1. Even spread
Senior coach Luke Beveridge made reference to this in his post-match press conference, but the even spread of the Bulldogs’ efforts made all the difference on Saturday.
The Dogs recorded 15 goals from 12 individual contributors, with speedster Jason Johannisen, and key forwards Josh Bruce and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan all adding two each.
Just three players collected 30 or more disposals, with over half the team registering at least 15 touches.
The Bulldogs also finished the day doubling the Crows’ marks inside 50, while laying 11 more tackles.
2. Top Dogs, again
It’s pretty common knowledge now that the Bulldogs have never claimed a minor premiership.
And for just the second time in their history, they find themselves sitting in top spot after round 20.
1992 was the only other time the Dogs have topped the ladder this late in a season – the same year Jason Johannisen, Mitch Wallis, Josh Bruce, Tom Liberatore and Alex Keath were all born.
Easton Wood was just three years old, while Luke Beveridge was only 42 games into his 118-game playing career.
3. Long-sleeve energies
We’re used to seeing Caleb Daniel, Lachie Hunter Josh Bruce rock the sleeved guernsey in recent weeks.
Against the Crows, they welcomed a few others to the club.
Josh Dunkley and Bailey Williams also opted for the long-sleeve look, while Aaron Naughton started in one too – before switching to a sleeveless number midway through the first quarter.
It’s not all that often you see six players from the one club running around in long-sleeves, but in Ballarat temperatures of 16 degrees – which felt much cooler - and strong winds, you can’t blame them.
