British Bulldog
It seems that the death of the traditional ruckman has been exaggerated with 205cm Tim English set to debut on Saturday afternoon against the Saints.
All the talk leading up to draft day last season had the West Australian ranked as easily the best big man available, and yet he fell all the way to pick 19, much to the delight of the Bulldogs recruiting staff.
Drafted at 87Kg, Luke Beveridge has said that he’s now closer to 100kg.
Now, when you consider that not that long ago he was playing at half-back and on a wing before a significant growth spurt pushed him into the middle, Dogs fans should be excited about what he could become over the next couple of years.
Go well, Tim.
Ch-Ch-Changes
On selection matters… Eight changes in two weeks.
A key part of Luke Beveridge’s success as a coach is that his players know if they don’t perform to their best they may be left out, but equally, and perhaps more importantly, those that are playing well at VFL level know they’ll be rewarded with a spot.
Beveridge has said the Bulldogs are still searching for their best in 2017, so it’s important to remember that for every player left out, there’s another who’s earned their call-up.
Selection pressure is always a good thing.
No Nick
Nick Riewoldt is one of those players that even if he doesn’t play for your team, you can’t help but root for him. A great of the game, and universally admired.
But as fans, you’re not that sad he’s not playing on Saturday are you?
Does Saint Nick routinely find his best against us, or does it just feel that way? 23 disposals, 14 marks and two goals in Round Two last season was followed by 19, 10 and four in Round 18.
But… with Tim Membrey, Paddy McCartin and even Jake Carlisle a possibility to swing forward, our defenders will still have their hands full.
Saints at the gates
So, here we go. St.Kilda sit in ninth place, the Dogs are eighth, and just 0.6 per cent separates the two sides.
And, heading into the bye, 6-4 sounds much better than 5-5.
The Dogs are will be keen to make up for last week’s loss down at Kardinia Park, and haven’t lost at Etihad this season, while St.Kilda were on the end of a fifty point loss to the resurgent Swans on the same deck.
Plenty to play for, Saturday afternoon footy, what’s not to like?
Go Dogs.