Three Bulldogs polled AFLCA Award votes in Sunday’s narrow round three loss to reigning premiers Hawthorn, with Luke Dahlhaus sharing best afield honours.
Dahlhaus earned equal top votes from the coaches Luke Beveridge and Alastair Clarkson, with the crafty half-forward sharing top billing with Hawthorn defender Ben Stratton.
23-year-old Dahlhaus collected a season-high 33 disposals in Sundays’ clash, while also snaring two goals.
Stratton played a tight-checking role on Jake Stringer.
Meanwhile draftee defender Marcus Adams and second-year midfielder Caleb Daniel also caught the eye of the coaches, polling seven and five votes respectively.
Adams in just his third senior game collected 15 marks in addition to 23 disposals, while Caleb Daniel collected a career-high 29-disposals and six tackles to spark the Bulldogs’ resurgence in the second term.
Daniel was also pivotal in quelling the influence of veteran Hawks midfielder Sam Mitchell after a blistering opening half.
The four-time premiership player Mitchell earned the final two votes from the coaches.
AFLCA Votes
Round 3 – Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn
8 – Luke Dahlhaus
8 – Ben Stratton
7 – Marcus Adams
5 – Caleb Daniel
2 – Sam Mitchell
AFLCA Award Overall Leaderboard
(as at the end of Round 3)
29 – Luke Parker (SYD)
22 – Tom Lynch (GCS)
21 – Robbie Gray (PA)
20 – Aaron Hall (GCS)
18 – Matt Priddis (WCE)
16 – Patrick Dangerfield (GEEL)
16 – Todd Goldstein (NM)
15 – Tom Mitchell (SYD)
14 – Jason Johannisen (WB)
14 – Sam Mitchell (HAW)
14 – David Zahrakis (ESS)
