Disappointing

 

This is the word that best describes our performance against Hawthorn last Friday night. It was the biggest game in the careers of most Bulldogs players taking the field that night, and as a group we failed to handle the situation. Hard contested football was what our season was built on, but this was a noticeable omission from Friday night. Of course we must not take anything away from our opposition. Hawthorn were ‘on’, and at the same time Buddy Franklin decided to show the football world exactly what he can do on the big stage.

 

The playing group faced some honest words at the review on Saturday. It was the ruthless message that we needed to hear and we must all stand up like men and attack the next challenge head on. The easy option would be to mope around, but there is just too much at stake. Awaiting the winner of Friday night’s game is a position in a Preliminary Final. These opportunities don’t come around every day and we must prove to everyone, and more importantly to ourselves, that the hard work since mid-October has been worth it.

 

We finished third for a reason. We are a good side. As a result the second chance was earnt and as a team this must now be taken advantage of. Given this, we must tie our laces a little bit tighter and get straight back on the horse.

 

No words should be needed to motivate us at this stage. It is up to each individual to seek redemption from the Hawthorn game and win back respect. It takes time to earn respect, but it can be lost in an instant in our brutal game (of AFL). This week’s game against Sydney provides us with the perfect opportunity to rectify what happened on the weekend and show the football world that we enjoy playing on the big stage. Losing is not an option as it results in a wasted year. Winning on the other hand places us in a Preliminary Final. Four teams are left, sudden death, anything can happen.   

 

So to all those supporters out there - don’t give up on us just yet. There is still fire in the belly of this outfit and it only takes one inspirational act to reignite the season. This Friday night against Sydney we won’t die wondering.