Preview Changes and Prematch Discussion: Round 12 - the Western Bulldogs

[TheWing121]

He's had plenty of chances, he can't kick and under pressure he fumbles alot.

I don't mind him but I certainly would have krak and Elliot above him.

To play forward yes I would have them above him as well.

But in this new role as a Back Pocket, I would like to see him get an extended opportunity. We struggle against quick small forwards, he is a quick small forward turned backman. While his kicking needs to improve, if he can learn to shut down those Betts, Waters Jetta types I will take that first and work on his kicking later.
Looking back in the Victorian Draft Camp he ran 2.90 for 20 meters compared to Jetta at 2.95. Now that isn't everything but it means he has some pace over the short distance. Not saying he is the answer, give him time to find his feet, especially against the weaker sides

 

[Pie eyed]

The problem I have with Seedsman is he seems to being trying to play like Pendles. But just doesnt have that skill level (yet, hopefully one day). Just trying to do too much.

I think he has some of the same ability to get through traffic and make good decisions. So does Dwyer.
Given Seedsman's long career, I reckon we've wasted enough time finding out if he is anything like Pendles.
I would love to see more of our youngsters trying to play like Pendles.

 

[dingoboy]

Seedsman wont get dropped, took the game on but stuffed up a few times but he still found the ball and did some good things.

 

[Old Spice]

Well if Karokuer is going through the VFL, I'd go like this.

Out: Jolly (2 week rest), Sinclair
In: Hudson, Elliot

 

[Old Spice]

Just to make a point about Witts. I reckon he can play some AFL games this year again, but he might get some good development in the VFL.

Just to explain. I know people talk about needing to get the experience at the highest level, but sometimes you get good experience at the VFL level when you come up against AFL level rucks. You can manage the minutes better at VFL while playing quality opposition in your position.

I'm beginning to wonder if it isn't better to develop him this way if we plan on getting a bridge ruck next year.

 

[Ketchup]

Just to make a point about Witts. I reckon he can play some AFL games this year again, but he might get some good development in the VFL.

Just to explain. I know people talk about needing to get the experience at the highest level, but sometimes you get good experience at the VFL level when you come up against AFL level rucks. You can manage the minutes better at VFL while playing quality opposition in your position.

I'm beginning to wonder if it isn't better to develop him this way if we plan on getting a bridge ruck next year.

The only thing now is, when you only really have 1 designated ruckman in todays footy, and a part timer that does 15-20% per game. You can't really have a "bridge" ruck, if we go out and recruit Luenberger/Bellchambers/whoever they would be/expect/rightfully so be our number 1 ruck and would be for the next 3-5 years, and if they weren't going to be they arn't worth the price we would pay.

We are at an awkward stage if you ask me, I don't think Jolly can go another year, Hudson will be 36 theres no way id want him running around against the nic nats of the league etc and Witts/Grundy he don't look/doubt they will be ready. Next year it's either gotta be Jolly (if he can go again) or Witts/Grundy. If it's going to be Witts/Grundy we need to get as many games into them this year without risking success. Which means games against Melbourne (gone), bulldogs, suns, giants, port etc we should be playing Witts. But I trust the club, they know Jollys body much more than I do. But another first round draft pick on a ruck? I'll pass.

 

[tazzawazza]

IN: Paine, Elliott, Dywyer

OUT; Sinclair, Blair, Oxely

 

[Magpie4Life]

IN: Hudson, Elliott

OUT: Jolly (rest), Sinclair

 

[Brad Goodman]

Not sure Seedsman will be dropped after getting top votes in the coaches award the week before.

 

[mattys123]

My preview is up for this game,

http://sportsmatt.wordpress.com/201...ollingwood-vs-western-bulldogs-match-preview/

Enjoy.

 

[Old Spice]

The only thing now is, when you only really have 1 designated ruckman in todays footy, and a part timer that does 15-20% per game. You can't really have a "bridge" ruck, if we go out and recruit Luenberger/Bellchambers/whoever they would be/expect/rightfully so be our number 1 ruck and would be for the next 3-5 years, and if they weren't going to be they arn't worth the price we would pay.

We are at an awkward stage if you ask me, I don't think Jolly can go another year, Hudson will be 36 theres no way id want him running around against the nic nats of the league etc and Witts/Grundy he don't look/doubt they will be ready. Next year it's either gotta be Jolly (if he can go again) or Witts/Grundy. If it's going to be Witts/Grundy we need to get as many games into them this year without risking success. Which means games against Melbourne (gone), bulldogs, suns, giants, port etc we should be playing Witts. But I trust the club, they know Jollys body much more than I do. But another first round draft pick on a ruck? I'll pass.

Yeah, by all means play him against bottom teams, but even here, I don't think you can fast-track that Witts development because it's a physical thing. Grundy is a teenager, so he's miles off. So what we're talking about really is Witts and Jolly being our duo next year

I don't know that I agree that Witts will atrophy in the VFL. I think he'll learn to play against good rucks there that are of fine quality. I don't see that as meaning a regression for him.

He's only 21/22 this year. He's at least 3 years from hitting his peak, so a 25+ year old established ruck could be the tonic.

 

[istillbelieve]

I would prefer Jolly play this week against Minson and have the bye and then rest for Port Adelaide trip.
He would be fresh for Carlton game which is make or break.

 

[mattys123]

Any chance of "Ben" debuting this week?

 

[doodles98]

Out: Sinclair, Blair, Maxwell (all omitted), Jolly (just for a rest)

In: Dwyer, Paine, Elliot, Witts

why drop Oxley? give him a full game this time .. liked what I saw of him. Qstick and Witts to ruck/forward 50/50.

 

[doodles98]

I cannot believe that some posters are calling for Russell to be an IN... Biggest Spud on the list!

 

[Baird]

I cannot believe that some posters are calling for Russell to be an IN... Biggest Spud on the list!

One of our best against Sydney and good against Geelong...maybe you should go back to the Essendon board

 

[Drizt]

I cannot believe that some posters are calling for Russell to be an IN... Biggest Spud on the list!

Sinclair disagrees.

 

[soreplums]

If we do bring in a mature age ruckman, at least we might have some good bargaining power in 3-4 years time.

 

[DaicosianMarvels]

Russell is not as bad as the footy public thinks he is. When you put him on short forwards or players like Walker and Yarren he will get exposed. He is a good user of the ball who would take our kick outs and after having said all that I don't think he is best 20 at the club

 

[Fruit]

I think Russell has made about 4-5 bad mistakes over a few games and this seems to be what's sticking in everyone's mind. I think that apart from those nervous errors he hasn't been too bad. He is definitely a confidence player but certainly puts his body on the line, sticks to his man as best as he can and uses the ball well. We definitely need to develop mid size backs this season after the retirement of Davis, the move of Harry O to the midfield and injuries to Toovey, Goldy and Daisy so instead of hoping for Russell and Ben Sinclair to fail I'm going to back the club in to get the best out of them.

 

[dingoboy]

One of our best against Sydney and good against Geelong...maybe you should go back to the Essendon board

No he 100% correct.

 

[4#Didak#4]

Lookinmg forward to another tagging master class from Macaffer.

This weeks subject is Ryan Griffen. Griffen is a AAA grade midfielder.

I will cop some scoffing for this but I rate him just below Ablett as the best mid in the comp. He doesn't get the kudos he deserves. He is a big body who was always one of the most damaging kicks by foot. Now he is finding loads of the ball despite heavy tagging and no help with Boyd, Cooney, Cross etc all missing at times thru injury & form. He wins the contested ball, uncontested ball, unrivalled kicking damage & effeciency, runs & carries and is a genuine goal kicker - what more could you ask. If the Pies got to pick one mid out of the comp I would pick him he is exactly the type we need.

If anyone can stop him its the super Caff.

 

[Grapie]

Any chance of "Ben" debuting this week?

Great question! Aside from who the outs are, maybe the key question is the clubs assessment of whether "Ben's" health and fitness will allow him to have a potentail impact in September, as there seems to be no doubt that he has the talent.

 

[DragzLS1]

Lookinmg forward to another tagging master class from Macaffer.

This weeks subject is Ryan Griffen. Griffen is a AAA grade midfielder.

I will cop some scoffing for this but I rate him just below Ablett as the best mid in the comp. He doesn't get the kudos he deserves. He is a big body who was always one of the most damaging kicks by foot. Now he is finding loads of the ball despite heavy tagging and no help with Boyd, Cooney, Cross etc all missing at times thru injury & form. He wins the contested ball, uncontested ball, unrivalled kicking damage & effeciency, runs & carries and is a genuine goal kicker - what more could you ask. If the Pies got to pick one mid out of the comp I would pick him he is exactly the type we need.

If anyone can stop him its the super Caff.

Agree with this. But Maccaffer has shown he may well be the 2nd best tagger in the league (imo). He has decent enough pace to go with most and is a smart footballer. Will be a great match up and looking forward to the battle between him and Griffen.

Have had a few close games lately so hopefully nothing different this week between our 2 sides.

Also enjoyed mattys123 preview, good work. We should get one up soon and will invite you over to our board once it is up for a bit of banter.

Goodluck and hope no more injuries to either side. hope you dont mind me intruding on to your board.

 

[Collingwoodity]

We have to drop one of the bottom 6 to make way might as well be a plodder who doesn't get much of it... Don't rate this tagging gig anyway.

Sorry no love for Caff.

Caff can stay with the player he is tagging if they go into the half back line as he can be an effective lead up forward and he has the pace, footskills and aerial ability to match up at half back for short periods of a game. Perfect for the role we needed.

Was caff a plodder when we won the flag in 2010?

Were you one who was calling out our midfield for lack of midfield accountability?

We've been much better since ball has been back and macaffer has come into the midfield "tagging" role.