Prediction Changes v Bombers (Sat 17 May, 7:35pm @ Marvel)

[Unorth]

I wouldn’t mind Dolan getting a few more games, even as sub.

atm he’s kind of like Artie in that he just can’t get the ball at afl level but his skills are too good. Hell you sub him in during the last quarter he only needs to hit a couple of targets inside 50 for it to pay off. We’ve seen that in one of his games previously.

Acknowledging that Gallagher was brave when he went down, and I respect him for trying to knock the ball forward, we can’t carry him in addition to a couple of others who are very fumbly.

Gallagher has had two games already this season where his fumbles/lack of cleanliness have essentially cost us a shot at winning. He might be a player long term but he’s not up to the level right now. He is a liability in close/high pressure games. Bevo has a lot of love for him but he’s kind of a worse VDM right now.

Dolan has the class we need. Particularly as we’re undersized up forward and need to be smarter about how we go inside 50.

 

[Libbaaaa]

I've heard this script before.

The amount of Bombers fans conceding defeat last year prior to their demolition of us was bewildering.

In fact, the current odds are quite similar to the respective odds in 2021 and 2024 when the Bombers beat us. The only two times they've beaten us since Bevo took over:

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View attachment 2312253


97 is the highest score Essendon has achieved against Bevo. They've done this twice.

Essendon is the only opponent yet to score 100+ against the Great Man.

Going just on points for/against its one of the best attacks (us) v. one of the best defences (Bumbers).

 

[maddog37]

This looking like a sellout?

 

[RedWhite&Blue]

Gardener was best in the magoos 12 marks could play on 2 metre Peter and leave Lobster forward.

please no

 

[Optimistic Dog]

As impressed as I been with our efforts this season turning up each week and getting the job done when expected to win at 5/4 this will be all undone unless we put the bombers away. I expect to win but hope there is no let down after a tough trip to Darwin plus possibly the most talked about game to date against the now arch enemy cats in 5 days.

Get the win then focus on the next game after we get the win dogs.

 

[Doggy]

Going just on points for/against its one of the best attacks (us) v. bets defence (Bumbers).

Therein lies the issue too. Their overall opponents have been lower than ours and it helps when teams like Sydney badly kick themselves out of it. They should have won comfortably last week.

 

[Doggy]

As impressed as I been with our efforts this season turning up each week and getting the job done when expected to win at 5/4 this will be all undone unless we put the bombers away. I expect to win but hope there is no let down after a tough trip to Darwin plus possibly the most talked about game to date against the now arch enemy cats in 5 days.

Get the win then focus on the next game after we get the win dogs.

Why do you think we are even thinking about next week?

The media is the one drumming it all up, and they asked Bont the question a week ago about Sniff. He brushed it off and they tried to make a big deal about it.

That said, Geelong being such short priced favourites

 

[Libbaaaa]

This looking like a sellout?

Got 50k last year on the Friday Night, no reason it shouldn't get close to that number again.

 

[Bulldog Brent]

Got 50k last year on the Friday Night, no reason it shouldn't get close to that number again.

Yep, last year's game was the largest crowd at Docklands for 10+ years. Should go close this Saturday.

 

[BulldogMuscle]

This looking like a sellout?

GA tickets aren't even on sale yet? God damn.

Edit: Nevermind, I am idiot.

 

[dogwatch]

I wouldn’t mind Dolan getting a few more games, even as sub.

atm he’s kind of like Artie in that he just can’t get the ball at afl level but his skills are too good. Hell you sub him in during the last quarter he only needs to hit a couple of targets inside 50 for it to pay off. We’ve seen that in one of his games previously.

Acknowledging that Gallagher was brave when he went down, and I respect him for trying to knock the ball forward, we can’t carry him in addition to a couple of others who are very fumbly.

Gallagher has had two games already this season where his fumbles/lack of cleanliness have essentially cost us a shot at winning. He might be a player long term but he’s not up to the level right now. He is a liability in close/high pressure games. Bevo has a lot of love for him but he’s kind of a worse VDM right now.

Dolan has the class we need. Particularly as we’re undersized up forward and need to be smarter about how we go inside 50.

No argument that Dolan has promise and I'm fine with him being in the squad.

However I'd give Gallagher a bit of latitude. Yes he is a fringe player and he has never been the cleanest ball handler but tell me: how many of our players were handling it well in the slippery conditions at Marrara? Especially early on.

Gags apparently had an excellent VFL game before that so I wouldn't rule him out on the basis of Saturday's game after he was parachuted into the Darwin squad and then came on when there was only about 20% time left in the game to make an impression. And that was after many of the other 22 players we're comparing him to had taken three quarters in the humid conditions to find their touch.

It's not necessarily one or the other. If Gags is fit they could easily pick both. Long term though I'd agree:
Dolan >> Gallagher.

 

[Spiritof82]

Yep, last year's game was the largest crowd at Docklands for 10+ years. Should go close this Saturday.

With it not being shown on TV on Saturday night a lot more might turn up

 

[threenewpadlocks]

Clearly we need another big up forward to support Naughton. The issues we ran into vs Suns were a lot like the first quarter v GWS before we swung Lobb forward but we had Buss to cover that when we didn't here.

Irrespective of who it is (Jones, Gardner, Buss forward or back) we need to be one taller I think.

 

[Libbaaaa]

Clearly we need another big up forward to support Naughton. The issues we ran into vs Suns were a lot like the first quarter v GWS before we swung Lobb forward but we had Buss to cover that when we didn't here.

Irrespective of who it is (Jones, Gardner, Buss forward or back) we need to be one taller I think.

Will at least give us the flexibility to throw Lobb forward if we have too. Also Peter Wright still gives me nightmares from that late 2021 game despite mainly being a spud since.

 

[Angak]

 

[House_of_Dahl]

Remember that game when we kicked like 20 straight goals v Essendon...please repeat that glorious moment

 

[X_box_X]

View attachment 2312415

Nice.

We aren't too far away from moving into 4th and then 3rd all time for the longest streak without playing in a draw.


1. Adelaide 536 games between 1994 and 2017
2. Melbourne 462 games between between 1971 and 1992
3. Geelong 406 games between 1969 and 1987
4. Hawthorn 403 games between 1968 and 1985.
5. Bulldogs 397 games between 2008 and current ***



Quite amazing considering we played in eight drawn matches between 1995 and 2008.

 

[Dogs 13]

Yep, last year's game was the largest crowd at Docklands for 10+ years. Should go close this Saturday.

I just had a look at what seats are available in the member’s section Lev 1 and almost all the seats that are usually spare in my area have gone. I’m betting most of the people who’ve bought those seats will be wearing red & black. Especially the middle aged slightly overweight guys in Bombers jumpers. Had a few problems the last couple of seasons with opposition supporters turning nasty.

 

[Libba39]

Remember that game when we kicked like 20 straight goals v Essendon...please repeat that glorious moment

21 actually.

Essendon kicked the first of the game which my Bombers mate missed because he was late arriving, then had to sit thru 21 Dogs' goals.

Good times..

 

[_Cerberus_]

Not predicting these as changes. But will not be surprised at either a Doc return, or a Luke Kennedy debut.

 

[doggie dog]

It's because there so many Victorian's up at the goldy who support the pies, it's like a home game for Collingwood.

 

[Libbaaaa]

21 actually.

Essendon kicked the first of the game which my Bombers mate missed because he was late arriving, then had to sit thru 21 Dogs' goals.

Good times..

That was the best, to top things off Lachie Young's dad gave me his pass to the rooms as he had to leave early so we were able to go down which was great.

 

[RWnBluey]

Some interesting observations from Champion Data on Essendon this week. They are:

#2 hardest to score against

#1 hardest to score against in their defensive 50

#18 for turning possession into a score

#17 for transition from D50 to F50

#18 for speed of ball movement

Had 320 uncontested possessions last week vs Swans - most in Essendon history.

307 disposals in the back half - most by any team in 6 years

In 2025 they’re 5-0 when they play a controlled ‘keepings off’ style, but 0-3 when playing in ‘chaos’ style games with more loose balls and contested possessions

 

[stefoid]

Id like to have a look at Lennedy in defence, and move Bramble forward to take VDMs spot while he is injured.

 

[Doggy]

Id like to have a look at Lennedy in defence, and move Bramble forward to take VDMs spot while he is injured.

Vandermeer is a test. Will probably play.