Crameri Vs Essendon:
A Saturday night blockbuster in Round 7 provides the perfect backdrop for boom recruit Stewart Crameri to face his old team for the first time. Like it or not, this game will provide fireworks, as the resurgent Bulldogs aim to get one up on their cross town foes.
Forward Thinking:
The Bulldogs forward line is taking some serious shape, make no bones about it. Although it may not appear a conventional set-up, it can definitely be lethal. When you consider Jones, Crameri, Williams, Stringer, Grant, Dahlhaus among many other names, there’s a fair bit to work with — and a good mix of power, finesse and grunt. Keep a close eye on a young forward line on the rise in 2014.
The Life of Ryan:
Our new captain is a master of milestone games and if all goes to plan, Essendon’s midfield will be in for a tough night in the Round 18 clash Etihad stadium. The return bout against the Bombers shapes up as a beauty, as our most dynamic player looks to continue his milestone hot-streak in his 200th game to help the Bulldogs come away with the four points.
Pillars in defence:
Roughead solidified his standing in 2013 as one of the rising star key defenders in the league, and this year, you will see the 23-year-old go to another level. With Talia an emerging side kick in down back, the Bulldogs have two rocks to build their defence around for years to come.
The elite midfield
Minson and Griffen were duly crowned All-Australians in 2013, and most experts saw Tom Liberatore one of the unluckiest to miss out, making the Bulldogs’ midfield one of the most feared in the competition. The midfield options do not stop there, as Boyd, Wallis, Smith, Macrae, Hrovat and Bontempelli will ensure the Bulldogs are aptly supported in that area of the ground in 2014 and beyond.
5 dates for your diary
Western Bulldogs Blitz: 10– 15 February, Melbourne’s Western Suburbs. Look out for the Blitz as the Western Bulldogs take to the streets of the West with a host of player appearances, school visits and special community camp.
NAB Challenge: Starting Wednesday, 19 February, Whitten Oval. NAB Challenge. The new format NAB Challenge series starts Wednesday, 12 February 2014 with the Bulldogs fixtured for two matches within the 18 games in 18 days pre-season series. The Bulldogs match-up against St Kilda at Simonds Stadium on Wednesday, 19 February and then will back-up one week later against last year's grand finalists Fremantle at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, 26 February. Tickets available from ticketmaster.com.au
2014 Season Launch and Hall of Fame: Wednesday, 12th March 2014 6.30pm, Crown Palladium: A night that will kick start Season 2014 featuring the presentation of players, speeches from key Western Bulldogs identities and for the first time we will induct new members into the Hall of Fame, including Brad Johnson. To secure your seat for the night, or for more information,visit the Season Launch Event Page.
Round 1: 23 March, Patersons Stadium. The 2014 AFL season begins for us in Perth as we take on West Coast. If you’d like to come to the game, tickets are available by calling 1300 463647. The game will also be shown on Foxtel
First Home game: 30 March, Etihad Stadium. It’s time to be our home advantage! Western Bulldogs vs North Melbourne, 4.40pm. You have to be there. Simple.
