Player review: English, Trengove, Gardner

Tim English

Emerging big man Tim English had a breakout season.

The 22-year-old played 20 AFL matches in his third year as a Bulldog after seven games across his first two seasons, impressing with his competitiveness in the air, mobility around the ground and follow-up efforts around the ball.

English has started to look at home at the top level – and committed to a two-year extension to call VU Whitten Oval home until the end of 2022.

By the numbers

AFL Games: 20

Goals: 8
Disposals (av): 13.2
Marks (av): 4.1
Tackles (av): 3.4
Hit-outs (av): 19.2

Best game

English was pivotal for the Bulldogs in their nail-biting round 13 victory over Carlton.

Going head-to-head with experienced Blues big man Matthew Kreuzer, English impacted the game around the contest with 15 disposals, 29 hit-outs and five clearances – and pushed forward to kick two goals.

Jackson Trengove

Jackson Trengove started the year in the VFL, before forcing his way into the senior team in round six.

He spent the bulk of the year stationed at full back, and stepped into the ruck role when Tim English was absent through injury.

The 28-year-old played an important role for the Bulldogs, and formed part of an experienced back six which shut down some potent forward lines across the season.

By the numbers

AFL Games: 16
Spoils: 72
Disposals (av): 12.6
Marks (av): 3.9
Tackles (av): 2.4

Best game

In just his second AFL game for the season, Trengove completely blanketed Richmond recruit Tom Lynch in an impressive win.

Lynch went goalless and had just five disposals, as Trengove had 14 touches, five marks and effected nine spoils.

Ryan Gardner

It was a whirlwind year for Ryan Gardner.

The 22-year-old was a Footscray-listed player at the start of the season – before being taken in the mid-season draft and making his AFL debut the following week.