Thoughts on the Bulldogs game

[Drummond]

No ..... whilst he's not there yet, he's teetering on the edge of really being a top player.

He's why:

1. his disposal has improved this year now being a one grab player whereas he was fumbling b4

2. He's flying for marks and taking some good contested marks ......a new addition to his game this season.

3. is stronger over the ball and in the contest and is doing some very clever instinctive things in those situations.


I agree he's not doing these things often enough, maybe due to playing large periods as a small forwrd rather than inthe midfield.

And I believe he's got A LOT NORE fitness work to do to get his fitness to the equired level

But that's why I say he's teetering

You're really starting to clutch at straws now. It's sad.

 

[crowman_23]

I still think Douglas will come good and still there is a spot in the side for him. He continually shows glimpses but it would be good to see that throughout a whole game. Was disappointing he didn't finish his shot at goal yesterday, crumbed beautifully and had time to straighten up but went for the snap shot.

I still think we need in as a small forward for the finals. We need that pressure in the forward 50. It will be interesting to see what they do with Porps. Clearly going to struggle, still did some important things, and I think we look better with him out there, if even to take the best small defender away from someone else. But really struggled to get involved yesterday and can't do much with the way his shoulder is.

 

[WaynesWorld19]

No, he's teetering on the edge of being dropped.

Actually, his disposal is mediocre - his efficiency rating is all over the place.

He is not holding enough marks despite getting in position.

He was miserable yesterday.

This is a cop-out. Yesterday he was playing a utility role, as he usually does - he was regularly around the backlines and midfield.

Bloody oath.

Lucky your opinions aren't worth much ......made any accurate or even semi accurate calls lately

 

[WaynesWorld19]

I like Douglas and believe with some time he will come good. What's frustrating I guess is that he has shown glimpses every now and again but has just been unable to string much together.

I agree ......showing spasmodic glimpses ....enough to say he'll be a very good player

Seems like I am going through and defending a slower developing player like douglas like I had to with Mattner & Reilly .....

 

[WaynesWorld19]

You're really starting to clutch at straws now. It's sad.

That's your rebuttal on my points ........


You're wrong .....no you're wrong .....no you're wrong

Great debating skills there Drum

 

[Stiffy_18]

Every other young crows players that has had half as many games as Douglas has had at least one or more stand out performance where they would have made the Crows top 5 players. All of Douglas' games have rated between poor and average.

Rubbish!

He was our match winner in the showdown this year and he nailed those goals where we were in desperate need to get a score.

Sure he has been up and down, he has been average at times but don't make him out to be some useless footballer. Quite simply the match committee obviously like what he is doing. He missed one game this year through a knee injury that is probably still hindering him. Its got nothing to do with the golden ticket and everything to do with what the coaches want him to do. They are obviously reasonably happy with his production seeing that he is actually getting a game every week.

No offence but I know whose opinion I would rate higher

 

[achancely]

Lucky your opinions aren't worth much ......made any accurate or even semi accurate calls lately

I'm not sure you are in a position to criticise anyone's calls on this board. Your reputation precedes you.

Something about people in glass houses.

 

[pjcrows]

You're really starting to clutch at straws now. It's sad.

Well well, here he is. Not surprised to see you come out with a lame one-liner. After all, we did actually win a crucial game yesterday - not a situation where the ol' Drummo produces his best work. Usually saves that for a loss.

Where's the "uninspired selections"? Where's the "generic, conservative coaching of boring fuddy-duddy Craig"?

 

[WaynesWorld19]

Rubbish!

He was our match winner in the showdown this year and he nailed those goals where we were in desperate need to get a score.

Sure he has been up and down, he has been average at times but don't make him out to be some useless footballer. Quite simply the match committee obviously like what he is doing. He missed one game this year through a knee injury that is probably still hindering him. Its got nothing to do with the golden ticket and everything to do with what the coaches want him to do. They are obviously reasonably happy with his production seeing that he is actually getting a game every week.

No offence but I know whose opinion I would rate higher

At last an ally

 

[Stiffy_18]

I still think Douglas will come good and still there is a spot in the side for him. He continually shows glimpses but it would be good to see that throughout a whole game. Was disappointing he didn't finish his shot at goal yesterday, crumbed beautifully and had time to straighten up but went for the snap shot.

I still think we need in as a small forward for the finals. We need that pressure in the forward 50. It will be interesting to see what they do with Porps. Clearly going to struggle, still did some important things, and I think we look better with him out there, if even to take the best small defender away from someone else. But really struggled to get involved yesterday and can't do much with the way his shoulder is.

This REALLY pissed me off yesterday. Reilly did the same thing against the Saints! Why do these modern day footballers go for the snap shot when the have the space and the time to straighten up and kick the bloody thing properly. They are making things a lot more difficult for themselves by trying to be flashy. Just stick to the ****ing basics.

 

[achancely]

Rubbish!

He was our match winner in the showdown this year and he nailed those goals where we were in desperate need to get a score.

Sure he has been up and down, he has been average at times but don't make him out to be some useless footballer. Quite simply the match committee obviously like what he is doing. He missed one game this year through a knee injury that is probably still hindering him. Its got nothing to do with the golden ticket and everything to do with what the coaches want him to do. They are obviously reasonably happy with his production seeing that he is actually getting a game every week.

No offence but I know whose opinion I would rate higher

There have been plenty of players you have rubbished about being in the side - it's funny how when it comes to one of your personal favourites, the excuse 'the coaches must be happy, their opinion is worth more than yours' gets rolled out. You could roll that out for any player, now let's stop the hypocrisy eh Stiffy? You're a better poster than that.

 

[WaynesWorld19]

Well well, here he is. Not surprised to see you come out with a lame one-liner. After all, we did actually win a crucial game yesterday - not a situation where the ol' Drummo produces his best work. Usually saves that for a loss.

Where's the "uninspired selections"? Where's the "generic, conservative coaching of boring fuddy-duddy Craig"?

Strange Drummond has been very quiet since yesterdays great win........not much he can really throw up

And its not as if he actually goes to any Crows games

 

[pjcrows]

Strange Drummond has been very quiet since yesterdays great win........not much he can really throw up

And its not as if he actually goes to any Crows games

He would've been watching a replay of Campbell's 6 kicks yesterday.

 

[WaynesWorld19]

He would've been watching a replay of Campbell's 6 kicks yesterday.

he can post some really enlightening aspects about players at times .......must be the times he's off medication

 

[Stiffy_18]

There have been plenty of players you have rubbished about being in the side - it's funny how when it comes to one of your personal favourites, the excuse 'the coaches must be happy, their opinion is worth more than yours' gets rolled out. You could roll that out for any player, now let's stop the hypocrisy eh Stiffy? You're a better poster than that.

Spare me the crap will you!

If anyone is hypocritical here its you! Just like Drummond you lurch around the corner and if there is a chance to play the man not the ball you come out with it! Real intelligent that!

I still state the facts, he has played in every game he has been fit to play in. He has been rushed back into side as soon as he was capable of playing and kept his spot from then onwards. He is playing in the first full season of AFL footy and he has kicked 22 goals from 21 games so far to be a top 5 goal kicker in a struggling forward line. Sounds to me he has had a typical year you would expect from a younger player. Flashes of potential mixed in with some below average performances and inconsistency! I am pretty sure he would get a pass from the coaching panel in his end of the season interview!

He still has a lot of work to do to reach the level he is capable of but he hasn't been anywhere near as bad as you, Drummond and a few others are making him out to be!

 

[Dandy_GO]

Douglas had a bad game, but there's no chance he'll be dropped. It is VERY easy to go missing when you're playing as a small forward. He might only average 12 or 13 touches a game, but not many small forwards average more than this. Even so, he's averaging a very handy goal a game (same as more fashionable youngsters Dale Thomas and Cyril Rioli), and his pressure in the forwardline is vital (4th in our team for tackles this year). He's brilliant at keeping the ball alive, particularly when outnumbered. Along with the goals he kicks, he contributes to many. Does have quiet games where things just don't go his way, but is also capable of kicking a few quick goals and making something out of nothing. Let's not forget the first showdown this year where he was in the best with 3 very important goals. Add to that that his marking overhead is very clean for a player his size (best example was our home game against Hawthorn - was one-grabbing a very slippery ball overhead), and he's turning into a very handy guy to have in the team. He's the kind of bloke who at least tries to make things happen and run the lines even when the rest of the team is stagnant. No, he's no star yet, but to suggest he's not holding his place in the side is ridiculous. He's the best small forward option we've got right now, INCLUDING Johncock, based on recent form up forward.

I like the way he's been playing this year, and he's improving all the time. Looking forward to seeing what he can do next year.

EDIT: damn I took a long time to write that. Stiffy beat me to it.

 

[CaptainDangerfield]

At last an ally

Make that two Ally's. I don't understand some Crows supporters. I find it hard to believe some would bag a skinny young kid, who doesn't hessitate to put his body on the line time and time again.

He will be a beauty.

 

[achancely]

Spare me the crap will you!

If anyone is hypocritical here its you! Just like Drummond you lurch around the corner and if there is a chance to play the man not the ball you come out with it! Real intelligent that!

You do realise you just did what you accused me of doing?

I still state the facts, he has played in every game he has been fit to play in. He has been rushed back into side as soon as he was capable of playing and kept his spot from then onwards. He is playing in the first full season of AFL footy and he has kicked 22 goals from 21 games so far to be a top 5 goal kicker in a struggling forward line. Sounds to me he has had a typical year you would expect from a younger player. Flashes of potential mixed in with some below average performances and inconsistency! I am pretty sure he would get a pass from the coaching panel in his end of the season interview!

Let's be honest. Instead of making him sound like a star, how about you recognise his inconsistency and the fact that less experienced players have gone past him.

You have no balance in your view. I don't think he's a dud - but I think after 37 games he should be performing better than he is and he should be first dropped at the selection table. He needs to recognise he is not performing at the standard he should be.

He still has a lot of work to do to reach the level he is capable of but he hasn't been anywhere near as bad as you, Drummond and a few others are making him out to be!

I've never made him out to be bad. This is the hyperbole and playing the man you are using as a tactic whenever anyone criticises poor Dougie.

 

[achancely]

It is VERY easy to go missing when you're playing as a small forward.

Except he's not a small forward. He's a utility who often plods around in the backlines and the midfield.

 

[Dandy_GO]

Except he's not a small forward. He's a utility who often plods around in the backlines and the midfield.

We both know where he spends the vast majority of each game playing.

 

[smoovy]

Rubbish!

He was our match winner in the showdown this year and he nailed those goals where we were in desperate need to get a score.

Sure he has been up and down, he has been average at times but don't make him out to be some useless footballer. Quite simply the match committee obviously like what he is doing. He missed one game this year through a knee injury that is probably still hindering him. Its got nothing to do with the golden ticket and everything to do with what the coaches want him to do. They are obviously reasonably happy with his production seeing that he is actually getting a game every week.

No offence but I know whose opinion I would rate higher

There were a number of great players in that Showdown. I don't remember the goals, but it appears to be another glimpse of what he is capable of without tearing a game apart.

I want him to take the game by the scruff of the neck and become a really damaging player. The sort of player he is hyped up to be. Not flash in and out to tease us. Because as much of there is good, there is twice as much which is pretty average stuff.

VB has taken the next step this year to the point where opposition coaches are now worried about stopping him. The same can't be said for Douglas. Do you think Mark Thompson would lose any sleep this week over Richard Douglas?

FWIW though I think Douglas>>>Campbell.

 

[achancely]

We both know where he spends the vast majority of each game playing.

All over the place.

I actually see him in the midfield more than I see him in the forward 50.

 

[TheLeftFist8]

I am no Douglas hater...in fact, i think with improved fitness and better mental strength around goal he will be a very good player in our 22 for years to come. It's a pity...if he finished well, he'd be held in much higher regard as he could easily have 35+ goals this year.

Conversely, he did play more up the ground yesterday and despite lowish TOG, should have done a bit more.

Also, I don't feel the gap between Douglas and Johncock up forward has been as big as some would claim...both of them just have to kick straight!

Yes Douglas has played all games bar one, but the fact is our injury list has never been this good all year...someone (this week it was deservedly Reilly) misses out.

For mine, if Reilly plays well today, he then goes above Douglas in the pecking order (as would Moran depending on the structure required) so either way, i think he should be dropped this week.

Johncock is on thin ice but we may need him in defence. Huge risk but a better pay-off imo.

Knights should NOT be dropped...he is due to really turn in on again and his ball-winning will be vital against Geelong...far more vital than Douglas.

 

[CaptainDangerfield]

There were a number of great players in that Showdown. I don't remember the goals, but it appears to be another glimpse of what he is capable of without tearing a game apart.

I want him to take the game by the scruff of the neck and become a really damaging player. The sort of player he is hyped up to be. Not flash in and out to tease us. Because as much of there is good, there is twice as much which is pretty average stuff.

VB has taken the next step this year to the point where opposition coaches are now worried about stopping him. The same can't be said for Douglas. Do you think Mark Thompson would lose any sleep this week over Richard Douglas?

FWIW though I think Douglas>>>Campbell.

You do realise Douglas is effectively in his first full year of AFL footballer. Don't ask for much do we. And why has VB taken the extra step. Could it be because he has 50 or so games now under his belt??

 

[Stiffy_18]

There were a number of great players in that Showdown. I don't remember the goals, but it appears to be another glimpse of what he is capable of without tearing a game apart.

I want him to take the game by the scruff of the neck and become a really damaging player. The sort of player he is hyped up to be. Not flash in and out to tease us. Because as much of there is good, there is twice as much which is pretty average stuff.

VB has taken the next step this year to the point where opposition coaches are now worried about stopping him. The same can't be said for Douglas. Do you think Mark Thompson would lose any sleep this week over Richard Douglas?

FWIW though I think Douglas>>>Campbell.

Douglas will get there. This is vB's 4th year in the system and he has 80 odd games of AFL experience. Its only really his second half of the year that he as become a lot more attacking and damaging. So it took VB some 80 odd games. Douglas is approaching half of that.

He will get there eventually. I never said he was great. I agree he is very inconsistent but he does show genuine flashes of brilliance. It will take a little while for him to put it all together but he is showing something. As long as he is showing something we can work with thats a good thing. I think he will be better next year with another PS under his belt. I am confident that he will be a good player for us for many years to come.

Inconsistency comes with young inexperienced players especially those that are mainly playing on HFF!