1. The Grundy Effect
Tim English has openly admitted that Brodie Grundy taught him a lesson earlier this year.
Grundy had 58 hit-outs to English’s six, to be one of those most influential players on the ground as the Magpies came from behind to claim a 14-point win.
But – the good news is, that game sparked a hot streak for the young Bulldog with just 19 AFL games to his name.
English seems to get better with each game he plays.
And now he’s got a chance to put that lesson against one of the competition’s premier ruckmen to use.
2. Woody in 150
All eyes will be on our skipper Easton Wood in game 150.
The much-loved 2016 premiership captain has achieved plenty in the game already – yes, the team success in 2016, plus All Australian honours and a Charles Sutton Medal in 2015.
But his journey is an inspiring one.
From a ‘project player’ who started in the VFL development league at Williamstown, to overcoming injury, to becoming one of the best intercept defenders in the game.
The Bulldogs’ faithful will be hoping their team can find a way to win, to celebrate a special milestone.
3. Who steps up for Libba?
Remember that scene in Moneyball, where Billy Beane (played by Brad Pitt) is at the recruiting table, trying to find a way to cover the loss of Oakland A’s star Jason Giambi?
There’s no replacing Tom Liberatore.
But there are plenty of players the Dogs can call on to bring their thing to the midfield mix.
Pat Lipinski is coming off his best AFL performance, and Bailey Smith continues to improve.
Could Bailey Williams push up into the midfield? Or maybe more midfield minutes for the returning Ed Richards?
There are plenty of weapons at Luke Beveridge’s disposal.
4. Naughton/Schache v Roughead/Moore
These loom as two key contests in the scheme of the match.
Last time the Dogs and Pies met, the Pies’ defence held Aaron Naughton and Josh Schache to a combined 15 disposals and one goal.
Schache comes back into the line-up this week, after a dominant VFL performance a week earlier.
Can the two young pups make their presence felt?
It’s going to be a big test against one of the competition’s better key defensive pairings, in ex-Bulldog Jordan Roughead and Darcy Moore.
If they can impact around the ground and on the scoreboard, it will have a big impact.
