1. We’re in
Yep, that’s right – bring on the finals!
It was do-or-die on Sunday for the Bulldogs, and they delivered the goods again.
What a run it has been since the bye. The Bulldogs entered it at 4-7, and externally there were doubts about their credentials.
But a run of eight wins from their last 11 matches secured a spot in September for the first time since 2016.
Needing a win against the Crows, the Bulldogs were magnificent in Ballarat.
Now it’s onto the Giants.
WOOD: I’M SO PROUD OF OUR GROUP
2. Fast starts
For a large chunk of the season, the Bulldogs have been slow to get out of the blocks.
But something has clearly changed over the past month.
The Bulldogs kicked the first six goals of the game against the Crows on Sunday, leading by 29 points at quarter time.
A week earlier against the Giants, it was the first three goals. Against the Bombers, six first-quarter goals to one. And a fortnight prior to that, eight goals to four by quarter time against the Dockers.
BEVERIDGE: ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN
3. Bailey Dale
There are plenty of individuals we could highlight.
But Bailey Dale’s form over the past two months has been superb.
The 23-year-old will play his 50th AFL game in a fortnight’s time, and has established himself back in the AFL line up after injury interrupted his 2018 campaign.
Dale snagged five goals – for the second time this season – against the Crows on Sunday, and has added another dimension to the Bulldogs’ forward mix.
His 20 goals in the past six weeks have been pivotal to the Bulldogs’ strong run home.
