Prediction Team Round 1 WB V North Marvel 7.35 PM 15/3/25

[Libbaaaa]

Would they give him a jumper number without signing him?

Hasn't officially been given one, wearing the #37 on his training gear per photos though.

 

[Snarls Barkley]

Kennedy plays just about any midfield position inside or outside. I think getting inside the heads of our older midfield group this preseason will put him in a real good spot early on in the season.

I was talking about Brew but that's good to hear about Kennedy. Sounds very well balanced, looking forward to seeing him in action.

 

[doggiesin08]

What do people see in store for Anthony Scott in 2025? Played 22 games in 2023 but then his 2024 was heavily impacted by concussion. Is he just seeing our time on his contract or a chance to force his way back in?

 

[dogwatch]

What do people see in store for Anthony Scott in 2025? Played 22 games in 2023 but then his 2024 was heavily impacted by concussion. Is he just seeing our time on his contract or a chance to force his way back in?

Depth.
Mature body. Honest footballer.
Likely senior games in 2025 - between zero and four. And four would be pretty optimistic.

 

[Lindsay_Gilbee]

Scott is a pretty good sub imo. Can play pretty much everywhere.

 

[TiAn_]

What do people see in store for Anthony Scott in 2025? Played 22 games in 2023 but then his 2024 was heavily impacted by concussion. Is he just seeing our time on his contract or a chance to force his way back in?

Might get a few games as a stopgap, then delisted at the end of the year, along with Cleary.

 

[Dazb86]

Jeez our half forwards and small forwards are still very hard to pick.

I'd normally be ok with trying out one less KPF but our mid sized and small forward stocks are quite bad.

 

[threenewpadlocks]

I didn't single him out, I included other EF under performers in my initial thread post, the subsequent discussion just ended up focusing on Cody.

It's not my job to explain Cody's underperformance, that's up to him. A player with that much talent turning in such a terribly ineffectual display in the biggest game of the year. It demands questioning, because he is a highly paid professional and it is his job. The distraction of putting on an art show is one potential answer, and that in itself is reason enough that it should have been avoided at that time of year.

As far as what he needs to do going forward? Firstly, conduct a thorough critical self-analysis of his own match performance, and everything he did in the lead up to the match. Then decide how he can avoid such a disaster happening again in future.

Let's not forget this is high level professional sport. That EF loss not only ended our run at a potential premiership, it also marked the end of several Bulldog\AFL careers.

I agree with you Prof.

We should examine the reasons for the underperformance of several players in the EF.

We had about 15 players who played poorly, and by my analysis, 14 of them failed to open an art exhibition a week before the EF.

My analysis - and the players' self-analysis should be - that if they had opened an art exhibition a week before the game - done something different in their preparation - then maybe they should have played better.

So clearly the failure of many of our players to open an art exhibit was a disaster, and we should avoid future disasters by insisting that our players all must open art exhibits in the week before a final.

 

[JohnnySteel]

If Arty can have a big impressive pre-season, there's definitely a spot in our forward line for the taking.

 

[Proffessor]

I agree with you Prof.

We should examine the reasons for the underperformance of several players in the EF.

We had about 15 players who played poorly, and by my analysis, 14 of them failed to open an art exhibition a week before the EF.

My analysis - and the players' self-analysis should be - that if they had opened an art exhibition a week before the game - done something different in their preparation - then maybe they should have played better.

So clearly the failure of many of our players to open an art exhibit was a disaster, and we should avoid future disasters by insisting that our players all must open art exhibits in the week before a final.

I think I might need to consume a substantial amount of alcohol to be able follow that logic TNP.

Regardless, the point I have been trying to make is every player should critically examine their performance. The worse they played the greater the need for self-examination and corrective action.

Sometimes the explanation and corrective action is easy. 'I had food poisoning and need to avoid dodgy restaurants and possibly eat at home next time.'

Weightman, JUH and Gallagher had not just poor but "what the hell happened to you?" level games in the EF.
I'm not aware that any of them were sick. Marrah copped an early knock in the match and perhaps it was worse than it appeared. But even he needs to learn how to better work through adversity and be able to nail shots on goal like the one he missed at a critical time.

Without a physical explanation, to have players filling important roles underperform so badly shouldn't just be swept away with a 'the whole team had a bad night' style explanation.

They need to use it as a serious learning experience to avoid a repeat in future. We'll never know for sure if it was the Art show that affected Cody but we do know that he was a team passenger that night.

He needs to work out how he can avoid turning in such a performance again in future, ensuring his focus definitely isn't divided in the lead up to the game is just a simple place to start.

Gallagher is a first-year player so he has more excuse, but even he as a professional, needs to be thinking, what else could do next time to provide a more impactful contribution to the team? Because what he did in the EF certainly didn't work.

 

[threenewpadlocks]

I think I might need to consume a substantial amount of alcohol to be able follow that logic TNP.

Regardless, the point I have been trying to make is every player should critically examine their performance. The worse they played the greater the need for self-examination and corrective action.

Sure, but I'm being sarcastic about the cause and affect here, because the logic you've followed is silly and stupid.

Putting aside the fact that the players are allowed to have personal lives other than being a football playing robot (even if it were to have an impact on their play there's nothing much we could - or should - do about it), the logic you're using on it influencing play is spurious.

We'll never know for sure if it was the Art show that affected Cody but we do know that he was a team passenger that night.

You've got the logic backwards year. The burden of proof is on you to prove that it may have affected him if there was something about it that would have taken away from his training. Suggesting that him going about his hobbies is enough to influence play is basically not it. Players partake in all sorts of hobbies-based activities all the time.

Without a physical explanation, to have players filling important roles underperform so badly shouldn't just be swept away with a 'the whole team had a bad night' style explanation.

Gallagher is a first-year player so he has more excuse, but even he as a professional, needs to be thinking, what else could do next time to provide a more impactful contribution to the team? Because what he did in the EF certainly didn't work.

Surely though some level of variance good and bad is to be expected?
Part of it is things out of our control (quality of opposition play on the day, ball bouncing wrong way etc.)
Part of it is our preparation of the game tactically and strategically (that's the football department staff, not the players)
Suggesting cause and effect of playing style here makes zero sense to me unless you can find a proven, physical or mental performance aspect that's scientifically valid. For instance, if the players had not gotten enough sleep in the day or two before the game, that's valid. Suggesting that they were doing something else with their lives nine days before the game (as they would always do something else with their lives, like study for a university degree, in their rostered day off that they get all year before games and still play well) isn't valid.

 

[Proffessor]

You've got the logic backwards year. The burden of proof is on you to prove that it may have affected him if there was something about it that would have taken away from his training. Suggesting that him going about his hobbies is enough to influence play is basically not it. Players partake in all sorts of hobbies-based activities all the time.

No, if a person turns up to work but doesn't perform their duties for some reason, the onus is on them to explain why, not on their boss to try to prove whether they were sick, hungover, distracted by domestic concerns, or simply couldn't be bothered.

Without an explanation, people are free to draw their own conclusions. Cody conducted a Big Art show the week before a cutthroat final, despite a recent poor personal record in finals, he then proceeded to play another absolute shocker and let his team down. Those are the facts.

Was it the fault of the art show? Who knows for sure. What we do know is he could easily have avoided such a potential distraction and therefore should have.

One of the big mistakes I think you are making is calling it a hobby. Him creating artworks in his spare time is clearly not an issue. Putting on an event like an art show is not a hobby, it takes serious effort and is more akin to a second job.

How would you feel if we lost a final because a star player had a shocker, and you discovered that they had been working a second job that physically or mentally wore them out a few days beforehand?

First thing the coach should say is, 'you are never allowed to do that again'.

 

[The Slitherin' Snake]

I can understand Dureya being in most teams but we need to move on from him, JJ, VDM, McNeill, Poulter, Baker etc. Sure they add depth but if we are going to get better we need to develop the kids. So, a sprinkling of Arty, Sanders, Hynes, Buss and Davidson in the earlier rounds without comprising a winning team would be good.

Gee i reckon you are being really rough on Duryea by grouping him with those guys (JJ has had spotty form and injury so i understand that). Duryea had a terrific year i thought and is slearly AFL quality, I can't say the same for VDM, McNeill, Poulter or Baker.

 

[_Cerberus_]

If Doc still plays well, then he doesn't "need to be moved on from". The onus is on the guys below him, to play better and push him out. If he is still in our best 22 come Round 23, then more than likely he has earned it, or we have a crap load of injuries. Stays in the team for me, until he plays poorly, or someone plays better.

 

[doggiesin08]

No, if a person turns up to work but doesn't perform their duties for some reason, the onus is on them to explain why, not on their boss to try to prove whether they were sick, hungover, distracted by domestic concerns, or simply couldn't be bothered.

Without an explanation, people are free to draw their own conclusions. Cody conducted a Big Art show the week before a cutthroat final, despite a recent poor personal record in finals, he then proceeded to play another absolute shocker and let his team down. Those are the facts.

Was it the fault of the art show? Who knows for sure. What we do know is he could easily have avoided such a potential distraction and therefore should have.

One of the big mistakes I think you are making is calling it a hobby. Him creating artworks in his spare time is clearly not an issue. Putting on an event like an art show is not a hobby, it takes serious effort and is more akin to a second job.

How would you feel if we lost a final because a star player had a shocker, and you discovered that they had been working a second job that physically or mentally wore them out a few days beforehand?

First thing the coach should say is, 'you are never allowed to do that again'.

How do you know the effort he personally put into the show was akin to a second job vs largely externally managed and he just exhibited a bunch of art he had done over an extended time period? Is he quoted talking about the operational intensity he personally took on?

 

[Proffessor]

How do you know the effort he personally put into the show was akin to a second job vs largely externally managed and he just exhibited a bunch of art he had done over an extended time period? Is he quoted talking about the operational intensity he personally took on?

Anyone who has prepared something for open public scrutiny understands the potential mental impact of such actions.

A show which involves numerous personal works and is heavily publicised to maximise attention, would naturally be associated with a significant amount of personal care and anxiety.

It’s possible to delegate administrative tasks but it’s impossible to delegate the emotional connection to your own work when it is put up for external judgement.

 

[threenewpadlocks]

Anyone who has prepared something for open public scrutiny understands the potential mental impact of such actions.

A show which involves numerous personal works and is heavily publicised to maximise attention, would naturally be associated with a significant amount of personal care and anxiety.

It’s possible to delegate administrative tasks but it’s impossible to delegate the emotional connection to your own work when it is put up for external judgement.

How can you know the extent that Weightman invested his emotions into his art?

How can you know the extent that subsequently impacts his performance on a football field nine days later?

 

[Proffessor]

How can you know the extent that Weightman invested his emotions into his art?

How can you know the extent that subsequently impacts his performance on a football field nine days later?

Nobody can truly know if it was the art show or something else, except perhaps Cody.

But everyone knows he had another shockingly bad final, and needs to change something to avoid it happening again in future.

 

[NthBondiDoggies]

Like every year - some positions seem locked in and some open with lots of options at the start of the year and then we see if they work.


Locked in IMHO

FF: Weightman JUH Darcy

HF: Naughton West

West was not picked last game on the basis of injury but when fit he will be back in.

HHF: is not settled: go small with McNeil as incumbent or VDM, Artie or Dolan or go marking like Hynes or Davidson or resting mid like Trelor (and start Richards at Centre) or Kennedy, Sanders or Garcia.

R: English Bont Libba
C: Williams Trelor

Truck has evolved to be a good defensive wing who can also use his kick to score or set up. But Poulter, Baker, Gallagher have not grabbed this spot. With JJ back does he play there. Could be fantastic but not a long term option or go with Davidson? But expect this will be Friejahs role.


HB: Dale Lobb

Third tall intercept is still open. Friejah was preferred last year which is a great marker of respect for the young fella. He could stay there or move to Wong (likely) JOD, Coffield and Khamis have all show bits and can intercept but still don’t own it and whoever improves 10% can claim this - JOD get stronger, Coffield get faster, Khamis better defensive positioning

FB: Jones JJ

Duryea is probably a walk up (I think he should be and a big fan) but he is now the oldest player we have and will slow. We need a genuine nugget small defender who defends. Bramble is pretty good and same size / not as good 1:1 but has better attack. Coffield is closest but not quite fast enough for the Charlie Camerons and many other small fast forwards. Reckon Luke Kennedy could be considered. Gallagher was brought in with this in mind but haven’t seen him mark the ball - this role needs to be very good on the air - Duryea is outstanding that way.

JJ should play if fit but expect that Bramble will play as many games as the running defender.

Rotations: will be a set fill
Midfield rotation led by Richards is one of the first picked but will come off bench until Trelor slows down. Expect Sanders will be used more in the Rover position to replace Libba. M Kennedy now probably favourite or García or Gallagher likely to be other rotations - fourth likely to be a utility (like Harmes or Davidson).

Sub for impact but should be able to play multiple positions. I like Khamis for this - he can change the backline with his marking or quickly pile on goals up forward - particularly late in games as he has shown in a fair number of VFL games. Baker and Scott have both done very well in this role. I don’t like VDM or McNeil as they never seem to impact the game. Could see JJ being used to lengthen his career - last thing Oppo wants is his speed coming on in the third quarter.

 

[stefoid]

Going to be a weird old game for Caleb. I guess its better to get the bandaid ripped off quickly. :-/

 

[Dannnnnnnnnn]

Not quite my preferred, but I expect something like:

FB: Khamis - Jones - Freijah
HB: Dale - Lobb - Bramble

C: Williams - Bontempelli - Harmes

HF: Treloar - Naughton - M. Kennedy
FF: JUH - Darcy - Weightman

R: English - Liberatore - Richards

I: Duryea - Sanders - Gallagher - Vandermeer
S: Johannisen

E: O'Donnell - West - McNeil - Coffield

 

[Euku]

FB: O'Donnell - Jones - Bramble
HB: Dale - Lobb - Freijah

C: Williams - Bontempelli - L Kennedy

HF: - Davidson- Naughton - Weightman
FF: - Darcy- West- JUH

R: English - Liberatore - Richards

I: Treloar- Sanders - M. Kennedy - johannisen/coffield
S: Garcia

I think our future midfield will be Sanders L Kennedy and Freijah

 

[JTCWBFC]

The fact we may well roll out vdm and McNeil as small forwards again doesn’t excite me.

 

[weltschmerz]

The fact we may well roll out vdm and McNeil as small forwards again doesn’t excite me.

Surely we drafted Dolan and Davidson for a reason. Dolan is a while away but Davidson could play r1.

 

[Snarls Barkley]

I don’t care if VDM has the greatest preseason ever, he absolutely shouldn’t start round 1. For the first time in his career make him earn his position through strong performances in the reserves.