- Sep 7, 2015
- 15,706
- 36,232
- AFL Club
- Tasmania
There's no getting around the fact that this year has been largely disappointing and a bit of a reality check about the state of our list. While I did predict a significant drop off by the Dogs this year it has still been very difficult to watch. A lot of people are talking about our players "going backwards" but I suspect that players look better than they are when they are in a team that is performing well. Conversely, a dysfunctional team will make the individuals look worse as well. We currently have a dysfunctional team.
Whilst we hesitate to admit it, the list is quite obviously going through a rebuild. Whether or not it seems bizarre that a young team who recently won a premiership is rebuilding is inconsequential; the fact is that this is unquestionably a rebuild. If our performance is a symptom of the growing pains of a young list in transition then that is probably the best case scenario. If it's due to inadequacy in the coaching department or disharmony within the group then that is much more troubling. Either way, I thought it would be nice to examine the positives and see if we can find a silver lining.
Billy Gowers: I was puzzled by this pick at the time. I'd seen him play at VFL and didn't think he was AFL quality. I have been pleasantly surprised how consistently good he has been so far this year. He's probably not a superstar but for a rookie pick I think he looks to have been a steal.
Tom Boyd: After missing most of last year with mental health issues his future in football looked very uncertain. He worked hard at VFL level finding some form and genuinely earned his spot in the side. To my eye he seems to be dropping far less of those easy marks which had become so typical. He looks to be playing with more confidence and maturity. There is still a long way to go if he is to live up to what we think his potential might be but I think he is tracking along nicely. I also love his new viking look.
Ed Richards: I was stoked with this pick before I even knew anything about him just based on his glorious hair. As a first year player there is a lot to be excited about. He brings two things we are chronically lacking: pace and skill. Really looks like a 300 gamer to me.
Naughton: The most exciting KPP we have drafted since I've been following the Bulldogs. I can't remember a first year KPP having the impact he has on games (apart from Adams). Even with a fully fit list, this guy makes us a better side instantly.
English: Has struggled at times but has also shown us enough that we can safely believe he is going to make it at AFL level. A unique player who may never be a dominant tap ruckman but who essentially gives us an extra midfielder. I'm intrigued to watch him develop and I really hope he can become a real weapon for us with his skills and mobility.
Macrae: He has taken his game to yet another level and is now firmly within the very top tier of midfielders. He will probably be our next brownlow winner if Bont doesn't steal too many votes from him.
Mclean: He has continued on his upward trajectory from the second half of last season. Very damaging player. Has composure in spades and as much resolve as anyone. Never seems to drop his head or stop trying. With skill, strength, pace and a touch of xfactor he truly is the total package. My personal favourite and I'm determined to get a smoothie with him one day.
Please add any other positives you can think of. And please avoid pointing out any negatives or disputing anyone elses points. I'd be really grateful if we could keep this as a "good vibes only" type of thread.
Whilst we hesitate to admit it, the list is quite obviously going through a rebuild. Whether or not it seems bizarre that a young team who recently won a premiership is rebuilding is inconsequential; the fact is that this is unquestionably a rebuild. If our performance is a symptom of the growing pains of a young list in transition then that is probably the best case scenario. If it's due to inadequacy in the coaching department or disharmony within the group then that is much more troubling. Either way, I thought it would be nice to examine the positives and see if we can find a silver lining.
Billy Gowers: I was puzzled by this pick at the time. I'd seen him play at VFL and didn't think he was AFL quality. I have been pleasantly surprised how consistently good he has been so far this year. He's probably not a superstar but for a rookie pick I think he looks to have been a steal.
Tom Boyd: After missing most of last year with mental health issues his future in football looked very uncertain. He worked hard at VFL level finding some form and genuinely earned his spot in the side. To my eye he seems to be dropping far less of those easy marks which had become so typical. He looks to be playing with more confidence and maturity. There is still a long way to go if he is to live up to what we think his potential might be but I think he is tracking along nicely. I also love his new viking look.
Ed Richards: I was stoked with this pick before I even knew anything about him just based on his glorious hair. As a first year player there is a lot to be excited about. He brings two things we are chronically lacking: pace and skill. Really looks like a 300 gamer to me.
Naughton: The most exciting KPP we have drafted since I've been following the Bulldogs. I can't remember a first year KPP having the impact he has on games (apart from Adams). Even with a fully fit list, this guy makes us a better side instantly.
English: Has struggled at times but has also shown us enough that we can safely believe he is going to make it at AFL level. A unique player who may never be a dominant tap ruckman but who essentially gives us an extra midfielder. I'm intrigued to watch him develop and I really hope he can become a real weapon for us with his skills and mobility.
Macrae: He has taken his game to yet another level and is now firmly within the very top tier of midfielders. He will probably be our next brownlow winner if Bont doesn't steal too many votes from him.
Mclean: He has continued on his upward trajectory from the second half of last season. Very damaging player. Has composure in spades and as much resolve as anyone. Never seems to drop his head or stop trying. With skill, strength, pace and a touch of xfactor he truly is the total package. My personal favourite and I'm determined to get a smoothie with him one day.
Please add any other positives you can think of. And please avoid pointing out any negatives or disputing anyone elses points. I'd be really grateful if we could keep this as a "good vibes only" type of thread.
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