Formed: 1883
Joined AFL: 1925
Premierships: One – 1954
Last finals appearance: 2006, first semi-final (v West Coast)
2007 at a glance:
A season of mixed fortunes for the Bulldogs – to say the least. Rodney Eade’s side looked set for a finals berth after round 15, when its record was 9-6. However, the Dogs did not win another game and fell away to finish a disappointing 13th.
2008 to date:
Given the frustration of 2007, much was expected of the Bulldogs in 2008. Largely they’ve delivered and, with 14 wins to date, a top-three finish looks assured. That said, questions remain over the Dogs’ ability to run out a season as hard as they start it. They are now 1-3 over the last month, having lost to Geelong, Carlton and North Melbourne.
The coach:
Eade seems to alternate between the persona of a calm zen master (a la Paul Roos) and that of a boot camp sergeant. Certainly he was seen laying down the law at quarter time of the Bulldogs’ weekend loss to North Melbourne. He has enjoyed considerable success at Whitten Oval, with a 55 per cent winning record to date.
Missing in action:
Scott West (knee) is the biggest name on the Bulldogs’ list of absentees, but the most telling might be promising but perpetually injured centre half-back Tom Williams (quad strain). Ruckman Ben Hudson missed the match against the Kangaroos with back spasms but the club was initially confident he would play this week.
The gun:
Adam Cooney rates highly in most Brownlow Medal markets, Brad Johnson is always a threat and Ryan Griffen could yet become anything – but Robert Murphy might well be the most dangerous Bulldog. At 186cm Murphy runs like a midfielder, yet can mark overhead like a key forward. It’s a potent mix that has helped Murphy to 17 possessions per game, a club-high 151 marks and 28 goals so far in 2008. He accumulated 19 touches, eight marks and two majors against North Melbourne on the weekend.
The bolter:
Williams’ continued absence means dependable stopper Dale Morris may again be forced to punch above his 190cm, 92kg height and weight. Morris took a long time to establish himself as an AFL player but he’s proved most consistent and versatile since, finishing fourth and sixth in the Bulldogs’ last two best-and-fairest counts. Could he get the job on either Daniel Bradshaw or Jonathan Brown this week?
Strengths:
At their best the Bulldogs move the ball swiftly through the corridor by hand and foot and are capable of racking up big scores despite a lack of traditional key forwards – as the Lions found out in a 63-point loss in round 12. Cooney is very close to becoming an elite midfielder, Griffen has the potential to follow suit, Johnson is a class act who has troubled the Lions in the past and Murphy can contribute in any number of ways. Ex-Lion Jason Akermanis still has an eye for goal (39 for the year) and Hudson and Will Minson form an underrated but effective ruck combination. Ditto for All-Australian candidates Matthew Boyd and Daniel Cross in the midfield. Brian Lake was one of only two full-backs to win a club best-and-fairest last year.
Weaknesses:
There have always been questions about the Bulldogs’ ability to win games in which they aren’t allowed to dictate terms. The past month won’t have done much to erase those doubts. A lack of marking key forwards remains a concern, despite the addition of Scott Welsh and his 38 goals, and there is a similar lack of size at the other end of the ground. Lake has the build to go with either Brown or Bradshaw but Williams’ unavailability results in a shortfall of other options. Do the Bulldogs genuinely have a problem with finishing off seasons? Since and including 2006, their record post round 15 stands at five wins, a draw and 14 defeats.
Running hot:
Cross averages 26 possessions per game, leads the Bulldogs in tackles and ranks second in clearances. The round 12 match against the Lions (18 disposals) is one of only two matches this year in which he’s failed to top 20 possessions.
Johnson hasn’t quite had a vintage year but he was excellent against the Kangaroos last week, compiling 22 touches, 11 marks and five goals
Welsh kicked 5.2 against the Lions in Round 12. He booted three majors on his last visit to the Gabba with former club Adelaide in round seven of last year.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club
