Herald Sun
“With matches against Brisbane, North Melbourne and Adelaide over the next three rounds, the Dogs were heartened by the sight of matchwinning Matthew Suckling’s return to the ground in the last quarter after he had hobbled off with a corked thigh.
“For all their personnel issues, there was plenty to like about the freewheeling Bulldogs.
“Preying on Carlton turnovers, the Bulldogs led by 18 points after a tight first quarter before blowing Carlton out of the contest to lead by 43 at halftime and at the last change.
“While not as cohesive without Murphy’s direction, the Dogs still packed too much punch for the young Blues.”
- Leo Schlink
The Age
“On paper this had loomed as a mismatch. Carlton, wooden spooners last year, were winless, while the Bulldogs were arguably a marking contest from being 3-0.
“The early stages went to script. Jed Adcock, the man charged with replacing the Dogs' irreplaceable skipper Murphy, began his second life in ideal fashion.
“The former Brisbane Lions captain was involved in the chain of handballs that led to Koby Stevens kicking the opening goal, but it would soon get better for the veteran/rookie. Minutes later he snapped truly from 40 metres.
“He raised his arms in jubilant fashion, and was swamped by his new teammates. While it wasn't enough to make Bulldogs fans utter the phrase "Bob who?", it was uplifting nonetheless.”
- Daniel Cherny
AFL Media
“The Bulldogs appear well placed to absorb the losses of Murphy and Johannisen, given vice-captain and All Australian defender Easton Wood is expected to return next week from hamstring tightness, and ex-Lion Jed Adcock spent time across half-back in his first game for the club.”
- Ben Collins
