Here we are, in the preliminary final. Who would have thought after everyone was calling for Rocket's head after the loss to the Eagles!
We are definitely considered the underdogs, and for great reason. Our form against Brisbane was not spectacular, but we got through, and since it's a two horse race, we are always a chance. Here is my opinion in regards to Match Ups and Keys, for both teams.
Bulldogs Backline vs Saints forward line -
This is arguably where the game will be won and lost. Rocket really does need to get his match ups right. Lake MUST play at full back on Koschitzke, as it will be wasting his one on one and distribution abilities if he goes to Riewoldt. Riewoldt holds the key for this game for sure, so the tactics for the Dogs should be about keeping St. Nick out of the forward 50, as his delivery inside 50 is by no means midfield quality. The other match ups are not so crucial, as they will not be all about high marking and the like. The Bulldogs defensive 50 will be choked by a St Kilda zone, leaving it hard for the Bulldogs to get it out. Gilbee is the key in this department for the Dogs, along with Harbrow, as their foot skills and ability to find space has been a real key for the Dogs.
Match ups -
Lake vs Koschitzke, Morris and Hargrave/Williams (if fit) rotating on Riewoldt, Eddy vs Gilbee, Harbrow vs Milne, Schneider vs Hargrave.
Midfield
Engine room, another strength for both sides. If the midfield is head to head, Saints win the game. We cannot allow freedom for players like Dal Santo or Montagna as their delivery is amazing, and what players to deliver it to. Picken should take Montagna IMO possibly on the wing, and perhaps Boyd playing on Dal Santo and hurting him the other way, keeping him accountable etc etc. Jones on Cooney seems reasonable, as well as Cross head to head with Hayes.Through midfield rotations the Bulldogs have much more depth with their young talent, which may be a focal point if they are to succeed. Ward, Griffen, Higgins, Giansiracusa and possibly even Aker (stints) are more then serviceable as back up for the Dogs. The Doggies absolutely smashed the Lions for clearances the other night, and if this form can be taken into the game, they are every shot. As for the Saints, their midfield has held up throughout the whole year and been a focal point in their success, if one of Montagna and Dal Santo can have a real blinder, the Saints will be hard to beat. The ruck battle will be quite even, therefore no side should have real advantage over the other in this department. If Gardiner doesn't come up (?), then the Bulldogs should be really bullish with Huddo and Minson, as McEvoy will most likely come in, and will partner King. On the wings, Eagleton to play head to head with Ray, where Ray MUST keep Eagle accountable, as Eagle showed what he could do against the Lions, as well as Picken tagging Montagna.
Match ups (starting) -
Dal Santo vs Boyd, Montagna vs Picken, Jones vs Cooney, Hayes vs Cross, Eagleton vs Ray.
Bulldogs Forwards vs St Kilda Defence
Head to heads all over here, win for the Bulldogs. Players like Aker, Johnson, Higgins and Hahn will keep the Sainters (Fisher, Gram, Gilbert, Goddard) all accountable. The Bulldogs counter attacking play may or may not work in their favour. If their skills are up to scratch, they will hit Saints hard on the counter, with the pushed up Saints defence being exposed. However, it works both ways. If the Bulldogs forward line do not keep the Saints defenders accountable, they will be in for a rude shock and a 20 goal loss. The Saints defence possess amazing skills, headlined by Goddard. This has been a main contributor to their success, and if they aren't kept to average games, yet again, the Saints will win. Take your pick on the match ups, as I believe they will all be head to head, probably bar Dawson on Welsh, and Baker (if played down back) on Higgins/Aker/Johnson.
How the game will be played
The Saints will choke the life out of the Doggies, and the Doggies will look to prevent this through risks and elite foot skills. For the Saints, they must focus solely on pressure in the Doggies defensive half, and for the Bulldogs, they will be hell bent on above average skill level and making the most of opportunities. If Riewoldt takes a few early marks, expect him to dominate the rest of the game, with the Saints playing through him. Expect a game with plenty of stoppages, but also potential for fast breaks and supreme foot skills from both sides.
Prediction
As much as I hate to say it, the Saints by 15 points. IMO, they have been too good all season to let this one drop, and will focus on the pressure they maintained so well through the first 18-20 rounds. Riewoldt will be too good, and will kick a bag of 4+ and also with a handful of inside 50's from his leading up marking. However, in saying this, I'm not writing off the Dogs, particularly if their foot skills reach their potential. Though I think we will see a St Kilda, Geelong Grand Final. Whoever wins this game, I hope takes the flag.
All the best to both teams, come on Doggies
We are definitely considered the underdogs, and for great reason. Our form against Brisbane was not spectacular, but we got through, and since it's a two horse race, we are always a chance. Here is my opinion in regards to Match Ups and Keys, for both teams.
Bulldogs Backline vs Saints forward line -
This is arguably where the game will be won and lost. Rocket really does need to get his match ups right. Lake MUST play at full back on Koschitzke, as it will be wasting his one on one and distribution abilities if he goes to Riewoldt. Riewoldt holds the key for this game for sure, so the tactics for the Dogs should be about keeping St. Nick out of the forward 50, as his delivery inside 50 is by no means midfield quality. The other match ups are not so crucial, as they will not be all about high marking and the like. The Bulldogs defensive 50 will be choked by a St Kilda zone, leaving it hard for the Bulldogs to get it out. Gilbee is the key in this department for the Dogs, along with Harbrow, as their foot skills and ability to find space has been a real key for the Dogs.
Match ups -
Lake vs Koschitzke, Morris and Hargrave/Williams (if fit) rotating on Riewoldt, Eddy vs Gilbee, Harbrow vs Milne, Schneider vs Hargrave.
Midfield
Engine room, another strength for both sides. If the midfield is head to head, Saints win the game. We cannot allow freedom for players like Dal Santo or Montagna as their delivery is amazing, and what players to deliver it to. Picken should take Montagna IMO possibly on the wing, and perhaps Boyd playing on Dal Santo and hurting him the other way, keeping him accountable etc etc. Jones on Cooney seems reasonable, as well as Cross head to head with Hayes.Through midfield rotations the Bulldogs have much more depth with their young talent, which may be a focal point if they are to succeed. Ward, Griffen, Higgins, Giansiracusa and possibly even Aker (stints) are more then serviceable as back up for the Dogs. The Doggies absolutely smashed the Lions for clearances the other night, and if this form can be taken into the game, they are every shot. As for the Saints, their midfield has held up throughout the whole year and been a focal point in their success, if one of Montagna and Dal Santo can have a real blinder, the Saints will be hard to beat. The ruck battle will be quite even, therefore no side should have real advantage over the other in this department. If Gardiner doesn't come up (?), then the Bulldogs should be really bullish with Huddo and Minson, as McEvoy will most likely come in, and will partner King. On the wings, Eagleton to play head to head with Ray, where Ray MUST keep Eagle accountable, as Eagle showed what he could do against the Lions, as well as Picken tagging Montagna.
Match ups (starting) -
Dal Santo vs Boyd, Montagna vs Picken, Jones vs Cooney, Hayes vs Cross, Eagleton vs Ray.
Bulldogs Forwards vs St Kilda Defence
Head to heads all over here, win for the Bulldogs. Players like Aker, Johnson, Higgins and Hahn will keep the Sainters (Fisher, Gram, Gilbert, Goddard) all accountable. The Bulldogs counter attacking play may or may not work in their favour. If their skills are up to scratch, they will hit Saints hard on the counter, with the pushed up Saints defence being exposed. However, it works both ways. If the Bulldogs forward line do not keep the Saints defenders accountable, they will be in for a rude shock and a 20 goal loss. The Saints defence possess amazing skills, headlined by Goddard. This has been a main contributor to their success, and if they aren't kept to average games, yet again, the Saints will win. Take your pick on the match ups, as I believe they will all be head to head, probably bar Dawson on Welsh, and Baker (if played down back) on Higgins/Aker/Johnson.
How the game will be played
The Saints will choke the life out of the Doggies, and the Doggies will look to prevent this through risks and elite foot skills. For the Saints, they must focus solely on pressure in the Doggies defensive half, and for the Bulldogs, they will be hell bent on above average skill level and making the most of opportunities. If Riewoldt takes a few early marks, expect him to dominate the rest of the game, with the Saints playing through him. Expect a game with plenty of stoppages, but also potential for fast breaks and supreme foot skills from both sides.
Prediction
As much as I hate to say it, the Saints by 15 points. IMO, they have been too good all season to let this one drop, and will focus on the pressure they maintained so well through the first 18-20 rounds. Riewoldt will be too good, and will kick a bag of 4+ and also with a handful of inside 50's from his leading up marking. However, in saying this, I'm not writing off the Dogs, particularly if their foot skills reach their potential. Though I think we will see a St Kilda, Geelong Grand Final. Whoever wins this game, I hope takes the flag.
All the best to both teams, come on Doggies