With the Bulldogs off this weekend with a bye, westernbulldogs.com.au has taken the opportunity to reflect on the first 10 rounds – breaking down the statistical leaders and how things sit midway through the 2017 season.
Disposals
- Luke Dahlhaus: 273
- Jack Macrae: 259
- Jason Johannisen: 253
- Marcus Bontempelli: 238
- Lachie Hunter: 217
After a sixth-placed finish in last year’s Charles Sutton Medal, Luke Dahlhaus has elevated his game to another level, averaging a career-high 27.3 disposals in 2017 - including eight games over 25 possessions. Jack Macrae’s numbers are up on last season, as are Jason Johannisen’s at 25.3 disposals a game.
Goals
- Jake Stringer: 19
- Marcus Bontempelli: 12
- Lachie Hunter: 8
- Liam Picken: 7
- Clay Smith: 7
With a forward-line taking multiple shapes, Jake Stringer has become the side’s most dangerous target inside 50, with four games of 3+ goals to start the season. Marcus Bontempelli’s role closer to goal has been fruitful, while Lachie Hunter is already just two goals shy of his 2016 mark of 10.
Tackles
- Tom Liberatore: 68
- Marcus Bontempelli: 66
- Jack Macrae: 59
- Lin Jong: 49
- Luke Dahlhaus: 47
Although out of the side in recent weeks, Tom Liberatore’s tackling prowess is still evident – sitting inside the league’s top 10 and second to only Rory Sloane in averages (excluding Scott Selwood who’s played just the two games). A career-high 14 tackles in round 1 from Lin Jong has elevated him inside the top five.
Marks
- Easton Wood: 60
- Marcus Adams: 58
- Robert Murphy: 52
- Matthew Suckling: 47
- Lachie Hunter: 45
High leaping Easton Wood has showed his value in defence in the first 10 round with his intercept marking capabilities, often cutting off any opposition attack and beginning the rebound himself. Bob Murphy has slotted straight back in, while Hunter’s move forward of centre has him in the Club’s top five for marks inside 50.
Score involvements
- Luke Dahlhaus: 81
- Marcus Bontempelli: 77
- Liam Picken: 72
- Jack Macrae: 67
- Jake Stringer: 62
Not only is Dahlhaus getting plenty of the ball, but he is damaging with it – involved in nearly a third of all Bulldogs scores this season. Liam Picken has also shown his potency, averaging 8.7 score involvements in our wins.
Turnovers forced
- Jack Macrae: 41
- Tom Liberatore: 40
- Jason Johannisen: 29
- Marcus Bontempelli: 28
- Caleb Daniel: 26
The Bulldogs have always prided themselves on their pressure, and Jack Macrae is at the forefront of that – averaging 4.1 turnovers per games. Johannisen is bringing the heat off half-back, while 40.7% of Bontempelli’s turnovers result in scores.
Inside 50s
- Marcus Bontempelli: 44
- Matthew Suckling: 40
- Luke Dahlhaus: 39
- Robert Murphy: 36
- Jason Johannisen: 33
Matthew Suckling has been instrumental in attack, pumping the ball inside 50 on 40 occasions this season. 39 inside 50s highlights Luke Dahlhaus’ value with ball in hand, while Bob has been dangerous both back and forward of centre.
