News Western Bulldogs Offseason 2013-2014

[dogwatch]

The Bulldogs drafted junior star Marcus Bontempelli with the No.4 selection last year, and while Mooney said he may only play "half a dozen games" in 2014, the club likes what it sees.

"We drafted him as an onballer, and you don't want to put these big statements on him, but he does move a lot like a (Scott) Pendlebury," Mooney said.

Nice to hear they like Bonti but, sheesh, every second midfielder in the draft gets likened to Pendlebury.


"I just hope at the end of the year the Bulldogs supporters are saying 'We're not that far away from playing finals again'."

yeah, like "next week"!

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/a...shaking-his-head/story-fni5fazt-1226805654594

 

[VitalDread]

Montgomery elevated to senior assistants role

The Western Bulldogs have elevated Brett Montgomery to Senior Assistant Coach ahead of season 2014, to support Senior Coach Brendan McCartney and the expanding coaching panel.
Montgomery has proven a valuable addition to the Bulldogs coaching stocks throughout his four years at the Club, overseeing the side’s defensive line and most recently strategy and opposition department.
Heading into the eighth year of his coaching apprenticeship, Montgomery’s vast football knowledge and experience will hold him in good stead in his new position.
“It means a hell of a lot to get the role and know that the Club respects you enough, trusts you enough and rates you enough,” Montgomery said.
“I will still drive our opposition, I will still drive our game style – slight change up, I will manage our IT department as well.
“It’s great that Macca trusts me enough to get in there and work our game style across all lines and I’ve always through about the bigger picture more than the day-to-days.”
Montgomery was given his first taste of coaching at Carlton in 2007, where he played a pivotal role assisting the forward line and later their back six, before moving to the Bulldogs at the end of 2010.
The Bulldogs senior assistant coach also has an extensive playing career to draw on, which spanned 11 seasons – including five at the kennel.
A Port Adelaide premiership player in 2004, Montgomery played 220 senior games - including 78 in the red, white and blue.

http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/2014-01-30/montgomery-elevated-to-senior-role

 

[Wizard17]

http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/2014-01-31/hrovat-provides-honey-advice

When looking for a mentor, most players seek out a veteran to impart their wisdom but Mitch Honeychurch has latched onto a more relatable figure in Nathan Hrovat.
The highs and lows associated with a debut season of football are fresh in Hrovat’s mind and Honeychurch, being of similar size and stature, has found the second year recruit is brimming with knowledge.
“I always try to grab Nath whenever I can, because he is sort of in the same position as me,” Honeychurch said.
“He’s a second year player and I am a first year player and I like to compare myself to him and we have a fair crack out there.
“We are the same height, the same weight and we play in the same position.”
The competitive spirit in the two young Bulldogs often comes to light when they go head to head but off the track Hrovat is happy to share the tips and tricks he has learnt along the way to help his teammate improve.
“He’s told me a few things to get on top of and he has been fantastic in my development,” he said.
“I am able to gain as much knowledge as I can from him and even though it is only 12 months ahead of me, he just seems to know so much more.”
Honeychurch has also been working closely with Senior Coach Brendan McCartney and forward line Assistant Coach Shannon Grant, tapping into their extensive knowledge.
“I’ve had a fair bit to do with Macca one-on-one and a fair bit to do with Shagga in the forward line as well, their coaching is amazing,” he said.
“They are not always like ‘just have a crack, have a crack’, they have got a lot of finesse about them.
“I am just trying to gain as much knowledge as I can off them.”
The appeal of match practice and a possible NAB Challenge debut is enticing for Honeychurch, but he knows he won’t be gifted a debut game unless he earns it.
“[I’m] pretty happy to get stuck into match simulation pretty soon and see what happens in NAB Cup,” he said.
“I might not be playing, I might be playing, I’ll just put my best foot forward and keep developing my game.”

 

[VitalDread]

Already mention by posters

Brian Cordy’s coaching resume includes taking players like Matthew Scarlett, Johnathan Brown and Cameron Ling under his wing and now he is eager to mark his mark on the Footscray Bulldogs list.

With over 25 years’ experience as both coach and teacher, Cordy has an extensive understanding of how to develop and nurture young football talent.

Become a 2014 Western Bulldogs member today and help us 'Gather The Pack.’

The former Bulldogs player – and father of Ayce – was approached by both Senior Coach Brendan McCartney and Development Coach Chris Maple to join the Footscray Bulldogs coaching panel.

“I thought it would be a great thing to be involved in… I was very, very honoured and very surprised,” Cordy said.

“I have had a fair bit of experience in junior development and 30 years of teaching, so hopefully I can offer something that might help the young men there.”

Cordy was thrilled with the news of the inception of a stand-alone VFL team and believes the flow on effect will benefit more than just the AFL-listed players.

“I think it is a great thing for the development of the young players, not just the listed players at the AFL but people from the western region area, the young players who haven’t quite been given a chance,” he said.

“I think it is one of the fundamental improvements in the last few years, a lot of the AFL clubs having a stand-alone side.

“It allows the same message that goes to the top senior players get right through to the bottom of the list with those guys trying to find their way through.

“It can only fast track [their development] and I think it will be a great bonus for the Club in the long term.”

With a history coaching the Geelong Falcons in the TAC Cup, local Geelong football sides and influencing the Geelong College football program, Cordy is more than qualified to take on the new role.

Primarily focusing on bringing in a team-first mentality among the playing group, Cordy will also oversee the VFL coaching panel on match day, drawing on his knowledge and experience.

“I think my greatest asset will be in fact team building, working together as a group, just the whole team ethic rather than individual ethic,” he said.

“And just experience on match day in the coaches box, experience when things aren’t going that well, because sometimes with young coaches that is when you struggle.

“I have had a few weeks now to work alongside Chris Maple, Ash Hansen who is doing the midfield, Chad Jones and Stewart Edge and I am really, really excited - I think they are a quality group who are really good for the young players.”

http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/2014-02-02/cordy-senior-joins-footscray-coaching-panel

 

[Dogs_r_barking]

http://www.theage.com.au/interactive/2013/fiveseasons/Giansiracusa.html

I don't know if anyone saw the Emma Quayle article, where she followed five players last year including Gia. I found it really interesting, it gave some insight into how Macca deals with the players as well. I liked the way he rang Gia that night on his way home, after he told him he would be dropped for the next two games. He treats the players with a lot of respect, and that sound like it is mutual.

 

[VitalDread]

So i went down to the club and asked a few questions.

Tommy and higgins have been kept under wraps to make sure they don't hurt them selves but are progressing really well and look for round 1.
Asked him about Williams injuries and he said, the reason why he keeps playing and rehabing is because he fees he needs to repay the club for investing so much into him.

Bonte is one fast bloke, he is at least 40m ahead of the packs in the running trails and killing it overall.
Libba is a man amongst boys, he's never seen a bloke get the ball as much in packs like libba.
jones is gonna have a great year since Crameri will get the first defender.

Macca is a great bloke.

Basically all the stuff people that go to training already know.

Also Prudden Ankle is perfectly healthy

 

[timtamWB]

Asked him about Williams injuries and he said, the reason why he keeps playing and rehabing is because he fees he needs to repay the club for investing so much into him.

jones is gonna have a great year since Crameri will get the first defender.

Williams is just such a great person all round, no one would begrudge him if he retired because of the injuries. But to keep playing and suffering through those injuries, and still performing when he's not injured, is just amazing.

I don't buy into the "Crameri will get the first defender" hype. He's not the type of player that a Jamison, or a Roughead, or a Mackenzie would play on.

 

[ivan rassmussen]

I have had a few weeks now to work alongside Chris Maple, Ash Hansen who is doing the midfield, Chad Jones and Stewart Edge and I am really, really excited - I think they are a quality group who are really good for the young players.”

http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/2014-02-02/cordy-senior-joins-footscray-coaching-panel

Oh no, he's picked up the terminology already!!!

(Obviously Ayce has been regaling Toby with quotes from the inner sanctum... "They're all quality people down at the club these days, Dad.")

 

[Dazb86]

Surprised to hear about Bonte's pace. Weren't there reports he was quick but not overly quick? Especially off the mark.

Good news if true regardless.

 

[Chris Grant]

Western Bulldogs Lin Jong was today announced as an Australia Post AFL Multicultural Ambassador, highlighting his community work in the Club’s heartland, Melbourne’s west.

The 20-year-old will play a role in promoting multiculturalism in the AFL, while continuing his work in the community introducing people of all backgrounds to Australia’s game.

Become a 2014 Western Bulldogs member today and help us 'Gather The Pack.’

Essendon’s Jobe Watson, Melbourne’s Jimmy Toumpas, Collingwood’s Patrick Karnezis and the GWS Giants’ Stephen Coniglio were also named as Australia Post AFL Multicultural Ambassadors today.

AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou said the Australia Post Multicultural Ambassadors are leaders across the code and play a pivotal role in attracting new players, members and fans.

“Australia’s only Indigenous Game is proud to welcome all people to our sport and the Australia Post AFL Multicultural Ambassadors are leaders for our wider player group, our clubs and all fans to continue attracting new people to the AFL to be part of Australia’s most popular sport,” Demetriou said.

“Since the introduction of the AFL Multicultural ambassador program in 2012, we are delighted by the enthusiasm, insight and cultural guidance the ambassadors have provided to communities and the AFL industry.

"In 2014, we are excited to have Jobe, Jimmy, Patrick, Stephen and Lin as part of this important program and look forward to the 10 ambassadors playing a lead role in encouraging individuals and communities to unite through their passion for Australia's game.”

The five young men join current Australia Post AFL Multicultural ambassadors Nic Natanui, Bachar Houli, Karmichael Hunt, Majak Daw and Alipate Carlile, who will continue in their role from 2013.

http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/2014-02-04/jong-named-multicultural-ambassador

 

[dogwatch]

Surprised to hear about Bonte's pace. Weren't there reports he was quick but not overly quick? Especially off the mark.

Good news if true regardless.

Sounds more like an endurance run if he's winning them by 40m.
Wow, if he won a 100m sprint by 40m he would give Usain Bolt a run for his money!
Good news whichever it is.

 

[Mofra]

Surprised to hear about Bonte's pace. Weren't there reports he was quick but not overly quick? Especially off the mark.

His top-line pace is decent (especially for a player of his size) but his acceleration is slow, placed in the bottom 10% at draft camp over the first 10m (the 20m sprint times have time markers along the way apparenty)

 

[threenewpadlocks]

So he seems like his first 2-4 strides are slow, but once he gets going, his 20-50 metre speed is ok? Seems a bit of a unique case in that. Must be due to his size.

 

[VitalDread]

So he seems like his first 2-4 strides are slow, but once he gets going, his 20-50 metre speed is ok? Seems a bit of a unique case in that. Must be due to his size.

According to my source.
He runs like Scott Pend

Also Cordy is being under wraps since he's still growing and looks to have a solid season.

 

[Werewolf]

Also Cordy is being under wraps since he's still growing and looks to have a solid season.

At the age of 23? Or are you referring to Zaine?

 

[VitalDread]

At the age of 23? Or are you referring to Zaine?

Cordy.
He's still growing into his body and since he's lost weight and become more lean he looks to have a great year without injuries .

 

[Werewolf]

Cordy.
He's still growing into his body and since he's lost weight and become more lean he looks to have a great year without injuries .

I thought you meant growing in height. He's been 202cm for the last 5 years or so.

 

[FROGGR]

Sorry boys.... and stuffed if I know how it has seven likes on AFL.com already... what's there to like?
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-02-06/murphy-out-for-eight-weeks

WESTERN Bulldogs defender Bob Murphy will be sidelined for at least eight weeks after suffering an elbow injury at training on Thursday.
Murphy is likely to undergo surgery in the coming days.
"Bob landed awkwardly on his elbow at training today, and scans showed some damage to the tendon," said the club's medical services manager, Andrew McKenzie.
"While we expecting confirmation from the specialist, we’re optimistic Bob will be available to play in the early parts of the season.
"Bob is a resilient person, and will rehabilitate the injury with the professionalism we’ve seen from him over fourteen seasons at the club."
The Bulldogs' first home and away game is against West Coast at Patersons Stadium on Sunday, March 23.

 

[Werewolf]

Daniel Pearce says: “Competition is what drives the Club, it makes us train better, it makes us more accountable”.
“We strive for that competition to know that someone is there to take our spot if we are not performing well enough.”

 

[doggies ftw]

Big Tommy Campbell resigned until 2016!

 

[Dannnnnnnnnn]

Big Tommy Campbell resigned until 2016!

That's a load off my chest. He was the big one for mine - when I heard about Minson's re-signing I was a little edgy about Campbell's future with us, as if Wilbur maintains his form and we chase a big KPF, Campbell may not get the opportunity he is at the moment. Fantastic that he's re-signed and says a lot about both him and the club. Great work Dogs.

 

[doggies ftw]

That's a load off my chest. He was the big one for mine - when I heard about Minson's re-signing I was a little edgy about Campbell's future with us, as if Wilbur maintains his form and we chase a big KPF, Campbell may not get the opportunity he is at the moment. Fantastic that he's re-signed and says a lot about both him and the club. Great work Dogs.

Yeah I agree, have wondered for a while if Campbell would chase game time if he couldn't get that here. And by the end of 2016 you'd think Minno would be nearly done and he should be ready to take over that number 1 ruck spot. Just need to get JJ signed up now, thats really the only one worrying me at the moment.

 

[Bont2Bruce]

Big Tommy Campbell resigned until 2016!

Re-signed.
(slightly different meaning without the hyphen)

 

[Igloo]

http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/wes...rss&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

ADAM Cooney thought he was finished.

It was midway through 2012, and the knee injury that had plagued the Western Bulldogs star midfielder since his 2008 Brownlow Medal triumph had finally consumed him.

On the field, he was labouring.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/wes...rss&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

 

[DogDays]

I'm not sure this is the right place to post this - but being a passionate doggies supporter and now living north of Brisbane I spend a lot of time reading about the doggies on our website, the HUN and other newspapers online as well as spending a lot of time reading here.

I have to say, that I am so proud to be a Doggies supporter - our club seems to be the most passionate and energetic when it comes to helping and working with the community. I'm as narcissistic as the next person but it does warm the heart to see we support a club that (from the board members down to the boot strapper) cares about not only winning a premiership but bringing along people for the ride and lifting them up as a part of the journey.

I don't normally feel the need to be so intraspective (perhaps because it's valentines day?) but I feel more and more proud when I put on my doggies polo or jumper (no longer cool enough to wear the beanie or the scarf up here) and walk down the street.

Interesting point too - I wear my polo a lot up here and the amount of people who give me a random thumbs up, a "love the shirt" or a "hope the doggies do well this year" is amazing!! I would get it at least several times a week --- point to note I'm between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane so there's not as many people up here as south of Brisbane.

Anyway, just wanted to express my passion for the doggies and say how proud I am of our club. For the first time in a long time, I feel that we are all on the verge of something very, very special. (I'll crawl back into my corner now)