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blazza18 wrote: ↑Wed Aug 05, 2026 11:31 am I have soured on his tactics and bench usage the last few season so I wouldn't be against change. I've also not liked how he's downplayed losing grand finals. I don't think he's sent the right message to the fanbase or to his playing group (at least publicly anyway).

Fair enough. After many years of watching Bellamy get angry and walk to the back of the coaches box, it just hasn't happened this year. This is just a guess but I wonder if his medical issues has made a greater impact upon him than we as spectators can see.

Times, tactics and rules change. Sure we've had an horrific injury toll but even before this there have been things happening (on field) that I don't see from other teams.
Getting back up and onside at play the balls, after kicks downfield and expecting the (undersized) backs to bring the ball back to the retiring forwards, not getting back to help your mates, no dominance in the tackles - if tackled at all. My AFL mate came to the Bulldogs match and asked why there were the same guys standing or in some cases walking back. He couldn't understand the lack of effort. Are they pooped or is that the game plan, either way, I'm not convinced - and it's not a new thing.

Tracking devices might show great effort in training against witches hats but come game time (my eyes at least) suggest something completely different. I can't be convinced otherwise about selection "policy"; Put in hard on the training track and you'll be selected - regardless of form (or tackling ability / hot headedness / add personal trait here)

Of course we'll never (nor should we) know what goes on behind closed doors but what I'm seeing on field is very, without wanting to sound too unfair, Tigerish.

We seem to have moved away from drafting dour defensive to more mobile and aggressive and point scoring types, change yes, were we happy a couple of years ago when we were scoring heaps, YES, were defensive issues apparent. I thought so, yes. (If anything thinks I'm being wise after the fact go back and check my 5/8th commentary)

I used to wonder at the effectiveness of the half time blow up, grown men needing to be sprayed. I'd like to think everyone goes out to do their best and if they're having an off day, being hooked is potentially the answer.

Looking to the future starts now, not tomorrow

I only attribute blame to Bellamy if he advised that he didn't need any players signed for this season. Or if he is somewhat to blame for all the injuries, which I wouldn't buy.

Hopefully, after the sessions end they finally do full and thorough review into why we have had so many injuries over the past 3 years. We have been lucky that we have had so many great players that were able to fill the void, but it has finally caught up with us!!

Storm_M_36 wrote: ↑Wed Aug 05, 2026 4:12 pm Hopefully, after the sessions end they finally do full and thorough review into why we have had so many injuries over the past 3 years. We have been lucky that we have had so many great players that were able to fill the void, but it has finally caught up with us!!

The club has always publicly stated we have the next man up philosophy. If the next man doesn't quite fit in to the offensive side of things at the right time I can understand that. This is a timing and training together issue that can be worked on.

Tackling is an individual trait. Effort areas (that are looked at internally in all sports) are things that I don't see a lot of.

100% I do not blame anyone for injuries, as I said above, "we've had an horrific run", a run that nobody could have predicted. Could or should Coates have had surgery in the off season? Maybe, but then who's to say something else wasn't going to happen. Crystal ball and 20/20 stuff.

Against the Dogs I was very happy with many things but there sure were things (that others here have highlighted) that make me wonder just a little.

And on a side note Peel with regarded as the first choice winger at the start of the year and now we have STB. Any one have any idea why STB has been rated as a better option than Peel?

I think they might want to take it easy on Peel coming back from injury plus he didn't look totally comfortable in first grade just yet either. He could also get picked next week because the selections of players is pretty random unless they're a veteran.

The Black Dot wrote: ↑Thu Aug 06, 2026 9:41 am And on a side note Peel with regarded as the first choice winger at the start of the year and now we have STB. Any one have any idea why STB has been rated as a better option than Peel?

I mean Hugo has been injured so they had to play Suilagi who knows who will be favoured by RD 1 next year

Peel looked a hundred times better to my eye.

Peel did his MCL and STB did enough when he got his shot. If Peel hasn't gotten hurt, I'd say he'd be in the side

Howarth out again

Mattpoet wrote: ↑Fri Aug 07, 2026 3:24 pm Howarth out again

Who?

He's a myth. A bit like a unicorn, seems like he should constantly be on the grass, eating (metres) and performing wonders but most sightings are grainy and out of focus.

Mattpoet wrote: ↑Sat Aug 08, 2026 11:15 am He's a myth. A bit like a unicorn, seems like he should constantly be on the grass, eating (metres) and performing wonders but most sightings are grainy and out of focus.

It's easy to see why Storm are allegedly looking to move Howarth off the roster.

He is a super frustrating player...flashes of brilliance, mixed with some ordinary stuff and everything all too infrequently on display due to his body.

The flashes of brilliance are few and far between even when he is playing well. It's clear he's more of an extra forward out there rather than someone who can spark an attack.

I've no idea why we've even bothered to name him after that Souths' game. He was clearly injured and it clearly impacted his performance. Naming him the next two weeks only for him to get omitted 24 hours before the game doesn't help anyone.

16 years it's been since the club wasn't playing for anything and I'm not sure they realise that we don't have to have injured players playing.