Do the Western Bulldogs need to bottom out in order to move forward?
2013 looks more like a year of consolidation than anything else for the Western Bulldogs who have a list full of youngsters exposed to AFL football perhaps too soon.
Things have happened fairly quickly at the Whitten Oval over the past two years with the Dogs now seemingly bottoming out in order to go forward.
Three straight preliminary final appearances preceded a 10th-place finish in 2011 before they slumped to 15th last year with just a handful of wins and it appears as though that type of negative form will not abate going into the new campaign.
During those three years, the Dogs topped up their list with players such as Jason Akermanis, Ben Hudson and Barry Hall with the subsequent retirements of Brad Johnson, Lindsay Gilbee and Ryan Hargrave exposing today’s extremely inexperienced youngsters.
The loss of Callan Ward and Jarrod Harbrow to expansion clubs GWS and Gold Coast respectively and Brian Lake’s trade to Hawthorn have also hurt but that just gives the aforementioned starlets the chance to impress and stake their claim for what the future holds.
Any progress will be a major plus for Brendan McCartney’s Dogs this year, as they prepare for a campaign that is all about development and getting vital games into the kids – 17 of which are 21 years of age or under (including rookies).
Jake Stringer, Nathan Hrovat and Jackson Macrae lead the new breed of pups while the likes of Ayce Cordy, Jordan Roughead, Liam Jones, Jarrad Grant, Luke Dahlhaus, Tom Liberatore, Mitch Wallis and Jason Johannisen could potentially be the future.
Again it will be Ryan Griffen, Matt Boyd and Bob Murphy leading the way and they, as would Bulldogs fans, be enormously grateful if Adam Cooney can return to full fitness and regain his 2008 Brownlow Medal-winning form.
Knee problems have hampered the dynamic Cooney and any slight resemblance of that form will be warmly welcomed.
Another question mark regarding a return from injury is whether or not Dale Morris can rediscover his consistency after missing 2012 with a broken leg. The 30-year old will be a key across half-back for the Dogs, especially in the absence of Lake, Gilbee and Hargrave and quite possible Murphy who may push forward.
Morris will be paramount in bringing together a cohesive defensive unit which is likely to see Michael Talia flourish as well as Roughead holding down Centre Half Back, promoted rookie Brett Goodes getting his opportunity, youngster Christian Howard receiving more chances alongside Lukas Markovic and Easton Wood.
The midfield is again their trump card with Boyd’s tenacity and willing to win, Griffen’s polish and Daniel Cross’ reliability joined by the freshness of Dahlhaus, Wallis, Liberatore and Liam Picken which could be so vital.
Goals may again be hard to come by with McCartney having the third-worst forward line in the league at his disposal after last year’s paltry ‘for’ score of 1542.
Daniel Giansiracusa will need to again pick up the pieces while the impressive showings of Tory Dickson in 2012 provide some glimmer of hope. Apart from that, there is little to get excited about when pondering the forward 50 of the red, white and blue.
Grant and Jones have to deliver before it’s too late for them while Shaun Higgins has all over again been tipped for a huge season but never seems to get it right when the real stuff begins.
When sifting through the Bulldogs playing list, there is a severe lack of pure proven quality and that is what will hurt them this year.
Sure, there is experience aplenty but the gaping hole between those players in their twilight and the new blood will make for a frustrating 2013 for Dogs supporters….all for the greater good I suppose.
Key players
Ryan Griffen – The midfielder gets better and better each year and could soon be rated as an elite player of the competition by putting together a huge 2013.
Matthew Boyd – The ever reliable, unassuming on-baller who goes head-to-head with the league’s big names and always performs.
Bob Murphy – Classy mover who had a brilliant year across half-back in 2012. Could return to the forward line this year.
Breakout potential
Koby Stevens – Will be given plenty of opportunities now he doesn’t have to compete with the West Coast midfield for a game. Expected to be thrown in straight away and is ready to win plenty of the ball for the Dogs.
Jordan Roughead – Roughhead should be locked into CHB for season 2013 after an impressive end to 2012. Matched it with the likes of Jonathan Brown and Tom Hawkins and after 35 games is set to step up.
Clay Smith – An aggressive competitor who snagged a haul of four against West Coast last year. 16-game player who loves to tackle and harass.
Promising youngsters
Jackson Macrae – Super athletic, outside runner with flair. Comes to the club with big wraps.
Jake Stringer – 191cm midfielder built for senior footy. Hard, tough, very smart and is expected to have an immediate impact.
Nathan Hrovat – Selected with the pick received from Hawthorn for Lake. Ball magnet who will feature early in the season and is tipped for future stardom.
Key inclusions
Nick Lower – Small defender who can go through the midfield. Was in and out at Fremantle but will add experience and depth to the Dogs line-up.
Notable departures
Lindsay Gilbee – retired
Ryan Hargrave – retired
Brian Lake – Hawthorn
Predicted finish: 16th
Worth a punt: Jake Stringer to win NAB Rising Star at $26
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