PC2011/12RP Inside the Kennel - A Western Bulldogs story (GAME HAS CRASHED)

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haydo169 said:
Have really zoned out of this recently, should probably start getting back on track with following your story

Thinking about starting a new one myself
Click to expand...

I was hoping the Adelaide story would stay on until you won a flag.
 

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SUMMARY
Both of these sides would be hoping for a win this week. The Lions haven't played well at home with just 2 wins out of 6 at the GABBA so far this season.
They're still in contention to make the finals but can't afford to lose many more games.
The Dogs desperately need a win. They've lost the last 4 in a row and have slipped from the edge of 8th spot to the bottom few spots on the ladder.
Both teams would believe they're a chance to win. The lack of Lions wins at home would give the Bulldogs some hope they can get the job done.
It would have to come own to who can win the ball in the middle and create the most forward entries.
Recent weeks have the seen the Dogs struggle during the first quarter and if the Lions can get away early they will be hard to chase down.

IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
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Daniel Giansiracusa
The Dogs head into a month of football where they will need to get some wins. They face the Lions, Melbourne, Adelaide and West Coast over the next 4 weeks with a win against the Lions and the winless Adelaide looking likely for the dogs to go in favourites. A loss this week will hurt the Dogs final chances as they may slip to 4 wins outside the 8 with just 9 rounds to go. Giansiracusa will need to get things right heading into this week's clash and ensure his side takes home the 4 points, to keep that slim final chance alive.

PREDICTION: Brisbane by 16
​
 
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GAME DAY

There was talk this game would be an evenly fought contest and for the opening 15 minutes, it was certainly that. neither side able to get a goal as they battled it out through the middle of the ground seesawing from each others attacking ends. It was Jake Stringer who found the goals first for the Bulldogs but their celebration was short lived as Josh McGuiness nailed one for the Lions pretty soon after. Another arm wrestle around the ground held the ball away from goals for almost 9 minutes before Josh Dunkley took the bull by the horns and fired one through for the Doggies giving them a 3 point lead. Late into stoppage time Rohan Bewick had a nice run and carry down the wing to fire off a shot and score from the pocket.
Siren ending the quarter with the Lions 3 points up.

The second term was almost as one-sided as you can get. Brisbane came out with new vigor and intent and went to work on the Bulldogs, exposing their weakness through the middle of the ground. FF Josh Sache in just his 7th game for the Lions pulled up sore 4 minutes into the quarter and ad to be removed from the game. Daniel Rich broke through a forward 50 ball up to kick the Lions a goal and then the floodgates opened. The Lions went on a forward charge but couldn't reward themselves as they kicked 5 behinds in a row before Ryan Bastinac scored a goal and we'd only seen 13 minutes of play. Another behind to the Lions was followed by a Lewis Taylor goal and the Dogs were on the ropes, clearly outplayed in the second term. Lucas Webb was rewarded with a much needed Bulldogs goal as the defenders linked up across the ground to show the forwards how it's done. Reuben William scored another for the Lions as the onslaught continued. Brisbane finishing off the term with another flurry but failed to kick straight as another 4 behinds were registered.
Bulldogs trail by 30 but it could have been much worse.

The Bulldogs had line-up for the centre bounce with a new structure. Defender Suckling and Adcock found themselves in the forward line, Stringer had moved into the middle and Webb, Picken and Collins had moved to the backline. Giansiracusa trying desperatley to get the game back on his terms. Matt Suckling got off to the best start as he goaled inside the first minute of play. The game slowing down and becoming congested, halted scoring for almost 10 minutes before Lachie Hunter found a path to goal to give the Dogs their second of the term. The Lions wouldn't go away with Jaden McGrath picking up a goal to stop the dogs little run. Lewis Taylor resting forward got away from kieran Collins and kicked another to get the margin back out to 30 points. Matt Suckling doing his best for the Dogs found himself with another goal and Koby Stevens was rewarded for hard running effort to get the Dogs another on the fringe of the 3 quarter time siren to cut the margin back to 20 points.

The Bulldogs needed to dig deep in the final term but the Lions weren't allowing them to score. 10 minutes of play going by without a score and the frustration was begining to be seen in the Dogs coaching box. Rohan Bewick putting doubts in a Dogs fight back as he scored to get the margin out to 26. The Bulldogs switched the play and went on an attacking run. A rushed behind followed by a 3rd Matt Suckling goal taking the deficit to 19 halfway through the quarter. The Dogs would then get another chance to get closer but the kick was sprayed wide and registered just a behind. Trent West was wide open in a defensive mix-up as he scored to get the margin back to 24 with less than 10 minutes remaining. Brisbane then sunk the knife in the Bulldogs as Daniel Rich and Rhys Matheison both kicked goals before stoppage time. The Bulldogs un able to do anymore, go down to the Lions by 37 points.

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Giansiracusa unhappy with the loss post game

This must be a tough loss to swallow given both sides were quite evenly matched? Where do you go from here?

" We weren't hard enough today. The first quarter was competitive but we lost our way after that. Quite honestly I thought we were lucky to be 30 points down at half time. They picked us apart in that quarter and we had no answers. Had the Lions kicked straighter we could be talking about a 100 point loss. We found a few more goals in the 3rd thanks to Matty but we just can't seem to score and it's getting hard to watch. The efforts of our players in and around the ball are deplorable. We had 8 less inside 50's but only managed 12 scoring shots compared to 29. It's getting to the point we just go into survival mode from here and try to hold on for the rest of the season. I expected to win this game, even though it was in Brisbane. I thought we had the right mix but it failed to work again."

5th straight loss for you now. What needs to be done to turn it around?

"Stop losing games would be the obvious answer. I'm at a bit of a cross roads here. I've got decent players who aren't having a good year and young kids who aren't ready yet. I either keep playing my best 22 and hope form prevails and we turn it around, or I keep on blooding these young kids and see who makes the jump to be able to play AFL level. We get Bob Murphy back in a week or 2, He's been cleared to return to full training and we just need to get some games into him again. Bontempelli will be back and strengthen the midfield again. Look, We just have to stay focused and know that once these kids mature, we will have a pretty decent side. Short term pain for long term gain."​
 
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SUMMARY
Melbourne will be looking to add another win to their tally this weekend and continue their push for a finals place.
They've punched above the expectations set for them this season and look too good for the dogs at this stage.
The Bulldogs can't score. They compete, but the lack of points on the board will again come under discussion against a decent young defence in Melbourne.

MILESTONES
Robert Murphy 300 games
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After 8 weeks on the sidelines due to injury. Bob Murphy will return to play his 300th game for the Western Bulldogs.

PREDICTION: Melbourne 1-10​
 
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*Crowd figure was 33,569* forgot to change
GAMEDAY

It was a slow start to the match with the Bulldogs having the only (failed shot) at goal in the opening 10 minutes of play.
The Bulldogs had the early way of things but couldn't find a way to score despite going inside 50 several times.
Bernie Vince (resting in the pocket) found the goals first for Melbourne, as he broke several tackles to stream into goal.
Clay Smith for the Bulldogs showing he can do just as good broke through from the arc and kicked the Bulldogs first goal keeping it all square halfway though the term. The Bulldogs started to lose the battle through the middle and this open the scoring gates for Melbourne.
The Dee's banging home 5 un-answered goals with Jack Watts getting 3, Jack Spencer and Jeff Garlett also scoring to create a handy 30 point lead.

The Bulldogs lifted in every area during the second quarter except for the one that matters most. The Scoreboard.
They out marked, out tackled, Won the hit-outs, the clearances, contested possession and the inside 50's but could only muster a behind.
That came in the opening 5 minutes of play as Shane Biggs shanked a kick most 10-year-old kids would nail.
The Demons would make the most of their limited chances in the second. Jack Watts getting his 4th early in the quarter and 2 more goals followed with Jay Kennedy-Harris and Captian Nathan Jones getting a major each.
Melbourne trying hard to make it 4 goals for the term had to settle for 3 behinds to close out the quarter.
They now look well poised to run away winners today 56 points up at half time.

The Demons weren't about to let the gas off the pedal in the third. Melbourne's Jack Trengove scoring a goal in the opening minute of play as the Dee's stamped their intent on making this match ugly.
Jack Watts featuring again for his 5th goal. Despite only having 6 touches Jack has been gifted with being in the right place at the right time.
It slowed down for Melbourne from there. The Bulldogs began to steal the Luck the Demons had been using, Managed to turn their efforts into rewards for the first time of the contest. Koby Stevens getting the Bulldogs their first goal in almost an hour of play, which was followed up with Toby McLean kicking the Bulldogs seconds just a minute later.
It looked as if the Dogs would end the quarter without any further pain.
However, Max Gawn thought different as he ran hard to find space inside 50 for Melbourne to score the last goal of the quarter and push the margin to 60 points.

It took until the final quarter before we saw the game we were expecting.
The Demons were suddenly stopped in their tracks as the Bulldogs defensive work and clearance play lifted to limit the Dee's attack. It was heavily contested, highly congested and low scoring. Neither side able to score a goal as just 4 points were scored during the quarter.
That didn't seem to bother Melbourne as they had the game all but sealed up. The Bulldogs however, were still frustrated that they could not get any momentum in their forward half to score. The Bulldogs kicking one of their lowest scores since 1996 were handed a clear reminder of the standard required to play at the top level. Melbourne retaining the 3 quarter time lead win by 60 points.


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An Angry Giansiracusa answering questions post match

That was the lowest score in Bulldogs history since 1996 and equal 7th all time. What happened out there?
"This is something we will need to review further, but our forward structure isn't working. We've been hit and miss all year and it's been frustrating as a coach, just as much as I can see it be very frustrating for our supporters. We have a 19-year-old kid as our leading goal scorer if that doesn't say enough already. We've had to rely on these young guys too much this season and our senior players really need to show some more. We will get it fixed, but I can't guarantee it will come this season."
​
 

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SUMMARY
It's been less than a desirable season for the Crows and the Bulldogs.
Both sides made it into the top 8 last season and faced off in the 2nd Elimination final (which Adelaide won by 7 points). This season is proving to be vastly different as the two sides are featuring in the bottom 5 ladder positions and a long way off getting into the 8 this year.
Adelaide has found some momentum, after starting the first 7 rounds winless. they picked up 3 wins during the last 8 rounds, With their best performance coming in a win over 6th placed Fremantle a couple of weeks ago. The Crows would like their chances against the Bulldogs outfit who have struggled to kick big totals all season. Their form away from home hasn't been overly great and the Crows will be hoping it stay true this week.

IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
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__________THE COACHES__________
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-----Don Pyke-------------------------------------------------Daniel Giansiracusa
Both sides are in need of a win. Having played off in the first week of the Finals last season, It's a good measure of which side has fallen the greatest and a title neither coach would like to have. Both coaches are in their first seasons at the helm, although you would think their jobs would be safe in the first season, A loss here could turn the board's favour against them as the season closes out.

PREDICTION: Adelaide by 36​
 
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*sorry about the Port fans - Couldn't find a good background of an Adelaide home game*​
 
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GAME DAY

The Crows couldn't have gotten off to a better start.
Paul Seedsman kicking the opening goal in just 54 seconds of play. The Crows starting red hot.
The Bulldogs able to get things moving in their favour. However, their difficulty in getting someone to kick goals remained as their entries went begging. Back-up ruckman Reilly OBrien kicked started a barrage of Adelaide goals as Richard Douglas, Troy Menzel, Richard Douglas (again) , Taylor Walker and Tom Lynch would on go to score goals giving Adelaide 8 un-answered and a 50 point first quarter lead.
The Bulldogs with just 3 less inside 50's, Failed to capitalise on their opportunities.

It looked as if the Crows were going to keep on piling on the goals after Tom Lynch bagged his second in just 1 minute of play.
The Bulldogs re-shuffled things around at all ends of the ground and the Crows seemingly large advantage had suddenly disappeared.
The Crows still creating scoring chances weren't given as much time and instead only kicked a further 3 behinds for the term.
The Bulldogs with their best attacking efforts for some time. Were let down by errant kicking. Bailey Williams, Jackson MaCrae and Jordon Roughead all missed gettable chances giving the dogs just 4 behinds for the quarter and 55 point Adelaide lead at half time.

The second quarter was controlled by the Bulldogs.
They found a way to continue to shut down the Crow's scoring and looked dangerous around the ground.
Their forwards letting down a brilliant effort as they kept Adelaide goalless whilst creating 5 scoring chances of their own.
Another 2 very easy conversions went begging before Jake Stringer ran in un-manned and scored.
A last ditch effort on the line by Daniel Talia gave the dogs another behind.
Bailey Dale getting the Bulldogs second goal late in the term, to at least decrease the margin a bit further.
Bulldogs trail by 41, but deserve to be closer.

What little chance the Bulldogs had of getting back into the match was stopped inside 5 minutes of play.
Troy Menzel scored 60 seconds into the final term, Followed by Tom Lynch and Paul Seedsman (who doubled) giving the Crows 4 un-answered goals and an insurmountable 66 point lead. To the Bulldogs credit, they rallied again and shut down the Crows scoring despite them going inside 50, 15 times for the quarter. Tom Liberatore (who's career with the dogs is in doubt) showed some flashes of brilliance as he went and kicked back to back goals towards the tail end of the match reducing the margin back to 52 points before the final siren.

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Giansiracusa on SEN

Luke Dahlhaus played and incredible game for you today despite not kicking a goal as a small forward. Has his role changed?

"Luke's been required to play on the wing most of the season with small runs through midfield. I'd love him to be closer to goal as he is really dangerous but, as you saw today his marking on the wings is something we need more of. Unfortunately Luke is the only player doing it consistently. He picked up 46 disposals and 27 marks. I think he worked his butt off. I'm just sorry we didn't have many others wanting to play at that intensity. It could have been a different result for us."

7th loss in a row now, Surely you'd have to concede, Finals aren't on your horizon this year.

"Yeah, look. It's still "Mathematically" possible and you may get some of our die hard supporters out there saying we can do it. But, I'm pretty certain we're at the right spot on the ladder for our season. From what's ahead of us, I can see maybe two wins out of the 5. We will probably be fighting the Crows for 14th spot. I thought we would do a bit better, but we continue to have trouble up forward and no matter how well we can defend, It's goals on the scoreboard that eventually win the game."​
 
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SUMMARY
The Eagles will host the Bulldogs in their second meeting of the season.
West Coast with a 46 point win over the Dogs last time, away from home. Would be expecting to make it another good win as the Dogs head interstate.
The Eagles forward line, Defence and even Midfield are too good for the Bulldogs on paper and so far, in form too.
The Forward combo of Darling and Kennedy will create headaches, along with trying to compete with Natainui in the ruck.
The Dogs will know they're up against it once again and will be hoping to be competitive and try to keep the final margin close.

IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
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L.Hunter 50 games.
Lachie will run out for the Dogs celebrating his 50th game for the club.
Although a minor Milestone, He will likely soak up the week as some focus will be on celebrating his efforts.

PREDICTION: West Coast 54-66
​
 
haydo169 said:
Wohoo, the Crows were able to get a win! Not a good enough win though to get ahead of the Dogs on the ladder. Huge game coming up against the Eagles this week, you guys need a win
Click to expand...

It's getting desperate. We compete well but can't score. Maybe it's because of the impossible difficulty level. Changes are coming in the Kennel if it we can't finish the season out well.
 
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Game Day

West Coast had clear intentions of making this game theirs from the opening bounce.
Before the Dogs knew what had happened Lewis Jetta had kicked a goal in just 27 seconds of play and they were back lining up in the middle.
Jonathan Giles and Nic Naitanui both kicking majors inside 6 minutes giving the Eagles a quick 3 goal lead.
Many thinking this was going to be another tough day out for the Bulldogs, They rallied. And it wasn't long before Caleb Daniel found acres of room to stroll into goal and kick their first. Nic Naitanui relishing in his resting time up forward was given an easy goal to get his second.
Play slowed down as the Dogs re-shuffled in defence and it was almost 9 minutes before Lewis Jetta followed up with his second goal of the game for the Eagles. A fast finish to the term saw Jackson MaCrae score for the Dogs, only to have Jack Darling kick a quick reply for the Eagles.
Declan Hamilton having the last word of the quarter kicked his first goal and kept the margin close.
West Coast 19 points up.

The Eagles put up a dominant second term kicking 9 goals to one to put a stranglehold on the match.
They lifted their intensity around the ball winning +15 contested possessions along with utilising their run and carry with 53 handballs in the quarter. Jonathon Giles kicked 2 goals, His first was just 45 seconds into the term. Jack Darling becoming a handfull kicking 4 in the second quarter giving him 5 for the game so far. Nic Naitanui and Matt Pridis each kicking 1 to finish off the big quarter.
The Bulldogs could only get the 1 goal for the term. Jake Stringer firing one in, inbetween the run of 4 of the Eagles 9 goals.
Despite having just 5 less inside 50's the Dogs forwards still struggle to maximise their returns.
West Coast flying now 68 points ahead at half time.

The Bulldogs forward woes didn't get any better in the thrid.
They lifted their efforts around the ground and matched the Eagles in key stats but still found themselves finding it difficult to score.
Josh Dunkley was doing his best for the Dogs. Getting an opening goal in just over 1 minute of play and following up half way through the term with his second. West Coast however, weren't having the same trouble scoring. Josh Kennedy kicked 2, Lewis Jetta popped up again for his 3rd and Brad Sheppard joined the goal scorers list giving the Eagles 4 for the term. The Bulldogs defence got on top in the second part of the quarter and held the Eagles scoreless for the best part of 15 minutes, But this match is well and truly over and it's just a question of the final margin. West Coast 82 points in front.

The final term was a bit like going through the motions. The Dogs still trying but failing and the Eagles doing it with ease it at times. Luke Shuey got the first of 4 Eagles goals 2 minutes into the Term. Declan Hamilton kicked a lovely goal from the arc for the Bulldogs in one the very few times they've taken a long shot. Jack Darling kicked his 6th followed by Kurt Mortimer as the Margin broke the 100 point mark. The Dogs continued to work hard despite being outclassed. Caleb Daniel kicked his second goal and Josh Dunkley was able to get his 3rd before Lewis Jetta scored his 4th goal to end the match.
West Coast edging the final margin out to 89 points.

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Another bad loss as the Bulldogs leave Domain Stadium

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Your defence was really exposed today against the Eagles. How do you combat that in the future?

" We have to look at recruiting in the short term. We have a couple of young guys on our list who we believe will be great defenders, but they need more time to develop. It's always going to be difficult against such quality forwards, trying to contain them. We also have to look at strengthening our midfield so we can control the ball better and reduce the amount of times it goes into their forward half. "

Tom Campbell has been having a great year in the ruck. He dominated Natainui and Giles in the hit-outs today. How valuable is he for you at the moment?

"I've been really pleased with his season. He works hard around the ground, Gets tackles and contributes with possession counts also. He's had to wear the brunt of the ruck duties, as we don't feel our listed players who can take on ruck duties can play at the level we expect. We hope to find some help for Tom during the trade period or pre-season draft. Just so he can get some time to rest up forward and hopefully contribute there as well for us."​
 
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