This entry is to let you all know that we (Rocco Jones, ~PC~, Pembleton) will no longer be writing for The Can Bar. We would like to thank bigfooty for giving us the opportunity to work on the blog, especially ‘OldSchool’, whose behind the scenes support has been an integral part of the project. We would also like to wish the best of luck to those who replace us. Lastly we want to thank all of you who have given us feedback over the last 14months. The Can Bar was much better for your encouragement.

Thanks for reading.

Pembleton, ~PC~, Rocco Jones.

Bad News

Oh boy, where do I start? As as a football fan, I find being tough a more endearing trait than being talented. We have talent and speed to burn, but we are also arrogant, lazy and soft. I think soft is rather overused. I am using it in regards to the majority of our players not being imposing rather than plain old squibbing. Far too many incidents of our players being lazy and not imposing themselves last night. In one piece of play around HF, Boydy was able to knock the ball to our advantage despite being in a contest alone against multiple opponents. Gilbee, Johnno and Eagle simply watched on together 30 metres away as Boyd had to deal with the next wave of opponents, eventually ended up in a six-on-one. Way to look after your teammate guys. Pointless to pick out a specific incident with Gian. He goes down quicker than Paris Hilton, totally unimposing on those rare ocassions were he is actually on his feet and sloppy the times he manages to get it.

Street. He is a dud. Enough said guys.

Bobby and Darce really look underdone, especially Bobby.

Good News

Daniel Cross plays for us.

At 19, Higgins is more of a man than most of his teammates.

Harris was great on Gehrig. Started off last season really well before struggling. Hopefully he can become a premium defender this year.

McMahon is prepared to run hard and take risks while others around him are happy to chip sidewards and hope someone else does it. Has been our best player so far outside of Crossy, performing very well in all three games.

I will start off with an apology to Rocco Jones Report fanatics, should have had this report up earlier.

The Bad News

We got creamed. Really looked a side that believe it’s own hype. There’s a reason why the Crows have been a gun side for the last two seasons, one loss and a couple of injuries won’t change that. Like a boxing match where a young, arrogant kid on the rise gets old schooled by an old champ.

Our main strengths are our pace and skill. We are a poor side outside of these two areas. Without hard running we cannot take advantage of our pace and when that comes on the same day where our skills are down, we are horrible. We just don’t have the default competitive game style of the Eagles, Swans and Crows. Work rate just needs to improve alot to win enough games to be up with the best. Really not good enough even if we burn the side we play next week. Have a look at last year. Great win against Eagles at Subi backed up with a loss against the Roos. Lost a game against Port that was ours, then had a huge win against the Crows the next week. Gun sides are motivated each week.

Just look at the workrate of guys like Crossy, Boyd and West compared to the rest on Sunday. They should not be so alone. I hate to pick names after a performance like that, but Gian is a worry. For an apparent leader he really struggles to impose himself and struggles under any pressure. Will get lazy with fundamentals, resulting in key errors that he especially can’t afford.

Delivery to our forward line was awful. When things aren’t clicking, we become very predictable. Go to Johnno even if he is in a horrible spot. Really seemed to pick out free Crows players with precison. Struggle to be adapting to a taller forward line. Doogs dropped a simple chest mark in the 2nd quarter. If he held onto it. could have had his 2nd. He was hardly seen after it. Really seems to be the type who is happy to drop his head after something like that.

Aker’s hammy. Easy for Bulldogs fans to get paranoid about trades, hope it’s not something that haunts his career with us.

Eade was Craig’s biatch again. Not too huge a concern unless we have to face Adelaide in finals (not like we struggle with that anyway).

The Good News

Shaun Higgins looked a great prospect again. Really seems like a player with 50 games under his belt. His first goal was great, as well as the mark to set up his third. Can see him spending a fair bit of time in the middle, just amazing in a contested situation for someone his age.

Cam Wight continued to prove his worth for us down back.

Brian Harris is back next week, really need him too.

Darcy spent a fair amount of time in the ruck and looks to be coming back well.

Daniel Cross plays for us.

It’s only round 2.

Reality check.

The Good News

We were impressive when it mattered, one of the easiest 20 point wins you’re ever likely to see.

Johnno: 24 disposals and 8 goals on Scarlett/Harley. Says it all really. As crazy as it sounds, I think he will have a more damaging year this year due to not having to be our forward anchor.

Crossy worked his arse off as usual. His incredible gut running helps provide us with a constant link. 37 touches, 8 marks are the reward of that running. Also had 6 tackles. Not bad for a guy with a dodgy ankle.

Jordy and Gilbee gave us wonderful rebound out of defence.

Eagleton’s workrate was fantastic, don’t think I’ve ever seen him go in that hard. Was our leading tackler yesterday, not something you would associate with Eagle. Hopefully our depth in runners will motivate him to constantly lift his game.

Wight: Great job on Ottens. Has the tools to become a top modern defender.

Minson: Forget everything else for a moment, just him being able to run out a game where he took the majority of ruck work is pretty big. Very pleasing.

Overall, our running game looked great when it needed to be. Some of our quick, multiple handball exchages were excellent.

The Bad News

Really should have won by more than 20 points, but we were in cruise control so nothing to really worry about. More of a ‘it’s fun to win by lots’ kinda thing.

Monty only had very limited ground time, but he really looked out of it.

Bobby looked sore during the game and Wight after it. Let’s all pray to our chosen saviour/s that our key players can walk this year (perhaps even run).

We struggled going forward early, getting used to Darcy/Doogs as targets will take time. Can’t rely on Johnno doing everything, every week (although he will go close to doing so).

by Pembleton

It’s the morning before the afternoon of our first home and away game for 2007. Watching other round 1 games has felt kind of hollow. Despite the Eagles and Swans producing yet another close match, I found it hard to engage with the contest. Today is when the season really starts.

So what position is our great club in at the start of the 2007 season? We are about to smash a membership record that only 12 months ago itself seemed a fantasy target. We are soon to have facilities at the WO that most of the league will envy. We are a good chance of being in the black for the first season in a long time. So off the field, there is more reason to be optimistic about our future than there has been in my life time. It’s important not be complacent, but we are starting to get to a position where the very existence of the club might not be in question on a year to year basis. As a child of ‘fightback’, this is hard to get my head around.

What we all really want though, is on field success. We could be a mere six months away from fulfilling our premiership winning fantasies. It’s a reasonably slim chance, but its still enough to get you excited by the idea. Either way, its time to embark on the journey of season 2007. Carn the ‘Scray.

-Pembleton

I live about 5 minutes walk from Subi Oval, which was nice tonight.

First of all, it was a game involving very little pressure and alot of open space and both sides had numbers down back, Really not a game to read too much into bar a few individual performances.

If you are still motivated to read this blog, thank you. Overall, we broke the lines and moved the ball fluently. Our structure going forward looked very effective, seemed to look well prepared for round 1. Army of runners looked very dangerous, moving the ball superbly at times. Darcy and Cooney were the highlights, the latter especially.

My major concern was having a power forward dominating us once again. Harris being out for the first 2 games, as well as Grant’s injury from tonight will leave us with few options to counter such players.

Had a few drinks, so my usual high quality posting might be somewhat impaired. Here are a few comments about our guys:

Johnson: The stand out. Mainly used off a HF/CHF. Offered a constant option, ending up with 4 (I think) What can you say? He was Brad Johnson tonight.

West: Spent a fair bit of the 1st half on the bench. Dominant in 2nd half, we all know who he is and what he is capable of it.

Gian: Got alot of it, however his disposal was pretty poor. Dangerous when near goal, end up with a couple. Works very hard to get to the ball, but struggles with the hard ball at times (not soft imo, just not a strength). Overall was one of our best purely based on ground he was willing to cover.

Cross: Solid 1st half, spent time on and off bench in 2nd half.

Boyd: Solid when on, can he be anything less that serviceable these days?

Addison: Disposal isn’t great but boy do I love how this kid moves. Naturally brave, works hard, tackles, all that stuff.

McMahon: Spent most of game on the bench, my girlfriend seemed to enjoy the view . Struggled to get into it during his limited time on the ground.

Gilbee: Also struggled to get into it.

Cooney: Most pleasing aspect from tonight. Was great in 2nd half, oozed class at times, very dangerous as a link man. Started throwing himself into the action as the game went on.

Eagleton: Gave us alot of run in the 1st half, just about our best in that period. Used sparingly in 2nd half. Don’t think he will lose his spot to the young running brigade just yet.

Minson: Spent most of the game in the ruck, decent effort against Cox/Seaby. Looks awkward around the ground, but worked very hard and was effective overall.

Darcy: Very pleasing performance. Spent two very brief stints in the ruck, as well as doing around the ground work. Was smashed by Glass (excuse the pun) when playing as a deep forward. Played further up the forward in the 3rd quarter and showedpositive signs. Was suprising quick and agile in space. In one piece of play he mark outside 50, went back before baulking man on mark and kicking truly. Looks ready to play round 1.

Ray- Strong 4th term after a quiet game, spent a bit of time on the bench.

Doogs- Nothing spectular, but worked hard, presented well, laid tackles, pretty much continued what he has been doing the last 3 weeks. Really struggles to dispose of ball in any manner other than kicking long.

Robbins- Kicked 2, but had little impact overall. Really struggles to have any impact outside of kicking goals. Respect the service he has given to the club, but don’t think he is great for our side’s structure.

Morris- Spent a fair bit of time on the bench in the 1st half. Played on Lecras mostly (I think) and Lynch for awhile. Was beaten by both, but seemed more of a getting rid of the cobwebs type thing. Improved late in game, with a couple of typical acts of bravery.

Wight- Was decent on Hansen early on, though Eagles didn’t give him much delivery in that period. Moved around after that, spending time on Lynch who was too strong at times, looked more comfortable the further away his opponent was from goal. Had a strong game overall. Did a couple of clever things which enabled him to gain front position and allowing us to rebound strongly out of defence, very pleasing.

Power- Played his HB link man role again and was decent.

Murphy- Must admit he slipt under the radar. Didn’t see him much, moved well when sighted.

Higgins- Kicked 2 in the first quarter, seems a super clever player already. Hard to believe he has just turned 19 when you see him in a contest. Rest for the 2nd half due to his corkie last week I imagine.

Hargrave- Was our most effective option for Lynch, however it was during the time in which Lynch was playing CHF role. Had a strong game overall, offering decent defensive option as well as offering rebound. Disposal was poor at times though. Think he will end up with a big role round 1.

Skipper- Hobbled off during 3rd qtr, looked like foot/ankle (had problems with his foot last year obviously). Looked bad at the time, but I thought he looked OK after the game, walking bare foot and unaided (no ice/strapping etc).

Grant- Went off early, no idea what with. Hope we are just being cautious.

We’re going to win the flag. Just thought i’d get that out of the way early.
I seem to remember in the late 90’s we were going to win a flag. We had the cattle, we were going to do it. We failed. That’s sad etc. Then we had that whole not making finals for a few years, but now we’re back.

Bigger and brighter than ever… or however the cliche goes.

I cast my mind back a few years. We were still Footscray. We were nearly broke and facing the same fate as Fitzroy. 2007 and we’re going to win flags, we have the best bunch of kids and we’re aiming for 32,000 members. 32,000… a big WTF to that!

So anyway, the season’s upon us again. Carlton are playing off for the cup no one gives two hoots about with Brisbane who are apparently very excited about winning something again. According to them, 2 years without a Premiership is a long time. In the words of Justin Timberlake, cry me a river. Try going 53 years without one. That’s like TWO of my life times.

And what about Carlton? Well, i received a letter in the mail the other day from Carlton Football Club. It turns out i’m in their leadership group. Fantastic. It’s also nice to see they are filling their board with more corrupt businessmen.

So where does that leave the Bulldogs. Well it leaves us travelling to Perth to play the West Coast Narcanon & Alconon Football Club. Seriously, more drug problems the Chinese swimming team. Adding to that Judd won’t sign a contract. The rumour mill will be running riot during the season with Judd going everywhere from us, to Carlton to a peace keeping mission in East Timor. Truely, if anyone was going to save the world from itself it’s going to be the all mighty Judd.

Eade says we will play close to our best 22. That’s nice. The result won’t mean anything, so i won’t get too excited if we win nor upset if we lose. In fact, i will probably have a general feeling of nothingness to it. Rest assured though, when the ball hits the turf come round 1 i’ll be caring.

Don’t forget this Saturday is St Paddys day. A day where you drink beer, get smashed and pretend you’re Irish, all in the hope of pashing on with with some Irish red head who is as equally smashed as you are. Well girls, here’s the hot tip, i have Irish blood.

To be sure, to be sure.

PC

The Good News
Shaun Higgins. Wow. He turns 19 on Sunday and has only played 5 games, however he seems our best small forward/crumbing option by a fair distance already. For me it’s only a matter of time before he becomes a star further up the ground, but I expect a very good season from him playing in a HF/FP at the very least. His ability in a contested situation is exceptional and in the NAB cup he has demonstrated that it isn’t limited to ground level contests. He is extremely clever at using what little physical presence he has in marking situations, if he doesn’t take the grab he is at least able to get it in an advantageous area. I really can’t remember too many kids having such an innate ability to win a contest. He is going to be a very special player, sooner rather than later.

Hargrave looked good, nice to see after his injury interrupted pre-season. Boydy and Westy worked hard, but we all know they do.

Doogs tried. He had made a lot of 2^nd/3^rd efforts. Let’s hope he can keep the work rate after the novelty factor of wearing our jumper wears out (Doogs’ Droogs cap off there).

It only being the NAB cup is good news.

The Bad News

If Brisbane didn’t rape, I mean takeover, I mean ‘merge’ with Fitzroy, I would have been able to name this part ‘The Bad News Bears’. Xie would have been amused.

Besides the reliable few, we were very poor in contested situations and running hard. How much that was down to it being NAB cup is up in the air. I’ll give us the benefit of the doubt as they are 2 areas which will drop off when the game doesn’t mean as much. We obviously need to work hard in these areas; we were at our best last year when our intensity was strong. Insert all the cliché comments about the best teams never compromising here.

Ray was disappointing tonight, going to be a very interesting year for him. At the moment, he might struggle for a spot in our 22 come round 1.

Pask seems ordinary, but I hope we won’t have to rely on him too often. Baird struggled, really seems limited, hopefully he can add a few strings to his bow.

A lot of simpletons will overrate this loss, sadly a lot of people are simpletons and these people might question whether they will buy a membership or not. I don’t think it will be huge either way, as these kinds of fans will also probably be likely to see how we go in our first few games.

I said we would lose very early on in the game (I was watching it on a 3 hour delay in Perth, my prediction was actually after the game had finished). NAB cup games are often decided on who is more ready and willing to actually work hard for the win. Hopefully it was more of an indication of where the Lions are at in their preparations compared to us, than anything else. Last year we lost to a side that bared a stronger resemblance to Sandringham than Melbourne. Carlton won the NAB cup in 2005. There are many examples of how the NAB cup acts as a poor form guide. Not taking away anything from the Lions, showed a lot of great signs, just that this is a blog about the Bulldogs. Perhaps there is a blog about the Lions, maybe i’t called ‘the Lion’s Roar’, I don’t know. Anyways, if we put in a performance like that in round 1 and the bad news section might be a little longer.

by Pembleton

Footscray have added a number of aboriginal boys to the list since the end of last season, and a couple of them, Harbrow and Lynch, played very good games in the first week of the pre season comp, which was great to see. There is a small negative side to it though, because it means we will now be subjected to cliché after cliché from commentators fighting against their inability to effectively use the English language. We are likely to often hear about a ’sixth sense’ that these boys seem to possess. This extra sense is usually used to explain pieces of play that when involving a player of European lineage merely suggest that they are a good player with the typical number of senses that humans possess.

Against this backdrop of commentators using repetitive and boring clichés to describe what is happening on the field, I want to make special mention of Tony Shaw’s work on the weekend. After Jarrod Harbrow had neatly gathered the ball running in the wrong direction, he made a quick little movement to his right which sent his nearby opponent in that direction, before u-turning the other way and carrying the ball towards our goal. It was a good piece of play, and in that one moment it was obvious that Harbrow is going to have a future in the AFL. Jason Akermanis slipped away from his opponent with a similar turn on the half forward flank at another point in the game, and Aker is a good guy to have your play resembling. Tony Shaw gushed over the Harbrow gather and turn, and predictably went for an ‘aboriginal good play’ cliché to describe it.

“It’s almost like they have a second sense” (The exact wording may have been slightly different. Anyone who taped the game that can get the exact quote, please PM it to me at bigfooty)

Despite myself and the mates i was watching the game with having a big laugh at Tony’s expense, at the time i did just assume he had misspoken. However, later in the game he again referred to this second sense. Does this mean that Tony Shaw thinks that humans only typically have one sense?

The other thing i would like to highlight is the use of the ‘tall timber’ metaphor. It is so widely and repeatedly used that I get the impression some commentators think the literal meaning of ‘tall timber’ is ‘tall players’. It would add colour and interest to the commentary if they did a little bit of work on creating their own metaphors rather than simply regurgitating the ones that we have all heard since…as long as i can remember. In the absence of the creative ability to be interesting, they should at least try desperately to avoid sounding like they are just parroting what they once heard someone else say.

-Pembleton

Welcome one; welcome all, to The Rocco Jones Report, an enlightening weekly review of Bulldog games. The report will involve good news and bad news. I willadd more segments when I feel more creative.

The Good News:
Doogs’ Droogs membership is sure to be on the rise due to the great man’s first competitive game for the club. Our game style/structure really seems to suit him; however he needs to work hard to cover the ground expected from our forward targets. He did that against the Swans, as well as being able to offer support in our defensive half. He displayed the athletic prowess and talent that had him picked at 5 by the Eagles; however what impressed me most were 2 moments of desperation. In the 2^nd quarter, he ran hard to lay a tackle, turning a Swans defensive rebound to a Bulldogs scoring shot. Later in the game, he threw his body to effect a smoother, turning a Swan inside 50 into a Bulldog counter attack. The jury is definitely still out, but it was extremely pleasing start.

Despite having a small forward line overall, our side has lacked a genuine small forward. Harbrow and Lynch displayed what they can offer to the side. From the brief glimpse, Harbrow seems like he can play further up the ground, in the common wing/HF role we see in modern day footy. Lynch looks extremely dangerous, way he can tap the ball to advantage got me just a little excited.

Ryan Griffen and Shaun Higgins collected 16 contested disposals between them. Griffen looks certain to go to the next level in 07. Against the Swans he displayed three moments of utter class. He was tackled around HB but his composure allowed him to wait for a good option. Later in the game he was able to shrug off a tackle, allowing him to gain extra space and effectively deliver the ball forward. His consistent ability to shrug off tackles/have such composure while in them allows him the confidence to except to get past opponents. The third moment was a one-handed contest mark, pure class. Higgins would have bagged a couple more goals if not for fumbling at the wrong time, but his ability in a contest is remarkable for someone of his age and experience.

The Bad News:
If this outing is any indication, I’d rather not rely on having Baird or Pask down back. They looked out of their depth there, even against an under strengthened side.

It’s rather difficult to conjure up bad news from a NAB cup outing, I rather just stay positive this early on anyway.