With our 2020 campaign coming to an end, we’re looking back at some of our leading stats winners from the season that was.
Disposals
There is no surprise that ball-magnet Jack Macrae led the disposals count, recording 475 in total and an average of 26.4 across 18 matches. His greatest haul came in round 11 against Brisbane, notching up 40 touches, plus seven inside-50s and a goal.
Top five: Jack Macrae 475, Bailey Smith 382, Marcus Bontempelli 375, Caleb Daniel 363, Tom Liberatore 332.
Jack Macrae the first person in 349 days to have 40+ disposals in an @AFL game
— Swamp (@sirswampthing) August 8, 2020
@westernbulldogs #AFLLionsDogs
Marks
It was a breakout season for Bailey Williams, taking 82 marks while cementing his spot in the Bulldogs’ back six. He averaged 4.6 from 18 games, recording nine against Adelaide in round 12, and also led intercept marks with 26.
Top five: Bailey Williams 82, Tim English 77, Alex Keath 70, Jason Johannisen 66, Marcus Bontempelli 59.
Tackles
Marcus Bontempelli led by example in his first season as skipper, laying 88 tackles at an average of 4.9 a match. He recorded a game-high 10 tackles in round 14 against Geelong, and was also selected in the All-Australian team for 2020.
Top five: Marcus Bontempelli 88, Josh Dunkley 71, Jack Macrae 71, Tom Liberatore 57, Toby McLean 45.
Clearances
Doug Hawkins Medallist Marcus Bontempelli played a key part in the Bulldogs on-ball brigade, managing 93 clearances and an average of 5.2 per game. His best came against Adelaide in round 12, recording seven centre clearances and five stoppage clearances for a total of 12.
Top five: Marcus Bontempelli 93, Tom Liberatore 74, Jack Macrae 72, Bailey Smith 61, Tim English 40.
Goals
Midfielder-turned-forward Mitch Wallis finished atop of the Bulldogs’ goal-kicking leaderboard this year, slotting 25 goals in 18 games. A career-high four goals against Melbourne in round 13 proved his abilities, with his consistency playing a big part in the Bulldogs’ run home.
Top five: Mitch Wallis 25, Aaron Naughton 15, Josh Bruce 14, Marcus Bontempelli 11, Laitham Vandemeer 9.
Contested possessions
Not only did Jack Macrae record the most disposals of any Bulldog this season, but he also fought hard for them – managing 184 contested possessions at an average of 10.2 per match. His efforts were recognised with a second consecutive All-Australian selection.
Top five: Jack Macrae 184, Tom Liberatore 182, Marcus Bontempelli 175, Bailey Smith 133, Tim English 122.
