The Bont proves he's human, misses an absolute sitter
Not often you see Marcus Bontempelli miss a chance like this!
Since the AFL went to an eight-team finals system in 2000, only once has the reigning premiers missed the finals the next season. In 2017, it will occur for the second time.
The first time was the Hawks in ’09, after shocking the football world the year prior by knocking off a vintage Geelong team.
The Western Bulldogs pulled off a fairytale win last year, after finishing seventh in the regular season, then they got white hot through September and broke the club’s 62-year flag drought.
In 2016 they were the hunters. In 2017 they become the hunted.
Factors against them this year include:
Draw
The first eight rounds include games against Collingwood, Sydney, Greater Western Sydney and West Coast, as well as two trips to Perth. I have them 3-5. They could be as bad as 2-6.
Along with Hawthorn, Geelong and Melbourne they have eight 6-day breaks, the most in the competition.
[latest_videos_strip category=“afl” name=“AFL”]
Depth
The midfield depth will be tested with Koby Stevens and Nathan Hrovat traded, Mitch Wallis not expected back to mid-season, and young bull Roarke Smith doing an ACL in the pre-season. Losing Joel Hamling to the Dockers will also test an already thin back line.
The ruck stocks are depleted with the influential Jordan Roughead to miss the first month and his backup Tom Campbell out for at least the opening fortnight, leaving Tom Boyd as their starting ruckman.
The Dogs’ depth is a myth and will be shown up this season.
Rule changes
The AFL’s banning of third-man-up at stoppages will have an adverse affect on the Dogs’ gameplan, as Marcus Bontempelli was a great exponent of it, ranked third in the league last season at 63 (per Champion Data).
As a team, the Dogs had 24.8 per cent of their hitouts come from third-man-up, ranking fourth.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.
Not often you see Marcus Bontempelli miss a chance like this!
We’re taking a look at one player from each team that needs to make a difference this week, starting with the ANZAC Day games.
Amid all the hysteria and gnashing of teeth that accompanies any team following a particular galling loss, it's worth remembering at all times that…
Geelong coach Chris Scott has hit out at the AFL Tribunal's decision to clear Charlie Cameron for his dangerous tackle on Jake Lever, saying…
Bevo loves playing VFL players in the AFL and in many ways, he is this era's Kevin Sheedy, except a poor man’s version of him.
Round 5 of the AFL provided plenty of action, from big scorelines to upset wins and pressure starting to build on some clubs and coaches already.