TonyK
Tash Jayasinghe
CibbuanoEade confident Dogs can bounce back
July 22nd 2008 05:25
WESTERN BULLDOGS coach Rodney Eade is confident his side will bounce back against Carlton at Telstra Dome on Sunday following their 61-point loss to reigning premiers and ladder leaders Geelong at Skilled Stadium last Saturday.
"It's a very honest group and I thought they were probably more disappointed than anybody else after the game," Eade said.
"They weren't flat but they were certainly down yesterday and disappointed in their own efforts. But we had a good review and the players are pretty positive about going forward and what we can do to rectify it."
Eade said the midfield battle will play a major role in determining the outcome of the match.
"They've got some really key players. But I think we've got to get back on the horse (and back to) what our strengths have been this year - winning the stoppages, winning the midfield and winning contested ball. It's the same every week and that's the focus," Eade said.
Eade also said skipper Brad Johnson's injured left ankle would be assessed later in the week while Mitch Hahn was certain to play despite struggling with a foot tendon injury.
Tom Williams, who hasn't played for a month because of a shoulder problem is likely to return this week while veteran midfielder Scott West is expected to return via the VFL within the next two weeks after overcoming a knee stress fracture that has kept him on the sidelines for 11 weeks.
Eade said the eventual return of West would be a major boost for the Bulldogs.
"If he gets back to three-quarters of his playing abilities I think he'll add something to the side," Eade said of West.
"Apart from being a leader and his experience, he's a pretty tough player. Either way I think any way that he can set an example for his team-mates will be terrific for us."
"It's a very honest group and I thought they were probably more disappointed than anybody else after the game," Eade said.
"They weren't flat but they were certainly down yesterday and disappointed in their own efforts. But we had a good review and the players are pretty positive about going forward and what we can do to rectify it."
Eade said the midfield battle will play a major role in determining the outcome of the match.
"They've got some really key players. But I think we've got to get back on the horse (and back to) what our strengths have been this year - winning the stoppages, winning the midfield and winning contested ball. It's the same every week and that's the focus," Eade said.
Eade also said skipper Brad Johnson's injured left ankle would be assessed later in the week while Mitch Hahn was certain to play despite struggling with a foot tendon injury.
Tom Williams, who hasn't played for a month because of a shoulder problem is likely to return this week while veteran midfielder Scott West is expected to return via the VFL within the next two weeks after overcoming a knee stress fracture that has kept him on the sidelines for 11 weeks.
Eade said the eventual return of West would be a major boost for the Bulldogs.
"If he gets back to three-quarters of his playing abilities I think he'll add something to the side," Eade said of West.
"Apart from being a leader and his experience, he's a pretty tough player. Either way I think any way that he can set an example for his team-mates will be terrific for us."
| 26 |
| Vote |
Shared on
Add Comments
