Training 2026 Bulldogs Pre-Season

[BigFloppa]

Could we trial [PLAYERCARD]Easton Wood[/PLAYERCARD] as a forward this season? From memory he was the one who kicked the first goal against the Hawks in the semi-final when we desperately needed to put one on the board. He's such a marking threat with his aerial ability that I think he would at least pull the first or second defender which would mean Naughton or Darcy would get the third best defender (which would be a nightmare for opposition defences)

 

[Ratdweller]

Just so you are aware, VUWO is currently a 6.5k capacity. Not a whole lot of difference.

I am aware of that, and on the positive side, that's 1500 more supporters that will have the opportunity to see the game

 

[Dogs_R_Us]

Not sure where to post this, but interesting…

The AFL has had a gutful, now players will pay the price

The AFL has had a gutful, now players will pay the price

todayspaper.theaustralian.com.au

Players are currently hit with increasing fines for repeat low-level offences, even if they aren’t the same actions. Under new rules, multiple low-level offences such as a melee or minor umpire contact will have stacked fines only if the same action is repeated. The escalation of fines will only occur during the same season instead of over two years.

The AFL’s memo – seen by The Australian – says the first rule change will save players $54,500 in fines and the second adjustment $75,625.

The AFL Players Association has campaigned on reducing fines for 18 months as players put their hands in their pockets over and over, growing the view the punishment system as unfair.

Fines have skyrocketed in recent years, from a total of $197,000 in the 2023 season to a whopping $627,975 in 2025, as repeat offenders such as Port Adelaide jet [PLAYERCARD]Zak Butters[/PLAYERCARD] and GWS captain [PLAYERCARD]Toby Greene[/PLAYERCARD] were forced to consistently dig into their wallets.

 

[dogwatch]

Not sure where to post this, but interesting…

The AFL has had a gutful, now players will pay the price

The AFL has had a gutful, now players will pay the price

todayspaper.theaustralian.com.au

Players are currently hit with increasing fines for repeat low-level offences, even if they aren’t the same actions. Under new rules, multiple low-level offences such as a melee or minor umpire contact will have stacked fines only if the same action is repeated. The escalation of fines will only occur during the same season instead of over two years.

The AFL’s memo – seen by The Australian – says the first rule change will save players $54,500 in fines and the second adjustment $75,625.

The AFL Players Association has campaigned on reducing fines for 18 months as players put their hands in their pockets over and over, growing the view the punishment system as unfair.

Fines have skyrocketed in recent years, from a total of $197,000 in the 2023 season to a whopping $627,975 in 2025, as repeat offenders such as Port Adelaide jet Zak Butters and GWS captain Toby Greene were forced to consistently dig into their wallets.

The article doesn't appear to say by how much suspensions have dropped. It only says "fines have skyrocketed". This would be so typical of the AFLPA agenda. All benefits, zero accountability.

Players like poor Toby Greene are having to dig into their wallets (sic) because they are now escaping enforced holidays on charges they should have been suspended for. Do they really want the AFL to go back to suspending players for suspension-worthy offences? Oh the humanity!

But hey, it's overseen by the Thought Bubble Maestros at the AFL Circus so it's all likely to change again at a moment's notice.

 

[BomToydd]

Could we trial Easton Wood as a forward this season? From memory he was the one who kicked the first goal against the Hawks in the semi-final when we desperately needed to put one on the board. He's such a marking threat with his aerial ability that I think he would at least pull the first or second defender which would mean Naughton or Darcy would get the third best defender (which would be a nightmare for opposition defences)

I'd only do it if we try Redpath as a key defender

 

[SPower]

About time the AFL acted and eliminated fines with offenders punished by missing week(s)

 

[Bulldogs85]

 

[Westerndog11]

Cue Kane Cornes, ‘Bont is cooked’ and ‘how dare Bevo play Bont against VFL players’.

 

[St 07]

Bont plays 3D chess. He's just giving the rub to CCP

 

[Bulldogs85]

Bulldogs Media | Western Bulldogs

Watch the latest videos from the Western Bulldogs

www.westernbulldogs.com.au

 

[blagodellago]

Bulldogs Media | Western Bulldogs

Watch the latest videos from the Western Bulldogs

www.westernbulldogs.com.au

Arty’s goal was exciting. Also looks like Croft spent a good chunk of time in the ruck which I like.

 

[Mr. Walker]

Ok a practice game is on. I’m over to WOOF to get all the low down.

 

[Doggies7]

Arty’s goal was exciting. Also looks like Croft spent a good chunk of time in the ruck which I like.

Without just trying to pile onto McNeil, those are the type of goals and finishes we don't really get from a player like him and where Arty can give us a big improvement. Love McNeil's tackling and run down efforts, but never too confident when he has the ball around goals and we need 6 points out of it.

 

[lachy]

Without just trying to pile onto McNeil, those are the type of goals and finishes we don't really get from a player like him and where Arty can give us a big improvement. Love McNeil's tackling and run down efforts, but never too confident when he has the ball around goals and we need 6 points out of it.

Remove emotion as we all should want everyone of our players to do well, but a consistent Arty and Dolan is a significant, very significant upgrade on McNeil and VDM

 

[dergert]

Did I spot Anthony Scott and Caleb Poulter in the match Sim vid?

 

[House_of_Dahl]

Without just trying to pile onto McNeil, those are the type of goals and finishes we don't really get from a player like him and where Arty can give us a big improvement. Love McNeil's tackling and run down efforts, but never too confident when he has the ball around goals and we need 6 points out of it.

Yeah that pretty much summarises McNeil. Love his efforts, but can't trust his finishing.

 

[X_box_X]

Could we trial Easton Wood as a forward this season? From memory he was the one who kicked the first goal against the Hawks in the semi-final when we desperately needed to put one on the board. He's such a marking threat with his aerial ability that I think he would at least pull the first or second defender which would mean Naughton or Darcy would get the third best defender (which would be a nightmare for opposition defences)

What a match winner. What about his winning goal against Sydney at the SCG in 2015 when we showed the AFL world that we're coming? Or his goal against Collingwood in 2016 when he channeled his Pendlebury-esque side step to kick a crunch goal in the fourth qtr when we desperately needed one?

I love it. Let's bring him out of retirement. Get him a couple of mechanical hamstrings and all will be sweet.

 

[Doggy]

About time the AFL acted and eliminated fines with offenders punished by missing week(s)

New recruit Zak Butters doesn't like this

 

[Graeme Cook]

Who was that in the ruck early in match sim against English

 

[JohnnySteel]

Who was that in the ruck early in match sim against English

First contest was Darcy (in the forward pocket it looked like), then Emmett (looked to have good follow up & then Croft.

Don’t think Smith played, probably why Emmett spent time in ruck.

 

[Dannnnnnnnnn]

Don’t think Smith played, probably why Emmett spent time in ruck.

I think Emmett likely does spend a lot of time in the ruck this season, as he develops down back. We are going to have a lot of key or third defenders at both levels and he's one that has a secondary position that is valuable to the team.

 

[JohnnySteel]

I think Emmett likely does spend a lot of time in the ruck this season, as he develops down back. We are going to have a lot of key or third defenders at both levels and he's one that has a secondary position that is valuable to the team.

Makes complete sense & he looks good around the ball aswell, it’ll also keep him involved in the game.

 

[Doggy Dan]

Do they show the full vision anywhere? Watching two minutes of ruck contests and McNeil chest marks isn’t the content level i’m really looking for.

 

[Mojorisin]

Makes complete sense & he looks good around the ball aswell, it’ll also keep him involved in the game.

Makes sense if we want to persist with a defender as back up ruck like we seen with Lobb this year.

 

[flipper83]

Do they show the full vision anywhere? Watching two minutes of ruck contests and McNeil chest marks isn’t the content level i’m really looking for.

Can't let to much footage get out or the opposition will realise we're rolling out the same, all out attack, gamelan we've used for the last 5+ years and figure out how to get us on the rebound