1. Marra’s moments
Senior coach Luke Beveridge didn’t guarantee number one draft pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan a second game immediately after his debut.
But the teenager did end up holding his spot and made the most of his opportunity against the Suns.
The 19-year-old was a shining light up forward, providing another marking target inside 50 alongside dynamic duo Josh Bruce and Aaron Naughton.
While the latter two didn’t have as great an impact as previous weeks, Ugle-Hagan stood out with three goals, five marks, and five score involvements.
The future is looking bright.
2. W-interstate
Returning to the winners’ list on Saturday night, the Bulldogs made it 5-0 in interstate matches this year.
And with just one more match scheduled on the road pending any COVID-19 reshuffles – round 22 against Hawthorn in Tasmania – the second-placed Dogs are one step away from a perfect record on the road.
In the modern 18-team era, the Bulldogs have never finished a season undefeated outside of Victoria.
Their record in Tasmania needs some work though – they have won just one out of five games in the Apple Isle.
But this is a new-look Dogs outfit, and with consolidation of a top-two spot up for grabs, will be keen to register every win they can in the run home.
3. Bailey3
For most of the year, the Bulldogs have fielded three ‘Baileys’ – Smith, Dale and Williams.
And on Saturday night against the Suns, all three were impressive in their own rights.
Spending more time on-ball in recent weeks, Smith was prolific with 33 disposals and seven inside-50s, plus career-high numbers in clearances (nine) and contested possessions (17).
Then there’s Dale, who after switching from attack to defence has enjoyed a breakout season, and must be in the conversation for a maiden All-Australian blazer.
The 24-year-old was electric across half-back, recording 30 disposals (20 kicks), eight rebound 50s and 742 metres gained.
And last, but not least, you have Williams, who despite enduring an injury-interrupted run this season, registered an equal team-high seven marks, six intercepts and 16 touches as one of the Bulldogs’ back-six mainstays.
