WESTERN BULLDOGS – CAN THE DOGS GO AGAIN
2021 FINISHED 5th 15 WINS 7 LOSSES (LOST TO MELBOURNE IN GRAND FINAL)
We look at the Western Bulldogs in the last of our 2022 AFL season previews. The Bulldogs are looking to bounce off the horrible Grand Final loss in 2021 and the AFL Betting market has them doing so.
It was a funny old year for the Bulldogs after pushing into the finals late in 2020 (7th). They had the hallmarks of an improved year on the horizon in 2021 and they were well and truly on target after round 20. They were sitting at the top of the premiership table they then went on to lose their last 3 games and drop to 5th losing the double chance in a swift fall from grace.
Regrouped and an assault on the 2021 Finals
Despite this total capitulation the group were able to regather strongly and produce one of the more remarkable finals series in recent times. They destroyed Essendon then a BIG come from behind win in a nailbiter in Brisbane against the fancied Lions. Then went to Adelaide to take on Port Adelaide who had the best preparation of all and thrashed them! It would be no magical finish for the Dogs as they capitulated so badly in the second half of the Grand Final and were beaten by 12 goals. It is now how they handle this that will determine the 2022 season.
Coach Beveridge has his group in good order
Beveridge has done a terrific job with this group and their level of self belief has been superb. The ability of Bontempelli to go from star player to great leader has been a seamless transition. The question mark over the dogs will be two fold:
– can their dominant midfield (Libba, Bont, McRae, Smith, Dunkley and Treloar) have career best years again (which probably 5 of the 6 had)
– the abiity to hit the scoreboard, can Naughton and Bruce, Cody Weightman and number 1 draft pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan fit into the forward structure.
The draw really does open up well for the Dogs in 2022. They open with the Grand Final “rematch” but then they have a run of playing 6 bottom 8 sides from last year. So they really get the opportunity to get some early runs in the board with so many unknowns through an AFL season it can be like gold.
When its all said and done its really up to the Bulldogs from here. They are well coached, have a great profile list and they are the runner up from last year (although embarrassed in second half of Grand Final). If they decide to play their best they will no doubt be playing off again, we are tipping this will be the way it goes.
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