After the carnage that followed the 2014 season, in which captain Ryan Griffen walked out on the club, coach Brendan McCartney resigned and seasoned players Adam Cooney and Shaun Higgins were traded, expectations for 2015 were low.
The Bulldogs were coming off a 14th-place finish the previous season and to make matters worse, their 2014 Best and Fairest winner Tom Liberatore suffered a season ending ACL injury in their first NAB Challenge match.
This made their sensational 2015 season all the more remarkable. The third youngest list in the competition won 14 games during the home-and-away season to finish sixth, qualifying for finals for the first time since 2010. This was built on the back of a free-flowing, offensive game style implemented by new coach Luke Beveridge, which complimented the defensive contested ball style game they practised under Brendan McCartney.
Highlight wins included a triumph over Sydney in the pouring rain at the SCG, a confidence boosting win against Richmond in front of 50,000 fans at the MCG and a comeback victory over Gold Coast in Cairns. A heartbreaking loss in the Elimination Final against Adelaide though, ended the year on a bitter note, but the experience of playing on the MCG on such a big occasion will serve the team well for the future.
What went right?
Across all areas of the ground, players stood up to take the Bulldogs to the next level. In the forward line, Jake Stringer was a revelation, kicking 56 goals. He was aided by the deadly accuracy of Tory Dickson, who kicked 50 goals and just 12 behinds.
The loss of Griffen, Cooney and Liberatore in the midfield allowed players such as Mitch Wallis, Luke Dahlhaus, Jack Macrae and Marcus Bontempelli to take centre stage and they didn’t disappoint. Liam Picken also transformed himself from a dour tagger to a genuine ball winner, who was a steady hand in an inexperienced midfield.
In defence, it was the run and carry across half back from All-Australians Easton Wood and Robert Murphy, plus emerging (and underrated) speedster Jason Johannisen, which set up so many rebound forays into the forward line. Easton Wood’s intercept marking saved countless goals during the season and Matthew Boyd reinvigorated his career with a move to defence.
But it was really the leadership of Robert Murphy as captain and Luke Beveridge as coach which was the driving force behind the team’s meteoric rise. If you watch the excellent documentary of the Bulldogs’ 2015 season, ‘The Ride’, you will understand the raw passion and belief these men instilled into the team, without which a finals appearance wouldn’t have been possible.
What went wrong?
The Bulldogs’ ruck situation was farcical at times in 2015. With Luke Beveridge imploring 2013 All-Australian Will Minson to become more mobile and defensively accountable, it left him languishing for long periods in the VFL.
Ayce Cordy was given a chance to finally cement his spot as a ruckman but failed miserably (rucking against Fremantle in Round 7, he had just three hit-outs while Sandilands had 50).
Tom Campbell and Jordan Roughead were more promising, but they too struggled at times. In the forward line, Tom Boyd was supposed to be the Bulldogs’ forward saviour, but managed just 16 goals from 14 games, showing a lack of mobility and second efforts at times.
Jack Redpath was instead preferred for much of the latter half of the season, and contributed a serviceable 19 goals from 12 games, but he is not the dominating key forward the Bulldogs have been screaming out for.
Elsewhere, the Bulldogs’ key defensive stocks were also a bit light in 2015, with no real big-bodied key defender to tackle the monster forwards à la Brian Lake. Jordan Roughead was given that role in recent seasons, but was preferred more in the ruck in 2015.
This left the job up to Fletcher Roberts and Joel Hamling, who struggled in the one-on-one contests due to their relatively light frames. Despite this, they still did a pretty good job holding down the fort, supported by the ever reliable Dale Morris and the superb intercept marking of Wood.
Also, while the Bulldogs were great at locking the ball in their forward 50, they were susceptible to easy rebound goals when the ball was turned over, especially as the Dogs’ key defenders were not great one-on-one.
2016 preview
When predicting how the Western Bulldogs will fare in season 2016, there seems to be two opposing schools of thought.
The more positive view, is that the young talent which propelled the Bulldogs last season will only improve, leading to the team as a whole getting better. If Marcus Bontempelli, Jake Stringer, Jack Macrae, Lachie Hunter and co. continue to progress at the same rate they did last season, the Bulldogs can seriously push for a top 4 berth.
The promising thing for Western Bulldogs supporters, is that their oldest regular midfielder (besides Liam Picken) is 24 year old Koby Stevens. Despite this youth, Champion Data rates the Bulldogs as having the fourth best overall midfield this year. The return of Liberatore, who was arguably the Bulldogs’ best midfielder before he was injured, has been likened to the gaining of a number one draft pick.
Depth is also becoming a real strength of the team, with players such as Lin Jong, Lukas Webb, Caleb Daniel, Mitch Honeychurch, Nathan Hrovat and Toby Mclean all on the fringes of selection and capable of playing a role in 2016 (also don’t forget the talented but perpetually injured Clay Smith, whose return would be a bonus).
The Bulldogs recruited well in the offseason, with Matt Suckling offering a deadly left boot which can be used all around the ground and Jed Adcock bringing vital experience to the group. At the draft, the Bulldogs strengthened their key defensive stocks with the highly regarded Kieran Collins and the mature aged Marcus Adams.
Despite this, the more negative view is that the Bulldogs will suffer a Port Adelaide 2015 style slump this season, which could see them missing finals. This is based usually on the assumption opposition teams will have ‘worked out’ the Bulldogs game plan by now, making it harder for their high-scoring, offensive game plan to succeed.
Doubters will also usually point to the reliance on veterans Murphy, Boyd and Morris, which could become an issue if their level of performance declines or they become injured.
On the other end of the age spectrum, if talented youngsters such as Bontempelli, Stringer and Macrae stagnate in their development this year, the team could struggle. One player who needs to stand up is Tom Boyd.
If he starts to fulfil the potential his price tag and number one draft pick status demand, it will make the Bulldogs forward line even stronger. The loss of Stewart Crameri for the year is a major blow, for he took one of the opposition’s best defenders every week, has a big tank and is a proven goal kicker.
It places more pressure on Stringer and Dickson to perform, which makes it vital Boyd or even Redpath becomes a strong forward target. Alternatively, Matt Suckling could help cover the loss of Crameri in the forward line; he certainly has the booming kick to do so.
Two players which I think are set for breakout seasons this year are Lachie Hunter and Jason Johannisen. Hunter was a player on the fringes of selection midway through last season and looked to be a wasted talent. But a move to the wing reinvigorated him, as he went on to average 29 disposals from Round 17 onwards.
He has the talent to join Bontempelli and Stringer as bona-fide stars in 2016. Similarly, Jason Johannisen has the capabilities to be a star, with his electric pace and improved disposal a highlight across half back last season.
While still in the shadow of Murphy and Wood, continued improvement could see him become elite this season. Also, Toby McLean only played four games last year before he suffered an untimely injury, but looked impressive in his limited opportunities. He is a sneaky chance for the Rising Star award this year.
Overall, whether the Bulldogs will improve or fall this year depends on whether they can find a viable ruck scenario, improve their one-on-one defending and continue to get the most from their talented youngsters and veterans.
If Tom Boyd stands up, Liberatore returns to his best and Kieran Collins and Marcus Adams strengthen the team’s one-on-one defending, the team will surely improve. With that in mind, I’m predicting finals again for the Bulldogs, but whether that be in the lower or higher reaches of top eight, is dependent on the many other factors outlined above and the performance of other teams looking to improve around them.
Best 22
B: Dale Morris, Fletcher Roberts, Easton Wood
HB: Robert Murphy, Marcus Adams, Jason Johannisen
C: Jack Macrae, Marcus Bontempelli, Lachie Hunter
HF: Luke Dahlhaus, Jake Stringer, Matt Suckling
F: Tory Dickson, Tom Boyd, Caleb Daniel
FOL: Will Minson, Tom Liberatore, Mitch Wallis
INT: Jordan Roughead, Lin Jong, Liam Picken, Matthew Boyd
Ladder prediction
6th
Pumping Dougie
Guest
Gecko, many opposition defenders will be fumbling the crumbs because they're wary of being hit by a 'Mack Truck' in Redpath. And that's when Jake 'The Full Package' Stringer wheels around and bangs another major. And he'll have to be quick to beat the likes of Dahlaus, Dickson, Hunter, McLean, Wallis, Libber, Macrae and Caleb Daniel to those crumbs. Woof, Woof!!
Luke Michael
Roar Rookie
Hey berrlins, I think Jong has the potential to be a good player if he improves his disposal and decision making, he is still only 22, but time will tell if he can make it. With a lot of talented younger players breathing down his back though, he better improve soon or he will be overtaken.I put Boyd above Redpath because he has the potential to be a much better player in the long term, and he has showed glimpses that he may be ready to step up. I don't think there is room for both since I think Roughead/Campbell will rotate as the second tall forward if we need one and at 194cm Redpath is not tall enough to be a competitive ruckman like Boyd (who is 200cm) can be. Once again, that's just my opinion though.
Gecko
Guest
Geez Dougie, that's a good forward line if the ball's in the air. Once it hits the ground you've got two blokes with the turning circle of a Mack truck.
berrlins
Roar Pro
good article mate, I can't agree with the hype around Jong, he has speed but his use by foot is shocking and can cause turn overs more likely than not. What I do find interesting is that when listing our best 22 you've failed to even put Redpath on the interchange whereas Boyd kicks off at full forward. I think there is Room in the forward line for both possibly at the expense of someone like Jong who might get squeezed out but he can pinch hit in the ruck to some effect which helps his case.
mattyb
Guest
I'd definitely have Stevens ahead of him PD and Daniel also. I'd have Jong just ahead of McLean but well ahead of Hrovet,Honey,Dale,Webb etc. His decision making does need to improve for sure,especially by hand. He can handball to players flat footed or just give it to someone a centimeter away. I think this has a lot to do with composure but I'm confident it will come.
Pumping Dougie
Roar Guru
I agree with you guys to some extent - he has speed, spring, skill and toughness. But I think at this stage of his development he's still a poor decision-maker both with and without the ball. Coming from a Taiwanese / Timorese background, it's not surprising (given that he only became exposed to football as a late teenager I believe) and I'm sure he will learn to get better at this crucial element. But for this year, I think Koby Stevens will be in front of him.
mattyb
Guest
Gecko,I think your points about Boyd putting weight on in the right areas are excellent and I think the club has acknowledged this and made steps to do so. I also think he still has to grow into his body in some respects. I think in the coming years he will develop the body shape required with both strength and aerobic capacity PD,I think I am taking my typical conservative approach with Boyd but mainly due to his age. I do think it is possible he can have a super year and look out if he does. If I was to take my conservative hat off for a second though I would be tempted to point to our man child up the other end of the ground. Like I have said,how we secured him is beyond my belief. I had always considered him the best tall defender in last years draft and the second best key position player only because Schache is a forward which gives him the edge as you would always take the key forward first. With Boyd at full forward and Collins full back with numerous top ten midfielders in the league and Stringer doing as he pleases,the future has more roses than Flemington on Cup Day. As I say Dougie,our time has cometh and it's comethed now.
mattyb
Guest
Luke,I think your comments regarding Jong along with the comments on Macrae,JJ and Hunter is what has made this an excellent article as opposed to a very good one. Don't get me wrong,with the extraordinary depth of young players young Lin will have to fight for his spot but his points of difference with his speed,but also his strength and ability to open up the game do separate him from the others and are excellent points. His leap and marking for his size also offer something that others don't possess in such a high quality.
Luke Michael
Roar Rookie
Thanks for the feedback. I agree Koby Stevens will probably be preferred to Jong at this stage, but personally, I think Jong offers a point of difference with his pace and has the potential to be a permanent fixture in the line up. I think with Libba back, we have enough tough midfielders at the coalface and need a bit more speed on the outside, which Jong offers.
Gecko
Guest
Yes, Mattyb, I guess it could be a matter of fitness, attitude or a mix of both. I think for some guys coming straight out of juniors, where they can bludge a bit at training and even defensively on-field, they take longer to adapt than others. Boyd could easily improve in these areas, especially when you consider his 2015 was pretty good for a young tall. In terms of imposing himself on contests, I wonder if he's put more weight on (in the right places) during the off-season. That's just another area where he could easily improve. Having an in-form Boyd alongside an in-form Stringer would stretch every defence in the AFL and make it much easier for the Bulldogs mids - just bomb the ball in long and fast.
Pumping Dougie
Roar Guru
Yeah I think his attitude is first class and its more his aerobic capacity at this point to provide follow-up efforts. Wayne Carey commented that he needs to develop a big tank because that's what all the great forwards have. mattyb I think you're holding yourself back a bit here ... don't go conservative all of a sudden ... Big Tom Boyd is in for a ripper year! Gecko, yes its true our biggest weaknesses are our ruck and our key position defenders who are ok against most teams (like Collingwood for example) but fall short against the gun forwards (Kennedy, Walker, Roughy, Hawkins). Luckily they don't have to play against Stringer, Tory Dickson, Jack "Sledgehammer" Redpath and Big Tom.
mattyb
Guest
I'd agree somewhat on work rate Gecko. Do you think though it has more to do perhaps with fitness and being a little to heavy as much as attitude? Again easy things to fix though. I think confidence will also help Boyd impose himself on more contests. I'm thinking he will have around a 6/10 season which would be more than enough considering his age. Maybe a 30+ goal season with hopefully a break out type of game somewhere would be great.
mattyb
Guest
I think Stevens and Biggs are both certainties PD. It is a very tough side to pick though. The list is at the point through depth and the amount of young players coming through that it would be the hardest to sit down and do,as close to impossible without having differing views as you could probably get. This points to a strong side,a side that could become just about anything.
Gecko
Guest
Yes, well previewed Luke. The main thing I'd pick you up on is you need to acknowledge the backline's deficiencies. It's got some great rebounders but will struggle against power forwards. Another minor point is that full forwards nowadays are rated on the number of contests impacted. The number of goals per game is less important because the gap between goal kickers like Jesse Hogan (2 goals per game) and Tom Boyd (1 goal per game) is only one goal. Boyd was dropped because of his work rate once the ball hit the ground. That's more a matter of attitude than ability, so it should be more easily fixed. The Bulldogs in 2016 will have one of the best midfields and forward lines in the comp.
mattyb
Guest
All in all an excellent preview and 6th is a good tip but I'd say 3 or 4 at the end of the home and away, but again sixth is fair. Excellent points mentioning Macrae as an important player and acknowledging Johanessen as underrated. To say JJ and Hunter will have breakout seasons is a great observation. Picking this side is probably the most difficult of all clubs due to the enormous depth,which you have rightly mentioned,but you have done a very good job. Good selection including Adams at halfback but I also think Hamling will slot into the defensive half. Overall the negative points raised regarding the ruck has merit and the positive points observed correct in regards to the amount of young stars and depth. Great job and thank you for the effort taken to write this article.
Pumping Dougie
Roar Guru
Thanks for the article Luke - looks like you know our team well. I agree with all your words, but would make a few changes to your Best 22. Koby Stevens is a certainty. Shane Biggs, Toby McLean and Jack Redpath would all be heavily considered, in place of Jong, Adams and maybe Picken. But that's just my opinion - good work and thanks..
mattyb
Guest
Tom Boyd was 19 last year,don't think there was much intention of him being the forward line savior. 16 goals was ok for the young up and comer.