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 is up is midfielder Josh Dunkley and ruckman Tim English.
2020 Review: Dale, Daniel
2020 Review: Cordy, Crozier
2020 Review: Bontempelli, Bruce
Josh Dunkley
Josh Dunkley missed a large chunk of 2020 due to injury but was able to impact at important times for the Bulldogs.
He spent time in the midfield, forward – and even supporting Tim English in the ruck towards the back of the year.
The 23-year-old had an impact early in the season, and was among the best in a defining win against the GWS Giants, before suffering an ankle injury in the final seconds of that game.
By the time he returned in round 10, the Bulldogs season was on the line. His hardness around the ball, selflessness and ability to impact the scoreboard as a forward were all important in the run to finals.
By the numbers…
Games: 12
Goals: 6
Disposals: 18.2
Tackles: 5.9
Score involvements: 4.5
Clearances: 2.8
Inside 50s: 2.3
Best game: It’s hard to go past Dunkley’s efforts in the Bulldogs’ all-important win against the West Coast Eagles, where he collected the three Brownlow votes. He played a huge role in the midfield and forward, finishing with 22 disposals, eight score involvements and a goal of his own in testing conditions. Dunkley also laid an equal game high nine tackles – including five in the last quarter with the game on the line.
Tim English
It was another huge year of development and learning for ruckman-on-the-rise Tim English.
The 23-year-old played every game and carried a significant weight as the Bulldogs’ number one ruckman. He was one of just four players in the competition to attend 1000-plus ruck contests for the season, alongside Brodie Grundy, Todd Goldstein and Reilly O’Brien.
Learning on the run against the game’s best, English’s strengths continued to stand out – including his ability to get around the ground and take strong contested marks in defence.
He also expanded his repertoire by pushing forward and having an impact in the air inside-50, with multiple goals against Fremantle and Hawthorn, plus five scoring shots against Adelaide.
By the numbers…
Games: 18
Goals: 8
Disposals: 13.4
Hit-outs: 15.9
Marks: 4.3
Rebound 50s: 3.8
Tackles: 2.3
Best game: Three Brownlow votes belonged to Tim English after his round seven performance against Essendon. Not only was he the dominant big man on the ground – he was the dominant player on the ground. By a fair margin. English had 22 disposals, took seven marks, laid four tackles and kicked a goal. No player had more clearances (six), score involvements (eight) or contested marks (four) than the big Bulldog.
