v Dogs Game thread

[Nico]

I thought we were pretty even tonight. My only criticisms were of Buchy and Ablett in the first half.

Buchy missed that easy shot through what looked like a lazy shot and got pinged, tried to do too much and made some shocking disposal possessions. Got to say his second half was much better.

As someone else said why doesn't Ablett just have a shot from a set kick on 50. His 2 disposals supposedly to players on the lead were absolute rubbish. Even if he had kicked to the top of the square as a better option. The Dogs were under severe pressure when we had it 15 metres out or it was a stoppage at the top of the square.

Alistair Lynch had it right when he said we are very dangerous at forward stoppages. But must say Abletts game overall was pretty impressive.

Schneider really has stepped up this year. I had big doubts about his ability to do it tough in the midfield but he picks up an incredible number of stats smack in the centre square on our bursts.

He and Jude Bolton at the mo seem to be running to the right spots every time.

Really should have won by 7 goals but the Dogs are a pretty handy side.

[NMWBloods]

I thought Fosdike was good again tonight.

Buchanan was very good (except for an easy goal he missed). Some great chasing.

Overall excellent defensive work in the forward line.

[NMWBloods]

Originally posted by Nico
But must say Abletts game overall was pretty impressive.

I'm still mixed on Ablett. I think he did a good defensive job on Cooney, and this remains a strength of his game, but his offensive game is very up and down.

BTW - I think tonight showed that Kennelly is not a great defensive player.

[gossipcom]

Hehe I love that Fossie got 17 disposals purely for the fact he had to wait at least 5 mins on the boundary line to come on when Kirky then Willo avoided going off.

Of course then there was the 2nd time when Willo had been on the field two mins in the final quarter before he was replaced by Fossie. Those two were playing musical chairs the whole match

Jolly was superb in the ruck.

Here's hoping the injuries to B2 and NOG aren't serious and they'll be fine for the Hawks match next week.

[Big Al]

Just got home from what was an entertaining contest.

Seems the game was broken open by the Swans in the 3rd Qtr after Montys great effort in what wopuld have been goal of the year had the bulldog player been more sympathetic and not smothered the ball. The team seemed to really lift from that point and dominated the rest of the Qtr.

I thought Ablett was very good tonight. He is really starting to look like a very handy midfielder.

Back in the Top 4 and hopefully thats where we will stay.

[Glenn]

Well just home from the game, good in parts but enough to get the win.
LRT is not a forward, despite a nice mark in traffic for a goal somehow limited Grant to 1 goal.
Anni will go along with what you say re Grant could easily upstage anyone in a diving contest, went down more times than a brothel worker.
Could have buried them in the last quarter, but some ordinary kicking let Sydney down.

[woo]

just got home and

very drunk.. happy with the win

I usually have plenty to say re goodes and how crap he was but he wasn't that bad tonight..so as the great con the fruiters wife said " I no complain"

rok on ...BACK TO BACK....



am i the only one that when fozzie get the ball I scream GO MCPHERSON"..lolololol....

[liz]

Originally posted by Glenn

Could have buried them in the last quarter, but some ordinary kicking let Sydney down.

Don't underestimate how tired they were in that final term.

I've just watched the replay - after getting home from watching the game live - and I don't think the TV version quite does justice to how good a win (and game) this was.

The Dogs played very well - once they got over their slow start, their use of the ball was very slick and their footspeed seen live is amazing.

That said, the Swans were better and, while not as quick as the Dogs, didn't look short of pace themselves.

Last week's exhibition was fantastic but as a contest against some real opposition, tonight's game was an even better performance. They blitzed for periods, were challenged, and were up to the challenge in a big way.

Jude Bolton's centre clearance work was outstanding. Ablett's wasn't bad either. Apart from these two (and Hall just being Hall) it was another incredibly even team performance, with pretty much everyone making solid contributions.

One thing that really struck me was Buchanan's pace. I've never really thought of him as particularly quick - not lightning, anyway - but as he's gradually got fitter he has become a fast as well as smart player. The way he outran Gia on the boundary was superb, but there were numerous other examples during the game.

I realise that Ben Mathews has lots of credits in the bank (and I'm not "down" on him to the degree of other RWOers) but I am struggling to see how he can force his way back into the team at the moment. McVeigh and Malceski are the only two, surely, who could make way for him and they simply don't deserve to be dropped at the moment. Both are becoming more assured week by week and they really add some zip and skill to the team. Malceski, in particular, looks far from a player with 11 games to his name. He looks as if he's been part of the team for several seasons and is a very nice package of decent pace, good skills in close or in space and a thumping kick.

[Zlatorog]

I was very surprised by the work rate from Nick Davis. I'm known for not being his biggest fan, but last night he was up there with Jude and Adam. Very impressive. Another game like this and I'll start jumping on his bandwagon.

[ROK Lobster]

Originally posted by Zlatorog
I was very surprised by the work rate from Nick Davis. I'm known as not being his biggest fan, but last night he was up there with Jude and Adam. Very impressive. Another game like this and I'll start jumping on his bandwagon.

2 years too late - but we put on a trailer mid last season for all the other newbies, I'm sure you will find some space there

[stellation]

Originally posted by Zlatorog
I was very surprised by the work rate from Nick Davis. I'm known for not being his biggest fan, but last night he was up there with Jude and Adam. Very impressive. Another game like this and I'll start jumping on his bandwagon.

He cops a lot of flack, but the guy absolutley busts his gut in moving up and down the ground. Glad to see yet another person has finally noticed!

It was great to hear him getting applause and a few calls of "Great game Nick" "Keep it up Davo" (from people other than just me!) last night when he came off for his rests in the 2nd and 4th quarter and did his stroll past Bay Hatley.

[NMWBloods]

I think we look more accomplished at the moment as a team than we did last year. The two biggest hurdles we have this year are injuries and our own ability to maintain form throughout most of the year.

There are some decent performing teams in the comp at the moment, however we have the ability to beat them all judging by some of the football we can put together at the moment.

[LittleSchneider]

Originally posted by Nico


Schneider really has stepped up this year. I had big doubts about his ability to do it tough in the midfield but he picks up an incredible number of stats smack in the centre square on our bursts.

Jumping on the bandwagon Nico? Theres a seat up the back....

[Nolie]

I thought Ted Richards also played well - except for one notable clanger.

[Xie Shan]

Originally posted by LittleSchneider
Jumping on the bandwagon Nico? Theres a seat up the back....

LOL. The guy's eaten his humble pie re Schneider already, hasn't he suffered enough?