According to Development Coach Peter German the main positive to come out of Saturday’s game was debutant Tom Campbell in the ruck. Assuming the responsibility of the lead ruckman on the day, Campbell lead the game’s hit-outs with 28. German believes he is a player of the future and as he adjusts to the speed of the game and becomes more confident in his abilities around the ground he will only get better.

 

Brisbane’s dominance in the uncontested marks stat on game day hurt the Bulldogs. The Lions had 114 marks on the day with 99 of them uncontested in comparison to the Bulldogs who took 80 marks with only 64 uncontested. Their advantage in that area allowed them to dictate the game a lot more according to German.

 

German nominated Christian Howard as the player of the day. In his second game back in the senior side after injuring his knee in round one saw him break a person best in disposals - racking up 25 at 72% efficiency. He also found three clearances as well as providing run and carry out of the back half as well as shifting forward and assisting on the wing. German believes once he finds consistency in his game and continues to improve he will be a long term player for the Western Bulldogs.

 

·        Daniel Cross lead the Bulldogs in the Dream Team ranks this weekend racking up 100 points clear from his 24 disposals, seven marks, five clearances and a goal.

·         Forward Shaun Higgins trailed behind him in second place with his efforts awarding him 93 dream team points. Priced at $335,100 his score was well above his 75.17 average this year as he continues to find form.

·         There were two players producing 91 points this weekend with Tom Liberatore and Ryan Griffen taking out the equal third place. Griffen had 22 disposals, five clearances and eight tackles while Liberatore dominated in the centre clearances with 29 possessions, nine clearances and three tackles.