Over the last couple of years, I have generally written reviews about the Western Bulldogs' Pre-season games in the same fashion as I would have a regular season game. This year however, I want to change things up a little bit. Whilst there will be a small review in this pre-season game and in the following game, I want to more highlight a few points from the game, whether it be players or certain statistics.
Whilst the Bulldogs didn't beat the Gold Coast Suns up at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, there were plenty of talking points – both good and one maybe a little concerning heading into round one, I've highlighted six major points to take out of our first practice match from the 2019 season.
Forward Issues
I think the proverbial elephant in the room is the Bulldogs' forward struggles, which have been documented for pretty much the past two seasons. Now, there were a few moments all throughout the game where the team's more established players missed sitters. To be more specific, Lachie Hunter and Marcus Bontempelli in the opening term. Billy Gowers missed a couple of shots with no angle to speak of either.
Ball movement forward of centre was also an issue, but in the defence of the Bulldogs, the football was greasy in the humid conditions and they didn't really have a tall forward target down there with the exception for Tim English and Jackson Trengove who rotated in the ruck, and even then, they were put down forward sporadically. Josh Schache didn't make the trip North and Tom Boyd is set to miss an extended period of time on the sidelines.
Mitch Wallis was the only multiple goal-kicker for the Bulldogs with three majors – I wonder what the Bulldogs plan to do with him this season? Wallis kicked 20.3 last year in 18 games and I think he's one of a rare few down at the Whitten Oval who can kick the ball through the sticks consistently.
The Recruits
Only four of the players that the Bulldogs picked up in the off-season played in the pre-season game last night. Will Hayes, who won Footscray's best and fairest in the VFL last year, didn't look a step out of place in terms of finding the footy, recording 15 disposals and seven marks in 59 percent game time. However, there were times that he butchered the footy, but overall in his first AFL hitout, it was a solid job.
First round pick from last year's AFL Draft Bailey Smith played less than a half of footy – presumably because of his injury from last year but found the footy nine times and even kicked a nice goal in the last quarter. He looked really composed in the short time he was out on the ground and I hope he plays a bit more next weekend and push for a round one debut.
Sam Lloyd (17 disposals and six inside 50s) and Taylor Duryea (11 disposals and three marks) were a tad quiet, but they weren't the worst players on the ground either. I thought watching Lloyd dance around a couple of Gold Coast players was very good to see and I think he can find a place inside the 22 in round one.
The Return Of Libba
After missing all of 2018 with a season-ending knee injury, Tom Liberatore returned for his first game of 2019. Sporting a new range of obscure tattoos, he not only got through the game unscathed, he had himself a great game, recording 27 disposals, eight clearances, five marks and a goal. We will remember his 2017 as being largely underwhelming, but watching him play on Sunday night, he looked like he was back and it's pleasing to see. The club will need his best more than ever in 2019 as they look to climb up the ladder.
Macrae and Hunter – Picked Up Where They Left Off
Lachie Hunter and Jack Macrae were the top two players in last year's Charlie Sutton Medal count, and on Sunday, these two players picked up where they left off in round 23 last year. Macrae was the Bulldogs' best player on Sunday, racking up a game-high 40 disposals, along with seven clearances, seven tackles and nine inside 50s and he looks set for another mammoth year in the middle. If he plays all 22 games this year, he should win the club best and fairest this year, as well as getting a spot in the All-Australian side.
Hunter had 32 disposals, six marks, four rebound 50s and one goal and was traditionally everywhere on the ground. I say traditionally because that's how he's been playing for a few years now. Everywhere the ball is on the ground, Lachie Hunter won't be too far away.
Aaron Naughton Set For A Bigger Year
Gee, he's a bloody awesome player already and I can't wait to see him in his prime in five to six years. In his first year as a Bulldog, he adjusted himself to the rigours of AFL well enough to the point where he finished fourth in the Charles Sutton Medal. When has the last time a first-year player has done that?
On Sunday evening, Naughton recorded 17 disposals, eight marks – five of those contested – and five rebound 50s. To take five contested marks in stifling conditions up in Cairns is no easy feat, but he made it look so simple. I think what I can take from this game, he's going to be a joy to watch this year.
Keep Caleb Daniel At Half Back
The Western Bulldogs had a terrific last month of football in 2018. One of the key changes to the team was the move of Caleb Daniel to half-back, where he thrived with his run, carry and composure with the ball in hand. This was no different on Sunday as in the greasy conditions, he gathered 32 possessions off half back at 84 percent efficiency. He also recorded five rebound 50s in what was another solid display and if there was any doubt about where he should play this year, it should be erased here. Play Caleb Daniel at half back!