Rd 3 vs Western Bulldogs @ Marvel - Pre-Game Thread

[longmile]

He had a quiet game, most probably reflective of his injury interrupted preseason. For me, Squizzy was our BOG and Gould played his best game for us yet. Roberts was our best newbie over the 4 quarters although Warner had an excellent first half before fading a little as the game went on.

Wish Taylor got more of a run in the seniors last year

[bloodspirit]

Well I'm impressed by the ethos behind this week's selection! McDonald did not have much impact in the first two rounds but I thought we might persevere with him to build his 'flying hours'. Instead, Amartey's form was rewarded over McDonald's potential. I am more surprised to see Amartey selected ahead of Ladhams - but very pleasantly so! I think it is really encouraging for both McLean and Amartey that they are being selected ahead of Ladhams (and McDonald for that matter). It's sending a really strong message to the whole squad but Ladhams in particular that he has to play our way or it's the highway and also generally that form not reputation is rewarded at the selection table. I thought Ladhams' performance in the reserves last week was at least as impactful as Amartey's last week (both were good) and Ladhams is very talented. I think the issue is that Pete is not fully buying into the Bloods culture (speculation on my part, I confess). Could be a very long 4 years for Ladhams if he doesn't pull his finger out. I bet he didn't imagine finding himself fully fit but third choice behind McLean and Amartey when he decided to come here from Port!

[Ruck'n'Roll]

You lot say i have RB on the brain .

That is indeed the almost unanimous consensus on RWO.
What brought about this realisation, the forum posts or PM's asking you to ease up on your months of unremitting posting on the subject?

[SCGonasunnyday]

I’m really excited Buddy is playing - Marvel stadium and with the 1000 out of the way he should play with so much freedom. Absolutely no pressure and nothing to prove or lose. Even if we use him as a decoy 1/2 the time it will break open the Dogs defence. You would not want to be the defender assigned to him given the massiveness of the week.

After looking at the draw earlier, 2:0 is an amazing start that sets us up so well, I feared that we could play well and still start the year 0:3. So whilst a win tonight keeps the party going, I hope we temper expectations and don’t lose the plot if we do lose. The intensity of the week and 6 day breaks could impact us in two different ways, we will only know at 10pm tonight.

Having said that, Can’t stand the Bulldogs, let’s get it done boys.

[Markwebbos]

I’m looking forward to the midfield battle, particularly now that we are described as one of the quickest midfield groups and the Dogs as one paced and vulnerable to speed.

How times change!

[barracuda]

I'm not quite sure how much McDonald and Ladhams understand or buy in to the level of effort required in a seniors game at this time. Watching McDonalds extended highlights he just doesn't seem to be busting himself. For a key forward his repeat sprint efforts should be high, however in the last game it was buddy who, at 34, had high repeat sprint efforts. I imagine the swans are all over the numbers and that McDonald has clear instructions on what is expected in his vfl games.

[Aprilbr]

I'm not quite sure how much McDonald and Ladhams understand or buy in to the level of effort required in a seniors game at this time. Watching McDonalds extended highlights he just doesn't seem to be busting himself. For a key forward his repeat sprint efforts should be high, however in the last game it was buddy who, at 34, had high repeat sprint efforts. I imagine the swans are all over the numbers and that McDonald has clear instructions on what is expected in his vfl games.

I think that form and performances matter with our selectors and that is reflective of a well-managed Club. Selecting players on reputation etc is a recipe for underperformance. McLean and Armetey have form and deserve their spots. I will be at the game tonight with my son and hoping for a performance like we had against them like season. Can we match them in the midfield and create enough good chances for our forwards? If the answer is yes, then we can definitely win.

[TheBloods]

That is indeed the almost unanimous consensus on RWO.
What brought about this realisation, the forum posts or PM's asking you to ease up on your months of unremitting posting on the subject?

People go on about it every time i post . Didn 't say anything about RB and theres a dozen comments about how i pick on him . Am i allowed to comment about any swans players anymore ?

[graemed]

Sam Reid has not appeared in any game since the practice match v North. After watching the VFL match v Bulldogs I am surprised that Armetey was favoured ahead of him.

[TheBloods]

Amartey needs to do something , 5th yr now and hasn 't done much

[royboy42]

People go on about it every time i post . Didn 't say anything about RB and theres a dozen comments about how i pick on him . Am i allowed to comment about any swans players anymore ?

Enough! Just stop!

[Bangalore Swans]

People go on about it every time i post . Didn 't say anything about RB and theres a dozen comments about how i pick on him . Am i allowed to comment about any swans players anymore ?

Off course you can comment on players. I and many other posters value your comments.

You are not mentioning Rowbottoms name and people are trying to start the 2021 arguments again. You have been very complementary on Rowbottoms tackling and endeavour.

You and no body else is compelled to like every player.

I was shouted down last year for going on about Papley giving away umpiring abuse free kicks.

It’s not you, it’s them.

[Ludwig]

The critique on some young players has been a bit harsh. Lately, It's been on Ladhams and Amartey. The competition for forward spots is keen and I wouldn't expect too many highlight games from any key forward other than Buddy Franklin, as long as Buddy is in the lineup. Ladhams and Amartey both had solid games in the VFL last week, albeit that Ladhams showed some ill discipline at times, and does need to get control of his emotions. It's early in the season; let's see how things unfold.

We've been lucky in recent years to have had so many young players step up and play good senior footy in their first few years, but we need to recognise that most players take a few years to develop to an reasonable AFL level, especially KPPs.

I am happy with where our list is, and willing to wait on those who are on a slower developmental track. And we shouldn't forget that Covid has put a dent in the development of players who have been drafted the past 3 years and should be given more time to show their wares.

[Aaron]

The VFL coaches are awarding 5-4-3-2-1 to their best players in the game from either team. In Round 1 Amartey scored 4 just behind Taylor and Clarke. Ladhams has not been awarded points. So the coaches dp rate Amartey. He just need more chances. Moreover, the Amatey "Party" has some marketing potentials.

[Ruck'n'Roll]

People go on about it every time i post . Didn 't say anything about RB and theres a dozen comments about how i pick on him . Am i allowed to comment about any swans players anymore ?

I don't think anyone's suggesting you mustn't comment as you see fit, at all.
Making out that I or anyone else is trying to impinge your freedom of expression is simply eyewash, it's just not plausible.

What you need to try to understand is that peoples perceptions of your posts, has generated a couple of reactions.
a) Utilise their freedom of expression to say how monotonous they feel your posts are. and/or
b) Come to the conclusion that your posts aren't really worth reading, and stop doing so.

Rather than simply arguing the toss, maybe take on board what people have been saying, either in the forums or as PM's.


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FWIW - I'm looking forward to seeing Amarty play. And I hope the indoor conditions will help our marking forwards to really stretch the Dog's defence.