1. Missed opportunities
As senior coach Luke Beveridge put it simply post-match, the scoreboard doesn’t lie.
And unfortunately for the Bulldogs, their inaccuracy in front of goal ended up proving the difference.
From 60 inside 50s the Dogs managed 24 scoring shots, finishing with 12 goals and 12 behinds.
Four of their shots ended up hitting the post, while in the third quarter alone they kicked 2.7.
Essendon on the other hand - despite generating 21 less forward-50 entries - ended up with 15.7 from 22 scoring shots.
2. Forward-line reshuffle
The Bulldogs have been no strangers to injury-forced changes this season, but unfortunately, they’ll need to adjust again.
With spearhead Josh Bruce going down with a confirmed ACL injury in the dying seconds of the clash, the Dogs will need to work out how they cover the loss of their leading goalkicker.
Having typically opted for a triple-tall forward-line in recent weeks – with Bruce lining up alongside Aaron Naughton and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan – Beveridge and his coaching staff will have a lot to consider come Thursday night’s team selection.
In the meantime though, we’ll be right with Bruce along every step of the way.
Here’s to a speedy recovery, Juicey.
3. Treloar’s return
After close to 11 weeks on the sidelines, it was great to see star midfielder Adam Treloar back out in the red, white and blue.
He collected 22 disposals and seven marks in his return to the action, while also adding a goal in the second quarter.
Most importantly though, he emerged unscathed.
“It’s nice to get a run under my legs – that’ll put me in good stead going forward,” Treloar told westernbulldogs.com.au post-match.
“Building more cohesion with the midfield group and just the side in general (is next) – I’m looking to build my performances over the next couple of weeks.”
