1. Ruck duo a success
The last time the Bulldogs faced the Pies, Brodie Grundy got the better of emerging ruck Tim English.
But on Friday night, despite the Pies winning the hit-outs 46-19, Grundy’s impact around the ground was minimal thanks to the off-season addition and support of Stefan Martin.
Both English (14 disposals, eight marks) and Martin (15, six clearances) alternated ruck duties throughout the match, also contributing on the scoreboard with a goal each.
For its first test, it’s safe to say the combination was a success.
2. On-ball brigade boosted
The Western Bulldogs’ on-ball brigade had been one of the biggest talking points this pre-season – amplified by the addition of Adam Treloar and retention of Josh Dunkley.
When you’ve already got Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae, Tom Liberatore, Lachie Hunter and Bailey Smith, you would expect some headaches trying to work out how to fit them all in.
But head coach Luke Beveridge and his assistants executed it perfectly on Friday night against the Pies.
Smith spent majority of time along the wing – registering a team-high 36 disposals to take out the Bob Rose-Charlie Sutton best on ground medal - while Macrae (35), Hunter (31) Dunkley (30), Bontempelli (28), Liberatore (28) and Pat Lipinski (26) all found plenty of the footy.
Dunkley also finished with five smothers – the equal second-most on record.
3. Winning wastefully
Looking at the post-match stats, it’s fair to say the Bulldogs perhaps could have made more of their opportunities throughout the game.
The Bulldogs recorded 149 more disposals, 19 more inside-50s, and 12 more tackles inside-50 than their opposition, yet only finished 16-point victors.
While the Magpies’ inaccuracy in front of goal (7.11) might have also played a part, it’s exciting to imagine what the Dogs might be able to do as the chemistry between the midfield and forward line continues to grow.
With another big game against the West Coast Eagles awaiting the Bulldogs this Sunday, capitalising on those opportunities will be important to their chances of a 2-0 start to 2021.
