Here are three things that caught our eye from Friday night’s 42-point win over Hawthorn.
Rhylee West is coming of age
A career-best performance from Rhylee West was one of many highlights from a resounding win over Hawthorn on Friday night. The small-forward has found his groove in his sixth consecutive fixture in the AFL side, gathering 19 disposals and kicking three goals.
His overhead marking was a feature and pressure kept the ball inside the attacking 50 for the Dogs.
Confidence is an amazing thing and West has plenty of it.
Libba the barometer
When Tom Liberatore plays well, generally the Bulldogs perform.
Saturday was no exception. 30 touches and 11 clearances was the stat sheet but the sheer second quarter determination is what sparked the home side into action. Liberatore has been chipping in with important goals too, stamping himself as a barometer player for the side.
His clearance work has become vital and will be important again against a rampaging Brisbane midfield.
JJ adds different dimension
It hasn’t been smooth sailing in 2022 for Jason Johannisen, but returning to the team has added a new scoring opportunity for the red, white and blue.
Down by four goals early, a manic snap from the pocked kick-started the Bulldogs run and Johannisen provided that spark. The flexibility of the his game also an asset, turning to defence last weekend following the injury to Taylor Duryea.
Continuity will be key for Johanissen as he grows late into the season.
