Senior Coach Brendan McCartney says the Western Bulldogs are equipped to challenge an undefeated Richmond outfit on Sunday, after an encouraging start to the 2013 season.
After running over the NAB Cup grand finalists Brisbane Lions and a spirited showing against a strong Fremantle side, McCartney is now focussed on bringing that form into Sunday’s clash at Etihad Stadium.
“It’s been a good start to the year but it’s only two weeks, so we’ve got to keep building on it now,” McCartney said.
“[We] had a couple of hiccups at times on the weekend, but played some good footy against what we think is going to end up a strong footy club.”
After leading at the first three changes, the Bulldogs fell to Richmond by nine points in the final NAB Cup clash at VISY Park earlier this year.
McCartney said despite the Tigers boasting wins against Carlton and St Kilda during the first two rounds of the home and away season, he is confident that the Bulldogs are capable of matching it with the finals’ aspirants.
“They can be pretty zippy with the ball, their games have been quite quick,” he said.
“They are pretty predictable to each other but we know that our best form through the NAB Cup and through the first two weeks… can match it with some good teams.
“The challenge for us most importantly, is to deliver that again.”
Nick Lower showed his wares in NAB Cup round four, shutting down Trent Cotchin in a tagging role and McCartney said he was earmarked for a similar task on the weekend.
“He will have a run with role, that’s for certain – we haven’t discussed who it is yet,” he said.
“He’s a very diligent player Nick, he’s made a big impression at our Club in a short space of time… just the way he goes about it.”
McCartney said Richmond has developed a well-balanced list and believes they are on the verge of some sustained success.
“Their whole club is progressing well. I think Richmond should be given a lot of respect for the way they have resourced their club,” he said.
“They’ve drafted well, they’ve bought good people into their club, they are well coached and prepared.
“They are a club that have shown that if you are prepared to work and be patient and be stable, you can achieve long term success and they are well placed to do it.”
