Rohan connolly article

[54_08]

I believe Rohan Connolly knows his stuff - he predicted our dreadful finish last year (much to my annoyance at the time...), and I think this article sums up how I feel in the cool light of day. it's not the end of the world, people!
Many contenders put in disappointing performances only weeks out from the finals. Let's not be too hasty to write our Dogs off.
Here's the relevant bit from Connolly in The Age today:
The other predictable consequence of last night's result will be the headlong rush to dismiss the Bulldogs as a serious flag contender. And that would be a big mistake. The renewed scepticism about Rodney Eade's side had bubbled all week after a last-quarter fade-out at Geelong, rose another level after Friday night's epic between Hawthorn and the Cats, and will be deafening now. Knee-jerk stuff, and silly.
Now is a good time to remember the Dogs have won 13 of 17 games. Like the Hawks, they've now lost two in a row. But they did beat Hawthorn, lost to a Geelong missing fewer of its keys than the Cats were last Friday night, and at a still highly intimidating and quirky suburban ground.
There isn't a compelling reason they're not every bit as much of a chance as Hawthorn of upsetting the hot flag favourite when it counts. And you can already as good as lock those two heirs apparent in for a qualifying final with five rounds to play. With the Dogs 2½ games behind the Cats, and the Hawks equally as far clear of fourth, both clubs have effectively more than a month to prepare for the first week of September.
They'll know each other well by then. Certainly better than the army of experts and punters prepared to dismiss the Bulldogs on the back of a couple of poor weeks, and similarly enshrine Hawthorn as Geelong's only serious rival on the basis of one gripping Friday night game.

 

[Bodicifer]

Makes sense to me...we will finish top 4 and take it from there...beware the down-trodden dog!

 

[Dougie4Eva]

Here, Here!!!
Crikey, you all go on about the players dropping their heads etc. I can't believe what I'm reading.
How about putting it all into perspective. Show some support and belief and build up the confidence, don't drown it.
Go Doggies!

 

[GetDimmaBack]

I've thought about the loss all day...
Things can change pretty quickly, and it would be a genuine surprise if almost any side (ok it hasn't happened to the Cats) went through the season without dropping off a bit somewhere along the way.

For those who remember, the Dogs did something like this in 97.
Top of the ladder after round 12, lost 4 in a row shortly after that, including the Port game when we were up by 6 goals at quarter time, and then went on with it (until THAT day).

We are a much better side than we showed on Sunday, and almost every club in the AFL would agree. I doubt that anything like Aker's handstand or harder than usual training or anything else is to blame. It's just a slump, and as many have said elsewhere footballers aren't robots.

A win in Canberra will put a lot of the negatives to bed.
Go Dogs!

 

[jazzadogs]

While i always cringe if i see that Mike Sheahan has written something about us, I look forward to reading anything Connolly has to say. Always well-informed, and no knee-jerk "final 8 secured" reactions.

 

[whythelongface]

All this sounds nice and rosy. Let's not be negative; nor criticise; let's show some support; build up confidence; don't be like Richmond supporters; it happened in '97 and we nearly made the GF!!

But the truth of the matter is we faded last year in similar circumstances where we went long periods without kicking goals, yes we are in a different position, but the pattern is all too familiar. Why can't we as supporters be concerned - the team needs to address this problem. They can't just bury their heads in the sand and hope it goes away.

By criticising it doesn't mean our support has waivered. We are concerned about our team and want these fade outs stopped. It is no point just saying "we'll be right come finals" - that won't work. They need to collectively address this problem; before the next game. Otherwise it will continue to play on their minds and we will be history for this year and it may even continue on for a few more years if it isn't sorted.

 

[SCRAY72]

So Mike Sheahan writes a critical article and he is chastised, Connolly writes a positive article and of course he is right.

Fact is no one knows what the future holds.

Wouldn't mind a win this week.

 

[mighty seagulls]

I've thought about the loss all day...
Things can change pretty quickly, and it would be a genuine surprise if almost any side (ok it hasn't happened to the Cats) went through the season without dropping off a bit somewhere along the way.

For those who remember, the Dogs did something like this in 97.
Top of the ladder after round 12, lost 4 in a row shortly after that, including the Port game when we were up by 6 goals at quarter time, and then went on with it (until THAT day).

We are a much better side than we showed on Sunday, and almost every club in the AFL would agree. I doubt that anything like Aker's handstand or harder than usual training or anything else is to blame. It's just a slump, and as many have said elsewhere footballers aren't robots.

A win in Canberra will put a lot of the negatives to bed.
Go Dogs!

Geelong lost to Collingwood by 80pts.

 

[GetDimmaBack]

Geelong lost to Collingwood by 80pts.

Did anyone really think the Cats had dropped off, though?

 

[Drunken Bum]

Did anyone really think the Cats had dropped off, though?

They had a down period where they werent playing that well, its just that they are good enough to keep winning during it, the Collingwood game woke the slumbering giant

 

[gohardorgohome]

Have Geelong peaked?????

Are the 'Dogs's flogging everyone on the track at the moment?

Will West, Higgins, Callan, Williams and Skipper (my September Smokie) make a difference.

What about Ablett, Ling Wojinski etc make a difference.

What will happen if someone gets injured. Is it No Buddy No Hawks.

Truth is....no one knows.

We are in with a chance. Lets hope!!