Review Rd 1, 2019: Win vs Sydney - autopsy. 82-65

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The term 'hate' seems to be commonly used these days to describe critical or even analytical comments made about players? Surely this word is totally inappropriate and has crept into the vernacular as a lazy substitute for expressing one's disagreement.
 
When you are wearing the Thor jumper and you have not only Thor but also Jason Bourne in attendance you can't just roll over your opponent and have the game all wrapped up by halftime. It just wouldn't fit the narrative. You need suspense and drama. You need the evildoers to be right on the verge of destroying all that is right and good and then the superheroes can streak in and save the world at the last minute. That's just the way these things work. The Doggies managed it perfectly.
 
DognBones said:
The term 'hate' seems to be commonly used these days to describe critical or even analytical comments made about players? Surely this word is totally inappropriate and has crept into the vernacular as a lazy substitute for expressing one's disagreement.
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I agree and detest the over use of "hate".
 

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Floridog said:
When you are wearing the Thor jumper and you have not only Thor but also Jason Bourne in attendance you can't just roll over your opponent and have the game all wrapped up by halftime. It just wouldn't fit the narrative. You need suspense and drama. You need the evildoers to be right on the verge of destroying all that is right and good and then the superheroes can streak in and save the world at the last minute. That's just the way these things work. The Doggies managed it perfectly.
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How good would Bont have looked in an actual cape as streaked into an open goal.
Must be a tech boffin on this board somewhere who can make that happen.
 
Alright it’s time to wake up from some post 2016 bigfooty posting slumber, can only stay observant on forums for so long. Been a good last few years, graduated from Chem Engineering and started working at NAB last year (yay) discounted members reserve if not using my membership. Finally got Foxtel last year too so watching everything footy is fun; not just for everything dogs, but everything footy.

Great round 1 buzz last night, all about that live atmosphere and looking forward to the half time 2 pies and chips regardless of winning or losing. Like a lot of games this round, could not pickout if we’d win or lose going in, in the same light as Sydney because on paper they’re always ‘good’ but they’re getting old and brought in a supposedly underdone Buddy. Onto the observations.

Was quite an ominous looking start. Heeney took what should certainly be mark of the round and would be a contender for year again, and found it again a minute later straight out of the centre. But the team pulled it together well and gave them nothing else for the rest of the half except for Sam Reid’s 20 metre infront miss. So, there were some really early defensive concerns at how the backline would stand up after that start but to their credit, they held up considering unsuited roles/undersized/missing personnel. Nearly fell apart in that last quarter but what a team effort to pull through and get a well deserved win.

Personally didn’t notice Libba too much but at the end of it all, realised the (many) small influential touches he had and what a return it was where that final kick at goal would’ve topped it off. He’s one of those guys where his off-field antics matches his unconventional playing style e.g. his running technique; but it’s the kind that is moulded growing up with footy, contested beast and finds a way to get his kicks away to clear congestion. Welcome back where you belong.

When CD is playing unhampered, his hands are serious glue. To me that’s been his niche ever since he joined the team ontop of his smart disposal which is strongly the reason he’s been able to get games at such a small stature. There have been times previous when it’s off and many question the value he brings to the team; which is fair enough because if it’s not on there’s not much else he can influentially bring. But games like last night showed those glue hands that can gather and dispose in a game changing microsecond to release the play.

Even though pre-season competition necessity is questioned when things like injuries happen, boy do all players need that run before the season proper; coz Gowers put a shocking 2 JLT games behind him and did what we know he’s capable of last night. I’m sure Dickson will work into it as he actually managed to find those small forward opportunities expected of him but the kicking shape was uncharacteristic. Legit the only player that hurts me when misses because I want his conversion rate to still be renown as the best, but hopefully for his sake, age hasn’t impacted his pace and kicking distance too much, we shall see.
Bont, keep that up and Brownlow talk would be thereabouts; questions can be asked of quiet quarters but boy he never stays down for too long. The handball behind the head to release, the kick to Gowers and the goal against the flow, superstar. Macrae and Hunter, went about business; Hunter a bit more of a quiet game with some howler moments but just like my Foxtel, I call him IQ ever since our premiership year because when he’s on, he does some ridiculously intelligent things no one else would pull off and pops up just when we need a relieving outlet.

Like many have said about Naughton, I’d prefer him back. An absolute winner for us up forward last night and against North last year but his season last year in defence was a standout and perhaps needed now more than ever when we’re going into games concerningly undersized. I admit it may be my continual desire for Boyd to be there when he’s finally back up that makes me think that way; but Naughty could eventually find himself our most valuable go-to swingman; I just prefer him in the backline primarily.

Was very optimistic with the Lloyd recruitment, not so much Duryea. Lloyd was playing some seriously good small forward footy in the period where he kicked the after the siren goal at the Tiges but injury and Tiger’s numerous stocks of viable small forwards would have his opportunities brought to us. Like the 2 JLT matches, last night had many great passages whilst having some agitating almost moments. For example, two dropped marks he should’ve taken; one play it stuffs the attacking momentum we had and needed, the other time he drops but does a clever tap which opened it right up. 2 great goals and the tackler that setup Bonts open goal; a great recruitment in my books and should clean up those almost moments. Duryea, yer he played in 2 premierships and yer that means he should be somewhat good, but I never really rated him more than someone getting by with the big names around him. Last night you could definitely see the Hawthorn nonchalant playing style he’s developed which I believe he needs to use at the right time. At times it comes off well and releases like a good Suckling ball; but the big one for me was from the centre bounce where he played his 1 on 1 superbly well, but then fronted up to 2 tacklers and got done holding the ball instead of taking the handball option behind him. His huge goal really got us going and shows what he can bring but I’ll still be making my assessment on him.

Now, the big topic of the autopsy thread thus far. Easton, Williams and Smith. I’ve been a huge Easton fan over the journey, just check his player toast thread. Whilst he did a great job for majority of the game in a role he generally doesn’t play (undersized and 1 on 1 against Lancelot), there were some moments I think those who are knocking him aren’t successfully bringing to light. The biggest moment watching it live from the stands had me spewing where he just didn’t bring enough alertness to react to the first gamer Blakey’s dropped marked, went to ground and followed up with a poor defensive effort that lead to the open Buddy that got them within a goal. I love the man and when playing to his strengths, he’s our elite aerialist and he battled Buddy valiantly the whole night with some great spoils; but he can’t have too many moments like that as captain because the knockers will be coming. Similarly, I’ve seen too much of Williams and rate his ability and sidestep too highly to be knocking him on this game. To be asked to share Key Defence post between Easton and Zaine was a tall order seeing Heeney get the better of him very quickly. But to both he and teams credit, it was stemmed long enough and hopefully he isn’t asked to play that role too much more but will need to find his damaging form quickly. Young Smithy has a bright future ahead of him, but may need to find some time in the 2s sooner or later. Had some nervous moments in JLT with some grubby kicks (as many first years do) and it was quite noticeable he hadn’t meaningfully touched the footy til the 2nd half last night. Finally got some touches with some smart disposals but may need to be given time in the 2s if his next few games show similar output.

Speaking of Smith, being at the ground for some of those umpiring decisions was horrendous. They officiated well for the majority of the game but there was a string of (non)decisions in the 3rd that caused an absolute uproar. Bont’s mark on the boundary unpaid set it off, followed by Aliir’s freekick for a hold which questionably should’ve been against him and then caused some viewers to wonder why we were booing him. Everyone at the ground knew we were booing him as he represented the bad ump decision which may have been lost to some viewers watching at home and seen as potentially racial (facebook posts). And then there was Smith’s 4th quarter (play on); I understand why it was called in the moment but it was so lineball. The game was close, he arguably didn’t even move off his line; it was the decision that got the whole stadium up out of seats in anger and if we had lost as a result of it, would’ve made his debut a mare. The win is as much relief as joy for all.

Long review, those are all the main things I wanted to talk about after Round 1, great start makes for a promising season. Plenty I’ve wanted to say about the team over the last 2 years but too often not bothered enough to post about it. 17/18 were both nonetheless disappointing seasons but I take a more understanding approach to how/why we finished where we did and would still take it all for 16’s glory. Thanks if you’ve read all this, been a while since a long post; dunno how many of these I’ve got in me but if you’d like any good player perspective chats, always happy to be tagged and hit a reply to this.

Just a final shoutout I really wanted to give last year, I was incredibly inspired by Crozier’s 2018. I teased him at Freo, I remember we were in drafting considerations after his U18 hanger. Then we got Toby who already showed greater output and not just a one trick high flyer who has already won a premiership. Was ready to heavily critique him, what would he offer? Truly showed what good continuity can do for any player and his backend 2018 was mighty. His game against the Saints was inspiring and I was so happy for his first goal 55 metre launch which was very deserved; and his final minute defensive effort against Richmond against the reigning Brownlow Dusty to give Lynch a chance for the win was Heroic. Quiet game last night but hoping he can emulate his late 2018.
 
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Can legit say that I don’t miss any of the boys that have left over the last few years.

We were still scrappy as hell last nite. We still need more class and fewer battlers. Dahlhaus doesn’t make us better.

Peak stringer would help, but that player no longer exists.

Roughead? Nope.

Adams injured again.

Hamling would have played last nite. He’s the closest thing to a loss IMO.
 
I don't think we were that scrappy for a first serious game at all. Everyone is like that until the cogs click automatically. Honestly, I witnessed the demise after the BIG ONE. Last year I only attended 2 games in person. Maybe the team are just like me. Needed a bit of a breather, now ready for it again. I've purchased reserved seats for the first time in 8 (?) or so years. I wasn't expecting much - just to be part of it regularly again. But what I saw was WOW. Yes, I know it's early rah rah rah - but I like what I saw. Early days yet, and if anyone is gonna put the mozz (excuse me Dale) on them it's me. All I can say at MO is that I hoped they haven't peaked too early. Or that the Swans are that bad. But the Swans challenging showed me they are OK still. Maybe I'm a bit like Caleb Daniel. He did absolutely nothing after 2016 IMO. Last night he was back to himself. Watch out AFL. Not saying we're winning the thing, but by goodness we're in a completely different mindset than 17/18. Bring it on. And for those that might take solace laughing at me 6 games in when we haven't won another game since.......well, at least I got interested & excited after one. :grinning:
 
Biggest positives were Libba’s return. Is so valuable to the team and has mongrel which is lacking in the team

Lloyd was impressive.

Naughton is as important to our future as Bont. Has Morris like competitiveness but elite in the air and more footy smarts. Not as naturally talented as Grant but I think he can be better which is a big call. He already has leadership qualities as a 19 year old.

Not as positive was Smith’s debut. I think the club made the wrong decision to debut him and I think it will take him a couple of seasons. He reminds me of a classier and faster version of Daniel Cross. He needs to play VFL and earn his spot and I have no doubt will be a very good player and if he turns out to be a classier and faster Cross he will be a gun. He just needs time
 
fronkalicious said:
Can legit say that I don’t miss any of the boys that have left over the last few years.

We were still scrappy as hell last nite. We still need more class and fewer battlers. Dahlhaus doesn’t make us better.

Peak stringer would help, but that player no longer exists.

Roughead? Nope.

Adams injured again.

Hamling would have played last nite. He’s the closest thing to a loss IMO.
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I agree with you about the rest. But I sure as hell miss Hamling. He’s a genuine gun. Having him in the side would help us tremendously.
 

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fronkalicious said:
Can legit say that I don’t miss any of the boys that have left over the last few years.

We were still scrappy as hell last nite. We still need more class and fewer battlers. Dahlhaus doesn’t make us better.

Peak stringer would help, but that player no longer exists.

Roughead? Nope.

Adams injured again.

Hamling would have played last nite. He’s the closest thing to a loss IMO.
Click to expand...

I think Roughead would be a close second, but you are right we haven't found a full back yet, or at least one that we haven't turned into a full forward.
 
DognBones said:
The term 'hate' seems to be commonly used these days to describe critical or even analytical comments made about players? Surely this word is totally inappropriate and has crept into the vernacular as a lazy substitute for expressing one's disagreement.
Click to expand...
Agree. Words matter.
It's use probably also stems from being the natural opposite of "love" (e.g. good to finally see some love for Duryea).

The problem that perhaps you're hinting at is that it's typical BF hyperbole and critical laziness. It's easier to make your point if you paint something as either very black or very white. Quite often we are not very good at making or processing more nuanced comments.

Having said all that, I've sometimes fallen into the trap of using those terms myself. :$ *SLAP*
 
Am I the only one who thought Schache wasn't bad last night? I was impressed with how well he stood up in the contest which resulted in us winning the footy and scoring on several occasions. Also on Bailey Williams if we are not going to play him in the middle or part of that rotation or at least across half back then I think he plays VFL. Funny how many thought that CD would be the weak link down back but it was Williams who got caught out/out marked on several occasions. Thought Libba was close to if not the most influential last night, great to see him at his annoying ball using best.
 
Next Waiting said:
How good would Bont have looked in an actual cape as streaked into an open goal.
Must be a tech boffin on this board somewhere who can make that happen.
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I expect Norm De Guerre is working on it right this minute.
 
BevoRambo said:
A simple point to note came in the second quarter. English took off on the wing to chase a loose ball. He just looked exciting. Sinclair eventually tackled him and a ball up resulted. But compare the way English moved to Sinclair in the one moment and it’s literally daylight between them in terms of excitement levels. The kid has X factor. Will only get better.

#playHim4ever




On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app
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He should have got hit on the chest and would have been away, Sinclair only just caught him because the kick was shite! Have to keep playing him, no 2 ways about it...
 
doggies ftw said:
...

Cant believe anyone questioning English and especially Woodys games, they were great. Me and my mates who I went with were shocked to read that Sinclaid had 40 hitouts and English only 20. From eye we all thought English was pretty dominant, delivered it straight down our midfielders throats a number of times. Id like to see hitouts tp advantage stats if someone can find em. Our midfield looks so much better with him. Im pretty sure in the 2nd half sydney stopped competing in the ruck sometimes because English was dominant and they just tried to shark his taps. Still so much upside and he needs a lot of improvement especially around the ground but geez hes gonna be special. Loved it when he stayed down and sharked the oppos tap and ran it straight out of the middle, not many ruckmen who can do that.

...

.
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I haven't looked for the final siren stats on this but just before 3/4 time the AFL Match Centre posted this:

Tim English for the Western Bulldogs and Callum Sinclair for the Sydney Swans have competed in 45 ruck contests in tonight's match. Sinclair leads English in this contest in both hit outs (29-13) and hit outs to advantage (8-2) ​

That's a pretty comprehensive hiding in the HOs and HOtA. I think Timmy also lost a few to Aliir and Grundy. However there's plenty of upside to him. Just needs more physical development and senior experience. He'll have better days in the coming weeks/months. I just hope we don't kill him with the workload in that time.
 
fronkalicious said:
Can legit say that I don’t miss any of the boys that have left over the last few years.

We were still scrappy as hell last nite. We still need more class and fewer battlers. Dahlhaus doesn’t make us better.

Peak stringer would help, but that player no longer exists.

Roughead? Nope.

Adams injured again.

Hamling would have played last nite. He’s the closest thing to a loss IMO.
Click to expand...

I agree with you but Dahl was enormous for Geelong. A revitalized and motivated Dahl would have been great for us this year.
 
True Dog said:
Am I the only one who thought Schache wasn't bad last night? I was impressed with how well he stood up in the contest which resulted in us winning the footy and scoring on several occasions. Also on Bailey Williams if we are not going to play him in the middle or part of that rotation or at least across half back then I think he plays VFL. Funny how many thought that CD would be the weak link down back but it was Williams who got caught out/out marked on several occasions. Thought Libba was close to if not the most influential last night, great to see him at his annoying ball using best.
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Schache wasn’t too bad all up but was really struggling to get into the game. Didn’t take a mark (and fluffed some opportunities to). His intensity late was important.

All in all I think he can be a solid player but I think he needs to make his marking a real feature. He can do it but needs to do it regularly.
 
Going to pop in and say whilst our pressure was fantastic, you need to capitalise on how it forces the opposition ball movement to be poor.

That's where our half backs come into it. They got to contests well and outnumbered the Swans when they moved the ball poorly, and made poor ball movement even worse, especially in that 1st half.

Daniel may have moved to half back in part because of his ball use, but something nobody's talking about is how he seems to be the extra number, the extra support, around the ball, getting to the contest earlier than others through his gut running - something that's expected given his elite endurance.
 
dogwatch said:
I haven't looked for the final siren stats on this but just before 3/4 time the AFL Match Centre posted this:

Tim English for the Western Bulldogs and Callum Sinclair for the Sydney Swans have competed in 45 ruck contests in tonight's match. Sinclair leads English in this contest in both hit outs (29-13) and hit outs to advantage (8-2) ​

That's a pretty comprehensive hiding in the HOs and HOtA. I think Timmy also lost a few to Aliir and Grundy. However there's plenty of upside to him. Just needs more physical development and senior experience. He'll have better days in the coming weeks/months. I just hope we don't kill him with the workload in that time.
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weird i definitely didnt feel like that was the case watching the game!
 
Overall I was happy with Schache. Had he of kicked his last set shot, which he should have, he would have had 2 goals and it would have been a good return.

That’s all I really want from him at the moment, kick your two goals per game and support Naughton. They actually compliment each other well.

His attack on the ball was good. It didn’t all click for him but he was still able to make a contribution
 
dogwatch said:
I haven't looked for the final siren stats on this but just before 3/4 time the AFL Match Centre posted this:

Tim English for the Western Bulldogs and Callum Sinclair for the Sydney Swans have competed in 45 ruck contests in tonight's match. Sinclair leads English in this contest in both hit outs (29-13) and hit outs to advantage (8-2) ​

That's a pretty comprehensive hiding in the HOs and HOtA. I think Timmy also lost a few to Aliir and Grundy. However there's plenty of upside to him. Just needs more physical development and senior experience. He'll have better days in the coming weeks/months. I just hope we don't kill him with the workload in that time.
Click to expand...

Except we smashed them out of the centre for 3 quarters and did well from stoppages. Wouldn't call it a comprehensive hiding.
 
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