You’ve probably heard the footy saying Plugger in the Square.
But what about Suckers in the Square?
Because that’s exactly what the Western Bulldogs and Matt Suckling had lined up for Essendon on Friday night.
And as someone who’s spent the majority of their career across half-back denying teams goals, Suckling admits having the shoe on the other foot was a nice change.
The 31-year-old returned for his first game since round three and snagged two majors to make an immediate impact.
“It was great to get back in and have a bit of a change of role,” Suckling told westernbulldogs.com.au.
“It was a fun to play forward, get a bit of freedom and be able to hit the scoreboard.
“Most of the career I’ve spent changing roles around whatever the team needs, and with our defensive structure now it’s a pretty solid back line.
“It’s nice to go forward and play with some more instinct.”
One of Suckling’s goals capped off an incredible team play, with a sublime Tim English tap from the centre finding Marcus Bontempelli.
Bontempelli’s 40-metre pass – on his opposite foot – hit Suckling on a lead from the goal-square.
The long-kicking left-footer duly converted from outside 50.
“I got some pretty special delivery,” Suckling said.
“Bont’s kick after some Tim English ruckwork was pretty nice. It’s always good when they hit you up like that.
“I could definitely see the space there and when the tap came over the back I knew I was on.
“Marcus’ hit was ridiculous.”
Another prime-time clash awaits the Bulldogs this week, against the red-hot Gold Coast Suns on their home turf on Thursday night.
The Bulldogs know they will need to be at their best to beat them given their form in 2020 and having slipped up against them in their one match last year.
“They’ve got some players playing good footy, and probably in career-best form as well,” Suckling said.
“Everyone loves playing the big stages and night games.
“I think it’s their first Thursday or Friday night game, so they’ll be ready to go and in front of their home crowd too.”
