In the continuation of our westernbulldogs.com.au 2018 season reviews, today we focus on the Club’s major disposal winners.
Jack Macrae and Lachie Hunter have been the two clear standouts with their ability to find the footy for the Bulldogs in 2018.
Macrae averaged 32.8 disposals from 19 games (he missed three matches due to a hamstring injury), ranking him second behind Hawthorn’s Tom Mitchell for average possessions in the AFL.
The 24-year-old amassed four games of 40 disposals or higher, three performances above 35 disposals, and he only dipped below 30 touches on three occasions for the season (one of those coming when he missed the second half against the Power in Round 13).
He was ranked third in the league for effective disposals and sixth for stoppage clearances, and led the Dogs’ contested possessions and clearances.
Fellow midfielder Hunter was also prolific for the Bulldogs this year, emerging as one of the leading ball winners in the AFL.
Hunter averaged 29.8 touches from 21 games this season - a career high.
The 23-year-old was ranked eighth in the league for total effective disposals, third for uncontested possessions per game and 10th for kicks per game.
This was a significant improvement on last season, where he averaged 22.6 disposals, and better than his outstanding 2016 season, where he averaged 27.6 disposals.
Hunter’s 44-disposal, eight-mark effort against North Melbourne in Round 21, and his 35 touches, 13 marks and goal against Essendon in Round 3 were season highlights.
