What They're Saying - The Bulldogs Media Thread - Part 4

[Dogs_R_Us]

A close look at the team photo shoot on the WB Website reveals Alex Keath has a bit of a turning prematurely grey issue. Or, perhaps he's going for a more mature, sophisticated look, a bit of pepper and salt. Might we suggest an application of Grecian 2000?

Gia started to go grey early and his teammates called him Fossil . I don’t think the Chief would appreciate that nickname

 

[DueWest]

I don't see anything wrong with Schache's comments imo.

He was pissed off, he dominated VFL games and was overlooked for someone who didn't deserve it statistically speaking.

He echoes some of our criticism about Bevo moving players around too often and not allowing them to settle.

I didn't have much confidence in him personally. He was too timid.

Can't deny he has a great 2021 finals series though.

He was given plenty of chances initially forward then back and ruck forward but never ever cemented his chance.

Simply there were better players in front of him.

To be honest I was surprised he ended up at Melbourne, he will struggle getting a game there I would think

 

[Mantis Toboggan]

He was given plenty of chances initially forward then back and ruck forward but never ever cemented his chance.

Simply there were better players in front of him.

To be honest I was surprised he ended up at Melbourne, he will struggle getting a game there I would think

I think he will do well in a better structured forward line. If he has his leading lanes and isn’t competing with his own teammates for the same footy then it will play to his strengths.

I always liked Schache. I don’t like a few of the things he has said here, but I can accept he has a point. I hope he goes well from a personal point of view but also hope the Dees have a shocker.

 

[Doggy]

Unlike Dunkley who's a snake in the grass, I wish Schache well. He's not a prick.

 

[Bald]

Yeah I don't have an issue with Schaches comments, he's not the first player who will be set aside in favour of the obviously more talented youngster. I hope he uses it and plays with purpose now because it felt as if he wasn't playing with purpose for us.

 

[Foxman98]

The interesting one having watched it was the Hunter trade. If only we could guess why they had so much secrecy around it

 

[brmi]

I wish Schache all the best at the Dee's but unfortunately for him we'll make history this season. Only team ever to go undefeated all year including finals.

We've got an unstoppable vibe, I can just feel it.

 

[Dogs_R_Us]

The interesting one having watched it was the Hunter trade. If only we could guess why they had so much secrecy around it

The issues were personal rather than on-field form, I guess. Plus maybe the father-son aspect. The club wanted to give him every chance to continue his career with a clean(ish) sheet.

 

[Brass Dog]

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/they-don-t-give-me-a-proper-chance-schache-s-frustration-with-dogs-before-trade-20230223-p5cmvj.html​

​

‘They don’t give me a proper chance’: Schache’s frustration with Dogs before trade​

By Jon Pierik​

February 23, 2023 — 2.59pm



Former Western Bulldog Josh Schache believes his old club didn’t give him a proper chance, while handing No.1 draft pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan senior games he did not deserve.
Schache, 25, was traded to Melbourne in October, having become disgruntled with how he was used by the Bulldogs. The tall forward played just 18 games in the past three seasons for the Dogs, and was traded for a future fourth-round pick.

David Trotter and Josh Schache at the documentary launch on Thursday.CREDIT:JASON SOUTH
He opened up about his frustration with the Bulldogs in a meeting with his manager David Trotter, of Hemisphere Management, in Stan Sport’s original documentary Show Me the Money II, airing on Thursday.
“I, just at the moment, looking at where I am, with the Dogs, I just can’t see myself getting past those guys they are prioritising at the moment. They don’t give me a proper chance, either. They bring me in for a couple of weeks, then I have an off game – bang, straight out. They don’t stick with me,” a frustrated Schache said.

“I don’t have the confidence with them.”
In the meeting, Trotter discussed the benefits of a trade to the Demons, suggesting they had an ageing forward line, where the Bulldogs not only recruited veteran tall Rory Lobb from Fremantle, but have young star talent in Aaron Naughton, Sam Darcy and Ugle-Hagan.
Schache said Luke Beveridge felt compelled to take him aside to justify why Ugle-Hagan was played ahead of him.
“Jamarra had five touches, then the week before as well, he didn’t have any touches [in the VFL], then they brought him in, and I have kicked a fair few goals in those two weeks and played well. And he [Beveridge] even had to bring me in and justify why they brought him in. That is just something that is going to keep happening,” Schache said.



The Bulldogs were contacted for comment.
Schache was given three stints at senior level last season, but could not cement a spot. Ugle-Hagan played 18 games, but none between rounds seven and 13.
Speaking with The Age at the documentary’s launch on Thursday, Schache said he had needed a fresh start after 45 games in five seasons with the Bulldogs.
“The list there [Bulldogs] was very prominent and upcoming, especially in the positions that I play in as well. It’s tough to have a permanent role and spot in the side ... going into different positions every week was a little bit difficult. I have loved my time at Melbourne, so far,” he said.
“Obviously, it was pretty frustrating when you think you can go out there and have an impact. Obviously, Jamarra is going to be a great player in the future, what he has been able to do has been awesome. Seeing the work he has been putting in as well this off-season, has been awesome. I can’t wait to see what they can do this year.”

The deal to move Schache to the Dees came just minutes after Sam Weideman left the Demons for the Bombers. The Demons will be Schache’s third AFL club; the former No.2 draft pick started his career at Brisbane
‘Uncomfortable reality’: How Grundy knew his time was up at Collingwood

​

“I have just really enjoyed my time there at the moment. Obviously, Goody [coach Simon Goodwin] has been really good, along with all the other coaches. All the players have welcomed me in to have a position up forward, to train up forward through the pre-season and pinch hit in the ruck if I need to,” Schache said.
Trotter said on Thursday that Schache wanted more opportunity to play senior football.
“He loved the Dogs and didn’t really want to leave but, he also wants to play AFL footy. Melbourne were really honest – ‘it’s not a walk-up start here, we are not getting you in to be a lock for our 22, but I think there is a role there’,” Trotter said of the Demons’ spiel.

“Whether he has to wait for an opportunity, the way he finished off in the VFL last year, he is too good for that level. Hopefully, he gets a chance.”
Schache was part of the Bulldogs’ side for the 2021 grand final. His best season was in 2019, when he booted 24 goals in 14 games. He has been used in several positions. He finished 2022 in superb touch in the VFL, booting 17 goals in three games, including two seven-goal bags.





Player moves clubs. Player makes an unfavourable comparison between his former and new club.

Player fails to cement his spot. Player blames somebody else.

I think we've seen this story before.

I’ve seen those seven goal hauls mentioned a few time, think it might have been the salty bulldogs calling for Scache to be in the team. I went to the dogs v Coburg game. We had like 15-16 AFL listed players in the team. The ball barely crossed into the defensive half of the ground for 4 quarters, and even though Schache kicked 7, he wouldn’t have been in the best for mine.

 

[Foxman98]

The issues were personal rather than on-field form, I guess. Plus maybe the father-son aspect. The club wanted to give him every chance to continue his career with a clean(ish) sheet.

We know the issues were off field but it was just interesting to see how in the show they go into little to no detail on why he is traded and for so little and even take their mics off when discussing it

 

[Golden_6]

Again it’s important to mention the main comments were part of the Stan documentary and were made during trade period. They’re open and raw conversations behind the scenes so it’s not like he’s potting the club on the eve of round 1. Those sort of comments would happen all the time but just wouldn’t be airing publicly.

Clearly they’ve signed up to be a part of the show and would be aware that they would air around this time though.

 

[Sentinel]

Again it’s important to mention the main comments were part of the Stan documentary and were made during trade period. They’re open and raw conversations behind the scenes so it’s not like he’s potting the club on the eve of round 1. Those sort of comments would happen all the time but just wouldn’t be airing publicly.

Clearly they’ve signed up to be a part of the show and would be aware that they would air around this time though.

Yep, it's difficult to critise Schache for the comments he makes in the documentary whilst being happy with what Rory Lobb said about Fremantle on the same show (“At times I feel like I haven’t played to [the] my best of my ability, but I … feel like sometimes the coaching sort of put me in the wrong direction,” etc)

 

[Snarls Barkley]

Schache comments were 100% fair and valid. He did always get dropped after having one stinker. Don't think he is even having a go (that was probably the same reason he was dropped).

Bevo and the team don't value him (and to be honest, perhaps fairly) and it was right for Schache to look for a new home because if he couldn't get a game in 2020 when Bruce was having probably the worst season a KPF could have or in 2022 with Bruce injured and JUH raw, then he isn't getting games in 2023 with Lobb coming across and Darcy and JUH looking more and more promising.

 

[Testekill]

Schache has a valid point that he probably would have been better in the side over Marra last year but Schache would also go missing far too often and provide a net negative influence on the game. Over his five years with us, the only time he really demanded a place in the team was 2019.

Even without picking up Lobb this year, I would say that this year would have been his last for us with Darcy coming on.

edit: If he can take this frustration and harness it to find some prick in his game then Josh could very well come on. I doubt it though, his problems have always been between his ears. But Melbourne's tall forwards aren't great so maybe he can win a spot alongside Grundy and Sideshow Bob.

 

[_Cerberus_]

Have no problem with Schaches comments. My problem with the match committee, has always been the inconsistent messages applied with match selection. Young got dropped after one okay game, and there were worse defenders than him that game who had stinkers, yet he was the scape goat. McComb got game after game despite low impact, and heaps of turn overs and does not get dropped. Schache has a quiet game and gets dropped, yet other forwards could go weeks without a bag, and keep their place.

Some players get to keep their spot despite a run of average games, where others get dropped based on one. Or a someone will come up from the VFL after a run of good form, and only get one or two games to try and show something, where others get longer runs.

There has never been consistency with selections under Bevo.

Don't drop someone if there were worse players in their position that game.
Don't drop someone based on one poor game, when others have had a run of poor games.
Reward form in the reserves and give them a longer run at it. Thought Bedendo got the toughest opponents for the season in a row, and a couple were away I think. Should have been given a longer run when we had a softer home fixture before he was dropped.

 

[D Mitchell]

He was given plenty of chances initially forward then back and ruck forward but never ever cemented his chance.

Simply there were better players in front of him.

To be honest I was surprised he ended up at Melbourne, he will struggle getting a game there I would think

I agree with Dergent's first 2 sentences and Cerberus's first 2 paragraphs. Properly handled, Schache was our Riewoldt. If Melbourne treat him properly, a running, marking, multiple goal scoring enigma, we are going to look stupid with our 3 tall, non chasing, prima donnas leaking uncontested exits by opposition defenders waltzing out of defence under no pressure, just like last season.

 

[Snarls Barkley]

I agree with Dergent's first 2 sentences and Cerberus's first 2 paragraphs. Properly handled, Schache was our Riewoldt. If Melbourne treat him properly, a running, marking, multiple goal scoring enigma, we are going to look stupid with our 3 tall, non chasing, prima donnas leaking uncontested exits by opposition defenders waltzing out of defence under no pressure, just like last season.

Is there a third Riewoldt footballer I'm not aware of because there is no way your suggesting he is any way comparable to Nick or Jack?

 

[Bald]

I agree with Dergent's first 2 sentences and Cerberus's first 2 paragraphs. Properly handled, Schache was our Riewoldt. If Melbourne treat him properly, a running, marking, multiple goal scoring enigma, we are going to look stupid with our 3 tall, non chasing, prima donnas leaking uncontested exits by opposition defenders waltzing out of defence under no pressure, just like last season.

Good grief. This is an all time shiitake mushroom.

 

[TiAn_]

Seems as though Schache is there to backup Gawn and Grundy. I suspect if Brown or MacDonald are out van Rooyen would get a go up forward before Schache.

Schache’s numbers in the VFL were better than Marra’s, no question, so understand his frustration. But they’re different players at AFL level. By the middle of last season Marra was more of a threat to take a contested mark or find separation inside 50. Marra’s Melbourne game was something that Schache has just never been capable of (but I will always fondly remember his 4 goals agains the Hawks at the G).

 

[Dogs_R_Us]

Have no problem with Schaches comments. My problem with the match committee, has always been the inconsistent messages applied with match selection. Young got dropped after one okay game, and there were worse defenders than him that game who had stinkers, yet he was the scape goat. McComb got game after game despite low impact, and heaps of turn overs and does not get dropped. Schache has a quiet game and gets dropped, yet other forwards could go weeks without a bag, and keep their place.

Some players get to keep their spot despite a run of average games, where others get dropped based on one. Or a someone will come up from the VFL after a run of good form, and only get one or two games to try and show something, where others get longer runs.

There has never been consistency with selections under Bevo.

Don't drop someone if there were worse players in their position that game.
Don't drop someone based on one poor game, when others have had a run of poor games.
Reward form in the reserves and give them a longer run at it. Thought Bedendo got the toughest opponents for the season in a row, and a couple were away I think. Should have been given a longer run when we had a softer home fixture before he was dropped.

You might even think that the coaches look at and assess players in a totally different way to us fans . Weird notion maybe…

 

[Dale4captain]

Schache’s comments were 100% fine.

The biggest thing I took out of that doco with him was Tim Lamb asking his manager how his head is at the moment and whether he’s actually in a space to have another crack. Speaks volumes about his biggest issue.

Good luck to him. He’s now their third ruck.

 

[Libbaaaa]

Wishing Josh all the best but you have to know your place. A player of his stature can't be making those comments, there is a reason you were traded for next to nothing. He would have been on very good coin too for his relative output.

 

[Foxman98]

Wishing Josh all the best but you have to know your place. A player of his stature can't be making those comments, there is a reason you were traded for next to nothing. He would have been on very good coin too for his relative output.

You also can't be as delusional as this and suggest you were doing decent in the AFL with games like R1 6 touches no shots at goal and r16 8 touches 1 behind.

He had his chances whilst only showing "Average" was his ceiling and "uncompetitive" was his floor

 

[Mr. Walker]

To be honest I was surprised he ended up at Melbourne, he will struggle getting a game there I would think

Sometimes the thinking of player managers is beyond me. They don’t seem to have to do much to get their money. Like Preuss’ manager getting him to the Demons like he would ever replace Gawn. Baffling.

 

[Bulldogs85]

Looks like Schache will be frustrated in 2023 because I highly doubt he will be playing much AFL footy for them.