Lost_Deputy
Premiership Player
Round 3 2017 – Domain Stadium
We’ve seen the back (and front) of the papers
We’ve been subjected to the replays of slow mo-crying and bro hugs
We’ve heard how this was centuries in the making
We’ve even nodded approvingly as they knocked out the “E”gles
Yet despite all the coverage, all the hype and bluster no one has actually noted the real reason for the Dog’s premiership. Of course everyone at the kennel knows exactly who instigated their big win. The one and only….
Legendary champion of legend: Mathew Povlidge
That’s right! Despite all the BS it was love for all things Pav and the Freo team that saluted, that stung the Dogs into premiership mode. You’re welcome dogs.
Of course a lot has changed between now and then. I have done my best to put together a preview with the most impartial and up to date information. However, my internet is a bit patchy after throwing my router out of the window yesterday afternoon. Apologies for any inconvenience.
The Last Five Times
R23, 2016, Fremantle 10.9 (69) d Western Bulldogs 6.13 (49) at Domain Stadium
R7, 2015, Fremantle 15.11 (101) d Western Bulldogs 14.4 (88) at Etihad Stadium
R11, 2014, Fremantle 13.11 (89) d Western Bulldogs 6.15 (51) at Etihad Stadium
R2, 2013, Fremantle 16.10 (106) d Western Bulldogs 11.12 (78) at Etihad Stadium
R15, 2012, Fremantle 14.11 (95) d Western Bulldogs 8.9 (57) at Domain Stadium
Shane Yarran linking Fyfe to the Dogs in preseason
SUMMARY
Fremantle were very solid performers last season, reaching the semi-final stage under new coach Ross Lyon. The Dockers daring play of recent years was transformed and replaced by Lyon’s well renowned defensive style. It took some time for the players to adapt, but the latter stages of 2012 showed glimpses of a strong Fremantle future.
They picked up talented running midfielder Danyle Pearce from Port Adelaide during the free agency period, as well as several highly touted draftees while hard-bodied defender Tanner Smith could also prove to be a worthwhile acquisition at pick 36.
Moving the ball more quickly and effectively across the wide expanses of Patersons Stadium will be a major focus for the Dockers. Captain Matthew Pavlich remains the focal point up forward, while talented midfielder Nathan Fyfe and ball-magnet Michael Barlow could be quality contributors if they can eradicate injury concerns.
The Dockers comprehensively outplayed 2011 premiers Geelong in the elimination final, claiming their first ever finals success in Melbourne. The victory was a big step in the club’s development, but making Patersons Stadium a fortress is equally important in pushing for a finals place. Winning the majority of their 12 home games would all but guarantee September action.
Meanwhile The Western Bulldogs are accustomed to punching above their weight, and if last season is any indication, they may be faced with David versus Goliath scenarios on a regular basis in 2013.
Losing influential senior players to retirement over recent years has sparked a transitional phase for the Dogs, causing a significant drop-off in performance.
They lost 11 consecutive games by an average of 59 points in the second half of 2012, finishing 15th with five wins and 17 defeats. Yet it is the Bulldogs’ victories that paint an equally revealing picture as their blemishes.
Beating Melbourne, Greater Western Sydney, North Melbourne, Gold Coast and Port Adelaide, the Dogs only claimed one victory against a side above the bottom five positions. The unwanted record highlights their place in the AFL pecking order.
A heavy reliance on midfielders Matthew Boyd, Daniel Cross and Ryan Griffin to carry the Bulldogs’ engine room seems unlikely to change in the interim. The Bulldogs central group deserve credit for a colossal effort in 2012, pushing the Dogs’ into the top bracket for total disposals (third), clearances (fifth) and disposal efficiency (equal seventh).
Continued development from Tom Liberatore and Mitch Wallis is vital to support the aforementioned trio, particularly while top draft picks Jake Stringer and Jackson Macrae are eased into senior football.
An area of real concern is in the key position stocks at both ends. Brian Lake’s defection to Hawthorn will thrust added responsibility on Dale Morris amongst a crop of inexperienced defenders, and the forward line contains a similar conundrum.
The Dogs were 16th for average points and 18th for scoring percentage from inside 50s (42.5%) last year. Tall options Liam Jones, Jordan Roughead and Ayce Cordy all struggled to contribute goals and that needs to change if the Bulldogs are any chance of kicking winning scores consistently.
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge
The Five Key Points
1. Youf. Ross Lyon spoke tough during the press conference last week. He was adamant that indeed we do have younger players and that he would try to find out what their names are. He is sure one of them is a person called Sheridan.
2. Will Pavlich play? He has remained quiet but can the former captain sit through another game of Fremantle butchery in the belch-stained commentating booth without lacing up for one last 50 metre monster.
3. If you can beat them, join them? RTB’s Fremantle has been turning heads so far in 2017. Compared to the attacking, fast fluidity of the modern game, the Dockers have provided a breath of stagnant air to the comp. Will the Bulldogs give in to the charms of kicking it backwards inaccurately? We will have to wait and see!
4. Netflix. Seriously, what’s on at the moment. Thinking about getting into Suits. Has anyone seen it?
5. The crowd. This might get ugly and the vibe isn’t too warm right now for RTB and the boys. Could be a good year to change stadiums as there won’t be much left of Domain after a Suban, Dawson & Suttcliffe inspired public bonfire.
Prediction
Freo by 16
We’ve seen the back (and front) of the papers
We’ve been subjected to the replays of slow mo-crying and bro hugs
We’ve heard how this was centuries in the making
We’ve even nodded approvingly as they knocked out the “E”gles
Yet despite all the coverage, all the hype and bluster no one has actually noted the real reason for the Dog’s premiership. Of course everyone at the kennel knows exactly who instigated their big win. The one and only….
Legendary champion of legend: Mathew Povlidge
That’s right! Despite all the BS it was love for all things Pav and the Freo team that saluted, that stung the Dogs into premiership mode. You’re welcome dogs.
Of course a lot has changed between now and then. I have done my best to put together a preview with the most impartial and up to date information. However, my internet is a bit patchy after throwing my router out of the window yesterday afternoon. Apologies for any inconvenience.
The Last Five Times
R23, 2016, Fremantle 10.9 (69) d Western Bulldogs 6.13 (49) at Domain Stadium
R7, 2015, Fremantle 15.11 (101) d Western Bulldogs 14.4 (88) at Etihad Stadium
R11, 2014, Fremantle 13.11 (89) d Western Bulldogs 6.15 (51) at Etihad Stadium
R2, 2013, Fremantle 16.10 (106) d Western Bulldogs 11.12 (78) at Etihad Stadium
R15, 2012, Fremantle 14.11 (95) d Western Bulldogs 8.9 (57) at Domain Stadium
Shane Yarran linking Fyfe to the Dogs in preseason
SUMMARY
Fremantle were very solid performers last season, reaching the semi-final stage under new coach Ross Lyon. The Dockers daring play of recent years was transformed and replaced by Lyon’s well renowned defensive style. It took some time for the players to adapt, but the latter stages of 2012 showed glimpses of a strong Fremantle future.
They picked up talented running midfielder Danyle Pearce from Port Adelaide during the free agency period, as well as several highly touted draftees while hard-bodied defender Tanner Smith could also prove to be a worthwhile acquisition at pick 36.
Moving the ball more quickly and effectively across the wide expanses of Patersons Stadium will be a major focus for the Dockers. Captain Matthew Pavlich remains the focal point up forward, while talented midfielder Nathan Fyfe and ball-magnet Michael Barlow could be quality contributors if they can eradicate injury concerns.
The Dockers comprehensively outplayed 2011 premiers Geelong in the elimination final, claiming their first ever finals success in Melbourne. The victory was a big step in the club’s development, but making Patersons Stadium a fortress is equally important in pushing for a finals place. Winning the majority of their 12 home games would all but guarantee September action.
Meanwhile The Western Bulldogs are accustomed to punching above their weight, and if last season is any indication, they may be faced with David versus Goliath scenarios on a regular basis in 2013.
Losing influential senior players to retirement over recent years has sparked a transitional phase for the Dogs, causing a significant drop-off in performance.
They lost 11 consecutive games by an average of 59 points in the second half of 2012, finishing 15th with five wins and 17 defeats. Yet it is the Bulldogs’ victories that paint an equally revealing picture as their blemishes.
Beating Melbourne, Greater Western Sydney, North Melbourne, Gold Coast and Port Adelaide, the Dogs only claimed one victory against a side above the bottom five positions. The unwanted record highlights their place in the AFL pecking order.
A heavy reliance on midfielders Matthew Boyd, Daniel Cross and Ryan Griffin to carry the Bulldogs’ engine room seems unlikely to change in the interim. The Bulldogs central group deserve credit for a colossal effort in 2012, pushing the Dogs’ into the top bracket for total disposals (third), clearances (fifth) and disposal efficiency (equal seventh).
Continued development from Tom Liberatore and Mitch Wallis is vital to support the aforementioned trio, particularly while top draft picks Jake Stringer and Jackson Macrae are eased into senior football.
An area of real concern is in the key position stocks at both ends. Brian Lake’s defection to Hawthorn will thrust added responsibility on Dale Morris amongst a crop of inexperienced defenders, and the forward line contains a similar conundrum.
The Dogs were 16th for average points and 18th for scoring percentage from inside 50s (42.5%) last year. Tall options Liam Jones, Jordan Roughead and Ayce Cordy all struggled to contribute goals and that needs to change if the Bulldogs are any chance of kicking winning scores consistently.
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge
The Five Key Points
1. Youf. Ross Lyon spoke tough during the press conference last week. He was adamant that indeed we do have younger players and that he would try to find out what their names are. He is sure one of them is a person called Sheridan.
2. Will Pavlich play? He has remained quiet but can the former captain sit through another game of Fremantle butchery in the belch-stained commentating booth without lacing up for one last 50 metre monster.
3. If you can beat them, join them? RTB’s Fremantle has been turning heads so far in 2017. Compared to the attacking, fast fluidity of the modern game, the Dockers have provided a breath of stagnant air to the comp. Will the Bulldogs give in to the charms of kicking it backwards inaccurately? We will have to wait and see!
4. Netflix. Seriously, what’s on at the moment. Thinking about getting into Suits. Has anyone seen it?
5. The crowd. This might get ugly and the vibe isn’t too warm right now for RTB and the boys. Could be a good year to change stadiums as there won’t be much left of Domain after a Suban, Dawson & Suttcliffe inspired public bonfire.
Prediction
Freo by 16
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