The Dogs have lost their bite. Perhaps too many players on big money. Honestly, when will someone teach these players how to tackle. There was a time when the dogs had legends such as cement - get tackled by David Gillepsie and you were sore all week. And he wasn't alone. Today watching the dogs defenders hugging the opposition and moving backwards in defence was heartbreaking. How many times did the tigers players get the ball away with two and sometimes three players walking along just weakly placing their arms around the ball carrier,
The other problem the dogs have got is a lack of any player with vision. Vision is an odd thing and you can't coach it. It has something to do with being blest with a wide field of vision and a football brain with the ability to process the information streaming in. Players with vision spot where the opportunities have presented themselves. An open space behind the line; an opposition player caught out of position; a slight gap opening up. Winning teams need players like that but there is no-one in the Bulldogs team with that vision.
The rumour today was all about the possibility of MBye being a tiger within days. Frankly on todays performance it can't come quickly enough. He simply has not lived up to the hype. probably not his fault that the expectations were bloated. To me is another Braith Anasta and has to live with other people's over-rating, and was offered way overs in money for his ability when the contract was negotiated. If it helps ease the cap burden and helps retain some needed players, then so be it.
Dean's got a big job ahead. This team has been sliding down the performance ladder since the second year of Hasler's coaching. It will take time, skill and commitment to turn it around.