What They're Saying - The Bulldogs Media Thread - Part 3

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It was on last night too and they talked about a Wednesday night show too.
Interesting! Who hosted? I was under the impression that there was still a heap of intrigue around whether Eddie would be involved tomorrow.
 
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Treloar was on AFL 360 tonight. Nothing new, but further confirmation that he is a ripping bloke and will be a huge asset to the club...culturally in particular. Is a great fit for what we stand for, and has a deep desire to win. Will no doubt get on with Bevo extremely well.

Singled out Dunkley as an amazing bloke who took him under his wing. It’s obvious they have been a great fit for each other and an interesting coincidence with how the careers have now intersected. Who knows how they go this year and into the future but it would be a great story line if they go on to be a massive one two inside outside punch for us, when there was a very good chance that one or both of them weren’t going to be at the club this year.

Treloar could be just what it takes to make Dunks fall back in love with the club.

I hope Treloar has an amazing game on Friday night and goes to another level this year but regardless I think he will be a real asset for us.
 
A couple of interesting takeaways from the captains video on YouTube:

- Max Gawn reckons Tim English to be the big improver in 2021

- The bont suggesting baz smith for a surprise all Australian.

Reckon those guys would have a pretty good insight into those two boys they put forward. Especially excited that Gawn is big on English


On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app
 
A couple of interesting takeaways from the captains video on YouTube:

- Max Gawn reckons Tim English to be the big improver in 2021

- The bont suggesting baz smith for a surprise all Australian.

Reckon those guys would have a pretty good insight into those two boys they put forward. Especially excited that Gawn is big on English


On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app
 
Treloar was on AFL 360 tonight. Nothing new, but further confirmation that he is a ripping bloke and will be a huge asset to the club...culturally in particular. Is a great fit for what we stand for, and has a deep desire to win. Will no doubt get on with Bevo extremely well.


from 15 mins in
 
I actually found that painful to watch. Bring on round 1. Hopefully he plays well and he can put Collingwood behind him. It all seems still a bit raw for him.
He definitely needs to draw a line under the whole thing after this weekend. If I was him and received anymore questions about Collingwood I'd simply say that Collingwood is the past, and the mighty Bulldogs are the future so lets talk about them.
 

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Is there a worse footy show than Footy Classified. It's completely unwatchable.

And when Sam McClure is on it sinks to new lows.

Had to turn it off.
 
Is there a worse footy show than Footy Classified. It's completely unwatchable.

And when Sam McClure is on it sinks to new lows.

Had to turn it off.

Wannabe "journalist" who got a leg-up through his old man. Trying to create some controversy around Charlie curnow, and when challenged claims he was just researching an article. Lightweight.
 
Wannabe "journalist" who got a leg-up through his old man. Trying to create some controversy around Charlie curnow, and when challenged claims he was just researching an article. Lightweight.

That was cringeworthy viewing.
 
A couple of interesting takeaways from the captains video on YouTube:

- Max Gawn reckons Tim English to be the big improver in 2021

- The bont suggesting baz smith for a surprise all Australian.

Reckon those guys would have a pretty good insight into those two boys they put forward. Especially excited that Gawn is big on English


On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app
TBH I don’t understand why people are surprised by this. English will be close to the best player in the comp in a couple of years, and that appeared clear to me at least at a couple of years ago. His peak is still 5 years off - let that sink in!!!!
 
I totally agree with Bev on the new sub rule. Suddenly we have 5 players on the bench with the distinct possibility of the rule being exploited. Players with any 'game ending' injury can be replaced and, if not concussed, can play again the following week. If we are led to believe that clubs will interpret the rule according to its intent as purely a medical necessity, then we are being extremely naive. It has been rushed through because of the recent media attention given to the effects of concussion. Perhaps if the sub is used for a concussed player only then it may have credibility. But, this rule needs a lot more discussion and fine tuning or the controversies it will create will drive everybody to drink.
 
I totally agree with Bev on the new sub rule. Suddenly we have 5 players on the bench with the distinct possibility of the rule being exploited. Players with any 'game ending' injury can be replaced and, if not concussed, can play again the following week. If we are led to believe that clubs will interpret the rule according to its intent as purely a medical necessity, then we are being extremely naive. It has been rushed through because of the recent media attention given to the effects of concussion. Perhaps if the sub is used for a concussed player only then it may have credibility. But, this rule needs a lot more discussion and fine tuning or the controversies it will create will drive everybody to drink.

I don't get it's relevance to the concussion issue either. The concussed player is already sent off, this doesn't mitigate any risk to them. What it does is stop the rest of the side getting extremely fatigued when they're a man down but all off season they've been saying fatigue is good and will open up the game.

Dealing with injuries is part of the game. It's part of what seperates the good sides from the bad. It also brings an element of unpredictability to a match, so of course most of the coaches loved the sub idea.
 
Footy expert Mick McGuane predicts his Top 8 ahead of the 2021 AFL season
The Bulldogs have enviable midfield depth but their stars must sacrifice personal gains for team glory if they’re going to go all the way, writes Mick McGuane.

Mick McGuane

March 19, 2021 - 7:55AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom


Collingwood: Out. Fremantle: In.
The Magpies look the most vulnerable of last year’s finals teams.
That’s bad news for Nathan Buckley as he stares down the final year of his contract with a forward line every bit as concerning as it has been in recent seasons.
Collingwood has a solid system, a good defence and a strong midfield.
But it also has a glaring weakness in attack.
The Magpies’ points for, scores from inside 50 percentage and forward 50 marks were ranked 13th, 16th and 16th last season.
Geelong, in comparison, was ranked No. 1 in all three facets.

The Cats recruited Jeremy Cameron and Shaun Higgins to complement their forwards.
Where is this change with the Magpies?
Buckley must demand faster ball movement to give the forwards a chance.
In saying that, those forwards must get creative to gain separation and win more critical one-on-one contests.
Jordan De Goey and Jamie Elliott are desperate for more midfield time in 2021, but Buckley MUST do what suits the team, not the individuals.

Jordan De Goey is a valuable player for Collingwood in the midfield, but even more so up forward. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
Collingwood needs those two potential match winners to play predominantly forward.
Both should be spending 70 per cent of their time in attack.
Bucks must use All-Australian defender Darcy Moore as a swingman more often, given Jeremy Howe has returned from injury.
Mason Cox just doesn’t get the job done consistently enough.
Brody Mihocek is brave and workmanlike but the Pies are aching for a fearless marking forward that can consistently influence results.
Due to this concern I’ve left them out of my final eight, in favour of the Dockers.
MICK McGUANE’S PREDICTED TOP 8
1. PORT ADELAIDE

My biggest doubt on Port’s flag hopes last year was their lack of a key defender capable of playing on the monster forwards.
That was justified in the end.
But that part of the jigsaw puzzle might have been solved by the smart recruitment of Aliir Aliir.
He can take on some of the game’s dangerous key forwards, allowing Tom Jonas, Dan Houston, Hamish Hartlett and Darcy Byrne-Jones with a greater opportunity to play intercept, support roles.
All-Australian Charlie Dixon is the second-best contested mark in the game, behind Tom Hawkins, but can big Charlie string two good seasons together?
The speed of Connor Rozee, Zak Butters, Steven Motlop and a fit Orazio Fantasia will test plenty of defenders.
For Port, 2020 was a missed opportunity. They were so close but as we all know football offers no guarantees. How much it hurt, time will tell.
UNDER THE PUMP
Will Aliir Aliir’s arrival threaten Trent McKenzie’s spot in defence?

2. RICHMOND
Richmond has gears and can go into overdrive in big games, evidenced by their three flags in four seasons.
They have the best big-game player in the competition, Dustin Martin.
Dusty is as fit, driven and prepared as he has ever been.
When he goes forward to complement Tom Lynch and Jack Riewoldt, the Tigers’ forward line looks potent.
The midfield is tough yet creative with Trent Cotchin, Dion Prestia, Shai Bolton, Shane Edwards as well as unsung hero Kaidyn McIntosh and Kane Lambert, who rolls up from half forward when Martin spits forward.
They are selfless and all provide a point of difference.
Richmond’s defence is miserly.
And don’t underestimate the importance of ruckman Toby Nankervis with Ivan Soldo sidelined.
There are no egos and complacency here, only premiership medals.
UNDER THE PUMP
How much does Sydney Stack want a long-term AFL career? He is a talent, but must show more discipline.

3. WEST COAST
The Eagles could be the biggest beneficiaries of a normal season – if that happens.
They didn’t handle the hub last year, but were almost unbeatable on their Perth home deck with seven straight wins until the relentless Magpies produced an elimination final boilover.
I have some concerns about their growing injury list, with Luke Shuey and Elliot Yeo having some issues.
If they get the rub of the green with key players being available and can show their natural flair (think Liam Ryan), they will be hard to stop.
Tim Kelly will be better.
The Eagles gave up so much for him, but his first year with the Eagles was a long way short of his damaging Cats’ 2018 and 2019 form.
UNDER THE PUMP
Jack Redden is a bull, but is he still in the Eagles’ best team?

West Coast will need more out of Tim Kelly this year. Picture: Michael Klein
4. BRISBANE
It is all about attitude and workrate.
If you need a reminder, take a look at the Lions against Gold Coast two weeks ago.
They were -15 in post-clearance contested possession differential in the first half.
Their work rate was below an acceptable AFL standard and Gold Coast midfielders cashed in.
The attitudinal shift was stark after halftime. They were a different team.
For Brisbane, the final scoreline told the story of why footy is played above the shoulders.
Joe Daniher’s inclusion, providing he can stay healthy, bodes well for the club, and for Eric Hipwood.
Their conversion was better in the second half of the year, but must continue to improve.
Dayne Zorko and Hugh McCluggage kicked 17.36 collectively.
Lachie Neale is a star, and the Lions’ midfield is strong, so the pressure will come for spots.
UNDER THE PUMP
Have Grant Birchall and Daniel Rich still got leg speed against quick teams on fast tracks?

5. GEELONG
I’ve probably got the Cats too low as I admire their brand and what they stand for.
Their ability to score and efficiency inside 50 is a feature of their game.
They are a great contested-ball and clearance team, led by Joel Selwood, Patrick Dangerfield and Cam Guthrie.
The addition of Cameron, Higgins and Smith could be huge, and the club’s record at GMHBA Stadium will ensure they are in the top four mix.
Their rock solid defence remains, though Mark Blicavs may spend more time down there given Harry Taylor’s retirement.
Their biggest concern is their ruck stocks.
Rhys Stanley will need support from Esava Ratugolea, given Blicavs’ defensive role.
I urge Chris Scott to allow his team to go into a different offensive mode in high-pressure games.
Putting speed on the game back of centre could be what the team needs to get them contending for a flag again in 2021.
UNDER THE PUMP
Will Rhys Stanley’s Grand Final performance last year haunt him in 2021? Can Zach Tuohy keep his spot with the emergence of a fit Jordan Clark?

6. WESTERN BULLDOGS
The midfield depth can only be a weapon if Luke Beveridge gets a selfless buy-in from all.
Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae and Tom Liberatore would be my starting mids, but where does that leave Adam Treloar, Josh Dunkley and Bailey Smith?
Those guys must be prepared to play alternate roles at times which requires accepting their role and not feeling frustrated.
The recruitment of Stefan Martin as a back-up ruckman to the undersized Tim English is good.
But please Bevo, don’t get seduced by thinking Martin can play forward. He can’t.
The Dogs must start beating top eight teams – they won only one game from eight encounters last year against the eventual top eight sides.
That change needs to start tonight.
UNDER THE PUMP
Josh Bruce arrived at the Whitten Oval on a lucrative long-term deal and needs to justify that after a disappointing 2020.
Can Josh Bruce justify his long-term deal at the Dogs? Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Can Josh Bruce justify his long-term deal at the Dogs? Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images
7. ST KILDA
The Saints’ fate could be determined in the first six rounds.
They take on the Giants (away), Melbourne, Essendon, West Coast, Richmond and Port Adelaide (away).
They may have to do that without their ruck combination of Rowan Marshall and Paddy Ryder, as well as a growing injury list.
Their midfield must get better results with loose-ball differentials.
They must also improve their forward-half pressure game.
We know what Dan Butler can do (29 goals, 74 tackles), but he needs help from others.
Max King is a contested-marking beast.
By season’s end, he could be one of the game’s best key forwards.
The Saints can ill afford to lose to sides not in the hunt.
How did they squander a 31-point lead to North Melbourne in Round 1 last year and lose by two points?
UNDER THE PUMP
Where is Dan Hannebery’s career at? Can he return to his Swans form or is it beyond him?

8. FREMANTLE
I see similarities between Ross Lyon’s Saints when he first took over and what Justin Longmuir is doing with the Dockers.
Defensively, they are strong.
If they can increase their scoring profile, they can play finals.
Their back line is strong.
Their midfield is being regenerated with Andrew Brayshaw, Caleb Serong and Adam Cerra, so they are not as reliant on Nat Fyfe, David Mundy and Michael Walters to play in the middle.
Getting the forward line mix right is Longmuir’s next challenge.
Please play Fyfe in a 70/30 forward/mid split to help complement Matt Taberner, but also add Brennan Cox to the forward line considering proven defenders Joel Hamling and Alex Pearce could return from an injury-riddled 2020.
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UNDER THE PUMP
Is there still room for Stephen Hill, or have younger players gone past him?
 
After one game the sub rule is already shown to be shambolic. Teams are actually better off with an injury to get the fresh player on. This will definitely get abused by teams throughout the season. Who could have predicted, a rule brought in with no thought at the 11th hour may not play out as expected. Amateur hour from AFL once again.
Will be very interested to see what happens with Vlastuin next week.
 
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