Will the real Western Bulldogs stand the hell up?
After being crowned the champions in 2016, in a feat that hasn't been achieved by anyone since the top-eight finals format came to existence, the Western Bulldogs took way too many steps back in 2017. They started the year strong, winning four of their first five, but they one only seven games after that – more than half of those came in a four-game winning run against mostly poor sides.
It's hard to understand the Dogs sometimes – they have the list to be at the very least a finals contender, but for some reason, a vast majority of their list stagnated and stagnated awfully badly last year. Tom Liberatore was way below his best, Marcus Bontempelli, although he won the best and fairest last year, struggled at times, particularly in front of goal, Tory Dickson – a vital piece up forward – struggled with injuries as well as a host of others were down on their 2016 input.
But with a new year, there's renewed hope. The Bulldogs recruited very shrewdly in the off-season and with a new captain in town, the lads – by all reports – look as hungry as ever to get back to the top. From the pre-season games that were witnessed by those keen to see the men back in action, the Bulldogs were impressive overall. It's not wrong to say that some of their ball movement and pressure to the ball-carriers brought back shades of 2016, but at a time where the AFL is constantly changing, the Dogs look like a genuine finals contender again.
The Recruits
As mentioned just above, the Western Bulldogs went into the off-season and acquired players that they believe can play a key role under Luke Beveridge this year. Signing free agent Jackson Trengove will be a big boost as not only is he a proven leader, but his versatility and experience are huge assets to this side. After years of playing as a key defender, Trengove has also shown that he can either be swung forward as a competing key forward or a makeshift ruckman.
At the trade table, the Dogs made a play for Fremantle's Hayden Crozier, who had been long on their radar – dating back to the 2011 AFL Draft. Initially recruited to play as a high-leaping forward, Crozier has also shown during his time in Western Australia that he can also be an effective user of the ball off half-back. But the trade that got most people talking is the acquisition of Josh Schache, which was done in the final minute of the trade deadline.
The number two pick in the 2015 draft was traded from Brisbane after reports of homesickness came to fruition and was exchanged for picks 25 and 40, after the Dogs had just accepted picks 25 and 30 from Essendon in exchange for Jake Stringer and offloaded picks 28, 30 and a 2018 second round draft pick for picks 16 and 40 in last year's draft. Schache has elite endurance and has a good eye for goal. Some have queried about his lack of competitiveness, but he has gone on the record saying he's 'pissed off' with those that continue to doubt.
The Western Bulldogs only made three live selections on draft night, and added a former AFL-listed player onto their rookie list.
With the ninth pick in the draft, the Bulldogs selected Western Australian Aaron Naughton. A key defender, Naughton has an exceptional ability to read the play and intercept mark – so much so, that some experts have likened Naughton to another WA-boy in premiership Tiger Alex Rance. That's a huge wrap to give to an 18-year old. His performances in the JLT series have been impressive, prompting many to suggest he's in line for a round one debut.
With their other first-round pick in the draft, the Bulldogs settled on Oakleigh Charger Ed Richards. Notable for his red hair, Richards is incredibly quick and definitely has the foot skills to become an elite rebounding defender one day, and given that the Bulldogs will be without two veteran rebounding defenders this year, he'll be a good asset down the line. Richards also comes from a bit of football royalty. His grandfather Ron Richards played in a premiership for Collingwood, whilst his great uncle is none other than Lou Richards, who as we all know, is a legend in the AFL.
They also picked up Gippsland Power product Callum Porter late in the draft with the 74th pick. Competitively outstanding and possesses good pace and athleticism, Porter has proven that he can be a match-winning on-baller or even up forward, but will need to work on his consistency and his skill. With their only live rookie-selection, the Dogs gave former Carlton player Billy Gowers a second chance. After being delisted by the Blues, Gowers signed with Footscray at the end of 2016 and averaged 16 disposals and five marks per game in 16 games last year and at 21 years of age, there is scope for improvement.
The Fixture
Overall, it's not a bad fixture for a side that had a mediocre 2017 season. On top of only having to travel interstate five times this year – twice to Adelaide Oval, twice to Optus Stadium and once to Manuka Oval - they will still play four Friday night games this year – two as the home team and two away, and will only have to play two sides from last year's top eight twice – that being West Coast, who finished the home and away season last year in eighth place and Port Adelaide, who were bundled out of the Elimination Final in the first week. They will also play bottom five sides Carlton and North Melbourne twice, as well as Melbourne and Port Adelaide twice.
The first game of the season against the Greater Western Sydney Giants in the nation's capital is going to be a very difficult first-up task, but six of their next seven games will be in Victoria. Five of those to be played at Etihad Stadium, whilst the Dogs will make the first of two trips to Ballarat to take on the Gold Coast Suns in round seven. The other game at Mars Stadium to be held in round 19 when they take on Port Adelaide.
Alex Docherty's Best 22
B: Dale Morris, Marcus Adams, Shane Biggs HB: Jason Johannisen, Easton Wood, Hayden Crozier C: Lachie Hunter, Marcus Bontempelli, Matt Suckling HF: Luke Dahlhaus, Tom Boyd, Bailey Dale F: Liam Picken, Jack Redpath, Tory Dickson FOL: Jordan Roughead, Jack Macrae, Tom Liberatore INT: Mitch Wallis, Jackson Trengove, Caleb Daniel, Josh Dunkley
It's always tough to settle on a best 22 for a side that is in finals contention, but with 15 Dogs who were in the premiership side of 2016, there shouldn't be any reason why this team can't go back to the finals in 2018. Losing Dale Morris to a partially torn ACL hurts as he does play such an important role for someone supposedly in the twilight of his career. Expect Aaron Naughton to take his place come round one.
Apologies to Zaine Cordy, Lewis Young, Lin Jong, Clay Smith and Mitch Honeychurch as they would be the unlucky ones to miss out and would become the next players picked. For those who may be wondering 'Where's Schache'? Personally I think he needs some more time to develop into a star. There were glimpses in the pre-season, but overall, he failed to really stamp any authority in the limited time he was given.
The Five Players To Watch In 2018
Tom Boyd
Since his mammoth performance in the 2016 AFL Grand Final, not much has gone right for the 2013 number one draft pick. He played 11 games last year, and didn't play senior footy after the Bulldogs' round 13 loss to Melbourne. Took time away from the game shortly afterwards with mental illness. Has been in full-training all pre-season, but has not been sighted in either JLT game this year.
Clay Smith
Another premiership Bulldog that needs to stand up in 2017. No will deny how huge he was in the Preliminary Final in 2016 (26 disposals, eight tackles and four goals), but last year, injury niggles and wayward form meant that Smith only had eight games in 2017. His pressure up forward is a very valuable asset up forward and the Bulldogs hope that he can get back to the form that we know can get the Bulldogs back up to finals contention.
Marcus Adams
2018 is going to a be a big year for Western Australian Marcus Adams, who has shown glimpses in his first two years at Whitten Oval. His athleticism and strength would be a welcome addition into any side, and his best footy is definitely worthy of a spot in the best 22. The problem with Adams is that he has often found himself on the sidelines injured. A full year on the park will benefit the club and unquestionably benefit the man we've come to know as 'The Specimen'.
Tom Liberatore
There probably hasn't been any other premiership Bulldog on the list in 2018 that has widely received more criticism than Tom Liberatore for a poor 2017 campaign. He averaged numbers of 17 disposals – numbers that were worse than his debut year – along with a career-low average of four clearances per game. I'm not sure what was said during the off-season, but something has happened and Libba looks set to be a huge presence in the midfield this year. He was fantastic in the pre-season games this year.
Easton Wood
The 2016 premiership captain will take over the recently-retired Robert Murphy. Although it looks as if Wood is going to face a role that is completely foreign to him. In the two JLT series games, Wood has been trialled up forward, and although it has brought in three goals in these pair of games, he has looked as lost as a deer in headlights at times. Whether or not the Bulldogs will persist with him up forward this year or not remains to be seen, but he is one to watch this year.
Three Games To Mark On Your Calendar
Round 3 – Western Bulldogs vs Essendon
The first meeting with the now-departed Jake Stringer will be set on a Sunday afternoon at Etihad Stadium and one that I will be very intrigued to hear what sort of reaction will come from the Bulldog crowd towards the 2015 All-Australian. Stringer did not request a trade at the end of 2017, but was rather told by Luke Beveridge that he was no longer required. Essendon are tipped to contend for a top-four spot this year, so it'll be interesting to see what transpires here.
Round 11 – Western Bulldogs vs Melbourne
The last time these two sides saw a very spiteful contest between the Demons and the Dogs. It started with a photo on Instagram from Melbourne's Tomas Bugg aimed for Bulldogs' Jason Johannisen and the Dogs let their emotions get the better of them that game as Melbourne steamrolled their opposition for their first win against the Bulldogs at Etihad since 2007. Like the Bombers, the Demons are likely heading to a Finals berth in 2018. It's another good test for the Bulldogs here at the midway point of the year.
Round 23 – Richmond vs Western Bulldogs
But no game will be more important for the Bulldogs than a match between the last two premiership teams. As we are a week before the AFL season, no team are in hotter form at the moment than the Richmond Tigers and many are expecting another top-four finish at the very least from the yellow and black army. As a time and date for this match hasn't been announced yet, how awesome would it really be to see these two sides battle it out underneath the Friday night lights at the MCG with ramifications for finals for the winner and the loser.
Final Verdict
2017 was incredibly disappointing for the Western Bulldogs, who were at the very least, expected to play the Finals last year and defend their crown – they couldn't even manage that, winning 11 games for the year.
Things are looking a lot brighter for the Bulldogs this year, and with a better draw this year, along with a sense of reinvigoration in this side. Last year they could only win 11 games for the year. I think 12-13 wins this very possible, and I definitely believe they can get back to playing finals football this year. Whether or not they can get back to the promised land after a disappointing 2017 season remains to be seen.
As we head into the first round of the marathon that is the AFL season, let the Bulldogs go one game at a time – Bring on the Giants!
Find Out Where Alex Has The Western Bulldogs Placed On The Ladder This Weekend As He Presents His Massive AFL Season Preview