More goals and better injury luck could see Western Bulldogs bounce back up ladder, writes David King
Winning a premiership ahead of time brings extra scrutiny, but that time has passed. Can the Bulldogs rediscover their hunger? David King looks at Luke Beveridge’s rebuild 2.0.
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Have the Western Bulldogs been critically and unfairly assessed since winning a flag ahead of time, or are they lost dogs?
The premiership method has faded, the all-consuming intensity to hunt the contested ball and tackle, and the manic harassment level, particularly in the forward half.
Can the Bulldogs recapture that, or do they find a new way to win?
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There were reasons for 2018, most notably injuries to the best 22 - the second most in the AFL behind Collingwood - robbing them of talent that simply could not be replaced.
Tom Liberatore’s 12 contested possessions, six tackles and five clearances were sorely missed, as was the influence of Liam Picken.
Dale Morris missed the first half of the season and Easton Wood went down almost as he returned, leaving a leadership and organisational void.
The 2018 Western Bulldogs were the most inexperienced line-up of that round in 14 of the 22 games.
Young teams rarely win, let alone consistently in this small-margin industry. The question is why have the Bulldogs gone so young?
There is upside in the star factor being the youngsters, the 22‑24 age bracket includes Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae, Toby McLean, Lachie Hunter and Caleb Daniel, while Liberatore and Jason Johannisen are 26 and will be there for the next premiership push.
Daniel formed a tremendous partnership with Johannisen across half-back, but the Bulldogs need their class players creating scores.
That aside, Daniel has All-Australian capabilities at half-back, with his creative short kicking akin to Sam Mitchell in his prime.
The Western Bulldogs’ ability to score has been an issue for two years, they ranked third last at converting an inside-50 into a goal. Is it personnel, method or just bad luck through injury?
They also lack depth, with only a handful of forwards on their list, compared with Richmond’s 16.
Josh Schache becoming a reliable forward-50 target is everything. Billy Gowers was the leading goalkicker last season with 26 and if Schache doesn’t win it with 35-plus, 2019 will be a sorry season.
Bontempelli was tracking towards AFL Hall of Fame status 18 months ago, but while he is still averaging 24 disposals and kicked 22 goals last season, the Bulldogs need more, being rated above average is not on par with his talent.
Macrae should have been All‑Australian last season with his 33 disposals and six clearances.
Only three times in 19 games did he fail to reach 30 disposals.
Hunter is now an elite wingman, and McLean and Josh Dunkley can help arrest the contested possession slide from +17 in 2016 to +2 and -7 last year.
The last month of 2018 was positive for the Bulldogs, with three wins and a close loss to the Tigers as they altered the method they had used for the first 18 weeks.
They controlled possession, raised their average marks taken from 84 to 110, which protected the back six, and enabled an improvement from 97 points conceded to a meagre 75 points.
The young core group will provide excitement at the Kennel, and while it will possibly be another stepping stone season, the future is bright.
LAUREN WOOD’S SNAP CHAT WITH MATT SUCKLING
What AFL rule you would change? Nine-point goals from outside 50m.
What’s your go-to meal when the club dietitians aren’t looking? Cheesy garlic bread.
Best or worst dancer at the club? JJ (Jason Johannisen) is the best.
Who is your club’s best Fortnite player? Jacko Macrae is the worst.
Who do you hate rooming with interstate? Billy Gowers sleep-talks.
What’s your go-to karaoke song? The Real Slim Shady, Eminem.
If I wasn’t a footballer I would be … A big eater.
CHRIS CAVANAGH’S YOUNG GUN - AARON NAUGHTON
It was little surprise Naughton snagged a Rising Star nomination in Round 23 last year after a brilliant debut season that saw him notch up 18 games. Naughton shone as the Bulldogs’ No.1 defender in the absence of Dale Morris, playing on the likes of Buddy Franklin and Joe Daniher. His contested marking was a highlight.
SUPERCOACH WITH GILBERT GARDINER
1. Ben Cavarra ($117,300, Fwd)
The 23-year-old livewire - a Morrish Medallist as a midfielder - booted 66 goals in the past two seasons for Williamstown. He is no stranger to kicking bags and winning possessions. Get on.
2. Toby McLean $514,000 (Mid-Fwd)
Bounced out of the blocks last year, scoring eight tons in the first 11 matches, but faded as the Bulldogs fell out of contention. The fifth-year forward-midfielder will be better for the experience.
3. Tom Liberatore ($300,400, Mid)
Liberatore must be considered despite coming off a second knee reconstruction in four seasons. The enigmatic inside midfielder is back in full training and fighting fit.
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