We list a couple of things to keep an eye out for during tonight's cutthroat clash with the Eagles.
1. Operation: Stop Kennedy?
If you’d listened to any of the questions asked of Bulldogs players and coaches over the last week, you’d be forgiven for assuming that Adam Simpson employs a revolutionary one man forward line with the dual Coleman medalist as the sole target.
That said, the questions aren’t unfair because Kennedy is in red-hot form and has a history of doing the Dogs plenty of damage.
Still, look for Luke Beveridge and Rohan Smith planning for more than just the one man with Jack Darlling, Mark Lecras and Jamie Cripps all capable of getting of the leash.
This is where Easton Wood’s return to the back six could be critical.
2. Us against the world
We’ve all read and heard about how hard it is to beat the Eagles at Domain Stadium.
The narrow confines of Subiaco do not leave much room for error and you can be assured the Eagles fans will be full of voice come 6:10 local time tonight. All of the sudden the old ground can feel like a cauldron.
But, it was a fearless, confident Bulldogs outfit that touched down in Perth yesterday.
Bob Murphy said on AFL360 that the Dogs will need to bring a gang-like mentality to offset the hostile reception they’re sure to receive.
“(As a captain) you are kind of always trying to manufacture a feeling that you’re a gang and it’s you against the rest of the world,” Murphy said.
Shoot ‘em up, boys.
Luke Beveridge and Bob Murphy press conference
3. They’re back…
Bringing back a large group of players can be a risk, but the Dogs have done it and won before. And on the road. And against a premiership contender.
In round 15 the Bulldogs pulled off one of the heists’ of the season when Jason Johannisen, one of five inclusions for the trip to the SCG kicked the sealer in the dying seconds to give the Dogs a thrilling four-point win.
Steven King told media yesterday that no one has been brought across that would not be right to go if selected, so if they run out, they’re good to go.
And on top of that, when Caleb Daniel looks to his left and sees Jack Macrae, or Dale Morris looks to his right and sees Libba next to him in the race, you can’t put a price on that.
4. The Blueprint
It was only a couple of months ago that the Bulldogs disposed of the Eagles in a tight contest at Etihad Stadium.
Yes, form evolves and injuries take their toll as well, but if there’s one thing that stands out from that game, is that the high-possession footy the Dogs were employing in the first half of the season is precisely the kind of game that can break the ‘Weagles web’.
The Dogs had 132 more possessions that night and the contested count was a lopsided 153-114 result. So, the Bulldogs will run out tonight knowing they have the tools and the personnel to get the job done.
It’s September, it’s finals time, let’s go!
