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

[footyfan000001]

Can someone please post the latest herald sun article for us - “8 reasons to be excited about the bulldogs in 2019” I think is the title. Thanks!

 

[Fossie 32]

Can someone please post the latest herald sun article for us - “8 reasons to be excited about the bulldogs in 2019” I think is the title. Thanks!

Eight reasons why the Western Bulldogs should be excited about season 2019
Chris Cavanagh, Herald Sun
January 2, 2019 5:00pm

Subscriber only
It’s been downhill for the Western Bulldogs since the 2016 premiership but there were enough signs late last season pointing to a climb up the ladder in 2019.
CHRIS CAVANAGH takes a look at where the Bulldogs will improve this year.
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EIGHT REASONS WHY THE BULLDOGS CAN GET EXCITED
1. THERE WERE SIGNS
The Bulldogs’ start to the 2018 season was horrid, kickstarted by an 82-point defeat at the hands of Greater Western Sydney. However, most of the back half of the season was a little better as the young side began to grow. From Round 6 onwards, the Bulldogs went 7-10, after a 1-4 start to their campaign. They won three of their last four matches, the sole loss in August coming against 2017 premier Richmond by three points in the final round. While inconsistency week-to-week and within games still hurt on occasion, there were enough positive signs shown later in the season that gives the side something to build on.
2. PREMIERSHIP PLAYERS
We are entering the third season since the Bulldogs’ breakthrough premiership in 2016, and there has been some change from that side. The likes of Jake Stringer (Essendon) and Luke Dahlhaus (Geelong) have moved on, but 15 of those premiership players still remain. That is a lot more premiership experience than many clubs have and should hold the Bulldogs in good stead after a couple of down years. There is talent there that knows what it takes to climb to the competition’s pinnacle — it just has to action that once again.

Josh Schache has started to settle in at the Dogs. Picture: Michael Klein
3. JOSH SCHACHE
There was a reason this young forward was taken at pick 2 in the 2015 national draft and we finally started to see that in patches last season. After struggling through his second year at Brisbane in 2017, Schache rediscovered some form after getting a fresh start back home in Victoria with the Bulldogs. The 21-year-old played 13 games, averaging 4.1 marks and kicking 17 goals. Schache revealed in mid-November he had already added 4.7kg in the gym to help fill out his 199cm frame, knowing he needed to be stronger in marking contests. Key position players take time, but entering his fourth season it is time for Schache to shine.
4. SAM LLOYD
He was far from the biggest name to move clubs during the AFL’s free agency and trade period, but former Richmond utility Sam Lloyd could prove a very handy pick up. At 28 years old, he provides a mature body in a young side and has grown into a versatile player after starting his AFL career as a mid-size marking forward. Lloyd has spent the majority of the past two seasons starring for Richmond’s VFL side as a goalkicking midfielder, averaging 25 disposals and six tackles while kicking 14 goals from 11 games last season. He might have found it hard to earn a regular spot in a dominant Richmond side the past two years — playing just 15 AFL games — but expect Lloyd to play plenty of senior football with the Bulldogs next year.

Recruit Sam Lloyd should get plenty of opportunities at the Bulldogs. Picture: Getty Images
5. FRIENDLY FIXTURE
Finishing 13th on the ladder does have some perks, namely receiving a very kind fixture the following year as the Bulldogs have for 2019. Champion Data ranks the Bulldogs draw as the fifth-easiest of any side next season with double-up games against Carlton, Brisbane, Fremantle, Geelong and Collingwood. On paper, that stacks up a lot better than the 2018 double-up opponents of West Coast, Port Adelaide, Melbourne, North Melbourne and Carlton, against whom Luke Beveridge’s side went 3-7.
6. SUCKLING RETURN
In 2017, Matthew Suckling ranked second at the Bulldogs for kicks, rebound-50s, inside-50s and marks. The side loves to get the ball in Suckling’s hands — and on his booming left foot — but didn’t have that option as much last season as the defender missed the last 11 rounds with an achilles injury. The good news is the two-time Hawthorn premiership player is back running and building nicely towards a strong finish to the pre-season, confident the injury will not give him any further problems. While Suckling is now 30 years old, he and the Bulldogs will be hoping there is plenty of good footy left in him.

An achilles injury ended Matthew Suckling’s season prematurely. Picture: Michael Klein
7. LIAM PICKEN
A second big concussion in 12 months during a pre-season match in March put premiership forward Liam Picken on the sidelines for the entire 2018 season. Immediately ruled out indefinitely, there was hope of a mid-season return but that never eventuated as headaches and other side effects lingered. However, Picken has been back in training and is determined to make a return to the field next season. The 32-year-old played all 22 games in 2017, averaging 18.6 disposals, 6.2 score involvements and kicking 24 goals. The 198-game veteran also brings plenty of experience and leadership to a young forward line, his return certain to make a difference.
8. RISING STARS
The Western Bulldogs’ two first-round picks from the 2017 national draft certainly made an impact in their debut seasons. Key defender Aaron Naughton debuted in Round 1 and went on to play 18 games, averaging 11.6 disposals and 4.3 marks to earn a Rising Star nomination in the final round. Fellow defender Ed Richards, the grand-nephew of Collingwood great Lou, also showed plenty, playing 21 games and averaging 13.6 disposals to also earn a Rising Star nomination in Round 10. Along with the likes of Tim English, Patrick Lipinski and Josh Dunkley — fellow high draft picks from the previous two drafts — there is plenty of emerging young talent in the wings to get excited about.

Ed Richards played 21 games in his debut season. Picture: Michael Klein
TAB ODDS
Premiership: $51
Top-8: $4
Most losses: $15
TRAJECTORY
2014: 14th (7-15)
2015: 6th (14-8, elimination final)
2016: 7th (15-7, premier)
2017: 10th (11-11)
2018: 13th (8-14)
THE NUMBER: 7
The Bulldogs strength is their midfield, rated seventh in the competition. The concern is over the forward half, which is ranked 15th for quality, with only four permanent forwards who have played 10 matches over the last two years.

 

[Bont2Bruce]

Eight reasons why the Western Bulldogs should be excited about season 2019
Chris Cavanagh, Herald Sun
January 2, 2019 5:00pm

Expected this to have been written by Sam Landsberger, surprised when I realised that it wasn't!

 

[dogwatch]

So at $51 for the flag we're a better chance than in 2016 when we had already made the 8 and were about to head to the west for the first elimination final (odds were $67).

We're a shoo-in!

 

[Dogs_R_Us]

Open Mike show about EJ on Fox now

 

[Charlie Bucket]

Even with it being summer and the season for socialising I’ve noticed more than normal that the players have been hanging out together and posting a lot of it on social media.
There’s always been a little bit but usually it’s only a few.
Social gatherings for beers with Williams, Daniel, Jong, Ferg, Roberts, Lippi.
Other events with those boys plus Boyd, Wallis, JJ there also. Has anyone else noticed this ?
There seems a lot more of them hanging out together than in recent years
Are we seeing a shift in the “ bad culture “ that has apparently been at the club recently ?
Maybe it’s evidence that Stringer, Dahlhaus and Co were an issue.
Whatever the reason it’s a really good sign they’re gelling as a group. Exactly what you need when trying to get a group of players to buy in to what the club is trying to achieve.

 

[FROGGR]

For a moment there I thought it was Brett...
https://www.theage.com.au/national/...veals-an-ancient-monster-20190106-p50pu1.html

 

[Beasley]

Even with it being summer and the season for socialising I’ve noticed more than normal that the players have been hanging out together and posting a lot of it on social media.
There’s always been a little bit but usually it’s only a few.
Social gatherings for beers with Williams, Daniel, Jong, Ferg, Roberts, Lippi.
Other events with those boys plus Boyd, Wallis, JJ there also. Has anyone else noticed this ?
There seems a lot more of them hanging out together than in recent years
Are we seeing a shift in the “ bad culture “ that has apparently been at the club recently ?
Maybe it’s evidence that Stringer, Dahlhaus and Co were an issue.
Whatever the reason it’s a really good sign they’re gelling as a group. Exactly what you need when trying to get a group of players to buy in to what the club is trying to achieve.

Great signs and I agree the we are seeing a shift from the "bad culture".
We probably wont find out for several years, but I am pretty certain we will eventually learn the truth about the Stringer/Dalhaus issues and how they contributed to poor culture .... and the truth about what happened with the clown from Adelaide and the phone issue with his brother.

 

[AJARWA]

Haven't seen this snippet from SEN posted. Nothing that's not already known but highlights the midfield depth. Williams flying under the radar for now.

WHO'S UNDER THE MOST PRESSURE AT YOUR CLUB IN 2019?

Western Bulldogs: The forward line

The Dogs have assembled a midfield more than capable of taking them to a top eight finish.

Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae, Lachie Hunter, Tom Liberatore, Toby McLean, Caleb Daniel, Mitch Wallis, Josh Dunkley, Ed Richards, Bailey Smith and Rhylee West is as good a group as any in the competition.

The issue will be whether their forward line can put enough on the scoreboard to take advantage and elevate this side back into the top eight.

Josh Schache and Tom Boyd have had a year to gel and they’ll be hoping the likes of Sam Lloyd, Billy Gowers and Pat Lipinski can do enough to take advantage of their midfield advantage.

https://www.sen.com.au/news/2019/01/13/part-3-or-whos-under-the-most-pressure-at-your-club-in-2019/

 

[Munnez]

Rule changes could help big Tom with being the Beast inside 50

If he kick the technique issue with his marking, he could be very effective as a deep forward.

 

[TedDougChris]

Rule changes could help big Tom with being the Beast inside 50

He just needs to slightly adjust his marking technique and get that bit of mongrel about him. Has everything else needed.... Rule changes aren’t the issue IMO....

 

[Munnez]

He just needs to slightly adjust his marking technique and get that bit of mongrel about him. Has everything else needed.... Rule changes aren’t the issue IMO....

Rule changes could help I feel but also think he has the necessary tools to get the job done anyway.

 

[FROGGR]

http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/n...2avNq_-sXAKYjhi5FU-PByKzYuQ_Xs9DJUelUInA9Oypo

Webb cleared to return
Jan 21, 2019 3:15PM



Medical Room | Latest on Webb, Boyd, Smith and more
BulldogsTV gives you the latest injury news on Caleb Daniel, Jason Johannisen, Tom Liberatore, Bailey Dale, Callum Porter, Lukas Webb, Bailey Smith and Tom Boyd.

Midfielder Lukas Webb has been given the all-clear following a neck injury he sustained last year.

Western Bulldogs midfielder Lukas Webb has been given the all-clear following a neck injury he sustained last year.
Webb was placed in a brace after he sustained a compression injury in his neck while playing in the VFL in July last year.
Scans last week revealed the injury had fully healed, paving the way for him to step up his training in preparation for the 2019 season.
“It’s really exciting for Lukas, after being in the hard collar for the last six months,” said Bulldogs’ Medical Services Manager Chris Bell.
“Now we’re able to put a plan around his return to football, and at this stage it looks like that’ll happen in the next six to eight weeks.”

The Bulldogs will take a more conservative approach with Tom Boyd, as he continues his recovery from a back injury.
“Tom has continued to suffer some lower back symptoms from the injury that ended his 2018 season,” Bell said.
“He’s got some really good continuity in his running under his belts, but he’s unable to return back to footy loads.
“We’re going to be really conservative with our management of Tom and respect his symptoms, and we’re just going to progress him when we’re able to.”
The Dogs’ top pick in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft, Bailey Smith, is almost ready to integrate into the full training group, after spending the first few months of his AFL journey in the rehab group.

“In his 2018 TAC Cup year Bailey had a really chronic achilles tendon injury,” Bell said.
“Since coming into our program he’s been in rehab, but he’s progressed really well and has been very diligent with his program.
“At this stage he’s reintegrating back into our full squad, and we’ll see him in full training in the next week or two.”

 

[Fossie 32]

Onya Webby

 

[Triple Baileys]

Not so good news on Boydy. #%@^*

 

[gangsta deluxe]

Look I’m just going to put this out there but it’s quite possible that Boyd’s depression and his chronic back pain are linked.

https://europepmc.org/abstract/med/8434327/reload=0

 

[Virgin Dog]

Look I’m just going to put this out there but it’s quite possible that Boyd’s depression and his chronic back pain are linked.

https://europepmc.org/abstract/med/8434327/reload=0

Geez I really hope not. **** his back, that's not the big issue here. If his mental health is still so bad it could have this sort of effect, I'd be really worried :/

 

[footyfan000001]

Still having back issues the big fella. Don’t think it would be mental and we’d try and hide it with another injury. Hope he’s back so full training soon.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/af...e/news-story/ea2857a9ac9e1bf71965981403c0b627

 

[gangsta deluxe]

Still having back issues the big fella. Don’t think it would be mental and we’d try and hide it with another injury. Hope he’s back so full training soon.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/af...e/news-story/ea2857a9ac9e1bf71965981403c0b627

Look at the data. There is a definitive connection (although we don’t fully know why) between depression and chronic lower back injury.

Odds aren’t good here. Particularly when you consider comments like Macrae’s.

I’ve seen it first hand with a (former) family member.

 

[footyfan000001]

Look at the data. There is a definitive connection (although we don’t fully know why) between depression and chronic lower back injury.

Odds aren’t good here. Particularly when you consider comments like Macrae’s.

I’ve seen it first hand with a (former) family member.

What was Macraes comments?

 

[House_of_Dahl]

Look at the data. There is a definitive connection (although we don’t fully know why) between depression and chronic lower back injury.

Don't mean to be a smart arse but surely a chronic lower back injury would make a lot of people of depressed?

 

[footyfan000001]

http://www.thespinehealthinstitute....ack-pain-and-depression-what’s-the-connection

 

[grassman75]

TRAJECTORY
2014: 14th (7-15)
2015: 6th (14-8, elimination final)
2016: 7th (15-7, premier)
2017: 10th (11-11) - reset fence sitting season
2018: 13th (8-14)
2019: ? (14-8)? finals?
2020: ? PREMIERS BABY! YEAH

 

[Whoyagot]

TRAJECTORY
2014: 14th (7-15)
2015: 6th (14-8, elimination final)
2016: 7th (15-7, premier)
2017: 10th (11-11) - reset fence sitting season
2018: 13th (8-14)
2019: ? (14-8)? finals?
2020: ? PREMIERS BABY! YEAH

I’m getting big 2015 vibes about this season. A lot of perrenially injured / inconsistent senior players moved off the list. Plenty of young talent that have shown really promising signs the last few years. What we’ve got that was lacking in 2015 is that core group of leaders (bont, Hunter, Macrae) moving into their prime as well.

Feeling pretty optimistic tbh. Just desperate for improvement from our forwards. Need 3-4 of them to have career best or breakout seasons for us to really surge. If not I’d say we’ll end outside the 8 with around 10-12 wins.

 

[Werewolf]

I’m getting big 2015 vibes about this season. A lot of perrenially injured / inconsistent senior players moved off the list. Plenty of young talent that have shown really promising signs the last few years. What we’ve got that was lacking in 2015 is that core group of leaders (bont, Hunter, Macrae) moving into their prime as well.

Feeling pretty optimistic tbh. Just desperate for improvement from our forwards. Need 3-4 of them to have career best or breakout seasons for us to really surge. If not I’d say we’ll end outside the 8 with around 10-12 wins.

I reckon we'd have won 10-12 games last year with Picken. Those close losses to Sydney, North and Richmond