What They're Saying - The Bulldogs Media Thread - Part 2

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Anyone else hear the Tom Browne news about a high-profile AFL figure with a social media video doing the rounds (depicting them snorting a white substance). Almost started chanting in my head: "Don't be Libba, don't be Libba..."
Its mumford

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Freo fan here.

I have it on good terms and sources that Fremantle are considering Liberatore to replace our outgoing man Neale.

Peter Bell flew out to Melbourne to meet with Liberatore’s agent and Nat Fyfe has spoken with Liberatore on the phone.

If it happens; what can we expect from Liberatore? Obviously I gather that he loves the sesh but in a football point of view, what are your thoughts?
 

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Freo fan here.

I have it on good terms and sources that Fremantle are considering Liberatore to replace our outgoing man Neale.

Peter Bell flew out to Melbourne to meet with Liberatore’s agent and Nat Fyfe has spoken with Liberatore on the phone.

If it happens; what can we expect from Liberatore? Obviously I gather that he loves the sesh but in a football point of view, what are your thoughts?

Libba in WA?

Oh dear...
 
Freo fan here.

I have it on good terms and sources that Fremantle are considering Liberatore to replace our outgoing man Neale.

Peter Bell flew out to Melbourne to meet with Liberatore’s agent and Nat Fyfe has spoken with Liberatore on the phone.

If it happens; what can we expect from Liberatore? Obviously I gather that he loves the sesh but in a football point of view, what are your thoughts?
If true, the only way you could actually get him is through the draft. Free agency period is over and he won't be a delisted free agent as he has a contract on offer.
 
Freo fan here.

I have it on good terms and sources that Fremantle are considering Liberatore to replace our outgoing man Neale.

Peter Bell flew out to Melbourne to meet with Liberatore’s agent and Nat Fyfe has spoken with Liberatore on the phone.

If it happens; what can we expect from Liberatore? Obviously I gather that he loves the sesh but in a football point of view, what are your thoughts?
Was there an interpreter standing by?
 
Freo fan here.

I have it on good terms and sources that Fremantle are considering Liberatore to replace our outgoing man Neale.

Peter Bell flew out to Melbourne to meet with Liberatore’s agent and Nat Fyfe has spoken with Liberatore on the phone.

If it happens; what can we expect from Liberatore? Obviously I gather that he loves the sesh but in a football point of view, what are your thoughts?

Hahahahaha
 
Gary Buckenara analyses Western Bulldogs’ list after the 2018 season

THE Bulldogs have been crippled by injuries over the last two years and despite missing the finals, this list is capable of playing and winning finals next year.

Looking at the group of players who missed large chunks of the season – Easton Wood, Liam Picken, Tom Liberatore, Dale Morris, Matt Suckling, Tom Boyd, Tory Dickson, Bailey Dale, Marcus Adams (although he’s now left) and Lin Jong – they’re all good AFL players who add much-needed experience and structure.

Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae and Hayden Crozier also missed several weeks, which placed further strain on the already very young group.

GARY BUCKENARA: EVERY CLUB’S TRADE PERIOD RATED

Winning the flag in 2016 was a fantastic achievement but the concern I had was whether the fanatical brand of football that took this club to the pinnacle was sustainable. It was always going to be hard to back up that form and game style in 2017 and 2018 but the injury toll has made that task even harder.



Put those players back into Luke Beveridge’s team for the majority of the season and I’m confident the Bulldogs will rise up the ladder next year and again be a finals threat. I’m bullish about what this club and this list can produce and achieve.

326f34510b775e38f67058ae159fd222

Easton Wood and other players who missed chunks of the season bring valuable experience
What the injuries toll has done, however, is exposed some young players to senior level earlier than expected with some surprising – and exciting - results.

Aaron Naughton was a revelation as a key defender (and at times key forward) and has all the hallmarks of a 200-game player, Ed Richards was outstanding both across halfback and half forward and will only get better and Josh Schache is finally showing signs at AFL level of the talent that earned him the reputation as one of the hottest key position players in his draft year. You don’t get taken with No.2 in the draft for nothing.

It also provided Toby McLean and Josh Dunkley the opportunity to spend more time in the midfield and thrived, with both players enjoying the best seasons of their young careers. Their development in these roles, and the fact they took on greater responsibility, will hold the club in good stead next year and into the future.

The reason I’m bullish about this list is that talent and ability doesn’t disappear overnight. It’s the constant grind and adversity that arises during a long and arduous season that challenges players and their will to compete.

There is some serious talent on this list – Bontempelli, Macrae, Wood, Jason Johannisen, Lachie Hunter, Liberatore, Picken and Morris are all very good players, while Caleb Daniel, Mitch Wallis, Tory Dickson, Tom Boyd, Hayden Crozier, Jackson Trengove and Suckling are all experienced players who have the ability, and have proven before, to be very good contributors.

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Injury absences added unecessary pressure to the Dogs in 2018
Then there are the emerging players led by Naughton, Richards, Dunkley and McLean but they’ve only just scratched the surface of what they can produce. Dale has also shown very good signs but has been hampered by injuries and Tim English should develop, in time, to be a very good AFL ruckman.

The question for the Bulldogs is: How much do they want to commit to be successful again?

The answer to that question has already started with premiership players Luke Dahlhaus and Jordan Roughead departing. Clearly both needed a change of scenery to recapture their best and you get the feeling the decision was mutual.

The Bulldogs had a relatively quiet trade period despite their departure given they wanted Chad Wingard but were beaten by Hawthorn, but did complete some minor deals.

Former Tiger Sam Lloyd and former Hawk Taylor Duryea should be best 22 players next year and didn’t come at a high price, which is a good result. Dahlhaus will be a loss but he hasn’t produced anywhere near his best footy since the 2016 Grand Final.

Marcus Adams’ move to Brisbane wasn’t a high-profile trade but I think he leaves a big hole. I really rate him as a key defender. The Bulldogs will probably need to bolster their defensive stocks at the draft now.

The list is weaker as a result of this year’s trade and free agency period but at least they’ll go to the draft with a strong hand, with three picks in the top 32.

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The big question for the Dogs is how much do they believe they can be successful again
WESTERN BULLDOGS’ LIST NEEDS

The Bulldogs have a young and well-balanced list but should look to inject some class into the midfield and forward lines. The retirement of Jack Redpath means Schache and Tom Boyd are the only two true key position forwards on the list (although Boyd has been used more as a ruckman), so that should be an area to target during the national and rookie drafts, be it for a developing player or looking to bring in a bigger body via the state leagues.

Conversion in front of goal was an ongoing problem this year, so working on goalkicking will be a priority over the summer. Recruiting players who have good goal sense and are elite kicks will also help in this area.

GARY BUCKENARA THE TOP 30 DRAFT PROSPECTS FOR 2018

PLAYERS WHO NEED TO STEP UP IN 2019

After two years out of the finals since winning the premiership in 2016, it’s time for every player on the list to step up next year because this list has more talent that its eight-win season suggests.

Every player must commit to being the best AFL player they can be, train hard to get their bodies ready for the rigours of a tough season (and thus hopefully avoid injury) and find that hunger and commitment to play as a team and for each other.

It will be a big season for Tom Liberatore as he returns from his second knee reconstruction, while Matt Suckling struggled at times with his ball use this year – his biggest strength – and will need to become a real leader as one of the most experienced players at the club at 30 years of age.

What does the future hold for Zaine Cordy and Fletcher Roberts? Both have struggled for consistency since being part of the drought-breaking premiership and haven’t rediscovered that form. It’s now or never for both those players to either step up or have their future and positions questioned.

CRYSTAL BALL

There is enough quality and star power on this list that should see this group climb back into contention not only to play finals but to possibly win more silverware – but it’s dependant on whether the group can recapture the fanatical desire to compete that made it a successful team.
 
Gary Buckenara analyses Western Bulldogs’ list after the 2018 season

THE Bulldogs have been crippled by injuries over the last two years and despite missing the finals, this list is capable of playing and winning finals next year.

Looking at the group of players who missed large chunks of the season – Easton Wood, Liam Picken, Tom Liberatore, Dale Morris, Matt Suckling, Tom Boyd, Tory Dickson, Bailey Dale, Marcus Adams (although he’s now left) and Lin Jong – they’re all good AFL players who add much-needed experience and structure.

Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae and Hayden Crozier also missed several weeks, which placed further strain on the already very young group.

GARY BUCKENARA: EVERY CLUB’S TRADE PERIOD RATED

Winning the flag in 2016 was a fantastic achievement but the concern I had was whether the fanatical brand of football that took this club to the pinnacle was sustainable. It was always going to be hard to back up that form and game style in 2017 and 2018 but the injury toll has made that task even harder.



Put those players back into Luke Beveridge’s team for the majority of the season and I’m confident the Bulldogs will rise up the ladder next year and again be a finals threat. I’m bullish about what this club and this list can produce and achieve.

326f34510b775e38f67058ae159fd222

Easton Wood and other players who missed chunks of the season bring valuable experience
What the injuries toll has done, however, is exposed some young players to senior level earlier than expected with some surprising – and exciting - results.

Aaron Naughton was a revelation as a key defender (and at times key forward) and has all the hallmarks of a 200-game player, Ed Richards was outstanding both across halfback and half forward and will only get better and Josh Schache is finally showing signs at AFL level of the talent that earned him the reputation as one of the hottest key position players in his draft year. You don’t get taken with No.2 in the draft for nothing.

It also provided Toby McLean and Josh Dunkley the opportunity to spend more time in the midfield and thrived, with both players enjoying the best seasons of their young careers. Their development in these roles, and the fact they took on greater responsibility, will hold the club in good stead next year and into the future.

The reason I’m bullish about this list is that talent and ability doesn’t disappear overnight. It’s the constant grind and adversity that arises during a long and arduous season that challenges players and their will to compete.

There is some serious talent on this list – Bontempelli, Macrae, Wood, Jason Johannisen, Lachie Hunter, Liberatore, Picken and Morris are all very good players, while Caleb Daniel, Mitch Wallis, Tory Dickson, Tom Boyd, Hayden Crozier, Jackson Trengove and Suckling are all experienced players who have the ability, and have proven before, to be very good contributors.

4164cf3f7947e5cfbfb7b1c2dffb3e5d

Injury absences added unecessary pressure to the Dogs in 2018
Then there are the emerging players led by Naughton, Richards, Dunkley and McLean but they’ve only just scratched the surface of what they can produce. Dale has also shown very good signs but has been hampered by injuries and Tim English should develop, in time, to be a very good AFL ruckman.

The question for the Bulldogs is: How much do they want to commit to be successful again?

The answer to that question has already started with premiership players Luke Dahlhaus and Jordan Roughead departing. Clearly both needed a change of scenery to recapture their best and you get the feeling the decision was mutual.

The Bulldogs had a relatively quiet trade period despite their departure given they wanted Chad Wingard but were beaten by Hawthorn, but did complete some minor deals.

Former Tiger Sam Lloyd and former Hawk Taylor Duryea should be best 22 players next year and didn’t come at a high price, which is a good result. Dahlhaus will be a loss but he hasn’t produced anywhere near his best footy since the 2016 Grand Final.

Marcus Adams’ move to Brisbane wasn’t a high-profile trade but I think he leaves a big hole. I really rate him as a key defender. The Bulldogs will probably need to bolster their defensive stocks at the draft now.

The list is weaker as a result of this year’s trade and free agency period but at least they’ll go to the draft with a strong hand, with three picks in the top 32.

8745e0ea6527a9fb08a6d7117411b8a4

The big question for the Dogs is how much do they believe they can be successful again
WESTERN BULLDOGS’ LIST NEEDS

The Bulldogs have a young and well-balanced list but should look to inject some class into the midfield and forward lines. The retirement of Jack Redpath means Schache and Tom Boyd are the only two true key position forwards on the list (although Boyd has been used more as a ruckman), so that should be an area to target during the national and rookie drafts, be it for a developing player or looking to bring in a bigger body via the state leagues.

Conversion in front of goal was an ongoing problem this year, so working on goalkicking will be a priority over the summer. Recruiting players who have good goal sense and are elite kicks will also help in this area.

GARY BUCKENARA THE TOP 30 DRAFT PROSPECTS FOR 2018

PLAYERS WHO NEED TO STEP UP IN 2019

After two years out of the finals since winning the premiership in 2016, it’s time for every player on the list to step up next year because this list has more talent that its eight-win season suggests.

Every player must commit to being the best AFL player they can be, train hard to get their bodies ready for the rigours of a tough season (and thus hopefully avoid injury) and find that hunger and commitment to play as a team and for each other.

It will be a big season for Tom Liberatore as he returns from his second knee reconstruction, while Matt Suckling struggled at times with his ball use this year – his biggest strength – and will need to become a real leader as one of the most experienced players at the club at 30 years of age.

What does the future hold for Zaine Cordy and Fletcher Roberts? Both have struggled for consistency since being part of the drought-breaking premiership and haven’t rediscovered that form. It’s now or never for both those players to either step up or have their future and positions questioned.

CRYSTAL BALL

There is enough quality and star power on this list that should see this group climb back into contention not only to play finals but to possibly win more silverware – but it’s dependant on whether the group can recapture the fanatical desire to compete that made it a successful team.

That’s not the worst assessment I have ever read on our list....
 

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That’s not the worst assessment I have ever read on our list....
The only thing I thing he has got completely wrong is his assessment of Zaine Cordy.

Really ?

He has been 1 of only 2 or 3 members of the premiership team to improve over the last two years.
 
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The only thing I think he has got completely wrong is his assessment of Zaine Cordy.

Really ?

He has been 1 of only 2 or 3 members of the premiership team to improve over the last two years.

Agree the assessment of Zaine is a bit ordinary.
 
That’s not the worst assessment I have ever read on our list....
A fair and reasonable assessment. There will always be a couple of players people disagree on, just read the selection thread each week, but it is why I am reasonably bullish about next season and where the list build is heading. There appears more substance to it
 
A fair and reasonable assessment. There will always be a couple of players people disagree on, just read the selection thread each week, but it is why I am reasonably bullish about next season and where the list build is heading. There appears more substance to it

Oh no, I’m not falling for that again...
 
Ha , poor old Zaine is going to need a lot more than a dose of BEX , when he has been lumped in with Sid :eek:
Laughable !
 
I agree about the Cordy criticism but apart from thought thought it was a good article. My view on Cordy is that he is best 22 and probably our best KPD but i thought he would have improved more over the last two years. He still loses some 1 on 1 contests that I don't think he should. Maybe that is what Buckenara was meaning?????
 
I agree about the Cordy criticism but apart from thought thought it was a good article. My view on Cordy is that he is best 22 and probably our best KPD but i thought he would have improved more over the last two years. He still loses some 1 on 1 contests that I don't think he should. Maybe that is what Buckenara was meaning?????

He is a key position premiership player who only turned 22 last week, I think he will be fine


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