The Roar
The Roar

AFL
Advertisement

North Melbourne, Western Bulldogs are the biggest disappointments

Expert
24th March, 2014
14

Round 1 lasted forever, and although the Hirds and the Essendon saga threatened to derail the second half of it, there was some excellent footy played.

The Bombers were one of the big winners, again putting a tumultuous 24 hours behind them to dominate a disappointing North Melbourne, who were flattered by the 39-point losing margin.

The Roos were flat and, frankly, terrible. How can you not be at your optimum for the opening round of the season, especially when you are touted as candidates for the eight and in some circles the top four? On Friday’s effort, they are no chance of achieving either.

North lacked effective defensive structures and measures and were more intent on playing front-running and attacking footy, which is attractive to watch, but the Bombers were awake to it and shut them down.

The Roos’ best inside midfielder, skipper Andrew Swallow, is still sidelined with that bad Achilles injury and no one has taken up the slack on a consistent basis, despite a couple of hard bodies in Jack Zeibell and Ben Cunnington being more than capable and experienced enough to do so.

Brent Harvey is approaching 36 and still remains one of their more dynamic players, which is a concern, and even though he is a class act, is former Saint star Nick Dal Santo what North really need?

Drew Petrie can’t afford another three-possession game, because their other key tall forward, Aaron Black, was also down and they lacked targets.

They get a chance to seek retribution this week against a team they have a recent good record against, the Western Bulldogs, who also struggled in Round 1, being thumped by a refreshed and very fit West Coast Eagles.

Advertisement

The Dogs were not predicted to win, but they were expected to put up a fight, with their contested ball skills – one of their strengths of the past 12 months – set to challenge the Eagles, but they were smashed in that department.

The Bulldogs also picked a side which lacked legitimate height in defence against a Land of the Giants forward line. Jordan Roughead was their only tall defender, but he is still learning that role. Dale Morris is extremely brave and was solid against Josh Kennedy, but is undersized. They needed Michael Talia and Tom Young.

Tom Liberatore found out what it’s like to be the hunted, being double-teamed by two of the best in Scott Selwood and Matt Priddis. He really missed the support of new captain Ryan Griffin, who normally beats the opposition’s best stoppers.

The forward line is not imposing and kicking enough goals could become a major problem in 2014. Stewart Crameri received a lucrative contract to move to the Dogs from Essendon, but at best is another of those floating and roaming half forwards.

In short, it’s a new season, but the same old problems face the Bulldogs. On the weekend’s display, they will be hard pressed to win any of the next six games, including Greater Western Sydney in Round 4, who have made tremendous strides.

That must place pressure on Brendan McCartney, who extended his contract at the end of last season. It’s risky for any club to do that, especially with a coach whose record stood at 13 games out of 44, but McCartney and the Dogs are trying to send a message that everyone is on the same page and it’s a slow build. Sunday’s performance suggested they have run out of bricks.

North generally is a good uncontested team, but clearly didn’t work hard enough against the Bombers. They will be hoping next week they can take the lead in contested footy.

Advertisement

North’s loss in Round 1 is more concerning as they were favourites, but the Bulldogs were expected to push the Eagles. The spotlight will be firmly on the loser of their encounter in Round 2.

close