Round 9 vs Bulldogs *Spoilers Included*

[Industrial Fan]

We beat the dogs the same way Roos and Crows beat us.

Great game all round - very tough to pick TLM this week. The colonel was great on West, B2 had a good game on Cooney - Dempster had a fantastic game on Johnson. Mr Yawn did well on Cross too...I dont think they had any players who won their position. Even Harris-who was pushing into Baz's back all day. It's very frustrating that players can push as hard as they like and infringe, but so long as it's not with their hands.

Free kicks were even at the end of the day too. Having said that, the umpiring was probably in our favour overall.

[cruiser]

even Benny Mathews has had an excellent last month & another great effort yesterday.

I noticed one occasion when the ball was coming down through the centre, Benny marked it, spun around and IMMEDIATELY kicked it on to one of our forwards (which may have resulted in a goal - cant remember now). I sat there thinking well done Benny!

[cruiser]

I haven't noticed any "criticism for the sake of it" or whinging about little things or over-analysing on this thread.

You've been very restrained

[Jeffers1984]

I noticed one occasion when the ball was coming down through the centre, Benny marked it, spun around and IMMEDIATELY kicked it on to one of our forwards (which may have resulted in a goal - cant remember now). I sat there thinking well done Benny!

Definitely saw more free flowing work from Ball up Benny.

[NMWBloods]

Definitely saw more free flowing work from Ball up Benny.

A couple of times he even handballed it out when tackled, rather than lock it in, which was a very pleasing surprise and allowed us to push the ball forward. Actually I noticed through much of the game that we appeared less focussed on forcing stoppages. Amazing how much better we play when in a positive attitude.

[Legs Akimbo]

Was half asleep when I watched last night, but delivery into the forward line was outstanding. I think that can be put down to Hall playing much further up the ground, opening up the forward line and drawing out the usual 3 blokes hanging off him.

If continue that style of play for the rest of the season then we'll win more than we lose and I look forward to September action with some confidence.

Kudos to Goodes who, hopefully, has woken up from his slumber, balls-up benny for playing with more urgency and vision, MOL for playing as a full forward should (i.e. on a fast lead and not to the pocket), the Eski for just being our hidden gun, Schiender for going back to being a goal sneak, Jolly for learning from Spida how to play the game, Spida for setting that example, Fossy for roaming the ground and running the opposition ragged, Kirk for kicking West's arse, and Jude for winning the hard ball and getting it out to advantage. Finally, Leo Barry for being taller than the guys on the other team for a change.

[Industrial Fan]

Amazing how much better we play when in a positive attitude.

Now we just need to work on playing properly when the opposition turn up.

[NMWBloods]

Now we just need to work on playing properly when the opposition turn up.

[Industrial Fan]

Exactly.

[NMWBloods]

Exactly.

Still have no idea what you're on about.

[Triple B]

Exactly.

Play on. No high contact. Went straight over his head.

[Gary]

Good win but saw nothing to change my opinion that Fosdike is a good ball getter but mediocre to poor user of the ball, & that Grundy is basically a one trick pony...sticky fingers occasionally nothing else. I haven't read all the posts...what was the consensus on Reg.
Bevan got the ball a bit because it was one of those days...but there must be someone else worth playing in that spot.

[Jeffers1984]

When the time comes for either Magic or Hall to retire, you will see the real Reg Grundy playing his forte role as full forward. He is 5 times better playing a KPP forward than a flanker.

[TheMase]

I haven't looked at the stats but the Dogs...either won or broke even in clearances

Sydney 43
Doggies 25

[liz]

When the time comes for either Magic or Hall to retire, you will see the real Reg Grundy playing his forte role as full forward. He is 5 times better playing a KPP forward than a flanker.

I know Reg didn't get much of the ball but I was quite impressed with his efforts. He is being asked to play a completely different role at senior level to that he plays in the reserves side and he must be given credit for sticking to what (one assumes) he is being asked to do.

I would like to see him get short periods at senior level playing the role he's more familiar with - maybe while Magic is off the ground resting.

There'll be no argument with Davis coming back in at Reg's expense as soon as he's fit but at least we have someone who can come in and start his senior footy education while players like Davis are injured.