1. Dunks is a machine
Just one player has ever had 35-plus disposals, 20-plus contested possessions, 15-plus tackles and two-or-more goals in a game.
Josh Dunkley. On Sunday.
The 22-year-old is fast becoming one of the competition’s elite players.
Dunkley was the difference against the Dees, and his past 10 weeks have been as good as any midfielder in the competition after spending time forward at the start of the year.
Averaging 32.5 disposals and 7.5 tackles per game in that period – and rated as ‘elite’ when it comes to clearances and winning contested ball – Dunkley has become a crucial part of the Bulldogs’ midfield.
BEVO FULL OF PRAISE FOR DUNKLEY
2. Hot streak continues
The Bulldogs have been a different team since the bye… well, sort of.
A lot appears to have stayed the same, but the results have changed and the Bulldogs have now won four of their past five games.
They’re one of just three teams to have done that, alongside Essendon and Brisbane Lions – both of whom conveniently await in the run home.
The Dogs are now finding ways to win the close ones.
The next two games – both at Marvel Stadium – appear vital in the context of the Bulldogs’ season, against 15th-placed St Kilda and 13th-placed Fremantle.
3. Doc’s clinic open
We’ve spoken about goal-kicking recruit Sammy Lloyd a bit this year.
But you could say that – maybe – we Forgot About Duryea.
‘Doc’ missed two months with a hip injury, but his return to the Bulldogs’ line-up over the past month has made a noticeable difference.
On Sunday, the experienced defender had a career-high 31 disposals, plus 13 marks, six rebound-50s and six inside-50s.
His best performance in red, white and blue – so far.
We’re ready for The Next Episode.
