A look at some of the key takeaways from the Western Bulldogs’ loss to North Melbourne on Saturday afternoon.
1. When it rains, it pours
After ten rounds, with a 4-6 record, there’s no doubt the Bulldogs remain in September contention.
Losses to Gold Coast, North Melbourne and Carlton – who were 16th, 17th and 18th respectively at the start of round 10 – have hurt those ambitions.
But the fact remains the Bulldogs are a young side.
They fielded the second-youngest team in the competition this week, which brings inconsistency.
On Saturday, North kicked five goals to one in the second term, and then piled on the last five of the match.
WE NEED TO FIGHT FOR LONGER: WOOD
A week earlier, the Cats kicked the last six. Against Fremantle, it was four in a row to start the final term. And against Gold Coast, the first four.
No excuses – but seizing the momentum in games will go a long way to winning them.
2. But when the Dogs are on…
Geez, it’s good to watch.
Two goals before three quarter time, and the first four after the break saw the Bulldogs turn a 32-point deficit into a narrow lead.
Marcus Bontempelli streaming out of the middle. Tim English leading out of the goal-square. Josh Dunkley and Tom Liberatore getting it done in tight. Jason Johannisen burning out of the back half.
MISSED OPPORTUNITY FOR DOGS: BEVERIDGE
When the Dogs are on, they’re as good as anyone.
It’s just about being able to do it for longer than the opposition.
3. Get around Sam Lloyd
The former Tiger made Whitten Oval his home at the end of 2018, in search of greater opportunity at AFL level.
It’s proved to be a smart acquisition.
The 28-year-old is the Bulldogs’ equal leading goal-kicker after round 10, with 16 majors, alongside Aaron Naughton.
He’s kicked at least one goal in nine of his ten games, and multiple goals six matches – including three against North Melbourne on Saturday – to add another dangerous element to the Bulldogs’ forward mix.
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And one more, this weekend is huge.
There are few bigger challenges in footy than travelling to Perth and returning home with four points.
Even more so when it’s against the reigning premiers.
This match looms as a critical one in the scheme of the Bulldogs’ season.
Win, and you’re 5-6 and in touch with the top eight. Lose, and you’re 4-7 heading into the bye, slipping at least two games out of the eight.
The Bulldogs haven’t beaten the Eagles since the 2016 elimination final – their one win from their past 13 matches out west.
There would be no better time to buck that trend.
