Eagles v Dogs GBU

Mead

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Eagles v Bulldogs GBU

The Good.
As I type this, my hands are shaking so much that I'm having trouble keeping them on the keyboard. What an incredible game, what an incredible win, and what a finish! Before going any further, I would like to advert your attention to the following- after last years clutch performance by the Sampinator against the Dogs, I posted the following-


After the events of the final quarter, I think we can update it a little.


So, Um, yes, the review. The truth is that this game gave us a.) four points and b.) a reality check.

Certainly, there were some outstanding performances. Cousins was captaincy personified- classy all day, and on every loose ball in the last five minutes. It might be a hackneyed cliche, but its still true- when the game is there to be won or lost, the truly great players lift. Speaking of which, spare a thought for Michael Gardiner, who was the catalyst which got us back into this game after the Dogs kicked on early. Within five minutes of being on the ground, he had kicked 2 goals and set another two up, and all day, whenever he got on the field we punched to a new level.
Judd was absolutely awesome in the first half, with 4 'The Package tm' goals.- his second half fade out was disappointing but he got back into it very late in the game and was one of the prime movers that got us over the line in the end. Fletcher, Jones, Morrison, Adkins and Braun covered well for the absence of Kerr, and the latter two also fit into the category of 'crunch time' performers. Cox probably didn't put in as great a performance as I would have liked, but he was okay.

Up forward, Matera was lethal, Embley and Chick were telling at times, and Jako, whilst he never got on the board, did in fact provide a target- late in the game he also grabbed a couple of absolutely vital mop-up possessions in defence. Meanwhile, a certain young lad by the name Ashley Sampi, as he has done on multiple occasions before, killed the game- the first goal had me out of my seat, cheering and dancing around the room, so I was forced to break out the old 'mechanical bull ride' for the final one. That last goal was clearly outside Sampi's normal range, but Samps just seems to be one of those guys who can play beyond his limitations in 'those' sort of moments. The Iceman cometh once more.

In defence, there were some ups and downs. Maybe its still the adrenaline talking, but I was actually pretty happy with how Carroll went on Rawlings. He never shut him down, but in the second half he did enough to limit a guy who was vastly more talented than him, although Rawlings' errant kicking helped. I was also very happy with Humm, who was more than solid in the small defensive role. Lynch kicked well out of defence in the latter half of the game, and Wirra did some decent mop up work.

Overall, that was one of the best football games I have ever seen, period. The Dogs played out of their skins at times, the lead and momentum seesawed, and the final result was the right one for us. I think I'm going to email the club asking for a nice comfortable win next week, because a few more like that will see me have a cardiac arrest by round 5.

The Bad
Not withstanding all of the above, the reality was that but for luck and some individual brilliance, the Dogs would have this game and we'd be doing a lot more soul searching.

Unsurprisingly, the biggest woes were in defence. Lynch got pantsed early on by Rawlings, and Carroll, although he toiled manfully, was never going to shut him down. It is perhaps a bit deflating to see Lynch fail after showing such promise, but we definitely need to stick with him. On hard leading forwards Lynch struggles because he lacks leg speed, but we knew that already- really, Lynchy started lining up against one of the best leading forwards in the competition at Full Back, so the end result shouldn't be too surprising. The next few weeks should be the proof of the pudding.

Meanwhile Staker used the ball well in places, but then did a few absolutely ****ing idiotic things just at the wrong time. That fifty metre penalty.... ... He's your player Ex, you can try and defend him! Another less obvious but equally serious deficiency was our lack of anyone who could handle Johnson- Green was pretty insipid on him which didn't surprise me at all given Kasey's poor form in the preseason- lift your game Irish.

Up forward, McDougall was okay for about three minutes in the first half, and then did sweet bugger all for the rest of the game. Again, we're going to have to be patient with Doogs, but he was certainly another who failed to live up to his expectation. I would have also liked to see more from Cox, who, whilst okay, didn't really dominate.

The worst thing about this game was that it really didn't seem different to last year- in fact, parts of it bore an uncanny resemblence to our stunning win against the Pies at Telstra last year. We won, played outstandingly in places and poorly in others. The midfield was great, the backline had some holes, and we struggled for a tall target up forward- hopefully things can change over the next few weeks.

The Ugly
Banfield's injury was gut wrenching- the mail is that he might be okay, but initially it looked like the worst- we can probably cover him, (especially with the Hummer coming up so well!) but a serious knee injury could have been career ending for Banners.

Speaking of ugly, Cooney was bloody entertaining to watch from his first clanger, to his chunder at quarter time and onwards.- he had some hilariously bad and some absolutely outstanding aspects about him. There's no doubt he has the potential to be another Chris Judd (three years into his career and I think the Juddster has enough prestige to merit placing his 'next' tag on a up and comer)- loved his tackling and he has a great ability to keep his feet just like Saint Chris.

The umpiring was patchy, but not too bad- having said that, the centre bounces were absolutely horrific, to the point of having a serious impact on the game- having a dominant ruckmen is somewhat less use when the **** doing the bounce is unable to reliably have it land in the centre square let alone the circle. Channel 10's coverage was iffy- I hated the way the cut away so quickly after the game- a contest as tight as that deserved a reasonable wrap up.

NB- I totally forgot to mention this with all the excitement, but something really needs to be done about Darcy's tactics at centre bounces- its not just unsporting, its bloody dangerous and could seriously injure people. Tunnelling is a great way to snap someone's spine, and the AFL needs to step on it immediately.

All up, we got the points, and now we've got some work to do. With Port looking scary next week, the reality is unless we can sort some things out quickly, its going to be a tough couple of weeks till Gassy and Glassy get back. Having said that, I think in a few weeks we'll know just what this game meant, because personally I think we were up against a bloody a good side. Commiserations to the Dogs on the loss, and congratulations to them for helping put together what will no doubt be considered one of the games of the season- they deserved to win that as much as us, and must be justifiably gutted after playing so well. One thing I'm certain of is that the team which played us today is not a wooden spoon side by any stretch of the imagination.
 

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bunsen burner

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#2
good: We won.

bad:

1) McDougall. Soft as butter. Not enough effort

2) Green. I rated this guy two seasons ago, but this guy has played like a hack all preseason, lacks confidence, and makes bad decisions.

3) Humm. Bad decision making on a number of occasions.


ugly: Cooney and Street. Two really ugly dudes.
 

Mead

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Originally posted by bunsen burner
ugly: Cooney and Street. Two really ugly dudes.
If Satan was incarnated as an AFL player, he'd be a dead ringer for Peter Street.
 

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#4
Good write-up Mead. I was pretty amazed that they didn't ping Darcy for his interesting tactic of winning ruck taps by paralysing the opposition ruckman. But given the way Joey baits them, I'm surprised we get any frees at all - I swear I heard the maggot say "one more word Phil and I'll turn it over" or somthing like that.
 

Juddamania

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#5
My sister and I thought Cooney wasn't talented in the looks department either! (playing ability is another story though!)

I always thought Spider Everitt looked a bit satanic with the tattoo and long black hair... must admit even Lynch is better looking than Street!;)

Good job as always Mead, love "The Sampinator" but it should be Judd-ment Day :p

Doogs seems to be better at home, lately anyway. He was good against the saints/swans (can't remember which one) away last year.

Buffy must have a split personality!he's a gemini! ... sometimes he can be really good, sometimes really bad. I think it's too early to write him off... he really needs to bulk up a bit, maybe thats why he wears a jumper- hide his skinny arms
 

Mead

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Re: Re: Eagles v Dogs GBU

Originally posted by carneagles
Good write-up Mead. I was pretty amazed that they didn't ping Darcy for his interesting tactic of winning ruck taps by paralysing the opposition ruckman. But given the way Joey baits them, I'm surprised we get any frees at all - I swear I heard the maggot say "one more word Phil and I'll turn it over" or somthing like that.
I loved his negotiation technique for opening up the angle after taking a mark. Fido: "15m straighter than the mark? In all conscience the best I can accept is 10... thats really the least I'm prepared to cheat."
Umpire: "5m"
Fido: "Okay."
 

brampta

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#7
What a game! Was watching it up at the Ainslie Footy Club with about 20 other eagles supporters and it was the best!

Sorry Mead but I actually have to disagree with your comments about Quentin Lynch. He really stood up in defence in the dying moments of the last quarter, and seemed to be everywhere during the game. We kept on looking at the screen trying to figure out who number 21 was. But then again, I dont rate Trent Carroll, at all, he could have cost us the game with his clumsiness in the last quarter. And Carroll is an "experienced" afl player, and should no better. Lynch should get better with experience.

Go you mighty eagles!
 

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#8
Superb write-up again Mead.

Loved Chad Morrison's game today, looked very competent running off the HB line and his disposal was generally pretty good. Can't remember who his direct opponent was though, hope they didn't carve up!

Also re McDougall reminds me a lot of Fevola, showing brief glimpses of promise early in career, inability to impose himself on a game, cases of the kicking yips. I'm sure his breakthrough year is at least a couple of years away, but as you said Mead we'll just have to persist and give the kid time to learn the ropes.
 

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#10
I too would have to disagree with your comments re Lynch. I thought he did an outstanding job once he was moved to CHB (his rightful place in the universe). He isn't a Full Back and should not have been placed in a position where he feels uncomfortable.
 

coasting

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#11
It was good play by that Bulldog player (Harris?) to do over McDougal like that after he took the mark. That would have hurt like hell and would have hurt for the rest of the game. After I saw that I knew he wouldn't do anything for the rest of the game. I would rather he wasn't the focal point until he is physically ready - which he clearly isn't. He was great for us running around the half forward line last year. He isn't ready to be the 'go-to' man.
 

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Deegle

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#12
Just gotta say one of the best games ive seen for a long time, judd was all class in the first half and last quarter, gards was SUPERB for a guy who hasnt played for 6 months. Cousins the ball-magnet was as good as ever. Matera bobbed up everywhere when it counted, especially in the final term. Sampi is one of the most skillful players i have seen, i cant wait to see in 2 or 3 years time when himself and judd reach their peaks, they will be two of the most exciting players to watch in the AFL.

However, despite our goal scoring abilites, we need a little something called DEFENCE! Where was it? Humm was good in parts, Lynch could bomb it 70 metres (but no always hitting his targets) and he was never accountable.. Carroll was lucky ( i admit he was lucky on about 3 occassions for not pushing in the back). Staker was a bloody nightmare, why in the hell would you tackle the opposition captain with 2 mins left in the game on the HBF, 40 seconds after his taken the mark, just bloody stupid. If it wasnt for Embleys tip over the goal line, that free kick probably would of cost us the game.

Ohh and id like your opinion on McDougall on where he should play (or even if he should play at all)

Where do you play McDougall?

Full-forward?-
Not a strong lead, not as talented as Phil Matera at reading the play and taking marks out in front, goal kicking also a bit suspect at times

Centre Half-Forward?-
Not enough strength, never really seen him take a pack mark, instead he usually gets bowled over by the on-coming CHB or FB. Soft.

Half-Forward Flank?-
To lanky and gangly

Forward Pocket?-
then what do you do for the resting midfielder and fido.
 

juddy03

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#13
Originally posted by bunsen burner
good: We won.

bad:

1) McDougall. Soft as butter. Not enough effort

3) Humm. Bad decision making on a number of occasions.
Disagree with both of those comments.. Doogs didnt play too bad, with no delivery to him..
I thought Humm was brilliant.. Stood up, and was probably one of our best defenders today alongside Trent Carroll! Rawlings only kicked 2 after half time, not a bad effort from Trent Carroll!
 

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#14
Carrol was lucky though, Rawlings could of had 4,5 or even 6 goals on him if it wasnt for his poor accuracy. Im just not convinced our backline is up to par with the rest of the league, we're inconsistent, clumsy most of the time and we never spoil when its needed.
 

no1bankteller

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#15
Originally posted by brampta
What a game! Was watching it up at the Ainslie Footy Club with about 20 other eagles supporters and it was the best!

Sorry Mead but I actually have to disagree with your comments about Quentin Lynch. He really stood up in defence in the dying moments of the last quarter, and seemed to be everywhere during the game. We kept on looking at the screen trying to figure out who number 21 was. But then again, I dont rate Trent Carroll, at all, he could have cost us the game with his clumsiness in the last quarter. And Carroll is an "experienced" afl player, and should no better. Lynch should get better with experience.

Go you mighty eagles!
Good call. I think from where I was sitting Lynchy did rather well in lsat quarter. He was a rock and helped out on many occassions when midfielders got into trouble on the wing
 

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#16
I think Staker tackled Grant at the last because he made a move to play on. It looked like he turned to the right and pulled his hand back to punch the ball to a running player.

Dean Kemp did the same thing to Lucas in 1999, when he was actually bringing his fist forward and got pinged the same way. The new mark was the goal line that time.
 

bunsen burner

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#17
Originally posted by juddy03
Disagree with both of those comments.. Doogs didnt play too bad, with no delivery to him..
I thought Humm was brilliant.. Stood up, and was probably one of our best defenders today alongside Trent Carroll! Rawlings only kicked 2 after half time, not a bad effort from Trent Carroll!
McDougall: It wasn't about his marking or kicking I was referring to. If you watch the game again, watch what he does when the ball is on the ground near by. Doesn't seem to want the ball, doesn't seem to want to tackle or shepherd, and doesn't position himself correctly to recieve out of a pack.

Humm: Turned his back on his opponent on a number of occasions. Let West run into an open goal because he was more concerned about his own man. Ran out of the full backline with an option to short pass to Morrison on his own or kick to a contest. Kicked to the contest and turned over the ball.
 

juddy03

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#18
Originally posted by bunsen burner
McDougall: It wasn't about his marking or kicking I was referring to. If you watch the game again, watch what he does when the ball is on the ground near by. Doesn't seem to want the ball, doesn't seem to want to tackle or shepherd, and doesn't position himself correctly to recieve out of a pack.

Humm: Turned his back on his opponent on a number of occasions. Let West run into an open goal because he was more concerned about his own man. Ran out of the full backline with an option to short pass to Morrison on his own or kick to a contest. Kicked to the contest and turned over the ball.
I can totally understand those points, i guess it's only your opinion and i am welcome for anyone to express this.. I will have to watch the game again, because the cheer squad isnt exactly the best place to watch the footy, as you cant see anything..
 

daddy_4_eyes

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#19
Originally posted by bunsen burner
bad:

1) McDougall. Soft as butter. Not enough effort

2) Green. I rated this guy two seasons ago, but this guy has played like a hack all preseason, lacks confidence, and makes bad decisions.

3) Humm. Bad decision making on a number of occasions.
1) Had an ordinary day, but last year proved he wasn't soft.

2) Picked by default really. Hunter out injured, Collica injured and out of favour, Nicoski unproven.

3) Lucky for us, Waters and Butler will be coming through.
 

no1bankteller

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#20
Originally posted by bunsen burner

Humm: Turned his back on his opponent on a number of occasions. Let West run into an open goal because he was more concerned about his own man. Ran out of the full backline with an option to short pass to Morrison on his own or kick to a contest. Kicked to the contest and turned over the ball.
You will find that Humm's opponent until the last quarter was in fact Cooney. Did a great job on him too. Cooney got moved of him in last quarter and went on the baall.

He did once kick to the contest, I was sittitng on top of that kick, but it was actually a clever kick. He had no options at all ahead of him and the only target that presented himself was Lynch so what he did was he tried to sucker the WB player that he was just going to go towards the boundry line and instead he kicked it with his instep and Lynch just failed to mark. In reality he had no options that time.
 

bunsen burner

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#21
Originally posted by no1bankteller
You will find that Humm's opponent until the last quarter was in fact Cooney. Did a great job on him too. Cooney got moved of him in last quarter and went on the baall.

He did once kick to the contest, I was sittitng on top of that kick, but it was actually a clever kick. He had no options at all ahead of him and the only target that presented himself was Lynch so what he did was he tried to sucker the WB player that he was just going to go towards the boundry line and instead he kicked it with his instep and Lynch just failed to mark. In reality he had no options that time.
Did you read what I wrote? Morrison (I think) was clearly on his own on the boundary line. Maybe we're talking about a different kick. The one I'm referring to was in the third quarter. Humm had plenty of time to make a decision and picked the wrong one. Watch the replay and you'll see what I'm talking about.

I don't know about anyone else, but it's so hard to see everything that goes on when you're at the game as the play is usually a fair way away.
 

no1bankteller

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#22
Originally posted by bunsen burner
I don't know about anyone else, but it's so hard to see everything that goes on when you're at the game as the play is usually a fair way away.
Actually I think its far harder to see everything when you are watching the TV as you have no idea what is happening outside the camera angle. Plus at Telstra Dome you are right on top of the wings and its the best seat in the house.

We are talking about the same kick. Morrison may have looked like he was in space but he was surrounded by four Bulldogs it just that they were not on top of him. The Humm kick was a good one as it went to the player that was most able to reate a genuine contest and he at least had couple of players in support around him. If Morrison did not mark that kick he had no support whatsoever around him and the four WB players would have taken the ball from him. IMO it was a good decision by Humm to do as he did.
 

Greaves

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#23
Originally posted by bunsen burner
Did you read what I wrote? Morrison (I think) was clearly on his own on the boundary line. Maybe we're talking about a different kick. The one I'm referring to was in the third quarter. Humm had plenty of time to make a decision and picked the wrong one. Watch the replay and you'll see what I'm talking about.

I don't know about anyone else, but it's so hard to see everything that goes on when you're at the game as the play is usually a fair way away.
I know the one your talking about, I couldnt believe he did that. I did notice though he didnt even look in morrisons direction.
 

coasting

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#24
Agree with no1bankteller on this one. From what I saw Humm was mainly on Cooney. Humm did alright and played as well as any of our guys in the backline. Would be really surprised if he was dropped after that performance.
 

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#25
The Hummdinger was good i thought. Killed Cooney and provided us with a lot of grunt in defence. He was there or thereabouts with Wirra when the ball hit the deck. Only criticism is his disposal, but that can be worked on. Good game i thought from the Humma!
 
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