1. Dale’s dynamite fortnight
Welcome back to the AFL, Bailey Dale.
The young Bulldog has been exceptional over the past two weeks, following up his five goals against St Kilda with four more against Fremantle.
A foot injury derailed the second half of Dale’s 2018 season, and in his second stint at AFL level this season the 23-year-old has made his presence felt.
The Bulldogs have been desperate to find additional avenues to goal in 2019, to support the likes of Sam Lloyd (32 goals) and Aaron Naughton (23 goals), and will hope Dale can continue to have an impact for the remainder of the year.
BEVO: WE WERE PRETTY SLICK
2. Pups off the leash
Slow starts have been costly for the Bulldogs in 2019.
But on Sunday, it was the exact opposite
The Bulldogs burst out of the blocks to boot eight first-quarter goals - and rack up an even half-century on the scoreboard by quarter time.
Slick ball movement was a feature of the Bulldogs’ game, and they capitalised on their efforts. Bailey Dale and Bailey Smith each had two majors by the break, with Lachie Hunter kicking truly after the quarter-time siren.
By half-time, the Bulldogs had slotted 12.6 - a greater output than at full time in nine matches this year.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS | DOGS DEFEAT DOCKERS AT MARVEL
3. Ah Macrae, you’ve done it again
Jack Macrae is a star.
For the 28th time - yes, the 28th time - across the 2018-19 seasons, Macrae racked up 30-plus disposals in Sunday’s win against Fremantle.
It’s a feat unmatched by any player in the competition during that period.
More than just the raw numbers, Macrae was at his influential best against the Dockers.
He finished up with 38 disposals – but importantly won eight clearances, had 13 score involvements, and went at 92 per cent disposal efficiency to be among the best afield.
