Round 10 was rather disappointing as most of the games this round were walk overs apart from possibly the Bulldogs v Hawthorn game, which saw Hawks have their first loss. Is there any truth that having a loss makes the team hungrier and stings them back to playing good football? Bulldogs and Geelong both lost back in round 9 and played good football in round 10. Watch out Essendon who play Hawks in round 11.
Also in tribunal news, the heat will be on Burton, Murphy and Waters for their head high hits which saw Ports Burgoyne get 3 weeks.
Adelaide defeated Essendon by 5 points
Adelaide was good. They had one real fatal flaw against the Bombers however, they couldn’t kick straight. This problem was also one of the reasons that they suffered against the Eagles last week. They are a good team, but this week and last, they haven’t shown their full potential. They played ugly on Friday night and need to lift if they want to stay in premiership contention.
I (along with everyone else) have written Essendon off for this year and even the next. They’ve still got a few key players out with injury and their game plan still needs a lot of work.
Collingwood defeated West Coast by 100 points
Collingwood had a real contest on their hands, amongst themselves! Who could kick the most goals, or the most miraculous. They walked all over the Eagles, and never looked like losing, except for a 10 minute period in the 2nd quarter. They are the real deal and look hot.
West Coast was bitterly disappointing. After such a good game last week they fell apart at the seams. They’re season is definitely over and they need to try something different. Make the players earn their spots and find the best 22 players, and develop them into a good side for the future. I still think either move Lynch down back, or omit him from the team. He’s never had to play for his spot in the team, and it’s about time he is shown the same criticism other players do.
Western Bulldogs defeated Hawthorn by 32 points
The Bulldogs were outstanding. They out ran, out worked, out played and out worked the Hawks in every aspect of the game. They had 31 scoring shots, and could have really blown the Hawks away on the scoreboard, if it wasn’t for some inaccurate kicking. Jason Akermanis has played very well all season and has returned to his brownlow form. He will come in very handy come finals time.
The Hawks were beaten. It’s as simple as that. They weren’t able to play their game and even though disappointing, are still a very good team, and probably still the best team in the AFL.
Brisbane defeated Kangaroos by 31 points
Brisbane are starting to show why they will play finals this year. With a 6-4 record they are playing very well. Their midfield is starting to play consistently together, and the twin towers of Bradshaw and Brown are a tough match for any defense.
They had a good win against the Kangaroos who may have been a little worn out from their incredible win last week. The Roos are a steady team, will not threaten the premiership but they are playing ok and may make the finals. They were out played however.
Geelong defeated Carlton by 56 points
Geelong came back into form on Saturday night. They had a shocking game last week, and looked shaky the weeks before. They still need to start their games better however. If they continue to play the way they do in the 1st quarter against quality teams, they might concede too many goals which they may be unable to recover.
Carlton played well for a quarter and a half. But Geelong were simply too good in the end and waltzed away convincingly. The Blues still aren’t a quality opposition but the signs are looking bright for the future. Their record stands at 4-6 and have some work to do to make the finals this year.
Sydney defeated Richmond by 82 points
The Swans were extremely good. They jumped the Tigers very early and maintained the intensity throughout the game, and walked away with a 72 point victory. They’re on their way back to the top and really are showing some premiership form. The soon return of Barry Hall will really boost them that little bit more.
What happened to Richmond? After 3 narrow losses, a drawand a win last week, but were smashed considerably this week. At what point will Terry Wallace come under heavy criticism? The Tigers have a talented young list, who are capable of excellent footy which we have witnessed. Wallace has been at the helm of the club for a few years now and they still haven’t made the finals, and may not make it again this year. Is it time to go?
St Kilda defeated Melbourne by 79 points
Melbourne showed us all again why they are on the bottom of the ladder. They were useless. They just did not come to play, and were smashed at every turn of the game.
St Kilda was not that good however. Luckily for them the Demons were just a lot worse. St Kilda still has a lot of concerns and I’m unsure if they will make the finals this year. They are 5-5 and apart from their round one victory against the Swans, they have not beaten anyone prominent.
Port Adelaide defeated Fremantle by 28 points
Well it’s happened again. The team that is unable to compete, and win a last quarter has failed yet again! The Dockers will not win a premiership. Management needs to change, and I’m talking about the top not the coaches. Recruiting needs to change, no more old used players like Mark Johnson, Chris Tarrant and Dean Solomon. Young, fast players who can be at the club for 10+ years are required. The whole club culture needs to change otherwise this team will never amount to anything.
Port Adelaide on the other hand are finding form again. They’ve had a slow start to the year but are starting to show us again, why they can challenge grand finals. Good win against the Dockers, but still have a way to go yet.
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June 2nd, 2008 at 10:12 am
Will Burton, Murphy or Waters get suspended? I think Burton may get off but Murphy’s hit and Waters (due to his history) will not. BUT if they are consistent with Ports Burgoyne, all three should get 3 weeks.
Also its starting to beyond a joke with Fremantle, its not like they can blame young inexperienced players as they are the oldest side in the comp. Maybe its that all the grandpas in the side run out *ahem* vi&g@a
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June 2nd, 2008 at 2:56 pm
The Bulldogs are now most definitely at least the 3rd best side in the competition. They rebounded extremely well against the undefeated Hawks and smashed them all over the ground except on the scoreboard where they kicked 15.16
they are red hot at the moment and hopefully should continue by teaching the saints another lesson this week
Fremantle are going to lose sponsorships, members and fans unless they start winning quick. other clubs are losing as well, but at least theyre not giving the other team the win….
June 2nd, 2008 at 3:02 pm
also how good is Jason Akermanis playing this year? he’s really inspired the doggies and when the pressure is on, Eade moves him into the midfield and sets the team alight
maybe a wildcard/outside chance at the brownlow if this form continues…
June 2nd, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Only 10 games into it, but Jason Aker definitely could be a chance for the brownlow especially seeing no other player imo has really starred so far this year, its been a fairly quite year by the stars like Goodes, Hodge injured, Judd still got a dodgy groin etc.
Think it will be a case of who ever is the most consistent. I may go into more detail this Wednesday…
btw Freos form is taking the embarrassing situation away from the Eagles and even other disappointment teams like Essendon, St Kilda and Melbourne. Its far from a joke…
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June 2nd, 2008 at 4:32 pm
he is a good chance, and who knows, may even help us win a premiership this year or next and claim his fourth medallion,
i also wouldve thought Rob Murphy would’ve been a good chance for the brownlow, but no longer, i have to wonder though with a one week suspension looming, how much will that damage the dogs this week? will they still be able to get up and defeat St Kilda without the quality in the centre half forward line?
June 3rd, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Bulldogs should be able to beat St Kilda this weekend. St Kilda besides Sydney have not beaten any top eight team.
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June 3rd, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Defense wins championships. Nearly always do. This is an American advertisement, yet it has merit to all sports all over the world. If you stop your opponent from scoring you will have more chance of winning won’t you? NFL coaches who have employed this mantra. Belichick, Parcells, Cowher, Dungy. If you haven’t heard of these guys look them up. AFL coaches today who employ this mantra. Worsfold, Roos, Matthews, (now Lyon) the first 3 established set back 6’s, in their terrific teams. Attacking teams can win home and away games but struggle at finals time. There are Numerous examples in a lot of sports. Phoenix Suns is one in the NBA. Spain in soccer. Eade and Daniher, established attacking coaches, how many premierships? None. And they will never win one with the style of play they dictate on players. Wallace is following quickly on their lead.Under Wallace, Richmond has not improved its defensive mindset one bit. Wallace is a glorified media performer who loves the lights of Vegas and all it entails. However when he is at the blackjack table in a big contest, ability and defensive tendencies go out the window and he will be found wanting. All bluff, no action. You get the similarity. Who make the best boxers? Boxers who defend the knockout punch early and are able to counterattack with flurries and uppercuts right throughout the duration of the fight. Wallace would come out like Ali and like him would have the media’s attention. Yet Wallace would have no idea about Rope a dope would he? I am sure Wallace believes he needs to and that his players have to be visually entertaining to the crowd. No. Tackle hard, man up, no zoning, and pressure the ball carrier would do me. How can we improve? Surely get you back 6 working together for 2 years. A set back six is crucial in premiership teams, Brisbane, North, Sydney, W.C (all dynasties in the sense of the word) all had a set back 6.b.p McMahon?? / King. F.b Thursfield b.p McGuane.h.b O-Nicholls. Chb. Polak / Shulz. H.b White. (Bowden / Newman are not in my long term plans) Play them together, the back 6 is like a team in a team, they will learn tendencies, weaknesses and learn to love each other and more importantly win the little battles.With our midfield struggling, why can’t Wallet introduce a midfield flood. Play your hff’s and one forward pocket as extra midfielders. This does many things. It opens up our forward half. Only 3 possibly 4 blokes up there. ONE on One. Advantage forwards. It will make it harder for sides to win stoppages, and out bulk us at set plays and the like. As well as supporting our young ruckmen.So basically the team will line up in soccer terms. 6-9-3. More bodies around where the ball is.I can be a believer of Wallace if he improves the teams: 1%’s, tackling numbers, stoppages and shepards. He has been poor at all of those at the bullies and now with us. Is it improving? No.The following players will need to be moved on and none of them will be a premiership player for us.J. Bowden, Hyde, Jackson, Pettifer, Howat, Moore, Tivendale, Hughes, Johnson, Schulz, Newman and RICHO MAN. And if there are on people reading this that think otherwise, then they are not footy smart, or lack the killer instincts that other clubs do.
We are number 1 in contested ball – which is terrific. However, we are last in actual laid tackles, 1%’s and clearances.
Surely Terry Wallace and the coaching group must be aware of this figure, as figures suggest Wallace coached teams have been appauling tacklers in his tenure as a coach at the Bullies and now Richmond. (BELOW)
Age is not a contributing factor in tackling. In fact winning the contested ball suggests AGE is no barrier at Richmond. Proper technique and pinning the arms is how you improve it. Grapple tackle. Watch the Melbourne Storm tackle. Sydney and Brisbane are the 2 best tackling teams in the comp. Watch them tackle. They want to hurt you.
Newman, Brown, Hyde, Pettrified, Bowden (And numerous other cancers at our club (Brown is not a cancer) can not and will not tackle.
Morton, Edwards, McMahon are not the tackling types either.
Make these softies the ‘farking’ tackle types or else.
Statistics from 1996: (Mostly concerned with the lack of tackling and the 1% per centers Terry Wallace coached sides do in a season).Tackling1996: Sydney = Runners up Rated 1st in tackling Footscray: 16th1997: Adelaide = Premiers 1st in tackling W.B 12th1998: Adelaide = Premiers 1st W.B 11th1999: Kangaroos = Premiers 4th W.B 10th2000: Essendon = Premiers 2nd W.B 14th(Note Essendon’s only loss in 2000 was to the Western Bulldogs in round 21. Western Bulldogs tackled more than Essendon that evening.2001: Brisbane Lions = Premiers 4th in tackles W.B 15th(Note in 2002 and 2003 Brisbane was rated no 1 in tackles in the competition).2005: Sydney = Premiers 1st in tackling Richmond 15th2006: Melbourne = ? 1st in tackling Richmond 11th
2007: Premiers = Geelong = best tackling side.
2008: Brisbane is leading tackle count. Richmond = last.1 per centers (Smothers, Shepard’s, blocks,) e.t.c2000: Essendon = Premiers 4th in 1 per centers W.B 16th2001, 2002, 2003, 2004: Brisbane = Runners up and Premiers 3 straight yearsNo 1 in one per centers W.B in 2001 15th2005: Sydney = Premiers 1st in one per centers Richmond 16th2006: Melbourne = ? 1st in one per centers Richmond 15th
2007: Brisbane no 1 in 1%’s / Richmond last.
2008: Geelong is no 1 at present. Richmond are last again.
Note: Premiership teams in the history of the game have been good tackling sides. Tackling does many things in a game of football; it places pressure on the opposition and even places perceived pressure when you do it correctly. It obviously fatigues sides later in the contest also. In Finals games when there is a definite improvement in areas mentioned above, it has been proven that Terry Wallace coached teams do not tackle and apply physical pressure and 1%’s on the ball carrier, or in the game in general.In Wallace’s best years in charge of a team 1997 and 1998 they were overrun and then smashed by the crows in both years. You could see Adelaide lift especially in 1997 because they were not being tackled, and therefore were not tired at games end. It gave them the ability to run the game out.Wallace at the Bulldogs had one of the best tacklers the game has seen in Tony Liberatore. Even still it did not assist tackle numbers team wise. Romero, West, Dimma, and others were also productive tacklers or should have been.Wallace allows teams with good foot skills too much time and space. In Richmond’s severe losses this year, the opposition has eased through the midfield with the mindset they would not be tackled. (Figures above prove this) If you give AFL footballer’s time and space they surely will cause havoc.Wallace is successful in limiting contested marks, as well as hard ball gets to the opposition, although this may be a thing of the past. Most teams now play with an uncontested aspect to assist their running players. Teams with numerous forward options will often beat a Terry Wallace coached side. He likes to have a defender such as a Bowden free at Richmond to zone off or be the 3rd man up at the contest. At the Bulldogs Craig Ellis or Todd Curley would do that role. If you are the opposition and you see this, you surely direct some football through Bowden to hurt them on the scoreboard.Wallace has struggled to beat coaches such as Mark Williams, Schwab (Hawthorn), Malthouse and Matthews because of either their success at uncontested style of football, their ability to tackle fiercely, or the fact they have had numerous options up forward.Wallace would probably like to play 22 wingman if he could. A fast running side that does not tackle. The purchase of Tambling and Oakley-Nicholls may come off, although at present Richmond stand 16th at clearances. Either at stop plays or centre breaks. In and under footballers would stop this trend. Richmond have refused to draft Nathan Jones and Jordan Lewis who are excellent at the stoppages, rather they chose Danny Meyer and Tambling types.The lack of an up and coming spine could spell disaster for Richmond. If you pressure Richmond’s defence they do not have the ability to hit targets going forward. At the Bulldogs Wallace did not have the spine to win in September.With the draft picks at his disposal (at Richmond) he could have well and truly improved the position of Richmond’s talls. However he has decided to go with the Western Bulldogs style again which did not pay dividends the first time around.Wallace is a very smart business operator, has excellent media skills which will benefit the club with members and sponsorship. However it remains to be seen whether he will take the Richmond side to sustained success. The lack of tackling, sustained pressure, one per centers and clearances (with bigger bodies) need to be worked upon. Whether it will remains to be seen. As history and statistics show you need to be successful at tackling to win premierships. With Wallace at the helm it is highly doubtful.Note: In Richmond’s best seasons in recent times: 1995 and 2001 they were a good tackling side.1995: 1st in total tackles2001: 3rd in total tackles.
Yes there has been significant improvement in the last 4 weeks and I have been quite proud with the performances, but why shouldn’t there be? No-one of signifance is out injured, Wallace is into his 4th year as coach and our players should be suitably mature to play the game.
Yet; Tackling figures, 1%’s and clearances suggest we are not doing the hard things that other clubs do. And Terry Wallace does not have the pedigree that the Roos’ and Matthew’s have to change this dramatically, urgently and quickly it seems.
I guarantee if we make more tackles than the opposition, complete more 1%’s and win the stoppages in individual football games, we will win more games than we lose this season.
Against Essendon this week:
Do not play a shootout game. Play a hard contested football game with tackling, 1%’s and Clearances the objective. I do not want the Bombres to kick more than 10 goals. If the game is a free-flowing piece of crap basketball game – I will know Wallace has and will never learn the intracies of coaching and what good teams do to strugglers. In all honesty supporters want a 15 – goals to 7 game and an 8 goal win, compared to a rubbish 23 goal to 20 game.
Get stuck into Lloyd the velvet sledgehammer – for his repeated – ‘talking crap about Richmond speeches’ we have seen so regularly over the last 4 seasons or so.
A testing time at Richmond. If we were to lose to Essendon (Anything is possible) I suggest strongly about the tank. 1 more year of pain will not hurt. Think about it like this.
You could have:
1 Naitanui
3 Hurley
19 Yarran e.t.c
35 Robbie Warnock!!
51
67
or a crapshoot Draft?? Where the ‘gems’ are gone!
7
23
39
55
71
Robbie Warnock is not worth any more than a 3rd round draft pick. No higher than pick 35ish. Be fuming if you give up anything between 18-34 for him.
Players to look at: Foster (Coburg), Fort Caruso (Coburg) Liddle (Coburg)
Trade: Pettrified, Bowden, Jackson, Hyde, Hughes (Soft as Nathan Lonie), Raines.
The draft next year should go like this for the Richmond Tigers (if as I unfortunately suspect you morons provide us with a position between 9th and 11th): Not farking 9th again. My heart, my heart!!
Pick 1: CHF (Ben Reid Mold)
Pick 2: Hard at it Midfielder / Forward pocket specialist (Yarran)
Pick 3: Ruckmen (Warnock) – pick 35+
Pick 4: A speculative 194 – 196 footballer who can bloody kick (Unlike Adam Farking Pattison)
The Drafts could obviously be improved if the Tigers tank – to get players like the Naitanui, Rich, Hurley and Yarran’s of the world.
I propose to you that if we lose to Essendon the ‘tanking’ debate will be started at Punt Road – as it bloody should be. With Gold Coast and Scum Sydney – getting freebies – load up now!
Play Collins this week = Star. Oakley Nicholls = Damn Shame – will be a player.
Drop: Morton / Hyde / Edwards (Shat himself once on Sat and won’t tackle at present).
INS: Cartledge, (Coughlan – rooting pigs blood in Brazil isn’t he?) Collins, Polo.
Out: Hyde (never to be seen again); Bowden (Put him on Missing person’s unit) and Edwards (Tell him to tackle for fark sake).
Conners = a lazy bugger.
Collard = talented = turtle meat lover who would come back 150 kilo’s if you sent him over to sort out indigenous affairs without ‘Michael Mitchell’ I mean Richard Tambling.
Keep tackling, performing 1%’s and winning clearances as well as maintaing number 1 spot on contested ball stats and I will be happy.
June 4th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Hi, welcome and thanks for your comments, we at Kick2Kick welcome all new visitors and commentators.
It is interesting what you say about tanking for the best draft picks this year. I agree with you that it is the best way to go especially if Richmond win less than 5 games again, they could well get a few of the top picks and pick up Rich and the Fijian ruckman add on top with Delido and Crotchin you will have a good list to build on.
Read more of my article: http://www.kick2kick.net/afl/is-2008-the-year-of-tanking
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