View Full Version : Bulldogs spin out of control
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23584181-19742,00.htmlTHE Western Bulldogs aren't good at publicly managing the good times.
Like most clubs unfamiliar with success, they panic when they begin to feel they could be in line for some.
This week the Bulldogs, unbeaten after five rounds, have devoted much effort in attempting to manipulate the image in which the public views it.
Questionable strategy has seen the Brian Lake issue from Sunday afternoon become a saga, maybe even a charade.
Lake no doubt felt something "go" in his hamstring just after he took that sensational pack mark in the final seconds of the game against Richmond, and that he chose to vacate the field, leaving Will Minson to take the score-equalling kick, is now almost irrelevant.
What is of issue, though, is how the Bulldogs, clearly sensing people were about to ask questions about the legitimacy of Lake's departure, have gone way over the top in stage management and spin.
By first thing Monday morning, the word was put out that Lake would be having scans.
Even teammate Daniel Cross was made aware of the scan news, which he proudly passed on to SEN.
Then we had Lake refuse to talk to media about the injury, when a quick stand-up conference would have removed much of the football world's cynicism.
Hopefully, his silence wasn't club-ordered.
Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade, a long-time media master, later said Lake's hamstring was "tight", that it might have been "cramp" or a "spasm", and that there was "no tear".
Then we were told by the club that Lake was offended by claims he dodged the pressure kick. Please.
Lake will play against West Coast at Telstra Dome on Saturday night.
While the Lake matter has played out publicly, behind the scenes the club has applied a few more gags to the mouth of Jason Akermanis.
A scheduled video appearance on this newspaper's website was cancelled yesterday. It followed heavy club editing of recent columns he had prepared for the sports pages of the paper.
The club was annoyed Aker dared say on Herald Sun video last week that Geelong might be considering conspiring to rest some of its players from the Hall of Fame game.
Heavy stuff, as you can see. Heavy enough for the order to be given that yesterday's video would not be happening.
Aker also has had his trademark handstand banned.
Remember the pride of the Bulldogs when they recruited Aker?
"It's going to be unleashed . . . it's entertainment," said Bulldogs chief executive Campbell Rose last year of Akermanis and his handstand.
The Bulldogs regularly scream out for publicity. They are good at that.
But they're terrible at dealing with the news they can't control, and they'll need to improve drastically if they are to cash in on what is shaping as a pretty good year.
Any thoughts?
bulldog
23 Apr 2008, 11:21
Must be a slow news day.
cosmicr
23 Apr 2008, 11:36
damian barrett - what an a-hole. he must be a richmond supporter.
lindsay_bulldogs
23 Apr 2008, 11:44
Its the old cliche. YOUR DAMNED IF YOU DO, DAMNED IF YOU DON'T.
Dogs will have a good year and make headlines for the right reasons.
James Fantasia is flexing his muscles.
Our players are finding out how it is to live under the civil liberty's the Adelaide Crows players have endured.
No harm in controling what goes out from the playing group to the media, we have been pretty amatuerish about it for a long time.
Dogs Rule
23 Apr 2008, 12:03
What a pathetic article, driven by self-interest.
Barrett is just frustrated that he and his media mates haven't got any definitive answers on Lake's hammy and an Aker video grab they can put on their website and stir up more controversy.
In both of these cases, the Dogs owe the media nothing.
What a ____ing load of bullshit. That is absolute drivel. Damien Barret you are a douche.
How's the headline - 'Spin out of control'!! Get your hand off it buddy.
I agree totally with Dogs Rule. The club has the right to sensor Aker's article's an in fact they do a dam good job of letting Aker say what he wants 95% of the time.
kookadog
23 Apr 2008, 12:27
yeah.. they havin a whinge cause they didn't get a story out of it.
It would of been farce if an umpire forced him to kick when his leg wasn't right. They want him to say he faked it and create a storm, having him address the question is giving it credence, so he's ight to ignore it as a non-issue. Would be interesting to see what Aker has to say about it though.
Could be some bad history between Damian and James Fantasia.
The article is over the top and uncalled for.
If Damian was concerned about Aker he should write something about how he gets punched in the head and nothing happens! I know its Aker but WTF?
He blindly follows the WALLACE lead and picks on the Lake incident bringing Lakes integrity into account yet lets Richo get away with knowingly steal a goal from the umpire. If it was a cricket decision Richos reputation would definitely be tarnished. Instead he gets away with it and Lake gets punished. You cannot prove the Lake issue.
That scumbag WALLACE is still getting away with this crap.
libbasgiantshorts
23 Apr 2008, 12:39
that is hilarious .
Even teammate Daniel Cross was made aware of the scan news, which he proudly passed on to SEN.
wow! so dramatic ! scoop of the century.
an article about nothing.
Touched
23 Apr 2008, 12:39
Obviously these muppets dont bother doing any research or read the injury reports from the previous weeks where Lake has had ongoing tightness problems since his return from the hip operation.
And whats with synicism about Lake being upset at these faking allegations - you mean he ran all the way from fullback and took a screamer just so he could fake an injury :confused:
If they knew anything about his integrity they'd know he'd never shirk an issue - he'd be first to put his hand up and have a ping at the goals.
Slow news day indeed :thumbsd:
immortalmike
23 Apr 2008, 12:46
How funny is it that we start the year undefeated and yet all we seem to get is ignored or bad press. This was one of the most self-serving, horrible article I have read in a while it makes Caroline Wilson look well-informed.
BOOMA BULLDOGS
23 Apr 2008, 12:49
He Obviuosly Indulged In The Hoochy Cooch When U WrotE The Article. What A Stoner!!!
Bulldogs Roar
23 Apr 2008, 13:22
How funny is it that we start the year undefeated and yet all we seem to get is ignored or bad press. This was one of the most self-serving, horrible article I have read in a while it makes Caroline Wilson look well-informed.
I totally agree, a dumb article.
I watched on the couch on monday night and all they talked about is how richmond "lost it". Where is the credit for the doggies come back or winning two points or credit for big Will scoring a match saving goal.
These dumb journo's should have written about "The doggies super effort to come back and win two points" regardless if it was a slow news day or not.
DexterTan
23 Apr 2008, 13:35
Isn't Damian the same dude that confessed to smoking some weed? Seems he inhaled some when writing this article.
And it's perfectly find with me if the press keep forgetting about the dogs - the lid is on. it's up to the Jimmy Fantasia and co to bang the drum and get more supporters signed up.
Once again, my theory that all reporters are only failed novelists has been proven.
Bulldogsnm1
23 Apr 2008, 14:09
My understanding is that Damian Barrett is Akers ghost writer.
He is obviously frustrated that Aker is being heavily edited by the club.
It would be interesting reading the un-edited scripts.
My understanding is that Damian Barrett is Akers ghost writer.
He is obviously frustrated that Aker is being heavily edited by the club.
It would be interesting reading the un-edited scripts.
If that is true now you have got me wondering if he is Aker's auxilliary mouthpiece as well.
Well get this - I came across Damien Parrot at the footy on the weekend. He wore a nicely pressed shirt (thanks mum'sy) and some ridiculous man-fag glasses with no rims. He was 'hanging' with the ol' journo boys club - a 'let's hold each other's dicks, talk up ourselves, the game, and what ever rubbish before the first bounce' kinda chat was taking place. You know the kind.
He's written some shoddy articles in his time - so I decided to take him up on it:
"Damien, you're a pathetic example of modern journalism - what's your reason?"
You know what - he ignored the question! Just like Lake! What a bloody hypocrite! Then, later in the week he wrote another trivial, made for online viewing (lets not waste paper), article. Some piecemeal ramblings about 'spin' at the bulldogs. So not only did he ignore the question - he continued to fake being a good journalist.
This guy's career is on the slide.
Dogs Rule
23 Apr 2008, 17:55
Well get this - I came across Damien Parrot at the footy on the weekend. He wore a nicely pressed shirt (thanks mum'sy) and some ridiculous man-fag glasses with no rims. He was 'hanging' with the ol' journo boys club - a 'let's hold each other's dicks, talk up ourselves, the game, and what ever rubbish before the first bounce' kinda chat was taking place. You know the kind.
He's written some shoddy articles in his time - so I decided to take him up on it:
"Damien, you're a pathetic example of modern journalism - what's your reason?"
You know what - he ignored the question! Just like Lake! What a bloody hypocrite! Then, later in the week he wrote another trivial, made for online viewing (lets not waste paper), article. Some piecemeal ramblings about 'spin' at the bulldogs. So not only did he ignore the question - he continued to fake being a good journalist.
This guy's career is on the slide.
Magnificent post Rodogs. You've made me crack up laughing at work, which is a rare thing.
It frightens me sometimes how self-absorbed some of these footy reporters are. I get the feeling many of them think they are actually bigger than the game itself.
Dry Rot
23 Apr 2008, 18:01
What is of issue, though, is how the Bulldogs, clearly sensing people were about to ask questions about the legitimacy of Lake's departure, have gone way over the top in stage management and spin.
By first thing Monday morning, the word was put out that Lake would be having scans.
Utter bullshit - I posted this at 5.20pm after the match (Sunday) - it wasn't just spun on Monday morning.
At Eade's press conference, he said Lake had a hamstring or back spasm which will be checked out by doctors tomorrow.
Bodicifer
23 Apr 2008, 18:01
Take what he says with a grain of salt...the fact is that anyone who knows anything about footy knows that Aker tells it the way it is, which is very enlightening in this day and age of political correctness, censored crap that we have to put up with day to day.
doggies_5
23 Apr 2008, 18:15
The Bulldogs regularly scream out for publicity.
We want to fly under the radar. We certaintly don't scream out for publicity. What are you on Damien.
Running Dog
23 Apr 2008, 18:41
We want to fly under the radar. We certaintly don't scream out for publicity. What are you on Damien.
What's he on? The drug that killed River Phoenix. Check this out:
Damian Barrett – Friday, July 20, 07 Herald Sun
TERRY Wallace is doing one of three things. He’s tanking, he’s coaching badly or he’s spin-doctoring beautifully
Actually, he’s probably doing all three.
Whatever it is he’s been doing, he’s been lucky as a result.
And for that, he needs to thank Chris Connolly, Neale Daniher, Kevin Sheedy, Denis Pagan and Dean Laidley.
The futures of that coaching quintet have dominated footy talk, sparing Wallace all scrutiny.
Wallace’s Tigers have managed just one win from 15 matches this season. Not even Wallace would bother attempting to spin that into a positive.
Yet there have been no serious questions asked of him.
Sound familiar- cliches about 'spin' etc? This Barrett fellow is what's known politely as a one trick pony. Less polite souls might call him a horse's arse.
Johnno_6
23 Apr 2008, 18:49
Barrett is a second rate sports journo writing for a rag newspaper.
We should expect nothing less from him.
Anthony_
23 Apr 2008, 19:06
Comments section is open on his article..give it a bash. :D
http://blogs.news.com.au/heraldsun/afl/ourteam/index.php/heraldsun/comments/bulldogs_spin_out_of_control
beyondthevalley ofthedogs
23 Apr 2008, 20:32
He's written some shoddy articles in his time - so I decided to take him up on it:
"Damien, you're a pathetic example of modern journalism - what's your reason?"
You know what - he ignored the question!
How amazing - a total stranger came up to him, abused him & he ignored it. Who would've thought??!!:rolleyes:
The way BigFooty posters bang on about journos you'd think they were somewhat jealous about someone else having access to a mass readership base, but that couldn't be the case could it?
Having said that, his article really was a total waste of time.
Better off ignoring space filling crap like that really.
Barrett was on Footy Confidential on Monday on "beat the Press" Got grilled by Richo, Nathan Thompson and Neitz about his lack of contact with clubs and lack of football knowledge. He basically admitted he doesn't do match reports and just writes opinion pieces. Based on what? Apparently whatever he feels like. Lazy journalist getting paid for crap like the biggest non story of the year - Lake's injury.
flamethrower
23 Apr 2008, 22:55
Mr Barrett should be careful not to bite the hand that feeds him, or he might end up in a dole queue at centrelink.
Mr Barrett should be careful not to bite the hand that feeds him, or he might end up in a dole queue at centrelink.
Lets not forget
Mr J Aker.... might be the hand feeding him.
Anthony_
24 Apr 2008, 00:56
Noticed I was not the only one to comment on his article, I saw a Stefoid of Preston on the hun site as well. :thumbsu:
While the Lake matter has played out publicly, behind the scenes the club has applied a few more gags to the mouth of Jason Akermanis.
A scheduled video appearance on this newspaper's website was cancelled yesterday. It followed heavy club editing of recent columns he had prepared for the sports pages of the paper.
The club was annoyed Aker dared say on Herald Sun video last week that Geelong might be considering conspiring to rest some of its players from the Hall of Fame game.
Heavy stuff, as you can see. Heavy enough for the order to be given that yesterday's video would not be happening.
Aker also has had his trademark handstand banned.
Remember the pride of the Bulldogs when they recruited Aker?
"It's going to be unleashed . . . it's entertainment," said Bulldogs chief executive Campbell Rose last year of Akermanis and his handstand.
The Bulldogs regularly scream out for publicity. They are good at that.
But they're terrible at dealing with the news they can't control, and they'll need to improve drastically if they are to cash in on what is shaping as a pretty good year.
Tell me why this does not stink of a disgruntled Aker instructing this poor fool mouthpeice to write this diatribe of Aker percieved injustices.
I agree this poor bugger is on the outer edge of journalism.
But I suspect Aker is manipulating him.
In a way I don't give a frig
Because I think Aker in his own unorthodox unique way is skull dragging the Bulldog's to a premiership.
Tell me why this does not stink of a disgruntled Aker instructing this poor fool mouthpeice to write this diatribe of Aker percieved injustices.
I agree this poor bugger is on the outer edge of journalism.
But I suspect Aker is manipulating him.
Understand what you are saying but it could also be seen as a disgruntled "news" outlet getting an entrenched member of their team to have a crack at both the club and subsequently Aker for deciding a week off would be a good idea. I don't think Aker is that hot a property to be manipulating well established journalists.
Understand what you are saying but it could also be seen as a disgruntled "news" outlet getting an entrenched member of their team to have a crack at both the club and subsequently Aker for deciding a week off would be a good idea. I don't think Aker is that hot a property to be manipulating well established journalists.
Someone said earlier in the thread that he is Aker's ghost writer.
Yeah I know, but a lot of things get said on this message board.
How amazing - a total stranger came up to him, abused him & he ignored it. Who would've thought??!!:rolleyes:
The way BigFooty posters bang on about journos you'd think they were somewhat jealous about someone else having access to a mass readership base, but that couldn't be the case could it?
Having said that, his article really was a total waste of time.
Better off ignoring space filling crap like that really.
I see you missed the point of my post.
How amazing - a total stranger came up to him, abused him & he ignored it. Who would've thought??!!:rolleyes:
The way BigFooty posters bang on about journos you'd think they were somewhat jealous about someone else having access to a mass readership base, but that couldn't be the case could it?
Having said that, his article really was a total waste of time.
Better off ignoring space filling crap like that really.
I agree with you. Gives me the shits how people bang on about Caro and Hutchy ect. Truth is they are pretty dam good at what they do and i support them.
But still doesn't change my opinion that this particular article was pathetic. It really was.
stefoid
24 Apr 2008, 11:39
Noticed I was not the only one to comment on his article, I saw a Stefoid of Prahan on the hun site as well. :thumbsu:
Preston thanks very much!
Anthony_
24 Apr 2008, 11:57
Preston thanks very much!
My bad, you're correct.
Borgsta
24 Apr 2008, 12:23
My bad, you're correct.
I would hope he knows :D
Anthony_
24 Apr 2008, 12:33
I would hope he knows :D
I know, its not even the long weekend yet :p
paul scholes
24 Apr 2008, 16:35
This is the same guy who thinks J. Brown is a target for Collingwood:eek:
footy politics poor mans Caroline Wilson is Damian.Errr Ummmm when's our ''success'' been Damian?
Anthony_
24 Apr 2008, 21:04
haha its up to 21 comments now, all of them are unfavourable.
beyondthevalley ofthedogs
24 Apr 2008, 21:09
haha its up to 21 comments now, all of them are unfavourable.
It would send a better message if there were ZERO comments. All you've proved to the H-S is that you're interested enough to comment. Do you really think they care whether the comments are favourable or not? Unlikely.
Anthony_
24 Apr 2008, 21:10
It would send a better message if there were ZERO comments. All you've proved to the H-S is that you're interested enough to comment. Do you really think they care whether the comments are favourable or not? Unlikely.
Meh, still good to read everyone having a crack. :D
Dogs_r_barking
25 Apr 2008, 13:13
I disagree - I think it shows how much support is out there for the dogs. We always seem to be missing when it comes to opinions, forums, talk back radio etc. We need to make our presence felt and our displeasure felt even more.
beyondthevalley ofthedogs
25 Apr 2008, 14:32
I disagree - I think it shows how much support is out there for the dogs. We always seem to be missing when it comes to opinions, forums, talk back radio etc. We need to make our presence felt and our displeasure felt even more.
Yeah, but success is measured in number of reactions not the positivity or negativity of the response. Having no responses would have been the best response for that waste of space article. Other articles of genuine interest - go for it.
I completely disagree with not responding. If we feel strongly enough and the issue warrants a reply then stand up and forward our disapproval.
I have not as yet but certainly emailed the club re Libba's outburst and received a prompt reply from the club.
Think about the consequences if the article by Barret was written about the Don's or Woods. The paper would have shut up office for fear of retribution. We are no longer the embarrassing lame ducks of the competition. We should be heard, this was a piece of journalism that should not have made it past the editor's desk, instead it should have found the bin. Absolute joke jounalism.
Yeah, but success is measured in number of reactions not the positivity or negativity of the response. Having no responses would have been the best response for that waste of space article. Other articles of genuine interest - go for it.
Also sends a bad message when we don't defend our club and just take it lying down
beyondthevalley ofthedogs
25 Apr 2008, 20:27
Also sends a bad message when we don't defend our club and just take it lying down
Yeah, nothing increases respect to the Dogs like responding to a crap article in an online forum.:rolleyes: I think it's called "taking the bait".
If it makes you feel better about yourself - go for it, but it sends only one message - people pay attention to this Sh1te.
Yeah, nothing increases respect to the Dogs like responding to a crap article in an online forum.:rolleyes: I think it's called "taking the bait".
If it makes you feel better about yourself - go for it, but it sends only one message - people pay attention to this Sh1te.
Bull ***t - Nothing wrong with putting the journalist in his place . FYI the majority believe what they read as fact.
paul scholes
26 Apr 2008, 01:56
I want my 5 minutes back Barrett! the article was that wishy washy I had to read it again.:thumbsd: