Over the next fortnight, westernbulldogs.com.au will take a look back on a season like no other – 2020 – reviewing every player who featured in more than three AFL games.
Next up, we look at a pair of defenders, Zaine Cordy and Hayden Crozier.
2020 Review: Bontempelli, Bruce
Zaine Cordy
Key defender Zaine Cordy reinforced the important role he plays in the Bulldogs’ back line in 2020.
The 24-year-old was left out in round two, missed a couple of games late in the year with a chest injury and has his elimination final ended early with an ankle injury.
But alongside Alex Keath, Ryan Gardner and Easton Wood, was regularly able to have an impact on opposition tall forwards.
He was particularly important early in the season, as the Bulldogs strung together wins against GWS Giants, Sydney and North Melbourne. A big tackle late in a nail-biting clash against the West Coast Eagles helped seal an important win and ultimately a finals berth.
By the numbers…
Games: 14
Goals: 0
Disposals: 8.4
Marks: 2.9
Spoils: 4
Rebound 50s: 2.2
Tackles: 1.4
Best game: Cordy stood tall in a determined defensive performance against the Gold Coast Suns, as the Bulldogs scraped home by five points. The Suns pushed hard late but couldn’t break the wall. Cordy was a key part of that effort, with eight spoils and four tackles to go with his seven disposals competing against the likes of Max King and Sam Day.
Hayden Crozier
Hayden Crozier in full flight is a player Bulldogs fans love to watch.
His third year in red, white and blue was much like the first two, with the 26-year-old playing an important role in defence as both a rebounder and intercepting presence.
Crozier played all bar three games – one of those due to suspension, two due to a niggling toe injury. He ranked third for rebound-50s at the Bulldogs and fifth for intercepts, highlighting his damaging left boot and courage in the air.
He also showed his versatility – pushing forward late in the season, including during the elimination final.
By the numbers…
Games: 15
Goals: 2
Disposals: 13.9
Marks: 3.9
Tackles: 2.7
Rebound 50s: 2.5
Metres gained: 285.1
Best game: Similar to Cordy, Crozier’s best performance was also arguably in that tense win against the Suns. He collected 19 disposals across half back at a disposal efficiency of 84.2 per cent in slippery conditions. Thirteen of those came before half-time. But his impact in the air was equally as significant – claiming seven marks, while effecting 11 intercepts and five spoils.
