There was a couple of moments on Friday night that in so many ways captured the spirit of the Bulldogs’ 2016 season so far, and they involved the youngest player on the ground, Josh Dunkley.
Midway through the second term Dunkley was crunched by a duo of Hawthorn premiership heroes – Luke Hodge on one side and Josh Gibson on the other.
But, like his team, Dunkley rose to his feet, dusted himself off and went again. And again.
Moments later, the 20-year-old was driving one through to cut the Hawthorn lead to 15-points in the latter stages of the first half. They’d be within a point at half time.
The Dogs have handled everything that’s been thrown at them this year with grit and determination and the reward is a chance to play off for a spot in a Grand Final next week in Sydney.
Speaking to BulldogsTV post match, Clay Smith said that there’s something special about this group of players and Friday’s triumph over the reigning premiers was a special moment for them.
“It’s just the best thing about this team, there’s so many blokes that can stand up, Smith said.
“Last week there was 22 contributors and we had the same thing again this week.
“It doesn’t matter who it is, we just do our job and the structure takes care of itself and we get the job done.”
Next weekend might be the biggest challenge that this group of warriors has faced yet, taking on the red-hot Giants at Olympic Park, and Smith, for one, can't wait.
"It’s what dreams are made of, it’s what you play footy for."
But, like his team, Dunkley rose to his feet, dusted himself off and went again. And again.
Moments later, the 20-year-old was driving one through to cut the Hawthorn lead to 15-points in the latter stages of the first half. They’d be within a point at half time.
The Dogs have handled everything that’s been thrown at them this year with grit and determination and the reward is a chance to play off for a spot in a Grand Final next week in Sydney.
Speaking to BulldogsTV post match, Clay Smith said that there’s something special about this group of players and Friday’s triumph over the reigning premiers was a special moment for them.
“It’s just the best thing about this team, there’s so many blokes that can stand up, Smith said.
“Last week there was 22 contributors and we had the same thing again this week.
“It doesn’t matter who it is, we just do our job and the structure takes care of itself and we get the job done.”
Next weekend might be the biggest challenge that this group of warriors has faced yet, taking on the red-hot Giants at Olympic Park, and Smith, for one, can't wait.
"It’s what dreams are made of, it’s what you play footy for."
