Western Bulldogs CEO Ameet Bains says while the AFL season so far has been more inconsistent than the team might like, Saturday’s clash against Fremantle presents a great opportunity to reset before the bye.
A final-quarter burst saw the Dogs go down to Dockers by 24 points in Round 7, which should provide plenty of lessons heading into this weekend’s clash at Marvel Stadium.
“It’s a huge opportunity. We’ve played Fremantle already this year and weren’t good enough in the final quarter when they ran over the top of us,” Bains told Gerard Whateley during the Bulldogs’ mid-season membership blitz on SEN 1116.
“There are so many match-ups within the game that make it a big challenge, but it was their midfield dominance that got us last time.
“I know from our guys’ perspective they’ve got a point to prove, but also in the context of the season – to go into the bye 7-7 is a lot more palatable than 6-8 that’s for sure.”
Bains said despite the rocky start, the last month in particular has been encouraging.
“It’s been a little bit up and down for us, but I think the last few weeks – the Lions game aside - it’s been very encouraging,” he said.
“When you do start the season on the wrong foot from a wins and losses perspective, it does mean that you are playing a bit of catch-up. That’s where we find ourselves, but we certainly feel like we’ve turned the corner in the last few weeks.
“The ambition from the club point of view hasn’t changed, in terms of aspiring to be the best we can be and finish as high as we can this year – obviously having finals as part of that equation.”
An unfortunate run of injury has forced the team into making change most weeks, but Bains has been impressed by what he’s seen on-field.
“As you’d know, there have been some subtle changes, and also not so subtle changes I suppose, to the team as the season has unfolded,” he said.
“We’ve been really pleased with a number of those (changes) – Ed Richards going into the midfield has been a brilliant move, and Ed has responded accordingly.
“We’ve obviously missed him the last couple of weeks, but the emergence of Sam Darcy in particular too has been encouraging for the team as well.
“To also have players like Ryley Sanders, Harvey Gallagher...a couple of others like Joel Freijah all debut too, it gives them a bit of a taste for it.”
There’s no better way to support your club than with a membership, as the club strives for 60K members for the first time in its history.
As part of the Bulldogs’ mid-season membership blitz, a three-game Bronze membership will be available for just $33. This limited offer will grant those general admission access to three of the Bulldogs’ remaining four home matches at Marvel Stadium.
For more details, visit membership.westernbulldogs.com.au/sen.
