Round 10 - Changes

[acker]

I think Wight will be a good solid ruckman. Wasn't too bad in the ruck contests. I think he has a future.

.

I agree, I thought Wight did all right for a second gamer shadowing a brownlow medalist. I would stick with him rather than bringing in that over grown non-tackling witches hat "Peter Sreet"
I notice no body has mentioned dropping Dale Morris, he was absolutely flogged by O'Loughlin.
Boyd did stuff up in the last quarter.

In's .....Bowden, Hargreaves, Faulkner and Maguiness
Out's ..Grant (injured) Skipper, Morris and Boyd

 

[Sedat!]

I notice no body has mentioned dropping Dale Morris, he was absolutely flogged by O'Loughlin.
Boyd did stuff up in the last quarter.

We lack defensive minded mid-range players ATM, so for team balance you couldn't drop both Morris and Boyd. Certainly one, but not both. Morris has good pace, which Boydy lacks in spades.

 

[whythelongface]

Surely enough is enough with the likes of Skipper, wight, Boyd and co. Contributed close to nothing on the weekend and need to go. It's staggering that Ray and Rawlings cannot get a game and that Boyd is chosen over Ray each week. Granted that they play different roles, Boyd is poor and gives little in the way of us moving forward. Farren is a little gun and will gain little from languishing in the 2's.

Big Willie has been horrible two weeks running with extended spells on the bench. He was beaten convincingly by Hale and was dominated early by Jolly and co. He needs to pull the finger out and do more, with Darce out this is his chance to prove something to all of us and himself. Maybe it's even time to consider Bowden again just to give us some marking options up forward as yet again we are left wanting in this department to my constant frustration.

First of all Dogupya it is great that you have an opinion, however to suggest that it is staggering for that Rawlings cannot get a game is ludicrous - he has 25 plus games at our club to prove himself and he has only shown glimpses of this since he has come across from the Hawks. I agree with you on Ray that he should be given his chance and i am sure that he will over the next few weeks and as far as Boyd is concerned his problem may be his inconsistency as he does put in the occassional good game.

You knock Birss for saying that he is only average and hasn't shown anything, yet you wish to reconsider Bowden who is in a similar boat, sure he has some potential but very rarely shows it and has done nothing to suggest he is going to be a good player for us.

At the end of the day Eade knows what he is doing and i would rather back his judgement and work out our list - if this means losing some games through the year then so be it. He is obviously trying to figure out who is capable at this level and thus all listed players will be given a chance. Those that don't perform will be shipped out.

Eade will make mistakes - this maybe in selections or on game days but at the end of the day he is an experienced coach who know what he is doing rather than some of our so -called experts on here (me included).

 

[acker]

Maybe its about time we told Patrick Bowden to get "defensively minded "

 

[Sedat!]

Eade will make mistakes - this maybe in selections or on game days but at the end of the day he is an experienced coach who know what he is doing rather than some of our so -called experts on here (me included).

Probably got the mix slightly wrong against the Swans, but I like the way he is giving most players on the list an opportunity to show their wares in 2005, and usually for an extended time. Decisions will be made on some of these players at season's end, but Rocket rightly has the bigger picture of 2006 onwards in mind.

 

[Red House]

I agree, I thought Wight did all right for a second gamer shadowing a brownlow medalist. I would stick with him rather than bringing in that over grown non-tackling witches hat "Peter Sreet"
I notice no body has mentioned dropping Dale Morris, he was absolutely flogged by O'Loughlin.
Boyd did stuff up in the last quarter.

In's .....Bowden, Hargreaves, Faulkner and Maguiness
Out's ..Grant (injured) Skipper, Morris and Boyd

We will not make 4 changes and Morris will not be dropped. K Mac will not be back in the side this week, and neither will Faulkner. Birss is a good chance to come in to play on someone like Rioli i'd suggest and for crying out loud, it's HARGRAVE.

 

[dogupya]

At the end of the day Eade knows what he is doing and i would rather back his judgement and work out our list - if this means losing some games through the year then so be it. He is obviously trying to figure out who is capable at this level and thus all listed players will be given a chance. Those that don't perform will be shipped out.

Eade will make mistakes - this maybe in selections or on game days but at the end of the day he is an experienced coach who know what he is doing rather than some of our so -called experts on here (me included).

No problem with what you have said here and i totally agree with you. Eade needs to play these guys in order to form an evaluation of there competence. I think it's fantastic that rocket is mixing it up and risking new things and obviously seeing who will stay and who will go. Bout time we had a coach who is not afraid to risk and try unchartered waters.

Bowden and Rawlings both have shown what they are capable of, albeit not of late but you cannot deny that they have talent.

What can you see Birss and Boyd developing into? how much development does Birss have left? Where does he fit into the chain? what position can he fill that already can't be filled by 6 or 7 far better small type running players?

 

[FrediKanoute]

Maybe its about time we told Patrick Bowden to get "defensively minded "

Actually I think that's not a bad idea. If Grant were to miss (and hopefully he doesn't) would it be a disaster to ask Bowdo to play at CHB? If you think about the HB line currently Gilbee, Grant and Smith you would have to say it is full of skill. All three are excellent kicks. Grant and Gilbee's footy brain is superb and Gilbee and Smith pace and ability to run the lines makes it potent.

Swapping Bowdo for Grant is probably not as silly as it sounds. Having Bowdo run in one direction (ie forward) will probably work pretty well. He is likely to have to take Lucas and pacewise I think he can match him there.

 

[whythelongface]

No problem with what you have said here and i totally agree with you. Eade needs to play these guys in order to form an evaluation of there competence. I think it's fantastic that rocket is mixing it up and risking new things and obviously seeing who will stay and who will go. Bout time we had a coach who is not afraid to risk and try unchartered waters.

Bowden and Rawlings both have shown what they are capable of, albeit not of late but you cannot deny that they have talent.

What can you see Birss and Boyd developing into? how much development does Birss have left? Where does he fit into the chain? what position can he fill that already can't be filled by 6 or 7 far better small type running players?

I agree with you on Birss in regards to his position and what he can develop into as we already have an abundance of players that are similar to his style. What I am trying to get across is that you want Bowden in the team yet he has shown about as much as Birss and has been given a lot more game time. Bowden doesn't seem to have the ticker and unless there is some vast improvement in him I don't know if we should persist with him. Yes sometimes I can see he has talent (so to does Birss) but this is very rare. As for Boyd well he might not be the most talented on our list but he certainly gives it a go. Maybe if Bowden had the determination of Boyd then we could see another side to Bowden.

Rawlings on the other hand is frustrating. Yes he should easily be in our top 22 but at the moment he is either playing with little confidence or little heart. Will bringing him back in at this stage see him being of benefit to the team? I would like to think so but at this stage am not so sure. What role is he going to play for us? I guess if Grant is injured he can again fill in at CHB or somewhere across the backline.

 

[acker]

We will not make 4 changes and Morris will not be dropped. K Mac will not be back in the side this week, and neither will Faulkner. Birss is a good chance to come in to play on someone like Rioli i'd suggest and for crying out loud, it's HARGRAVE.

Birss tag Rioli
Ridiculous !
He's 2 or 3 stone lighter than Riolli for a start, and does not have the strength of Rioli either. Birss would get towelled up.
Morris performed like VFA footballer against Sydney, definitely not like an AFL one. I am intrigued by this supposed pace he has, it went missing when I watched OLoughlin out pace him on the lead, and he didnt offer much in the marking contest either. Keiran Mac must be about due for another crack his reserves form has been good.

 

[dogupya]

What I am trying to get across is that you want Bowden in the team yet he has shown about as much as Birss and has been given a lot more game time. Bowden doesn't seem to have the ticker and unless there is some vast improvement in him I don't know if we should persist with him. Yes sometimes I can see he has talent (so to does Birss) but this is very rare. As for Boyd well he might not be the most talented on our list but he certainly gives it a go. Maybe if Bowden had the determination of Boyd then we could see another side to Bowden.

Point taken. I think that if Bowden had the endevour and work ehtic of Boyd then he would be a very good player for us. This is his major concern, he does not look like he gives 2 hoots when he is on the ground, doesn't chase, very slow and lethargic and his kicking for goal is close to the worst in the team. I guess i am just hopeful he can reach his potential, he has a magnificent leap and mark and is quite creative.

As for Jade, i ahve said all along, put him at full forward and leave him there. Yes he will miss a few, yes it will take him a while to kick a few but i feel that he is a very strong leading player with magnificent hands. It's also up to the players around him to show confidence in him regardless of whether he is missing shots at goal. He will eventually kick a few. I honestly believe that he straightens us up when at FF and always provides a lead.

No point chopping and changing him every week, forward for half a game, down back for half a game, then Werribee. Give him the confidence to believe that he can hold down a permanent forward spot each week and persist. His confidence is shot to pieces right now and the fact that his teammates have lost it in him too does not help.

 

[ErnieSigley]

Birss tag Rioli
Ridiculous !
He's 2 or 3 stone lighter than Riolli for a start, and does not have the strength of Rioli either.

Poor comparision. Rioli is 2 or 3 stone heavier than most players. Stick some turtle meat on the boundary and he won't move.

Morris performed like VFA footballer against Sydney, definitely not like an AFL one. I am intrigued by this supposed pace he has, it went missing when I watched OLoughlin out pace him on the lead, and he didnt offer much in the marking contest either. Keiran Mac must be about due for another crack his reserves form has been good.

If Morris an VFA player then McGuiness is VFA seconds player.
Why do people continually blame FB or defenders when they get beaten on a lead? I'd blame the players upfield more. Any half decent forward has enough pace over 10m to beat any defender on a lead (and O'Laughlin is no dud)

 

[Red House]

Birss tag Rioli
Ridiculous !
He's 2 or 3 stone lighter than Riolli for a start, and does not have the strength of Rioli either. Birss would get towelled up.
Morris performed like VFA footballer against Sydney, definitely not like an AFL one. I am intrigued by this supposed pace he has, it went missing when I watched OLoughlin out pace him on the lead, and he didnt offer much in the marking contest either. Keiran Mac must be about due for another crack his reserves form has been good.

Essendon don't play a running game. Rioli is fat. Birss would be a massive driving force. We could do what we do every year and but Rohan Smith on him and watch him kick 4 goals in the first quarter. My tip is Birss and i stand by that.

Harris is quicker than Hall, but once a forward has 5 metres on you, you're always going to struggle if the ball is placed lace out on his chest. Ben Johnson wouldn't stop a forward on a lead in that situation. The ball was delivered to him fantastically and gave the defence, in this case Morris, very little chance of getting close to him.

 

[scooter600x]

Keiran Mac must be about due for another crack his reserves form has been good.

Do you get out and watch Werribee?

McGuinness was dreadful v Frankston while I thought Rawlings was one of our better players.

 

[touchwood27]

Here's my thoughts on selction this week, although its still only Monday.............

In- Street, Birss
Out- Boyd, Skipper

Essendon- In- Hird, Bullen, Thomas (played bloody well for Bendigo the last round)
Out- McPhee (susp. well he should be), Lovett-Murray, Winderlich

Match ups
B. Jordan McMahon (Andrew Lovett)
Brian Harris (Matthew Lloyd)
Cam Wight (Jason Laycock)

HB. Lindsay Gilbee (Damian Cupido)
Ryan Hargrave (Scott Lucas)
Dale Morris (Dean Solomon)

C. Sam Power (Brent Stanton)
Scott West (Jason Johnson)
Rohan Smith (Justin Murphy)

HF. Robert Murphy (Mark McVeigh)
Adam Morgan (Keppler Bradley)
Daniel Giansiracusa (Damien Peverille)

F. Mitchell Hahn (Ty Zantuck)
Chris Grant (Dustin Fletcher)
Brad Johnson (Andrew Welsh)

FOLL. Will Minson (David Hille)
Daniel Cross (James Hird)
Adam Cooney (Mark Johnson)
INTER. Peter Street, Ryan Griffen, Nathan Eagleton, Shane Birss
INTER. Paul Thomas, Dean Rioli, Marc Bullen, Mark Alvey

EMERG. Keiran McGuinness (name will definately be bandied around and rocket has proved that if u show some form at the Bees u will get a chance, he has been solid for three weeks now)
Patrick Bowden (two good games and a shocker in the last three for the Bees)
Farren Ray (may be just behind Birss in the order of merit at this point in time)

 

[ErnieSigley]

EMERG. Keiran McGuinness (name will definately be bandied around and rocket has proved that if u show some form at the Bees u will get a chance, he has been solid for three weeks now)

 

[Palace03]

As for Jade, i ahve said all along, put him at full forward and leave him there. Yes he will miss a few, yes it will take him a while to kick a few but i feel that he is a very strong leading player with magnificent hands. It's also up to the players around him to show confidence in him regardless of whether he is missing shots at goal. He will eventually kick a few. I honestly believe that he straightens us up when at FF and always provides a lead.

Exactly what did he kick last year? 30-30 or something like that, that's 60 shots on goal in a crap team and as the only tall target most of the time, he is very good on the lead, and as was said he may miss a few but with some confidence i think he could still kick 30-35 goals in the remaining games this year.

 

[whythelongface]

Exactly what did he kick last year? 30-30 or something like that, that's 60 shots on goal in a crap team and as the only tall target most of the time, he is very good on the lead, and as was said he may miss a few but with some confidence i think he could still kick 30-35 goals in the remaining games this year.

I would have to agree with this and Dogupya (even though i mentioned he may play in the backline). If we can utilise him out of the goal square on the lead this is where he is most dangerous for us. His main concern is his kicking for goal, however if he can get within a 30 metre arc surely he can become a more consistent goal kicker.

 

[acker]

Exactly what did he kick last year? 30-30 or something like that, that's 60 shots on goal in a crap team and as the only tall target most of the time, he is very good on the lead, and as was said he may miss a few but with some confidence i think he could still kick 30-35 goals in the remaining games this year.

I'll jump on the Jade bandwagon as well, and suggest Rocket issues him with riding instruction's stay within 35 metres of goal, and keep out of the pockets

And to the Dale Morris admiration society, I notice Robbie Murphy shut O'Loughlin up when he was on him and Chris Grant kept him fairly (not totally) quite when he was on him. In the third quarter he totally towelled Morris up.

 

[dogupya]

I'll jump on the Jade bandwagon as well, and suggest Rocket issues him with riding instruction's stay within 35 metres of goal, and keep out of the pockets

And to the Dale Morris admiration society, I notice Robbie Murphy shut O'Loughlin up when he was on him and Chris Grant kept him fairly (not totally) quite when he was on him. In the third quarter he totally towelled Morris up.

rocket was about a quarter too late in putting Bobby on Mick. Again proving the worth of Bob murphy. class act.

In the case of Jade, let him take his marks where he can, let him kick from where ever can, he will miss many and it will get worse before it gets better, but i believe that he is a confidence player and when he gets his confidence right with his kicking and players actually start looking for him rather than going over his head, he will prove handy.

 

[acker]

rocket was about a quarter too late in putting Bobby on Mick. Again proving the worth of Bob murphy. class act.

In the case of Jade, let him take his marks where he can, let him kick from where ever can, he will miss many and it will get worse before it gets better, but i believe that he is a confidence player and when he gets his confidence right with his kicking and players actually start looking for him rather than going over his head, he will prove handy.

Some players and I will point my finger at Scott West, seem to have an addiction to kick the ball to players leading deep into pockets rather than those leading in front of the goals, this is obviously a throwback to the 2003 gameplans when they had to find Nathan Brown and Brad Johnson down forward. I think that unfortunately Jade got caught up with this and found himself having to lead wide into pockets and away from possible contests, to get the likes of Scott West to honor him with the pass.
When we bought Jade to the club he was regarded as one of the best contested mark winners in the competition, unfortunately our midfeilders forced him to lead stupidly wide. Unfortunately Rohde did absolutely nothing to rectify this.
If Jade can go back to Full Forward take 3-4 contested grabs a game down their and average 2-3 goals a game he will be valuable contributor to the team.
And if Scott West can be re-educated in how to deliver the ball to "tall" forwards instead of "small" forwards he will be a more valuable contributor to the team.

 

[BulldogMike]

This week Jade Rawlings, Farren Ray, Patrick Bowden, Daniel Bandy, Ryan Hargrave and Shane Birss will probably all come under consideration for the game against Essendon. I expect Hargrave to come straight back into the team and if Grant doesn't play Rawlings would have to be selected. If Grant does play i would still strongly want Jade Rawlings in the side and another move you'd have to make is Daniel Bandy back into the side. One of Skipper and Wight must be axed if not the pair and Bandy into the side. I would leave Farren Ray out one more week and do think Birss should be back in the side soon. If Birss came in at the expense of Morris or Boyd i could handle that.Obviously some dilemmas though Bandy must be selected and will be in my mind. Watch this space.

 

[acker]

Bandy ???????

total waste of time

 

[BulldogMike]

Bandy ???????

total waste of time

I'd much rather know Bandy can play and contest rather than having 3 inexperienced ruckmen all sent out by themselves to take on the Bombers who will play like thugs because they will try and neutralise our run with agrression. If Minson isn't right Hille and friends will have a picnic.

 

[acker]

I'd much rather know Bandy can play and contest rather than having 3 inexperienced ruckmen all sent out by themselves to take on the Bombers who will play like thugs because they will try and neutralise our run with agrression. If Minson isn't right Hille and friends will have a picnic.

Having seen Bandy against Richmond, all I can say is what I said leaving Docklands that day "If he never plays for the dogs again it will be to soon" He was deplorable and stupid.
In one instance he started leading from the 50 metre arc towards the wing screaming to Danny Giansiracusa to pass it to him, Danny was on the opposite Half Forward Flank and ended up closer to the goals than where Bandy had led to.
Bandy seems to be more intersted in getting on the end of a chain of handpasses than he does about contesting marks.
The last thing the Bulldogs need is a 6 foot 7 inch non marking non tackling wannabe midfeilder unfortunately thats what Bandy has become.
The second last thing the Bulldogs need is a 6 foot 11 inch slow, non marking, non tackling and non checking ruckman who lets his opposing rucks run amoc kicking goals unfortunately thats what Peter Street is.