AFL 2015: Western Bulldogs Season Preview

Bulldogs

Let’s be entirely truthful with ourselves – the Western Bulldogs’ off-season was an absolute disaster. 

Whilst the turmoil of the off-field club situation begins to bleed into the on-field situation, fans of the club are aware that in the short term things will be difficult. 

There is no denying that things could briefly get worse also, with Stuart Crameri in the ASADA gun and a betting scandal around one of their promising youngsters. 

But with difficult situations comes opportunity. The Dogs may not win many games in 2015, but they have chance to show the world how quickly they can build a resolve in the face of mounting peril. 

With this view, there is reasonable grounds for long term hope. Marcus Bontempelli, Lachie Hunter, Jake Stringer, Nathan Hrovat and Mitch Honeychurch possess components of potential strong contributors in the long term. Whether they can rise to the occasion and bail out the team with the likes of Wallis and Murphy in the here and now, is highly questionable. 

Replacing Ryan Griffen’s input on-field in a short term period will be problematic. His strong inside game is punctuated in exceptional numbers - averages per game sit at 10.8 contested disposals, 4.8 clearances (2.7 from the centre), 3.8 inside 50’s. This doesn’t begin to cover the tangible effect on the rest of the team, which sees the opposition shift its best midfield containers to Wallis in the face Libba’s injury. 

Very quickly, 2015 becomes Beveridge’s baptism of fire – start looking for the extra input from somewhere or it will be another very long season. The Bulldogs in 2015 should not be judged on the result of the Griffen super trade (Tom Boyd’s output), but on how they manage to cover a giant blow to their greatest asset as a team – their midfield.

Players to watch 

Jake Stringer 
One of the new generation of powerful attacking midfielders. His mobility and skill whilst standing at 192cms makes him an incredibly dangerous player in the forward half the ground. 


Nathan Hrovat 
Speedy outsider that needs games into his legs like the rest of the squad, but should be more of an influence with another pre-season under his belt. Was considered by many to be in the Brent Harvey type mould of player when drafted. 

Tom Boyd
Will be watched for all the right and wrong reasons. The Dogs had to make the best out of a bad situation, however the faith needs to be repaid as soon as possible. Boyd has all the tools and may be helped with Hunter and Crameri stalking the forward line, but don’t expect dominating performances too early. 

Key games
Round 6 v St.Kilda – One of two games against the other likely cellar dwellers. These two games will likely decide where the wooden spoon goes. 

Round 14 v Carlton – Winnable game against another potential struggler this year. 

Round 20 v Melbourne – See above. A great chance for the kids to standout against a club in a similar position. 

Finishing Position: 17th 

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