1. 150 for Bont
Round 5, 2014: a fresh-faced, 18-year-old by the name of Marcus Bontempelli makes his red, white and blue debut, collecting 14 disposals and five tackles in a loss to Carlton.
Round 5, 2021: that same player, now 25 years old, will run out as Bulldogs’ captain in his 150th career match.
There’s been plenty to love about Bontempelli’s journey so far, who has ticked off an abundance of accolades is in his seven years at AFL level.
He’s a premiership player, triple All-Australian, and a three-time Charles Sutton medallist – just to name a few achievements.
Throw in some iconic match-winning moments – including a captain’s goal against West Coast just a fortnight ago – and there’s not much more you could ask for in your leader.
Go well, skip.
2. A Sweet debut
Jordon Sweet will become the Bulldogs’ third AFL debutant of the season this weekend.
The 23-year-old arrived at the Kennel with pick number 23 in the 2018 rookie draft, following a standout season with North Adelaide in the SANFL.
In his first year as a Bulldog, he managed 17 games in the VFL, before getting a run in last year’s AFL Marsh Community Series pre-season match against North Melbourne.
While he was unable to break into the senior side in 2020, a strong start to his 2021 campaign in VFL scratch matches has seen him earn his opportunity at the highest level.
We can’t wait to see you out there, Sweety.
3. Close encounter on the cards?
The Bulldogs’ last three meetings with the Suns paint an interesting picture, in terms of results.
Round 8, 2020: five-point win. Round 3, 2019: five-point loss. Round 7, 2018: nine-point win.
The Dogs’ line-up looks pretty different to seasons prior – with 10 changes from last year’s narrow win - and it’ll be interesting to see how this one goes down on Saturday afternoon.
Will the Suns put up a fight and test the in-form Dogs?
Or will the Dogs put their foot on the gas and expose the Suns?
If the Bulldogs are to continue their hot start to 2021 and go 5-0 for just the second time in club history – the first being in 1946 – they’ll be working towards the latter.
4. Story of stats
With the first month of footy in the books, let’s look at whose leading the stats sheet for both clubs.
While ball magnet Jack Macrae leads the league for most disposals with 141, young Sun Jack Bowes has recorded the most kicks – 101.
Gold Coast’s Hugh Greenwood is number one for tackles (38), while fellow Sun Touk Miller sits closely behind with 32.
Josh Dunkley is the Bulldogs’ best - having registered 23 tackles to find himself 10th.
Midfield bull Tom Liberatore still leads total clearances with 34, while Josh Bruce needs a bag of at least five to close the gap between himself and the competition’s leading goalkicker in Crow Taylor Walker (20).
In terms of the ladder, the Dogs are one of three teams still undefeated this season, sitting pretty in top spot with a hefty percentage, while the Suns sit with one win to their name in 13th position.
