Time to Consider a Rebuild?

[100action]

I seriously believe our window has firmly shut this year, we can make the top 8 but we will just be making up the numbers; today’s game merely reflected what I have been thinking after the GC game. Is it time to treat/prepare matches towards a distant goal in the future?. If you are going to post “its only round 7 and early in the year, your an idiot” please refrain.

Best 22 I wish to see played for the rest of the year

B: Morris Lake Markovic
HB: Hill Williams Wood
C: Cooney Ward Gia (yes gia in the middle)
HF: Sherman Murphy Higgins
F: Grant Roughead Jones
Foll: Minson, Griffen, Boyd
I/C: Picken, Wallis, Liberatore Sub: Dj/Vesz

I left out some of our old players that whilst they can easily be some of our best players they wont be part of our future. I have left in some old players only because they are relatively consistent and there is little competition for their spots. You might think it is plain overreacting leaving out these players and will result in our team getting thumped but many clubs do this and it will be better for the future (ie Richmond with Tuck, Melbourne with McDonald).

Now what players can be part of a future premiership contending side?

B: Hill ------- Markovic
HB: ------- Williams Wood
C: Cooney Ward Liberatore
HF: Sherman Jones Higgins
F: -------- Grant Veszpremi
Foll:------- Griffen, Reid
I/C: Roughead Picken, Wallis L Sub: Dj
Emer: Dalhaus, Skinner, Schofield, Howard, Tutt, Panos, Cordy

Deficiencies/Holes with this lineup:

Ruck Spot: Is Minson good enough? That is the big question, will he hit the Jamar switch?, he is 27 next year and all that is required of him is to be “solid” at the very least. Not sure if Cordy or Roughead can handle it being the main ruck, we probably need to recruit one of Bellchambers, Leuenberger, Mcauley, Hille, Mcintosh etc.

For the HB spot: There is strong competition for it between Schofield/Tutt/Howard/Dalhaus, I expect one of them become a decent half back flanker

For the CHB/FB spot: We need to recruit or develop one of these ASAP, there is going to be a big hole after Lake.

For the FF spot: Grant can be a lazy, keep him on the straight and arrow by having him compete with Panos for the spot, we should consider developing another FF too.

Two forward pocket spots up for grabs: Dj perhaps can make one of these his own but we need to recruit a small crumbing forward, not sure with Hooper, on what he has shown to date I don't think he can make it TBH. Veszpremi can perhaps take the remaning spot as a leading medium sized forward.

I am also a bit worried about Markovic, whilst he has improved rapidly and puts in effort I am not sure if he has what it takes to be a premiership level defender, given he is only 24 and his improvement trajectory has been going steadily upwards I will wait and see on this one.

Players over 28 and their futures after this year:

Hall: Too old/past it, he will probably retire at the end of this year. Assuming Rocket is here next year, his wish in allowing him to play on should not be fulfilled.

Hudson: Too old/past it.

Hargrave: I am aware he has copped a raw deal with injuries and put in alot of effort into his recovery, probably deserves just one more year.

Gilbee: His output has been decreasing steadily, fades in and out of games and is inconsistent; his boot also doesn’t seem to be as good as it use to be. Should consider putting him up for trade.

Hahn: Delist

Lake: We need to keep him because we don’t have any defender that can hold down FB. If we can get a first round pick for him I’d seriously consider letting him go. You may cry “HE IS OUR 2 TIME AA DEFENDER” but that will mean nothing come our next premiership tilt whereas a first round pick can be invaluable.

Gia: Im not sure about this one. Probably keep.

Murphy: Keep, guide youngsters.

Boyd: Keep, leadership, guide youngster, hard body to protect youngsters.

Morris: Keep, consistently good player, can guide youngsters.

Cross: Keep on the list as a back up like Shane Tuck, however our huge amount of inside mids don’t really help his cause, if a decent offer is given we should consider it.

Prospective Coaches:

We really need a Damien Hardwick kind of guy, our coaching budget should also be increased by 500K so the new coach can have some support. I believe currently we are on a really low budget with Eade taking the lion’s share of it.

Obviously people have bandied the name Malthouse around but what is up with his contractual status?. Will he come to a club with so little football department expenditure? Will our club be attractive if he can possibly choose one of Hawthorn, Carlton etc?.

I am quite ignorant with abilities and standing of current assistant coaches so if someone can provide an analysis or simply some thoughts it would be great. Personally a guy like Chris Scott or Damien Hardwick would be my wish.

 

[Gus]

Imo we are half re-building at the moment. Can see a big cleanout at the end of the year, starting with Eade.

 

[dogbowl]

Imo we are half re-building at the moment. Can see a big cleanout at the end of the year, starting with Eade.

I think we are rebuilding too, and I'm not sure that a new senior coach is needed...

 

[Gus]

and I'm not sure that a new senior coach is needed...

I'm not sure either, but Smorgon has laid it out and said GF or bust for Eade. Don't think he'll go back on that.

 

[Dogs Rule]

I'm not sure either, but Smorgon has laid it out and said GF or bust for Eade. Don't think he'll go back on that.

After three PF's it was fair enough of the President to make that demand.

We all know about the injuries, but something has gone seriously wrong so far this year.

Last week and again today, we barely made an impression on the scoreboard for two and a bit quarters.

Against the Bombers, we were outrun, outchased and outmuscled and we choked against the Dockers.

All is not well at the Kennel.

 

[Dancing Dougy]

I'm not sure either, but Smorgon has laid it out and said GF or bust for Eade. Don't think he'll go back on that.

He has back tracked a little on that statement.

The Doggies are terribly stale at the moment, and Eades inability to adapt and equip the side to the current state of play is a big worry. Could be time to show him the door. It may not improve our position on the ladder in the short term but hopefully it revitalises the club.

 

[.M a t t.]

Bring a new coach in now. May aswell

 

[Dogs Rule]

Take one look at Richmond today.

They were lower than shark droppings when Hardwick arrived, but they're actually enjoyable to watch and they're actually winning now.

Hardwick has done wonders for that club. They're playing with spirit and above all, with heart. Wish I could say the same about us.

Watching us today was more painful than having a tooth pulled.

Time for us to get a new coach. Hopefully someone who doesn't have favourites and is prepared to make the tough calls more often.

 

[LondonBulldog]

Well put 100action. As usual the club are behind in what they should have done.

Hudson, Gilbee, Hargrave and Cross cannot take us any further. The rest arent doing much but they are part of our future.

 

[FishCreekBandit]

The only reason to let Eade go would be if we get Malthouse and the only way we can do that is for some of our richer supporter(s) to put in a big chunk of it. Having said that i expect Matlhouse or Laidley to be our senior coach in 2012.

 

[memberforever]

I'm not sure either, but Smorgon has laid it out and said GF or bust for Eade. Don't think he'll go back on that.

Absolute rubbish, he never, ever said that.

 

[Beasley]

Hudson, Gilbee, Hargrave and Cross cannot take us any further. The rest arent doing much but they are part of our future.

A very good point London Bulldog and it is interesting to see that more supporters are beginning to come around to your thinking. I hope the match committee show similar thinking soon too.

 

[wian]

it seems that most of us are facing reality that we need to freshen up as we are stale, and changes obviously need to be made if we are to take it to the next level.

its going to be short term pain , and there will be some beltings here and there till the youngsters get these games into them, so we need to be prepared to deal with that

but eade either has to come up with a few new gameplans to suit this new breed of footy or he needs to be given the arse sooner rather than later, but personally, i dont like his style of coaching and i would much rather see someone who can come in with a few different ideas etc

i have said it before that the there needs to be more of an emphasis on the defensive side of our game as this wins matches, and although we have come close over the last 3 years, we need to work on this more to take the next step

in short, its going to be hard and frustrating, but i am sure all of us are thick skinned enough to handle it yet again ! -

After all, its nothing new to us ....

 

[flamethrower]

I'm not sure either, but Smorgon has laid it out and said GF or bust for Eade. Don't think he'll go back on that.

Total Bulldust....David never said that. It is purely a media fabrication. He said that in his mind, and in that of Bulldog members, anything less than a Grand Final appearance would feel like a failed season - as long as everything went right. Thus far nothing has. It had nothing to do with Rocket's tenure at the club, as there are far too many factors out of Eade's control to link a contract renewel with a GF appearance.

BTW we are rebuilding - Wally, Libba, Zephi, Marko, and others would never have got a game this early in the year in previous years. Rocket and the MC would have stuck with the same olds.

 

[Leezorr]

The only reason to let Eade go would be if we get Malthouse and the only way we can do that is for some of our richer supporter(s) to put in a big chunk of it. Having said that i expect Matlhouse or Laidley to be our senior coach in 2012.

Why Laidley? Do you really think he has much to offer as a senior coach? I would hope we don't go down this path as i have never been a big wrap for him

The only problem we have atm is that there doesn't appear to be a plethora of really good untried coaches, but i would rather someone with new ideas than Laidley.

 

[OldSchool]

but eade either has to come up with a few new gameplans to suit this new breed of footy or he needs to be given the arse sooner rather than later, but personally, i dont like his style of coaching and i would much rather see someone who can come in with a few different ideas etc

What is about his style of coaching that you don't like?

 

[wian]

What is about his style of coaching that you don't like?

its just stale, too predictable for the opposition. And whether its the coach or the lack of communication between coach and player, i hate our forward line structure and especially how we cant consistently lock the ball in our forward 50. I heard Brad Johnson last week on tv say that its the forwards responsibility to lock the ball in if the ball comes to ground, and create a turnover or a ball up etc - we dont do that consistently enough, but continually let teams re bound off our half forward line....

and we have the most shocking structure and set up in the forward 50 this year. The forwards dont seem to work hard enough to get free, and we cant hit targets inside 50 if our life depended on it , and we cant take a decent mark up there either

Not saying this is all eades fault, but ultimately its up to him to solve these above issues

But i honestly think he has either got to come up with some new tactics and game plans or its curtains for 2011

I do however give him credit for dropping lake and playing a lot more youngsters this year. whether he is the man to take them forward, we will see as the year progresses

 

[Super Hans]

What are we Doing now? Wallis, Libba, Marko, Jones and Skinner in the team.
Wood would be if not injured. Hate him or not Stack is young. Schofield pushing for selection.

Who else do you want him to play?

 

[blazerpr]

I think we are in a mini rebuilding phase to be honest. Eade has done a great job and has taking this group prob as far as he could maybe start fresh next year with a new young coach. I would personally go for someone like paul roos that has a reputation of being good with the young players.

 

[Dazb86]

One of our main issues this year has been our kick outs. We bomb long to the boundary before looking for other options most of the time.

 

[011TheYrOfTheDog]

What are we Doing now? Wallis, Libba, Marko, Jones and Skinner in the team.
Wood would be if not injured. Hate him or not Stack is young. Schofield pushing for selection.

Who else do you want him to play?

Seriously mate do you think Marko will be getting a game if Lake was fully fit from the start of the year? Do you think if Hargrave, Wood, Higgins, Hall were playing that Jones, Skinner, Hack ( Stack ), Hill will be getting a game? I think Rockets hand has been forced a bit in that regard

Lets be honest we are going to struggle to make the eight let alone win a premiership this year so i think we need to have a real hard look at our list and consider the following:

Are, Gillbee, Cross, Gia, Hill, Stack, Minson, Williams, Hudson, Hall, going to be there in our next tilt at a premiership??? I think NO.. Why? ill explain.

Gilbee's biggest asset was his foot skills, since 09 his skills have been terrible, at one stage last year he was leading the comp for clanger kicks.

Cross has been great but these days if you dont know how to kick and lack leg speed you will be found out big time and i think especially this year he has been found out alot.

Gia just doesnt do it in big games, yes he was good today but had the chance to kick a really important goal to get us back to a point but missed, crumbles under pressure.

Stack doesnt look like a footballer, will never be a footballer, should never play football ever again!

Hill same as stack

Minson has no skills, not good enough to takes a mark inside 50, descion making is terrible and ruck for shit!

Willams.. the experiment is over with this bloke, his skills are terrible and descion making is crap

Hudson and Hall are too old

 

[joel_billo]

Total Bulldust....David never said that. It is purely a media fabrication. He said that in his mind, and in that of Bulldog members, anything less than a Grand Final appearance would feel like a failed season - as long as everything went right. .

he said for supporters sake and for rodneys own sake that we need to make a grand final.

watch the whole thing mate. theyve played it numerous times.
they even played that part tonight on before the game.

 

[immortalmike]

Well put 100action. As usual the club are behind in what they should have done.

Hudson, Gilbee, Hargrave and Cross cannot take us any further. The rest arent doing much but they are part of our future.

Yeah Shaggy's been horrible all year, hasn't even touched the ball once.

Seriously, crap like this sickens me...It's like you drew these players names out of a hat.

 

[Bubba_5]

Considering we've had monumental changes to our side and seriously underprepared senior players, and considering the umpiring on Saturday, we've done very well in the last three matches. My money is still on a top four finish, our second half of the season should be dynamite when we have a settled side. We have better players than any other team, nothing's changed in that respect, we just need a bit of luck and patience.

 

[5 Bucks]

First of all, anyone bagging Cross clearly has no idea about football. He didn't waste a single possession today. He is what will win us games. Not first year players like Skinner.

Hall, Higgins, Hargrave, Wood, Lake.
Stack, Skinner, Wallis, Libba, Djerrkura

It's not surprising why we aren't doing too well, but the potential for this to be a good year is still there. It's a long season.

Our team in the second half of the year will be a lot different to the one that is on the park at the moment. Cooney is building fitness and form. Hill has stepped up. Jones is getting some valuable minutes. Murphy has been outstanding. Markovic is proving he is up to AFL standard. Morris is in AA form.

It's obvious that we are trying a different approach this year. We want to be cherry ripe at the business end of the season. The second half of the year will see us winning most of our games, coming into finals with a full head of steam.

You telling me this team can't make finals and do some damage? :

Morris, Lake, Wood
Murphy, Markovic, Hargrave

Cross Boyd Ward

Giansiracusa Jones Sherman
Grant Hall Higgins

Hudson Cooney Griffen

Picken, Wallis, Williams, Hill, Gilbee, Moles, Addison, Reid, Libba, Roughead


It is not strictly the personnel, but it is a lot easier to play well when you have good players around you. I can see us being more willing to play on and get it into the forward line with Hall, Higgins and Gia down there. Hargrave will make a massive difference bringing it out of the back. As will Wood. Then we can move Murphy forward at will. A fit Lake makes an enormous difference to our team.