Toby McLean
Toby McLean continued to build in 2019.
The 23-year-old played 19 AFL games for the year, kicking 14 goals and averaging 15.7 disposals as he split his time between the forward line and midfield.
He had a short stint in the VFL – where he was best on ground for Footscray and earned an immediate recall – and missed a couple of games late in the year with a hamstring injury.
By the numbers
AFL Games: 19
Goals: 14
Disposals (av): 15.7
Marks (av): 3.8
Tackles (av): 3.3
Best game
McLean was sensational in the Bulldogs’ big win against Essendon in round 21.
He collected 22 disposals at 90.9 per cent efficiency and kicked three goals to be one of the most influential players on the ground – plus an equal game-high 11 score involvements.
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Bailey Dale
After starting the year at VFL level, Bailey Dale became one of the big success stories of 2019.
The 23-year-old found his spot as a forward in the last seven weeks of the year, kicking 20 goals in his second stint at AFL level for 2019.
Dale’s ability to impact in the air and at ground level – and hit the scoreboard – was important as the Bulldogs charged towards finals football.
He also signed a three-year contract to extend his stay at the Kennel until 2022, and played his 50th AFL game in the elimination final.
By the numbers
AFL Games: 10
Goals: 21
Disposals (av): 12.7
Marks (av): 3.9
Tackles (av): 1.9
Best game
Dale kicked five goals on two occasions in 2019, in a loss to St Kilda and a win against Adelaide.
His haul against the Crows in round 23, which came with 17 disposals and six marks, sealed the Bulldogs’ first taste of September since 2016.
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Bailey Williams
Senior opportunities were limited for Bailey Williams this year, after a breakout 2018 season where he played 14 AFL games.
The 21-year-old was primarily used in defence, with a taste of the midfield, in his nine AFL matches.
At VFL level, he averaged more than 22 disposals per game to be consistently among Footscray’s best performers.
By the numbers
AFL Games: 9
Disposals (av): 15.3
Marks (av): 4.6
Tackles (av): 2.2
Best game
Williams played an important role in the Bulldogs’ narrow win against Melbourne in round 16.
In defence, he collected 19 disposals, eight marks and four rebound 50s as the Bulldogs recorded a third consecutive win.
