Easton Wood is in All-Australian form
After injuries have interrupted Wood’s run at consistent football in recent years, the 25-year old has been able to piece together nine games in 2015 and has been a human wall across half-back. He is averaging 16 disposals and six marks a game, and has led the competition for intercept marks across the first ten rounds. Wood is unquestionably in All-Australian form and has caused headaches for opposition forwards this season. He signed a three year deal in April that will keep him at the Club until the end of 2018.
Liam Picken is not just a tagger
Picken has been given a license to win the ball by Luke Beveridge, and he has revelled in the task. The 28-year-old has shown he has the ability to attack the game but doesn’t appear to have lost any of his defensive attributes, averaging 22 disposals, four marks and six tackles from nine games. Picken could be sitting in the top three in the Club’s best and fairest count at the halfway point of the season.
Bob Murphy was the right man for the job
If it were possible for Bulldogs fans to love Murph anymore, then they’ve found a way in 2015. The veteran backman has found a new level in 2015. His run off half-back coupled with his kicking efficiency has been a pivotal part to the Dogs’ start to the season but his contribution in ten weeks as Club captain can’t be denied. His leadership has helped guide the Club out of an eventful off-season to become one of the most exciting emerging teams in the competition. With one of the youngest lists in the league, Murphy’s calming influence has been undeniable.
Our best is good enough
The Dogs have shown that their best football can match it with any team in the competition. The Dogs have played seven of the top eight teams on the ladder, with a 5-2 win-loss record, including a breakout victory against Sydney at the SCG. The Dogs pushed ladder leaders Fremantle to the brink in round seven in one of the games of the year to date, but while they’ve had their battles with consistency across a full four quarters, the Dogs should be buoyed by the potential shown in the first ten rounds.
No one trick pony
While Tom Boyd was the story of the off-season, the Dogs have shown in the first ten rounds they’re not a one-dimensional side in front of goal. Jake Stringer (20) and Tory Dickson (18) lead the Club’s goal kicking tally, with Stringer collecting bags of six and four goals, while Dickson has notched up two four-goal games and a seven-goal bag against Fremantle. Boyd and Stewart Crameri have both contributed, while the midfield brigade have been consistent contributors each week.
Our depth holds up
With Tom Liberatore out of action for season 2015, and Dale Morris missing the last seven games due to injury, the Dogs haven’t seemed to suffer as a result. Lin Jong, Mitch Honeychurch and Koby Stevens have stepped up over the course of the year in the midfield, while Michael Talia, Fletcher Roberts, Joel Hamling and Lukas Webb have been given defensive roles to aide in Morris’ absence.
Coach not afraid to mix it up
Versatility is one of coach Luke Beveridge's mantras and he’s certainly thrown a mixture of new roles at all of his players in 2015. Roughead in the ruck, Minson out of the goal square, Matthew Boyd down back and Crameri in the midfield, the first year senior coach isn’t afraid to change things up. He’s given the kids a chance and rewards VFL performance and there’s no doubt the Dogs will be better for it.
Boyd the back
Beveridge has thrown Matthew Boyd into defence in 2015 and the former skipper is validating the coach’s bold move in spades. He’s averaging 27 disposals and seven marks out of defence and alongside Bob Murphy, Easton Wood and Jason Johannisen, has developed one of the most damaging half-back lines in the league.
Draft batch step up early
Three out of the Bulldogs’ six draftees from the 2014 NAB AFL National Draft have made their debut in the first ten rounds. Lukas Webb, Bailey Dale and Toby McLean have all played their first senior games in Bulldogs colours, while Caleb Daniel, Zaine Cordy and Declan Hamilton have all progressed well at VFL level. Daniel was named emergency in the Club’s Port Adelaide match in round ten and looks set to be the next debutant from the class of 2014.
Pressure points
While the faster ball movement and attacking game style of the Dogs this season has been a talking point, their pressure on the ball has been immense. Leading the league in tackles, averaging 75 a game, the Dogs are setting the standard across the competition.
