Over the next fortnight, westernbulldogs.com.au will look back on a season like no other – 2020 – reviewing every player who featured in more than three AFL games. 

A couple of father-son Bulldogs are next, in Mitch Wallis and Rhylee West.  


2020 Review: R. Smith, Vandermeer 
2020 Review: Richards, B. Smith 
2020 Review: McLean, Naughton 
2020 Review: Lloyd, Macrae 
2020 Review: Liberatore, Lipinski 
2020 Review: Johannisen, Keath 
2020 Review: Gardner, Hunter 
2020 Review: Dunkley, English 
2020 Review: Dale, Daniel 
2020 Review: Cordy, Crozier 
2020 Review: Bontempelli, Bruce

 

Mitch Wallis 

 
Midfielder-turned-forward Mitch Wallis was a key player for the Bulldogs in 2020. 

A full pre-season under the tutelage of forwards coach Ash Hansen saw the 28-year-old shine in his new role, and he finished the year as the team’s leading goal-kicker with 25 majors and reached his 150-game milestone in the process. 

Wallis’ strength as a mid-sized player – particularly in marking contests – proved tough for opposition defences to combat. 

He kicked at least one goal in 14 of his 18 games, including multiple goals in six. 

By the numbers… 

Games: 18 
Goals: 25 
 
Disposals: 9.2 
Marks: 2.3 
Tackles: 1.7 
Score involvements: 4.5 

Best game: A career-best four goals from Wallis in round 13 helped the Bulldogs beat Melbourne, to the tune of 28 points. With daughter Charlotte watching on from the stands for the first time, Wallis turned it on. He had 11 disposals and five marks to complement his accurate kicking in front of goal. Three of those marks were contested. 

00:51

Mitch makes most of Dogs' slick hands

An intelligent piece of play from Lachie Hunter is followed up by a great kick from Marcus Bontempelli, and Mitch Wallis does the rest.

  

Rhylee West  

There’s a lot to like about emerging midfielder-forward Rhylee West. 

The 20-year-old showed glimpses of what’s to come in his four games at senior level for 2020. 

West’s uncompromising attack at the ball is clear to see – he doesn’t shy away from a contest.  

He was used largely as a pressure forward at AFL level, averaging 12 disposals per game, but was dominant at times as an inside midfielder in the scratch matches. 

A knee injury restricted West early in the year before his season was ended early by a groin problem. 

 

By the numbers… 

Games: 4 
Goals: 1 
 
Disposals: 12 
Marks: 3 
Tackles: 1.8 
Score involvements: 3.5 

Best game: West’s best for 2020 was in round five against North Melbourne. Playing predominantly as a forward, he collected 15 disposals and had a career-best seven score involvements. West also laid three tackles and had three inside-50s, as the Bulldogs ran away with a 49-point win. 

2020 Recap