Unofficial Preview Preseason game - Western Bulldogs v Brisbane Lions, Friday 4 March, 7:20 PM @ Marvel Stadium

[Dalions]

Zorko won't play in defense in my opinion.
He is way underdone in preparation so if he plays it should be his usual position and reduced TOG
I would rather he miss some early games and get right while we have replacements fit and ready to play
So, on your back 7
Out Zorko (for defense anyhow)
In Answerth with AhChee defense bench
That is a solid dependable defense 7

I don’t see it as a certainty that Zorks plays in defence.
But I certainly see it as a possibility. Especially with injuries to others.
If he is underdone he could be just as much of a liability in the midfield as in defence.
If AhChee is picked it may very well be possible that all of him, Zorks and Answerth could spend time on the wing/mid and defence.

 

[Big Sauce 21]

Zero need for Zorko in defence. Would prefer him the fwd line with his pressure.

 

[Dalions]

Zero need for Zorko in defence. Would prefer him the fwd line with his pressure.

If you want Zorko in the team for pressure and playing a predominately pressure forward role then forward is where he will be. Gathering maybe 15 touches a game.
But if you want the ball in His hands and being the creative player that he is, then mid to backline is where you want him to be.
Small forward is the hardest position to play in the game and not one to mass possessions.
I would prefer the ball in his hands personally due to his creativity and flare.

 

[Big Sauce 21]

If you want Zorko in the team for pressure and playing a predominately pressure forward role then forward is where he will be. Gathering maybe 15 touches a game.
But if you want the ball in His hands and being the creative player that he is, then mid to backline is where you want him to be.
Small forward is the hardest position to play in the game and not one to mass possessions.
I would prefer the ball in his hands personally due to his creativity and flare.

Considering how bad our fwd pressure is, I'd prefer him parked in the F50. Think he'll just play his normal role through Mid and Fwd

 

[Berrygood]

Zorko won't play in defense in my opinion.
He is way underdone in preparation so if he plays it should be his usual position and reduced TOG
I would rather he miss some early games and get right while we have replacements fit and ready to play
So, on your back 7
Out Zorko (for defense anyhow)
In Answerth with AhChee defense bench
That is a solid dependable defense 7

I agree, I prefer Zorks in his usual role. Answerth is a lock for a hb spot rounding out the back 6. For the bench back spot I'd prefer Prior over Ah Chee. Prior and Answerth could also spend time on the wing as well. Ah Chee so much better fwd. Where I have noticed Ah Chee is ok in defense is when he has been dropped back as the extra, when we play 7 back. But when we're looking for a 1 on 1 defender to play that role I think Prior is better suited. I find it hard to find a bench spot for Ah Chee if Zorks plays. If Zorks out then he gets in.

Round 1
Starce, Andrews, Gardiner
Answerth, Adams, Rich
Clugg, Neale, Robbo
Big O, Lyons, Berry
Bailey, Mcstay, Rayner
Charlie, Joe, McCarthy
Prior, Zorks, Cockatoo, Fort

Sub- Ah Chee

That's assuming Kiddy, Madden and Dev aren't available. When they are available Kiddy for Prior, Dev gets sub spot. Pressure on Robbo because Madden, Prior, Dev, Ah Chee and Answerth all capable of offering something different on the wing. So good we have a lot of options now.

 

[beardancer]

I agree, I prefer Zorks in his usual role. Answerth is a lock for a hb spot rounding out the back 6. For the bench back spot I'd prefer Prior over Ah Chee. Prior and Answerth could also spend time on the wing as well. Ah Chee so much better fwd. Where I have noticed Ah Chee is ok in defense is when he has been dropped back as the extra, when we play 7 back. But when we're looking for a 1 on 1 defender to play that role I think Prior is better suited. I find it hard to find a bench spot for Ah Chee if Zorks plays. If Zorks out then he gets in.

Round 1
Starce, Andrews, Gardiner
Answerth, Adams, Rich
Clugg, Neale, Robbo
Big O, Lyons, Berry
Bailey, Mcstay, Rayner
Charlie, Joe, McCarthy
Prior, Zorks, Cockatoo, Fort

Sub- Ah Chee

That's assuming Kiddy, Madden and Dev aren't available. When they are available Kiddy for Prior, Dev gets sub spot. Pressure on Robbo because Madden, Prior, Dev, Ah Chee and Answerth all capable of offering something different on the wing. So good we have a lot of options now.

Bloody good assessment there but I'd leave out Gardiner just for safety and play Frog.

 

[Mighty Lions]

Bloody good assessment there but I'd leave out Gardiner just for safety and play Frog.

Gardiner will be over his injury well before Round 1. Lester was one of our best in yesterday's VFL practice match but I would always have a fit Gardiner over a fit Lester every time.

 

[Dalions]

Considering how bad our fwd pressure is, I'd prefer him parked in the F50. Think he'll just play his normal role through Mid and Fwd

I agree that that will likely be where he will play.
But the game has changed.
And you need speed and flare out of the back half which for mine will be more important or as important as forward pressure.

 

[DERRINALPHIL]

Good all round effort.

Kiddy is a lock.

If Fullarton is going to make it, it is as a defender. Just looks so much more natural. His overhead game is a worry, but.

we look so much better with a younger, pacier backline.

No Burchall. Should not have played so much last year?

 

[Big Sauce 21]

What was Robertson's injury ?

 

[a mayes ing]

What was Robertson's injury ?

Hamstring

 

[mpal6]

Amazing we're 3 down for next week and we could still wheel in Prior, Ah Chee, Rayner, Zorko and Gardiner.

This year feels like the year where the depth is pretty strong and we could have a bigger say in finals.

Fullarton playing defense is a very good move, adds to depth. Should send Payne up forward in VFL so we have cover there too.

 

[Mighty Lions]

Good all round effort.

Kiddy is a lock.

If Fullarton is going to make it, it is as a defender. Just looks so much more natural. His overhead game is a worry, but.

we look so much better with a younger, pacier backline.

Kiddy will miss Round 1 and more.

 

[Berrygood]

Bloody good assessment there but I'd leave out Gardiner just for safety and play Frog.

I don't know about Froggy, I'd be inclined to play Payne for Darcy Gardiner. The more he plays the better he will get. He's not bad now, but give him a consistent run and some confidence and I think he will come on in leaps n bounds. I would consider Lester if Starce got an injury between now n round 1. But Froggy, to me, has become "break glass only in a real emergency". He's invaluable as the mature role model in the ressies and around the club. The young blokes will learn so much from him, about the game, about standards, about resilience, about the football/life balance.

Carter Michael's development will be one to watch this year, I hope he comes on big time. From what I've read only, not seen him play, he seems fearless, a good reader of the game, OK 1 on 1, and has a decent boot on him. I'm interested in opinions of him from those that have seen more of him. Is his future playing the Rich or Starcevich role in the team? Could a big year from Carter see him leapfrog Lester or others in the pecking order of sm/med defenders?

 

[martinson]

I agree that that will likely be where he will play.
But the game has changed.
And you need speed and flare out of the back half which for mine will be more important or as important as forward pressure.

I like the idea of Zorko in defence. It's at least worth a try.

If you're aiming to be a top 4 side which every other team analyses sometimes throwing in a curve ball gives you that extra edge.

It might not work but with our latest lineup of injuries it's the perfect time.

It's JMO but taking the pressure off Zorks at this stage of his career could be the spark that prolongs it.

If we can get most of our list up and running we don't have to be as predictable as everyone seems to think we are.

Good move trying Fullarton in defence as well. He seems to lack a bit of confidence . That might help.

 

[Section 5]

I agree that that will likely be where he will play.
But the game has changed.
And you need speed and flare out of the back half which for mine will be more important or as important as forward pressure.

The thing is if we have Jo + Oscar/Fort that's' 2 non pressure players in forward 50.
Then their is Charlie who should be a very good pressure player but is not a lot of the time
Looks like Fagan wants to play Answerth on the wing. He may delay that a few weeks.
Or he plays Prior & AhChee halfback both quicker that Birchall & Lester from 2021 and stays with Answerth on the wing
Switching Answerth around probably not great. Don't want to turn him into a Mr fix it AhChee mark 2.
Whatever they decide i am fine with, even Zorko down back
Just don't want any more injuries happening on the training track or at home

 

[BuntonRules]

Kiddy will miss Round 1 and more.

Really? Kiddy is a lock when available.

 

[dlanod]

Really? Kiddy is a lock when available.

I think he's hinting at the severity of Coleman's injury...

 

[twhowler]

Kiddy will miss Round 1 and more.

Standard 21 days or worse?

 

[Quigley]

Interesting last quarter and probably good for the backs. Rich was not on so they couldn't blast it out of there, Coleman was injured so they couldn't feed him and let him pick it apart and neither Madden or Wilmott were on to run it out so the more conservative and poorer kicks had to absorb the pressure and work it out. They didn't do a great job but they were not terrible either and when they have those guys back around them this kind of experience will stand them in good stead.

Answerth still has a couple of poor disposals each game and these tend to be when he is playing in defence. He has shown growth but he still worries me.

Fullerton looked better than I expected at the back. I still prefer Payne but Fullerton actually looked useful back there which he has not really done elsewhere.

Kiddy and Madden both looked really good in different ways and very disappointing to see them go down.

 

[Berrygood]

Interesting last quarter and probably good for the backs. Rich was not on so they couldn't blast it out of there, Coleman was injured so they couldn't feed him and let him pick it apart and neither Madden or Wilmott were on to run it out so the more conservative and poorer kicks had to absorb the pressure and work it out. They didn't do a great job but they were not terrible either and when they have those guys back around them this kind of experience will stand them in good stead.

Answerth still has a couple of poor disposals each game and these tend to be when he is playing in defence. He has shown growth but he still worries me.

Fullerton looked better than I expected at the back. I still prefer Payne but Fullerton actually looked useful back there which he has not really done elsewhere.

Kiddy and Madden both looked really good in different ways and very disappointing to see them go down.

There wouldn't be a player in the comp that doesn't have a cpl of poor disposals a game. We'd be seeing a hell of a lot of 100% effective disposal rates in the stats otherwise. Expecting perfection in a game that's built on body contact, 360 degree pressure and the bounce and flight of an oblong ball is a big ask. Sure it's an area players can improve on, and players like Answerth and Berry that haven't played a lot of footy in the last year or two, will certainly improve with consistency of game time. They will get their touch back I'm sure.

It can become an easy negative to focus on, as many other things are too. But as long as the player's good is far outweighing the poor moments or poor games (everyone has a poor game now n then) then I think they're going OK. When the balance sheet is leaning the other way, that's the time to worry about a player.

Ya gotta acknowledge too that the opposition will also be making the same disposal and skill errors. As a team you have to negate the the errors you make and take advantage of the errors they make. That's the game, that's what separates the top 4 from the bottom 4, the winners from the losers, a great team from a poor team.

 

[Quigley]

There wouldn't be a player in the comp that doesn't have a cpl of poor disposals a game. We'd be seeing a hell of a lot of 100% effective disposal rates in the stats otherwise. Expecting perfection in a game that's built on body contact, 360 degree pressure and the bounce and flight of an oblong ball is a big ask. Sure it's an area players can improve on, and players like Answerth and Berry that haven't played a lot of footy in the last year or two, will certainly improve with consistency of game time. They will get their touch back I'm sure.

It can become an easy negative to focus on, as many other things are too. But as long as the player's good is far outweighing the poor moments or poor games (everyone has a poor game now n then) then I think they're going OK. When the balance sheet is leaning the other way, that's the time to worry about a player.

Ya gotta acknowledge too that the opposition will also be making the same disposal and skill errors. As a team you have to negate the the errors you make and take advantage of the errors they make. That's the game, that's what separates the top 4 from the bottom 4, the winners from the losers, a great team from a poor team.

I was being kind. He is still making a couple of unacceptable / below AFL level skill errors a game which often cost shots on goal. That is the reason why Starcevich went past him in the first place. Answerth had the advantage in games played and both were equivalent defensively but Starc was safer with the ball, got the chance and went past him. If Answerth does not tidy up that side of his game there are now plenty of options who can come in and pick up the role.

 

[aza03]

I was being kind. He is still making a couple of unacceptable / below AFL level skill errors a game which often cost shots on goal. That is the reason why Starcevich went past him in the first place. Answerth had the advantage in games played and both were equivalent defensively but Starc was safer with the ball, got the chance and went past him. If Answerth does not tidy up that side of his game there are now plenty of options who can come in and pick up the role.

I agree with this assessment of why Starce went past Answerth originally, but I don't think there's much separating them. Starce is in a similar boat with his disposal - I recall a few kicks from Starce out of D50 to the corridor on Friday night that were marked uncontested by Bulldogs players.

Essentially, I don't think Starce is necessarily a better kick, I just think he takes the safer option more often, which is not a bad call given he can also be exposed when he moves the ball aggressively.

I think what probably separates them now is their spread further up the ground. Answerth seems better equipped to play that wing role, and Starce seems better suited to playing that lockdown small defender role. I think based on that there's certainly room for them both in the 22.

 

[Dalions]

I have noticed this pre-season so far that IMO Answerth has been using the ball much better when playing on the wing. Lowering the eyes and hitting up targets on the lead.
When playing on the wing he probably has that extra second to compose himself and look for an option. In comparison when playing a lockdown role as a defender he has less time and tends to just bomb away.

I like him on the wing and it seems a natural position for him.

I thought we were at our best on Friday night when we had, Rich Starce, Kiddy and Madden playing in defense and Answerth on the wing.

 

[Section 5]

I was being kind. He is still making a couple of unacceptable / below AFL level skill errors a game which often cost shots on goal. That is the reason why Starcevich went past him in the first place. Answerth had the advantage in games played and both were equivalent defensively but Starc was safer with the ball, got the chance and went past him. If Answerth does not tidy up that side of his game there are now plenty of options who can come in and pick up the role.

Not saying you are correct or not in Answerth assessment
If correct that may be why they are trying him on the wing.
However he will still be deep in defense at stages during the game playing wing
Then we have the positive side.
He is back playing and hopefully plays his first AFL game since 13th September 2020
That will be 553 days between AFL games or 18 months
So we should expect some skill errors in the first 6 games or so at AFL level.
I am sure he is working on his disposal and decision making as that is Fagan's manta improve, improve