1) Forward forays prove successful
The Bulldogs played a minimum of three talls in their forward-line on Saturday – which worked well, much to the delight of the team.
Aaron Naughton, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Rory Lobb and Sam Darcy were the mainstays in attack, but throw in resting ruck Tim English, impactful mids Marcus Bontempelli and Tom Liberatore, plus a buzzing small forward like Arthur Jones and you’ve got avenues to goal aplenty.
From 63 inside 50s, the Dogs slotted 22 majors against the Roos – led by a combined 10 from the four tall forwards, along with three from Anthony Scott and two each from Bontempelli and Liberatore.
If they can produce a similar output against Melbourne in their opening round clash, things will go a long way.
2) Jones is back
Much has already been spoken about Liam Jones and his first competitive hit-out back in the red, white and blue, but it’s worth calling out his impact just once more.
Based on his efforts, which included 19 disposals, 11 marks and 13 intercepts, you wouldn’t know there’d been over 570 days since his last senior outing.
As one of the more experienced Dogs’ defenders, his leadership and professionalism off-field also hasn’t gone unnoticed either.
A headache for opposition forwards, Jones will be one to keep an eye as the season proper gets underway.
3) List depth a positive
For the first time in a while, the Bulldogs have the luxury of some significant list depth.
It’s what ultimately saved the day when Taylor Duryea and Ed Richards left the field of play due to injury at quarter-time.
Forward-turned-defender Josh Bruce entered the game, as did Hayden Crozier.
Despite spending more time training with the mids this summer, Caleb Daniel also went back to help cover the loss, while Liam Jones stood tall as the deepest defence.
At the other end, Arthur Jones played Cody Weightman’s customary small-forward role, while Rory Lobb helped free up Aaron Naughton and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.
While the Dogs expect to regain some key players for round one, it’s pleasing to know bases are covered - at least in the interim.
