into the 22.

[Shane Hird]

Its Houli's sixth game. Looking forward to seeing how he handles the Geelong MF. Big test.

[windyhill]

cats by 13 pts. four day break more than handy.

[Wahooti Fandango]

Im really interested in Dempsey/Johnson matchup will be interesting if DC runs off him like his natural game or stays close as Johnson has proved to be a match winner

I reckon Rama would be a better match up on Johnson.

[Spikey]

Should be a fantastic game and there will be a great atmosphere.

Johns is an emergency lets hope no one pulls out late which allows him to be put into the 22.

I think Pev is on standby in case anyone pulls out, Not Johns or Gus

[Windas_Magic]

Hate to say it but i think Geelong will give it to us. Once they start a roll on they don't stop, we have to keep with them. Only way we can win is if we apply ourselves to the contest and run, tackle and apply pressure all game, not for just a quarter or a half.

[bOmBeR_BoY1]

3AW just reported a "rumour" that Scarlett and Gary Ablett Junior didn't pull up well from the game last week and may be in some small doubt...

Which probably means they will both be BOG - but just putting it out there.

[Sanj]

Basically Lucas goes out and Winderlich comes in. It will give us a bit more run than last week.

Only worry could be at CHF. If McPhee has a bad day out we could be found out. Though Ryder could be rotated around...Or Hille to FF and Lloyd to CHF/FF Rotation.

[lamaros]

No late changes to either team.

[Slatteryexpress]

Could someone tell me what the hell is going on with the telecast in NSW? They have the swans vs port game on austar(Foxtel) and seven. Does this mean that the game should be shown on a fox sports plus channel like main event? or wont it be shown on tv for nsw viewers?

[bOmBeR_BoY1]

Quarter Time -

Geelong 4.4.28
Essendon 1.2.8

No real surprises. We tried hard but they look too good and too strong around the ground. Be nice if Laycock could hold a mark in the forward line though.

[Sam the RAMA fan]

Gee 46
Ess 8

Not looking good at all :(

Houli our only goal kicker at this stage..

[Kit146]

Would be nice if we could get within 5-6 goals but dont think it will happen. Not watching it but must mean we are getting smashed in the midfield!:(

[BomberAce7]

Essendon 2.2
Geelong 9.7

Half way through the 2nd quarter. Not a good score line at all.

[Windas_Magic]

Ess 22
Geel 62

22 minutes into the second, in trouble

[BomberAce7]

No goals from, lloyd, Mooney & Hawkins! All single goal kickers from both sides so far.

[Sam the RAMA fan]

I didnt expect a win this week,
but thought we would give em a run.

I still beilive next week against the Blues will be a win..
even the Doggies and the Saints...

CARN THE BOMBERS!!! :D

[BomberAce7]

Essendon 3.6
Geelong 11.8 1/2 time.

Not good at all. I hope the guys can at least out score Geelong in the 2nd half.

[Kit146]

They are still learning lets just hope they can put up a bit of a figh. Might be good because it means we dont think we are top!

[Windas_Magic]

a blowout looks likely

[Kit146]

Think its time that Woosha, Lovett and Monfries get a game.

[BomberAce7]

Essendon 3.7
Geelong 13.11 3rd Quarter

Yep a blow out looks imminent.

[BomberAce7]

Think its time that Woosha, Lovett and Monfries get a game.

Monfries deserves to be playing for Bendigo. Lovett would more than likely play next week. They are not the reason we are getting beaten today. We are not good enough yet to beat the best team in the country.

[Sam the RAMA fan]

Looks like 100+ points loss :o

[Windas_Magic]

86 points down, learning curve for us

[neeksy]

arrgh my stupid computer was still telling me it was halftime!
so i missed the entire third quarter.
god i hate computers at times.
i think im glad i missed it though :(

[Jonesy1987]

Midfield dominace :(, thought at half time we should have been only 2-3goals down but our kicking at goal was pathetic. Looks like we have a long way to go.... At least some positives would be Ryder owning Mooney, Our midfield domanited late in the 2nd, and Winderlich looks like he is running fine:rolleyes:. Whats lost us this game is our inability for our midfielders to run defensively, and also lack of account football missed the target on to many occassions

[Sam the RAMA fan]

What the hell is going on with all the behinds?!

[Windas_Magic]

Someone on Bomber Blitz said Dempsey did a hammy

[BomberAce7]

Midfield dominace :(, thought at half time we should have been only 2-3goals down but our kicking at goal was pathetic. Looks like we have a long way to go.... At least some positives would be Ryder owning Mooney, Our midfield domanited late in the 2nd, and Winderlich looks like he is running fine:rolleyes:. Whats lost us this game is our inability for our midfielders to run defensively, and also lack of account football missed the target on to many occassions

2 or 3 goals down ya reckon? If Geelong had of kicked straight we would have been 12-13 goals down at 1/2 time!

[TheBrownDog]

Wouldn't take this one too hard.

Geelong would have spanked every team in the league today.

1. Geelong

v
v
v
v
v
v
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The rest.

[S.C[BANKS]]

Great game by the cats!

[The Donners]

Age old problem at Windy Hill, we don't have a ruckman that gives the first opportunity to our midfielders! Laycock and Hille are getting towelled by Blake (IMO is complete crap) and West who has played <5 games! Hille is good around the ground but sometimes I think we should just go with a small in the ruck who can run off the oppositions ruckman because in all honesty there wouldn't be a difference in hitouts!

Can anyone tell me why they went in with a small in Winderlich instead of a tall like Neagle? Is Neagle still injured or was it just a poor selection? :thumbsd:

There's nothing embarrassing losing to the country's best or losing in general when they try hard which they have, we just lack the polish that perhaps the better teams have. My early ladder position prediction still stands- 10th.

[The Donners]

Wouldn't take this one too hard.

Geelong would have spanked every team in the league today.

1. Geelong

v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v

The rest.

True, they are extremely professional the way they play the game!

[bOmBeR_BoY1]

Agreed. They were fantastic.

Hope our boys will learn from this.

[Sam the RAMA fan]

Here come the messages from the cats supporters (I know) on my phone..Love the arrogance. :rolleyes:

[Bomber57]

Only two things have changed from last year, the year and the coach, same old same old crap, put us under real pressure and we fold like a deck of cards, no 2nd game plan, another long year ahead, hope all you Sheedy haters are happy. :thumbsd: :mad: :thumbsd:

[Thrust]

99 points but not all bad. Scotty was sorely missed it seemed to fall apart at CHF and the inaccuracy didn't help. Mcveigh, Mcphee, Lloyd and Fletcher were disappointing but all the younger players were pretty good (even dyson) with Ryder the BOG by a mile for us. Stants made some shocking disposals but was serviceable.


ah well I think almost every side would have lost by at least 60 today and if the accuracy was up it would have been closer to 70.

[Spikey]

Only two things have changed from last year, the year and the coach, same old same old crap, put us under real pressure and we fold like a deck of cards, no 2nd game plan, another long year ahead, hope all you Sheedy haters are happy. :thumbsd: :mad: :thumbsd:

:rolleyes: One game and it's doom and gloom...

[Thrust]

Only two things have changed from last year, the year and the coach, same old same old crap, put us under real pressure and we fold like a deck of cards, no 2nd game plan, another long year ahead, hope all you Sheedy haters are happy. :thumbsd: :mad: :thumbsd:


You're way off as far as beltings go that wasn't too bad. It was much better than Melbourne yesterday and the younger players were good for us.

[BomberAce7]

Only two things have changed from last year, the year and the coach, same old same old crap, put us under real pressure and we fold like a deck of cards, no 2nd game plan, another long year ahead, hope all you Sheedy haters are happy. :thumbsd: :mad: :thumbsd:

Your damn straight we are happy that Sheedy's gone! Its a shame you didnt follow him! FFS give Knights & his game plan a go! We werent good today as the score line says but we will bounce back.

[Windas_Magic]

Welsh, Lovett and Gus should all return next week. Slattery should be dropped

[Sam the RAMA fan]

They have got to think long and hard about this loss,
but also learn and move forward.

I think we will beat Carlton,
Dogs and the Saints...or atleast put some pressure on them..:thumbsu:

[Thrust]

Slattery should be dropped


No..

[Bomber57]

Your damn straight we are happy that Sheedy's gone! Its a shame you didnt follow him! FFS give Knights & his game plan a go! We werent good today as the score line says but we will bounce back.

We got hammered today, (even worse than last year) Geelong put us under pressure all day and we folded, North last week did not, so nothing has changed from the last couple of years, if you thing a new coach is going to make any difference you are in are dream world.

For saying that I should have left with Sheedy, mate I have been a Essendon member and supporter for almost 50 years, that gives me the right to have my say, if you cannot handle that then you should piss off

[Kit146]

Any injuries?????

[BabyBombers]

Disappointing loss but hey Rome wasn't built in a day!! Hope the confidence isn't too shattered as Carlton will be extra keen to score a win next week. Didn't see the game but is Courtney Dempsey injured again??

[neeksy]

well we are going to need someone to come in to replace dempsey by the sound of it.
i think he did his hammy too bad so he shouldnt be out for long.
not many positives came out of today really.

[donsman4eva]

Honestly, Ive seen us play worse and win. We were bad, but it is still a marked improvement from 2006 IMO. Geelong were just awesome. Slattery needs a good kick up the bum though. Hopefully Welsh will come back next week to give us another bigger body in the forward line. The ruckman didnt do enough up forward today.

[lamaros]

Very bad today. Not helped early by bad kicking for goal. You cannot afford to let them get such a lead out.

Skills were ****ing awful today. Kicking was bad, descions were worse. Hope they learn from it. Stanton needs to get it together.

I hope all the Dyson haters were watching today. Tried hard and gave a lot more than many others.

Ryder was good too. That's about it...

[Thrust]

I hope all the Dyson haters were watching today. Tried hard and gave a lot more than many others.




yes a good day by dyson, I'm not sold on him but that was much better than his usual and he deserves his spot next week. hopefully he can keep it up.

[BabyBombers]

It's a pity that we lost by so much. :( But they will really need to put this game behind them and focus on beating Carlton. We were lucky to beat them last year - as we can't be sure whether they were the real deal! Who should replace Dempsey? I think that either Woosha or Lovett but don't know as I didn't see today's game I don't really no what we mnissed or lacked the most. Were we really bad or were they just really good?

[Windas_Magic]

Any injuries?????
Dempsey, hamstring. Saying a couple of weeks

[Kit146]

:thumbsd:Lloyd pull your finger out and act like OUR captain!

[Kit146]

Dempsey, hamstring. Saying a couple of weeks
Thanks, any idea on who should be replacing him:thumbsu:

[neeksy]

hopefully lovett.
he played well for bendigo.
or welsh.but maybe they will give him a bit more time.

[Spikey]

:thumbsd:Lloyd pull your finger out and act like OUR captain!


Remember Monday?

As BabyBombers asked, Were we really bad or Geelong really good?

[The Donners]

Only two things have changed from last year, the year and the coach, same old same old crap, put us under real pressure and we fold like a deck of cards, no 2nd game plan, another long year ahead, hope all you Sheedy haters are happy. :thumbsd: :mad: :thumbsd:

Hate is a strong word. Sheedy didn't have a gameplan for the last 6 seasons let alone 2, so therefore Knights is 1 up! Also, we are blooding young players and giving them a decent run of games. Furthermore our young players are being given larger roles and this will help with the future of the Essendon Football Club, don't expect miracles in 2008, it will be a 2-3 year project- minimum.

The gameplan is fine, it is similar to that of the best team in the competition, it is implementing that plan that takes time. It took until Bomber Thompson's 8th season to get his team right... we have a head start as we have a far better list than he did when he started! :thumbsu:

[donsman4eva]

Im going with the Geelong was very good side of the arguement

[donsman4eva]

One of our main problems today was that our midfield was nowhere near as accountable as they should be. You cant give Ablett, Bartell and co lots of room, they will murder you. That will come with experience, but hopefully it will come soon.

[BabyBombers]

Hate is a strong word. Sheedy didn't have a gameplan for the last 6 seasons let alone 2, so therefore Knights is 1 up! Also, we are blooding young players and giving them a decent run of games. Furthermore our young players are being given larger roles and this will help with the future of the Essendon Football Club, don't expect miracles in 2008, it will be a 2-3 year project- minimum.

The gameplan is fine, it is similar to that of the best team in the competition, it is implementing that plan that takes time. It took until Bomber Thompson's 8th season to get his team right... we have a head start as we have a far better list than he did when he started! :thumbsu:

I agree with all you said in relation to Sheedy and our game plan. As I said earlier Rome wasn't built in a day. We as supporters need to be patient and give them a chance. We are a relatively young and inexperienced side. The big test will be next week and our ability to bounce back.

[aintplayin03]

All of you wan*ers bagging the bombers need to grow the f**k up. Were always gonna have some bad games, it happens to everyone, we are supposed to SUPPORT the friggin team not bag them.

Knighter is doing the right thing, playing the kids with pace, and i guarantee you if we were playing that conservative crap that Sheedy has us playing last year we would have gone down by a lot more. We needed to pay more respect to the opposition, but Knights will learn that, its his 2nd game of AFL coaching for godssake. The kids will learn too, and hopefully we'll bounce back next week.

Right now we need real supporters to stick with the team, were still learning and will come good soon.

[Schmick]

Remember Monday?

As BabyBombers asked, Were we really bad or Geelong really good?
I don't think we played bad. We just didn't have enought strong bodies to win the footy and we didn't apply enough pressure which has been part of our success in recent times.

They just played very very well today.

[BabyBombers]

All of you wan*ers bagging the bombers need to grow the f**k up. Were always gonna have some bad games, it happens to everyone, we are supposed to SUPPORT the friggin team not bag them.

Knighter is doing the right thing, playing the kids with pace, and i guarantee you if we were playing that conservative crap that Sheedy has us playing last year we would have gone down by a lot more. We needed to pay more respect to the opposition, but Knights will learn that, its his 2nd game of AFL coaching for godssake. The kids will learn too, and hopefully we'll bounce back next week.

Right now we need real supporters to stick with the team, were still learning and will come good soon.
I agree with you. Bagging and slagging off doesn't prove anything at all. We all need to look for the positives and keep working in the other areas. I don't believe that we were ever a geniune threat for the top 4 this year and maybe the 8 was out of our reach (?) I hoped to see improvement and more game time for the scape goats of last year. Anyone know how J.J went. I think he was lucky to keep his spot this week (but that's just my opinion)

[kelvin_sheedy]

They were way too good.

Not much you can do against that. We went head to head with them and got spanked. Lesson learned, when a team is so much better you cannot go head to head. We should have flooded and slowed the game down but that is going against our gameplan and rebuild process.

I can't recall them making a mistake by foot. They were so clinical.

[kelvin_sheedy]

Anyone know how J.J went. I think he was lucky to keep his spot this week (but that's just my opinion)

JJ was shithouse.

Once again looked really slow, had 24 disposals but at 58% effeciency.

I think it's time to cut our losses with him and play the likes of Monfries and Hocking or even Pev in his position.

[lamaros]

It's a pity that we lost by so much. :( But they will really need to put this game behind them and focus on beating Carlton. We were lucky to beat them last year - as we can't be sure whether they were the real deal! Who should replace Dempsey? I think that either Woosha or Lovett but don't know as I didn't see today's game I don't really no what we mnissed or lacked the most. Were we really bad or were they just really good?

Both. Our disposal was as bad as the first half against North last week, but unlike North last week Geelong made us pay every time. They moved the ball much much better than us. Better skills, better decisions.

[Bomber57]

Hate is a strong word. Sheedy didn't have a gameplan for the last 6 seasons let alone 2, so therefore Knights is 1 up! Also, we are blooding young players and giving them a decent run of games. Furthermore our young players are being given larger roles and this will help with the future of the Essendon Football Club, don't expect miracles in 2008, it will be a 2-3 year project- minimum.

The gameplan is fine, it is similar to that of the best team in the competition, it is implementing that plan that takes time. It took until Bomber Thompson's 8th season to get his team right... we have a head start as we have a far better list than he did when he started! :thumbsu:

What you said is a fair call, I know it take time to build up a team, the problem is we have been saying this for 3 + years now and we still have the same problem, when we lose, we wrap up our players in cotton wool, blame it on rebuilding, my fear is we will become the Collingwood of modern day football, they had this same approach for 20+ years, we are building up a team well done boys you gave your best, maybe next week.

If this culb is to get back to it's best it and the members/supporters have to realize that it has a problem, it's it overall stock from the board to the players, just making money is not enough, a football club is about winning games manly and we are not winning enough of them.

[BabyBombers]

What you said is a fair call, I know it take time to build up a team, the problem is we have been saying this for 3 + years now and we still have the same problem, when we lose, we wrap up our players in cotton wool, blame it on rebuilding, my fear is we will become the Collingwood of modern day football, they had this same approach for 20+ years, we are building up a team well done boys you gave your best, maybe next week.

If this culb is to get back to it's best it and the members/supporters have to realize that it has a problem, it's it overall stock from the board to the players, just making money is not enough, a football club is about winning games manly and we are not winning enough of them.

I don't actually think that 2 games is enough for you to assess the impact (or lack of ) that Knights will have on this group of players. Some of these guys have only ever had the one coach and I think it would be difficult to not fall back to old ways when in trouble or under pressure. I think we should be assessing the Club's performance at the end of the season not after 2 games.:)

[The Dustbin]

What was our biggest fear (Turnovers) became reality. As soon as we missed a target going forward we got smashed on the rebound.

I thought Michael, Ryder and Fletcher performed very well considering the ball was pumped in there 63 times. They held up pretty well.

We definitely seemed over-rawed by the occasion and in awe of Geelong, even intimidated. Ball handling, decision making and disposal were all down compared to last week.

That's taking nothing away from Geelong, who pressure forced these errors.

[SOT4]

Anyone writing us off from today is an idiot (Bomber57 I'm looking at you). Geelong were awesome, can't do much about that.

Skills weren't great and Geelong made us pay, and the set shots is what stopped us from making it at all respectable.

Disappointing to lose and clearly we aren't a top 4 contender just yet, but to say it's the same as 2006 is ridiculous.

[BabyBombers]

JJ was shithouse.

Once again looked really slow, had 24 disposals but at 58% effeciency.

I think it's time to cut our losses with him and play the likes of Monfries and Hocking or even Pev in his position.

Thanks for the feedback about JJ. Thought he was average against the Roos but when you win by so much it is easy to look over one players impact. I agree that one of the younger guys should be being used. Unfortunately JJ is at the end of a great career and we really need to be looking to the future with one of the younger midfielders. Please don't think I am bagging JJ it's just his time is nearly up.

[SOT4]

Another thing, anyone who jeered Lloyd is an absolute disgrace. To not realise how little supply he had shows that a person must have no clue about the game whatsoever. He wasn't great but he didn't disgrace himself- he simply didn't have the chance to perform.

[krisholio14]

You'll play worse than you did today and beat sides before this season is out.

Think of today as showing you exactly what you need to work on to be the best.

[BabyBombers]

Another thing, anyone who jeered Lloyd is an absolute disgrace. To not realise how little supply he had shows that a person must have no clue about the game whatsoever. He wasn't great but he didn't disgrace himself- he simply didn't have the chance to perform.

Not that I was there but I bet that most of the jeering was coming from the Geelong supporters. They don't give him any credit and it really **sses me off. Clearly they forget that dud they had at full forward for so long - K.Kingsley!!! Llyody just needs to respond with a great game next week.

[windyhill]

cats by 13 pts. four day break more than handy.

a four day break does not equate to a 99 point shemozzle. back to the drawing board knighter.

[lamaros]

Ball handling, decision making and disposal were all down compared to last week.

They were just as bad in the first quarter and first part of second quarter last week. Noth isn't Geelong, however.

[Ziltoid]

Another thing, anyone who jeered Lloyd is an absolute disgrace. To not realise how little supply he had shows that a person must have no clue about the game whatsoever. He wasn't great but he didn't disgrace himself- he simply didn't have the chance to perform.

i think some of the people jeering where geelong fans, not to say all were, but from where i was i saw a few go off, right at the end.

One point needs to be addressed, Jobe playing at full forward, I understand he was taking ling out of the game, but he really needed to kick those goals, Jobe for good the club pleeeeeaaaseeee work on your shot for goal!

i was very impressed by Ryder today though, played brilliantly against Mooney.

[PressureCooker]

I think it's time everyone realised that when Geelong are on song, NO ONE will get near them. Take last year's Grand Final as a perfect example.

I wasn't overly disappointed about the loss. We weren't as bad as the scoreboard would suggest it just came down to the total dominance of the best side in the league.

4 days less break didn't help either:p

[Spikey]

You'll play worse than you did today and beat sides before this season is out.

Think of today as showing you exactly what you need to work on to be the best.


Thanks for the kind words.

Sounds like our midfield was the big problem, I can live with that. Apart from JJ and Spike most of our midfield is pretty young so hopefully they learnt something today and be better for it...

[BabyBombers]

You'll play worse than you did today and beat sides before this season is out.

Think of today as showing you exactly what you need to work on to be the best.

Hope you are right! As a Geelong supporter did you notice any positives from this game for us Essendon supporters?:thumbsu:

[krisholio14]

Thanks for the kind words.

Sounds like our midfield was the big problem, I can live with that. Apart from JJ and Spike most of our midfield is pretty young so hopefully they learnt something today and be better for it...

I remember one night in 2000 when we played a great game against you guys and still got schooled by 11 goals. Losses like this are the ones that show you exactly where you need to improve, both in a physical sense and a skills sense.

If I was an Essendon supporter, i'd be quite pleased with the performance of a lot of your young blokes. It was the senior players who let you down today.

[Let's Fly Jetstar!]

Only two things have changed from last year, the year and the coach, same old same old crap, put us under real pressure and we fold like a deck of cards, no 2nd game plan, another long year ahead, hope all you Sheedy haters are happy. :thumbsd: :mad: :thumbsd:
You are a flog mate.

[Bomber57]

I don't actually think that 2 games is enough for you to assess the impact (or lack of ) that Knights will have on this group of players. Some of these guys have only ever had the one coach and I think it would be difficult to not fall back to old ways when in trouble or under pressure. I think we should be assessing the Club's performance at the end of the season not after 2 games.:)

I am not having a go at Knights, he is new to the job and must be given time as all new coaches should, it is manly the club as a hole and the way I see them think (or lack of) that I have concerns about, we should have drafted more, we should have traded more, we should of have had a greater change on our player list we didn't.

This year was the perfect time to do it, out with the old and in with the new a clean sweep, there is 6/7 players we should not have kept on our list, but we did not do the real hard thing, everyone was talking about Sheddy as the reason our on field performance was so poor, yes we are rebuilding again.

Nothing would give me more pleasure than to be shown wrong. ;)

[Bomber57]

You are a flog mate.

Denial is our biggest problem.

[kelvin_sheedy]

Thanks for the feedback about JJ. Thought he was average against the Roos but when you win by so much it is easy to look over one players impact. I agree that one of the younger guys should be being used. Unfortunately JJ is at the end of a great career and we really need to be looking to the future with one of the younger midfielders. Please don't think I am bagging JJ it's just his time is nearly up.

I've been one of JJ's biggest critics so far and I think he should have been cut with MJ even though he had another year of his contract.

It's a balance between experience and bigger bodies verses youth. I think we get enough with Watson, McVeigh, Slattery and Lonergan to not need JJ.

[krisholio14]

Hope you are right! As a Geelong supporter did you notice any positives from this game for us Essendon supporters?:thumbsu:

As I said in the last post, there's a lot to like about your young blokes. Davey, Houli and Ryder in particular looked good, and I thought Ricky Dyson played one of his best games for the Dons today.

The other thing too is that I think that the coach has a style of footy he wants to play, and you could at least see they players were trying to execute it. As they gain in body strength and skill they'll be better able to implement what is required.

You've still got a lot of work to do though. As you can see from today, if Lloyd and Lucas aren't fit and firing, you don't have a lot of blokes who can kick goals against a good defense. Your KP players are all on the downside of their careers, and you will need some big bodies to stand up, and soon. Ryder cannot be the only answer.

[Let's Fly Jetstar!]

Denial is our biggest problem.
"sheedy haters i hope you're happy"

I know another problem too. Ignorance.

[Jonesy1987]

As I said in the last post, there's a lot to like about your young blokes. Davey, Houli and Ryder in particular looked good, and I thought Ricky Dyson played one of his best games for the Dons today.

The other thing too is that I think that the coach has a style of footy he wants to play, and you could at least see they players were trying to execute it. As they gain in body strength and skill they'll be better able to implement what is required.

You've still got a lot of work to do though. As you can see from today, if Lloyd and Lucas aren't fit and firing, you don't have a lot of blokes who can kick goals against a good defense. Your KP players are all on the downside of their careers, and you will need some big bodies to stand up, and soon. Ryder cannot be the only answer.

I think KP aren't really our big problem as we have gumby and Neagle in the wings (doesn't help that they are both injured atm). Also I thought Laycock was average today up forward dropped alot of easy marks, Hille should be the one up forward with Laycock dropping back.

[mxett]

Atleast we found out how far away we are from the top, and boy is it a long way! :eek:

Hope their confidence doesnt suffer too much! Our game plan relies on some risk taking which we got smashed in today. Hope they don't go back into their defensive shell in response.

[Bomber57]

"sheedy haters i hope you're happy"

I know another problem too. Ignorance.

So you think very thing is just dandy at Bomberland after a 99 point thumping, I'm so proud of that score line?

Get real! only the coaches name has changed. :thumbsd:

[sikmoe]

So you think very thing is just dandy at Bomberland after a 99 point thumping, I'm so proud of that score line?

Get real! only the coaches name has changed. :thumbsd:

We did go up against the top side didnt we?
ur a sore loser mate. put a sock in it