Michael Ennis and James Graham (re. Hasler)

[Stewbojevic]

I find it quite interesting to hear Ennis and Graham talk about their time under Des at the Bulldogs.

They often do so on the Big League Wrap.

On Sunday’s show James Graham was talking about the 2012 finals series when the Dogs went all the way to the GF. He said he felt invincible going into the finals and that he would’ve done anything to put his body on the line for that team. All on the back of Des’ confidence in him and coaching.

He has an amazing record of getting teams up for the finals - even in 2019 we probably should’ve made it to a prelim without Turbo.

Our team is much better now than it was then. I’m excited for what’s to come!

 

[Snake]

Yeah I remember when Dessie was coaching the Dogs and I hated him (love him again obviously) and I remember knowing that it didn't matter how his side fared during the year, if they were in the 8, you just did not wanna play em. He has always had that 'thing' that you can't put your finger on. Bennett has it. Bellamy has it. They just know how to light a fire when it matters most.

 

[eaglebuzz]

I remember that match we played against the Dogs in 2014 where Des named Tony Williams at half and the whole side looked like it was held together with gaffer tape, and they beat us anyway! I put that down entirely to Des' coaching ability.

 

[EOL now nesting on the GC]

Full Disclosure. Love Des. Love his coaching style. When he went to the dogs I was disappointed but unlike many I blamed the management at the time for failing to lock in a deal to keep the gang together.
We saw a glimpse in 2019 taking that turboless side so far into the finals and while 2020 was a bust there were reasons.
For me 2021 has been a huge success considering where we started the year. Some of the football played by our team has been the best I've ever seen.
I hope the team buys into the des finals mentality this week and we do something special.

 

[manlyfan76]

Hasler plays the long game mostly.
He is always thinking many steps ahead. Come finals those coachohave many strings to pull to get what is needed.

 

[QueefRichards]

Des knows what he's doing. Will be fascinating to see how these finals play out

 

[Jerry1]

Hasler will love having the boys locked down. He’ll be building the us and them mentality.

 

[Remy]

Ye and to add to that I loved how Graham and Ennis talked about the 2014 semi final vs storm and how Des had them amped all week to rip and tear and ambush Melbourne, and jeezus they did. Knocked em out in week 1, 28-4. Des just knows what he's doing, he's built for finals footy, he's always a few steps ahead and it's been a long time for him since he went into the finals with his complex tactics with an elite full-strength team. So this is his chance, and I'm sure he is eager for the next few weeks, this is the time for our mad scientist to go bezerk!

 

[lsz]

He did a couple of years ago against the sharks

 

[Tomay]

Like Bennet he times his run well. Our team may have not been the fittest or most cohesive to start the season but they ready to rip in now.

 

[Tragic Eagle]

I believe the boys being in camp works for us and the squad have become tight. Des knows how to capitalise and he will.

 

[Rackets]

I believe the boys being in camp works for us and the squad have become tight. Des knows how to capitalise and he will.

Agree. Look at the storm last year where they had to spend their last months on the Sunshine Coast. Every media story showed them happy and all getting along like a house on fire. Ultimately they became the premiers.
I see the same attitude with our boys and hopefully they too can bring the trophy home.

 

[eagle66]

Hilarious

 

[Tragic Eagle]

Hilarious

Love it!

 

[Eagle 1]

Just love Des, the Mad Scientist that he is. In vid today, saying "it's probably impossible to beat Melb" it's sheer genius. Bellyache just gave a wry smile, and mumbled something unable to respond properly or give an adequate comeback. Reading between the lines, Des has us primed and loaded, were ready to rock & roll baby !!