Western Bulldogs show glimpses of old form but Melbourne is the team on the march to September
IT WAS hard to pick the Western Bulldogs’ guernsey numbers but it was clear for all to see which team is finals bound as Melbourne ran riot in the second half at Etihad Stadium.
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THE dark colour of guernsey numbers made it difficult to identify Western Bulldogs players at Etihad Stadium.
But how to identify just what is going on with the Bulldogs?
There was little trouble on Saturday afternoon picking the team that couldn’t be further from its premiership hallmarks of 609 days ago and that which is firmly on the march to September.
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Commentators were left flummoxed as to how dark numbers on the back of the Dogs’ indigenous guernsey were approved, making it difficult to pick players apart in the 49-point Melbourne victory before the ball was even bounced.
“Shocking”, “ridiculous” and “mystifying” were some terms used as to how the confusing shade was approved at AFL House, and similar could have been used at times in relation to the Dogs.
Alarm bells weren’t ringing just yet, according to coach Luke Beveridge on Friday, and things looked on track early as his Bulldogs smashed Melbourne’s rampant run of 18-straight quarter wins with a speedy first quarter under the roof.
The Demons had “fugazi”, but these Dogs had ferocity, attacking the premiership fancy where they usually do their finest work – at the contest.
Desperate, sharp and fierce. The Bulldogs we all remember.
But, like so many times this season, it didn’t last, with the bullet train that swept aside all comers in September of 2016 sputtering to a halt.
They can do it – just not for long enough. Those alarm bells might just be warming up.
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The spring in their step of the first quarter quickly turned to winter, with the pace and spark dampened in what has become a concerning trend.
The Demons were allowed to run riot and get numbers back with ease, with the Dogs – bar a short period of the third quarter – for another week rarely looked like scoring when they pushed forward.
That flag 609 days ago came with intensity, want, pressure and pace. There was little of that.
The Dogs’ youth – particularly in defence – was negated somewhat by the almost miraculous return of Dale Morris, who delivered his trademark reliance in his first game back since partially tearing his ACL.
Yes, they’re still young. But it will take a miracle of the highest order to salvage any hope of finals from here – for the second year running.
“They sit about the fifth-worst team in the comp,” AFL great Wayne Carey said on Triple M.
“They were a young premiership team and they’ve got a number of those guys out and there are a number of those guys that will never reach that level again.
“I think a lot of them played above themselves and now I think we’re seeing exactly where they’re at.”
To the contrary, the Demons can finally make plans for September that don’t involve a travel agent and can expect to have an impact once springtime in Melbourne rolls around.
Twelve Dogs that played featured on that fateful day some 20 months ago. Marcus Bontempelli produced mere glimpses of his capabilities, while Tom Boyd continued to struggle as a focus up forward.
Jason Johanissen’s day was tough – first Nathan Jones, then Angus Brayshaw – but his ability to put the burners on and cast opponents aside seemed a distant memory.
All memories Luke Beveridge will be desperate to recapture – and quickly – as the Dogs fight to keep their season alive.
MELBOURNE 2.1 7.4 11.7 15.10 (100)
WESTERN BULLDOGS 3.3 4.6 6.8 7.9 (51)
BEST
Demons: T.McDonald, N.Jetta, A.Brayshaw, C.Oliver, M.Gawn, N.Jones, J.Hogan
Bulldogs: M.Suckling, T.McLean, M.Bontempelli, J.Macrae, L.Hunter
GOALS
Demons: Hogan 5, T.McDonald 4, Jones, Neal-Bullen, Petracca, Fritsch, Hannan, Brayshaw.
Bulldogs: Bontempelli 2, Honeychurch, Schache, Gowers, Roughead, Suckling.
INJURIES
Demons: Lever (knee), Melksham (ankle), Smith (neck)
Bulldogs: Dickson (hamstring)
REPORTS
Nil
UMPIRES
Chamberlain, Hay, Wallace
CROWD
28,485 at Etihad Stadium
VOTES
3. Tom McDonald (Melb)
2. Neville Jetta (Melb)
1. Angus Brayshaw (Melb)
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Originally published as Western Bulldogs show glimpses of old form but Melbourne is the team on the march to September
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