A look at some of the key takeaways from the Western Bulldogs’ loss to ladder-leader Geelong on Saturday afternoon.
1. First-term struggles
Sluggish starts have been a consistent theme for the Bulldogs in 2019.
After nine rounds, the Bulldogs sit at the foot of the ladder for first terms won – with just one, against Sydney in the season-opener.
The Cats kicked three of the first four goals for the match, but from there the Bulldogs went goal-for-goal with the quarter-time margin sitting at 13 points.
Tellingly, 25 of the Cats’ 38 points in the first term were a result of intercepts.
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2. Smith continues to grow
He might only be nine games into his AFL career, but there’s plenty to like about young midfielder Bailey Smith.
Senior coach Luke Beveridge certainly likes what he brings to the table, acknowledging post-game that the teenager “got us going again in that third quarter with some momentum”.
Smith finished the game with a career-best 28 disposals – at 89.3 per cent efficiency – plus five clearances and three inside-50s, as he went head-to-head with a star Cats’ midfield including Dangerfield, Selwood, Kelly, Duncan and co.
3. Contested ball count
For much of 2019, winning the contested ball and the clearances has been a strength for the Bulldogs.
In five matches, they’ve led the count in both at the final siren – against Sydney, Hawthorn, Gold Coast, Richmond and the Brisbane Lions.
On Saturday, the Bulldogs won the clearances 44-35, and had four of the leading five ball-winners on the ground.
But the Cats clearly won the contested possession battle – 153 to 134 – which will be one area to rectify against North Melbourne.
