1. Kicking concerns
As the saying goes, bad kicking is bad football.
And the Bulldogs were left to rue missed opportunities after controlling the early running against the Saints.
Missed shots from debutant Laitham Vandermeer, Bailey Dale, Aaron Naughton, Sam Lloyd and Jack Macrae in the opening term could have helped the Bulldogs compile a first-quarter lead.
But it was the Saints that made the most of their chances, kicking six of seven goals from late in the first term to half time.
2. Baz is something special
If there was a Bulldog who enhanced his reputation on Sunday night, it was Bailey Smith.
The young gun showed plenty in his debut season.
And he was a bright light against the Saints.
The 19-year-old was in the thick of the action all night, finishing with an equal game-high 29 disposals and six clearances.
3. It’s good to have Jongy back
After a significant gap between AFL matches, it was nice to see Lin Jong back out there.
The 27-year-old was called up for his first senior game since late 2018, having overcome the serious hamstring injury he sustained late in the 2020 pre-season.
Jong slotted in seamlessly at the level, collecting 17 disposals and laying four tackles in a promising return.
Here’s hoping he can have a good run at it now after a tough run with injury.
