With the Bulldogs and Giants set to go head-to-head this round, it’s worth asking who is more likely to win a premiership in the next five years?
The Bulldogs and Giants have two of the most exciting young lists in the competition, and both are exceeding most pundits’ expectations of where they would be this year.
They have shown they can match it with the best teams, knocking of last year’s grand finalist Sydney and Hawthorn respectively.
The Bulldogs’ sudden rise has certainly been more unexpected, but which team has the list to take them all the way?
Western Bulldogs
What a disastrous offseason. The club sacks their coach and then their captain walks out. The Bulldogs looked in turmoil and many thought they would be battling for the spoon.
How quick things can change. Eight rounds into the season and although they had a disappointing loss on the weekend, they look likely to be fighting for a spot in the eight.
They have an absolute gun in future star Marcus Bontempelli. It’s hard to believe he’s only played 23 games, such are his skills and poise. He looks to have the mould, composure and skill set of a Scott Pendlebury.
Complementing ‘The Bont’ through the midfield is Jackson Macrae, Mitch Wallis and, when fit, the clearance and talking machine Tom Liberatore. With the emergence of Liam Picken as more than just a tagger, and with Luke Dahlhaus floating through the centre the Bulldogs are starting to build a serious midfield.
The emergence of this group has also allowed Bob Murphy and Mathew Boyd to use their superb skills out of the half back line, something that is much needed in today’s game.
They are also finally showing signs of a functioning forward line. While Tom Boyd certainly hasn’t set the world on fire, he is showing signs of improvement. Jack Stringer is also starting to fulfil his potential – just look at his best on ground performance against Adelaide. These are the two the Bulldogs will build their future around, and between Stuart Crameri and Troy Dickson they certainly have options for a good enough third tall option as well. At 26 and 27 respectively they both have maybe five years left in them. Dahlhaus is a solid small forward and Nathan Hrovat will only get better.
The signs look good for the Bulldogs. With a deeper analysis of their list should we really have been expecting them to be battling for the wooden spoon this year? Probably not, but I don’t think many would have expected them to have already come so far.
Can this list finally bring the Bulldogs the second premiership their fans have been waiting so desperately for?
Greater Western Sydney Giants
Like the Bulldogs, the Giants possess one of the most exciting talents in the competition in Jeremy Cameron.
Cameron has already established himself as one of the premium forwards in the game, astonishing for someone who is only 22 with just over 50 games’ experience. Key position players usually take a lot longer to develop, making it even the more impressive. It’s scary to think just how good he can become.
Cam McCarthy has been a revelation this year and they are still to welcome back former number one draft pick Jonathon Patton. If Patton can fulfil his potential the Giants suddenly have one of the best forward duos in the league.
As exciting as their potential forward line may become, the real excitement is in the midfield. Adam Tralaor and Dylan Shiel have already set about establishing themselves as genuine A-grade midfielders. Lachie Whitfield and Stephen Coniglio are continually improving and will only get better. Devon Smith is establishing himself as a genuine, and very good, goal-scoring midfielder.
The hugely underrated Callan Ward provides physicality while still complementing with his skills, and ex-Bulldogs skipper Ryan Griffin provides the polish. Will Hoskin-Elliott brings the x-factor and Josh Kelly looks like a future star.
Top that off with one of the game’s best ruckmen and all the signs are there for a dominant team over a sustained period of time.
The future looks bright for both the Bulldogs and Giants. Which, if any, has the list to take them to a premiership in the next five years?
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