Tory Dickson

After injuries derailed his past two seasons, veteran forward Tory Dickson was a consistent contributor for the Bulldogs in 2019.

The 31-year-old played 17 matches – as many as he played across 2017 and 2018 combined – including his 100th AFL match against Collingwood in round four.

Dickson was again one of the Bulldogs’ best finishers, slotting 24.8 for the season. 

By the numbers

AFL Games: 17
Goals: 24
Disposals (av): 11.4
Marks (av): 3.5
Tackles (av): 2.4
 

Best game

In round two, Dickson played an important role in the Bulldogs’ memorable come-from-behind win against Hawthorn at the MCG.

He kicked three goals – including one in the final term – 20 disposals, seven score involvements and a team-high seven inside-50s.

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Sam Lloyd

Sam Lloyd’s first season in red, white and blue was a ripper.

The 29-year-old played every game and finished as the Bulldogs’ leading goal-kicker, kicking 38 goals for the season.

Lloyd kicked multiple goals in 13 matches, and went goalless in just three games as he established himself as a key member of the Bulldogs’ developing forward line.

By the numbers

AFL Games: 23
Goals: 38
Disposals (av): 15.4
Marks (av): 5.2
Tackles (av): 2.3

Best game

Lloyd was among the Bulldogs’ best as they overcome the Brisbane Lions in round eight in Ballarat.

He had 19 disposals, generated a game-high 626 metres gained and had seven score involvements – while kicking two first-half goals.

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Roarke Smith

Opportunities were limited at the top level for Roarke Smith in 2019.

Impressive form for Footscray in the first half of the year earned the 23-year-old a mid-season promotion, where he played five games between round 14 and 18.

The left-footed utility spent time at both ends of the ground across the year, and showed promise as a forward in the AFL side. 

By the numbers

AFL Games: 5
Goals: 4
Disposals (av): 11.8
Marks (av): 2.6
Tackles (av): 2.4

Best game

Smith’s best game of 2019 was also the best of his 17 games at AFL level since debuting in 2015.

On a sodden Adelaide Oval, the man dubbed ‘Joe Dirt’ by teammate Billy Gowers mid-game on Twitter was superb in a gritty win against Port Adelaide.

Smith had 24 disposals, laid five tackles and kicked his first AFL goal.