There’s been a great vibe at the VU Whitten Oval over the past couple of days according to Bulldogs young gun Patrick Lipinski.
The Dogs broke a decade-long hoodoo against Geelong on Friday night with a stirring two-point victory after a Harry Taylor shot for goal after the siren sailed left. It followed a last-gasp loss to North Melbourne that according to Lipinski the players took confidence from, despite the final result.
“We had a close loss to North Melbourne but we played really well that game so we came into the game, I won’t say full of confidence, but we knew we could match it with any team,” he said.
“We believe we’re capable of anything and so a win like that against Geelong is really positive for the group. It’s been a great vibe for the last few days and hopefully we can take it into this week against Hawthorn.”
The 19-year-old has played 10 games this season, nine more than in his debut season, and played his best game for the Club on Friday night, posting career highs in disposals (25) and marks (7). He also sits third on the Club’s goal kicking leaderboard, with nine.
“It was probably the first time I’ve played four quarters and remained relevant throughout the game, and it’s really exciting to play some good football and hopefully I can keep it up and keep holding my spot and getting wins.”
With the Hawks to come on Saturday night, Lipinski said the key was to take the momentum from the last fortnight to Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.
“We haven’t really touched on Hawthorn yet, we’re still reviewing the game from Geelong on Friday night, (but) if we can take the form of the last two weeks into that, play a similar style with manic pressure we should give ourselves a great chance.”
