1. We’re tough enough
If there was any doubt over whether the Bulldogs were up for a fight, that theory was dispelled on Friday night.
In the words of senior coach Luke Beveridge, the Bulldogs aren’t a team of enforcers.
But they stood up for themselves this time against a physical Giants outfit and ultimately got the most important outcome – four points.
Skipper Marcus Bontempelli was a Giant target from the get-go, but if anything, it only spurred his side into action.
The Bulldogs were up to the task – and fierce around the ball for all four quarters in an impressive maiden win for 2020.
2. Inclusions make an impact
In: Tom Liberatore, Toby McLean, Zaine Cordy.
Impact: Significant
The 2016 premiership trio made a big difference against the Giants.
Liberatore’s first game on return from a knee injury was a success, adding a real physical presence, while Cordy’s return after missing round two helped limit the impact of the Giants’ tall trio of forwards.
Jeremy Cameron, Jeremy Finlayson and Harry Himmelberg only managed two goals and 21 disposals between them.
And Toby McLean was almost best on ground at half time, after being earmarked for a new role by Beveridge.
3. Daniel the dangerman
You could make a case that Caleb Daniel was in All Australian contention this time last year, before a pair of hamstring injuries interrupted the back-end of his season.
And he was at his influential best again across half back against the Giants.
Daniel finished with 23 disposals at 91 per cent efficiency – 17 of those being kicks – and reinforced why his teammates want to get the ball into his hands coming out of defence.
He reads the play so well and opens up the game.
Five score involvements highlighted his offensive impact, and four intercepts his ability to win the ball back.
And one more thing…
Spare a thought for Western Bulldogs property steward and game day DJ Jayden Shea.
He was thrust into action at three-quarter time on Friday night, as Aaron Naughton required – another – jumper change after an all-in scuffle.
Naughton played out the game in Lachie Young’s number 40, and top of Shea’s to-do list this week will be sorting a few new number 33 guernseys.
