Preview Changes vs Port

[Next Waiting]

The changes are tough this week, for me. There are players I prefer to the ones that I've picked to come in, but unfortunately they don't offer the attributes that I think we are lacking.

OUT: Richards (inj), Gardner (omit), TOB (omit), McNeil (omit)
IN: Vandermeer, Bruce, Crozier, Cleary/West (sub)

FB: JOD - Jones - Duryea
HB: Dale - Bruce - Vandermeer

C: Williams - Bontempelli - Scott

HF: Baker - Lobb - JUH
FF: Weightman - Naughton - A. Jones

R: English - Libba - Treloar

I: B. Smith - Daniel - Macrae - Crozier
S: Cleary/West

Basically, my priority here is in creating a hyper-mobile back 7 that should be more able to recover from turnover and cover each other more adequately. I don't think our ball use is going to rapidly improve, and we just look so stagnant and immobile down there. The flow-on effect is that we need to choose between tight defensive coverage (losing our best scoring opportunity) or playing loose to maximise scoring and not being able to recover.

Going in with JOD as the third defender is a risk, but I've liked what he's shown back there and frankly I don't have a large degree more faith in the other options. I don't love Vandermeer or Croz, but both offer a bit of pace, and have a stronger presence at ground level than Cleary (who I do really like, but not as a running defender). Also considered is Poulter, but the little I've seen of him at both AFL and VFL level hasn't impressed me.

We need to find a way to get our better ball users the ball in the front half. For that reason, I'm loathe to persist with Daniel behind the ball. I would move Baker to predominantly a hard-running forward role which I think he can fill well. Smith's on-ball minutes need to be prioritised as we can better hide his kicking than when he's on the wing.

One final crazy idea for you all, I wouldn't be against playing with Bont's position on the field. A mix of Libba/Smith/Treloar/Macrae/CD should be able to hold the fort for stints, especially against sides without a strong ruck. Bont can play literally anywhere and we need help everywhere right now. Him off half back in a dual intercept/running role would be exceptional; him as a forward generating space and creating movement is always great, and even him as our sixth forward coming up to be an extra on-baller should allow him more space and freedom without compromising his involvement.

That being said, I suspect the only change will be Richards for Poulter or Vandermeer.

My initial changes were as follows

Out: McSteal, Richards, JOD

In: Cleary, VDM, Bruce

However, on reflection, I'd like to make a further selection statement about ball use. So, I'm retracting JOD's omission, and instead omitting TOB, making Baker the sub and promoting last chance saloon West for a tiring Jones. I'm also also putting JUH on the left wing and starting Bruce at full forward and Naughts at CHF. Closer to goals and further up the ground if you like.

I thought long and hard about making Smith sub tbh, so atrocious has his ball use been, however, your point about more on the ball minutes is valid and a point I've laboured on about myself over the months as being an investment we need to make even though it's a bumpy ride. As you point out, it also limits the damage his wayward kicking can result in from a wing.

I've loved the way JUH has been playing, conversion excepted. His field kicking looks good and he's getting tougher by the game. Very sticky hands. I think it's worth a look at a Naughts, Bruce and Lobb trio with JUH part of the supply chain. Bruce would also add a bit of experienced direction and counselling up there, and if necessary, a get of jail option to head to defense. In fact, when I think about it, is he not a good option as a swingman in his twilight year(s)?

Sure, Bruce forward and JUH on a wing may not be the long term goal but I still want to win the whole lot this year, so as someone once said, whatever it takes.

Out: McSteal, Richards, TOB, Jones. A, Baker relegated to sub

In: Bruce, VDM, Cleary, West

FB: JOD - Jones - Duryea
HB: Dale - Gardner - VDM

C: Williams - Bontempelli - JUH

HF: Lobb - Naughton - Macrae
FF: Weightman - Bruce - Scott

R: English - Libba - Treloar

I: Smith - Daniel - West - Cleary
S: Baker

 

[Dogman 1]

You can't move JUH to a wing, hasn't got the tank and he is one of not many genuine forwards we have. I reckon he gets more grabs than anyone on a lead. We have no one else that leads at the kicker.

 

[Dogman 1]

Half the side needs to be dropped along with half the coaches. A lot of our players are mentally weak, it looks like when the pressure is on our blokes just think it's too hard and give up. Our skills are not where they should be for players on big dollars. They should all take a 25% pay cut till their skills improve.

 

[Mikevk123]

In- Bruce, Cleary, West, Crozier
Out- O’Donnell, McNeil, Richards, O’Brien

B- Jones Gardner Duryea
HB- Dale Naughton Cleary
C- Williams Bontempelli Smith
HF- Daniel JUH West
F- A.Jones Lobb Weightman
FOLL- English Libreatore Treloar
I/C- Macrae, Scott, Crozier, Bruce
Sub- Baker

 

[grassman75]

In: Hannan, Cleary, Crozier
Out: JOD, Richards, TOB, McNeil

VFL options are very thin for the midfield and forwards. Can’t be playing Naughton/JUH/Lobb/JOD together again

Can't be bringing Hannan in either

 

[Dog 36]

You can't move JUH to a wing, hasn't got the tank and he is one of not many genuine forwards we have. I reckon he gets more grabs than anyone on a lead. We have no one else that leads at the kicker.

JUH is a natural forward and we need natural forwards

Leads well

 

[Oliver G]

Leads well

Very well, he's currently ranked equal 2nd in the competition for marks on lead behind Harry McKay and equal with Tom Hawkins. Naughton is ranked 19th and Lobb is equal 61st.

Also if it hasn't already been mentioned Bailey Smith is kicking 10-14% below his expected kick rating (depending on the model)...

 

[grassman75]

View attachment 1704298
View attachment 1704297

He didn’t start the game with the knee strapping so something is seriously bothering him. At the game last night he couldn’t cover any ground away from the ball in the second half.

I'm sure he injured it v the Crows

 

[grassman75]

This week I have the unique perspective of not having seen the game or watched the replay.

Can someone tell me what crimes against Bulldog-kind Oscar Baker and Arty Jones committed during the game to deserve getting dropped? Surely they must have done something horrendous and unforgivable?

Absolute knee-jerk B.S.

Scott comes into that too. He's kicked most of our goals the last few weeks and they want him out too

Just get rid of Gardner and ToB and be done with it

 

[Next Waiting]

You can't move JUH to a wing, hasn't got the tank and he is one of not many genuine forwards we have. I reckon he gets more grabs than anyone on a lead. We have no one else that leads at the kicker.

I agree that he looks like the best fwd lead in our side. But he's already taking a lot of those marks up ground or on the 50m arc or at difficult angles. He's also a very good field kick who actually thinks about where he is going to kick the ball. That looks like the higher priority at this particular point when the alternative is Smith and Baker kicking I50.

Bruce also leads from the goal square well. I'd be advocating a team wide Ban the Bomb!
in part to encourage the fwds to lead and for those leads to be honoured.

JUH's tank may not be that of a traditional winger but his role on the wing would have a slightly different flavour to it. Part of that would would be co-ordinating defensive cover when out attacks fail. But also, given that head leads and presents so well, he's likely to provide a very effective get out of D50 option with the skills to then set a counter attack away even if he's not the target to finish it himself.

Hunter had a great tank but had to handle the fcuking thing 4 times (with all the risk associated in that) down the wing and cover extra ground to have any impact. JUH looks pretty much the opposite to that. One or two touch JUH and involves him in the game in a way that isn't going to erode his confidence in front of the sticks given the quality of ball currently being supplied to him as a fwd.

A very strong emphasis on quality midfield ball use and I50 entries needs to come in to sharp focus right now IMO and those charged with doing it date have been extremely disappointing. It's message time. Smith can put his shoulder to the wheel inside, Baker have a rest and JUH can show them how he'd like to have the ball delivered to him.

 

[LittleG]

I agree that he looks like the best fwd lead in our side. But he's already taking a lot of those marks up ground or on the 50m arc or at difficult angles. He's also a very good field kick who actually thinks about where he is going to kick the ball. That looks like the higher priority at this particular point when the alternative is Smith and Baker kicking I50.

Bruce also leads from the goal square well. I'd be advocating a team wide Ban the Bomb! View attachment 1706513
in part to encourage the fwds to lead and for those leads to be honoured.

JUH's tank may not be that of a traditional winger but his role on the wing would have a slightly different flavour to it. Part of that would would be co-ordinating defensive cover when out attacks fail. But also, given that head leads and presents so well, he's likely to provide a very effective get out of D50 option with the skills to then set a counter attack away even if he's not the target to finish it himself.

Hunter had a great tank but had to handle the fcuking thing 4 times (with all the risk associated in that) down the wing and cover extra ground to have any impact. JUH looks pretty much the opposite to that. One or two touch JUH and involves him in the game in a way that isn't going to erode his confidence in front of the sticks given the quality of ball currently being supplied to him as a fwd.

A very strong emphasis on quality midfield ball use and I50 entries needs to come in to sharp focus right now IMO and those charged with doing it date have been extremely disappointing. It's message time. Smith can put his shoulder to the wheel inside, Baker have a rest and JUH can show them how he'd like to have the ball delivered to him.

IF JUH is coordinating defensive cover for a turnover, then he CANNOT be part of the attacking move. You can’t have him involved in both phases, as he will most likely be 50+m upfield when the turnover occurs and then needing to be 50+m behind the ball to provide defensive cover. That is 100m he needs to cover in zero seconds.

It is very difficult to find elite forwards. JUH is one of them, he needs to stay forward, even if that forward role is a very high forward role.

 

[Next Waiting]

IF JUH is coordinating defensive cover for a turnover, then he CANNOT be part of the attacking move. You can’t have him involved in both phases, as he will most likely be 50+m upfield when the turnover occurs and then needing to be 50+m behind the ball to provide defensive cover. That is 100m he needs to cover in zero seconds.

It is very difficult to find elite forwards. JUH is one of them, he needs to stay forward, even if that forward role is a very high forward role.

I didn't mean that JUH is given the responsibility of co-ordinating defensive cover. That would be up to a senior person in the backline to direct and co-ordinate others who would be made aware that in the event of a fwd half turnover, they provide cover. In a wing role, I wouldn't envisage JUH venturing into our Def 50 often if at all, so I guess it's a modified wing role.

I guess the overall thrust of this is that a standard needs to be set for ball use from the midfield and going inside 50. In the short term, that might mean JUH is not playing forward but I don't really see that as a problem in the short term where Bruce is fit and available. Again, in the short term, it also provides him some personal relief from the ball butchery he's been subjected to and his waning conversion rate whilst also providing part of the solution to this problem.

 

[doggies ftw]

Team selection will tell us a lot this week, if Bevo has any integrity whatsoever and is still a chance at being the man to take us forward then he obviously drops JOD.

If as expected, he thinks he’s smarter than everyone else and is too ****ing stubborn to be proven wrong he’ll double down and keep him in the side. Honestly this will tell me everything I need to know

 

[CaptainMurphy]

We'll win this one

 

[stefoid]

Team selection will tell us a lot this week, if Bevo has any integrity whatsoever and is still a chance at being the man to take us forward then he obviously drops JOD.

If as expected, he thinks he’s smarter than everyone else and is too ******* stubborn to be proven wrong he’ll double down and keep him in the side. Honestly this will tell me everything I need to know

Depends entirely on who bevo wants to replace him with? Do you want Hannan running around like a headless chook instead

Also Id rather see us stick with Jones - ups and downs are common for younger players and he applies a tonne of pressure in the forward line. This is also the lot of opportunistic small forwards, but as long as they apply their pressure and keep getting to the right spots, its all you can ask. He was down last week, but for the few weeks before that it was Bont, Libba and Jones in the top 3 for pressure acts.

It may be that he got caught up in his own hype and started chasing possessions which backfired on him. Back him to turn it around this week

 

[CarnTheScray]

He really hasn't.
He's been serviceable and pretty sound defensively.
His biggest issue has been his brain fades with the ball. But even that isn't to the level of O'Brien and Gardner.

When it’s a high pressure game like on Saturday, and Gardner or O’Brien have the ball, I have to look away.

 

[Dogman 1]

Cmon, everyone knows what Bevo will do, he has his favourites. In- Hannan, McComb, etc.

 

[Next Waiting]

Depends entirely on who bevo wants to replace him with? Do you want Hannan running around like a headless chook instead

Also Id rather see us stick with Jones - ups and downs are common for younger players and he applies a tonne of pressure in the forward line. This is also the lot of opportunistic small forwards, but as long as they apply their pressure and keep getting to the right spots, its all you can ask. He was down last week, but for the few weeks before that it was Bont, Libba and Jones in the top 3 for pressure acts.

It may be that he got caught up in his own hype and started chasing possessions which backfired on him. Back him to turn it around this week

It may also be that as a 19 yr old he's running out of a bit of puff through the grind. If that is the case, an easier few weeks in VFL or a week off might be the tonic required.

On his best exposed form, I'd like to see him in the 22 at the pointy end so OK with spelling now if that helps get him to the end of season in that form.

 

[hatescaptcha]

IN: Vandermeer, Poulter
OUT: Richards (Inj), O’Brien

Play JOD as the third intercepting tall.


Sent from my iPhone using BigFooty.com

 

[scooter600x]

IN: Vandermeer, Poulter
OUT: Richards (Inj), O’Brien

Play JOD as the third intercepting tall.


Sent from my iPhone using BigFooty.com

You haven't gone hard enough.

Gardner for Cleary, too.

I'm not keen on Poulter but there is no point drafting him if we don't intend to play him.

 

[doggie dog]

I do not see us winning this one. So rest Bont for this game and the North game hopefully we still win without him and the bye to recover from the knee soreness.

Out Bont, Richards inj O'Brien, McNeill as sub surely never again
In Bruce, Crozier, West, sub Buku/Cleary

I will keep saying it but Bevo is to stubborn Naughton back Bruce forward.

This is the type of change we need, I've seen enough of Astro kicking for goals to know that it's not going to work. His marking and field kicks are great but just like The Bont in front of the big sticks, when the pressure is on both of them don't have the confidence to slot goals at a decent clip.

I'd swing Astro down back along with JOD, and bring Buku into the Fwd line along with Bruce.

 

[Next Waiting]

VDM contract extension just announced. Expect him to be picked this week

 

[dogwatch]

VDM contract extension just announced. Expect him to be picked this week

I hope it's on basic bickies. I really don't see it with him.

 

[dogwatch]

We'll win this one

We'll it in!

 

[Next Waiting]

I hope it's on basic bickies. I really don't see it with him.

DW, you need to make a trip to Specsavers.....