Season Preview: Western Bulldogs

2020 Recap The Doggies left it a little late in season 2020 to sneak into finals, winning five of their last eight to finish seventh and book a date with the Saints in Brisbane in an elimination final. Disappointingly, the Doggies couldn't get it done, going down by the narrowest of margins and exiting finals in week one. However, there were some quality performances throughout the year which showed that the Dogs could be up there again sometime soon. Embed from Getty Images Off-season moves Ins: Mitch Hannan (Melbourne), Stefan Martin (Brisbane), Anthony Scott (2021), Adam Treloar (Collingwood) Outs: Ben Cavarra (delisted), Tory Dickson (retired), Billy Gowers (delisted), Fergus Greene (delisted), Will Hayes (delisted), Sam Lloyd (retired), Brad Lynch (delisted), Callum Porter (delisted), Roarke Smith (delisted), Matthew Suckling (retired), Jackson Trengove (retired), Lachie Young (North Melbourne Kangaroos) Off-season grade: A- The Dogs had a great trade period, snagging outcasted Pie Adam Treloar as well as Mitch Hannan, Stefan Martin and Anthony Scott. Treloar will be an integral part of the team, whilst Martin will provide some good assistance in the ruck. They didn't have any huge losses as they retained Josh Dunkley to now have arguably the best midfield in the comp. [caption id="attachment_70440" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 13: Adam Treloar poses during a Western Bulldogs AFL media opportunity at Whitten Oval on November 13, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)[/caption] Defining period Many are expecting for the Dogs to have improved over the off-season, with their new arrivals hopefully having gotten to grips with the sides game-style. The six week period from round 4-10 will ultimately shape the Dogs season. The side play Brisbane, Gold Coast, GWS, Richmond, Carlton, Port Adelaide and St. Kilda. There is a tough mix of genuine flag contenders and teams that will be around the Bulldogs' level. If they can get through that with at least four wins, then they could be on track for a lofty ladder position come September. [caption id="attachment_35169" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 06: Patrick Dangerfield of the Cats and Marcus Bontempelli of the Bulldogs in action during the 2019 AFL round 16 match between the Western Bulldogs and the Geelong Cats at Marvel Stadium on July 06, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] Best 22 B: Jason Johannisen, Alex Keath, Hayden Crozier HB: Bailey Williams, Zaine Cordy, Caleb Daniel C: Lachie Hunter, Josh Dunkley, Bailey Smith HF: Marcus Bontempelli, Aaron Naughton, Mitch Hannan F: Mitch Wallis, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Laitham Vandermeer FOLL: Stefan Martin, Adam Treloar, Jack Macrae I/C: Tom Liberatore, Easton Wood, Lewis Young, Tim English [caption id="attachment_32858" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 28: Jack Macrae of the Bulldogs kicks during the round 19 AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Fremantle Dockers at Marvel Stadium on July 28, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)[/caption] Strengths and weaknesses It's pretty obvious where the strength of this Bulldogs side lies, and that's in its midfield. The arrival of Adam Treloar has meant that the Dogs now have an out of this world middle of the park from which to build from. However, their forward-line leaves a fair bit to be desired. With the addition of No. 1 draft pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan into the ranks, hopefully the Dogs' attack will have a different face to it in season 2021. [caption id="attachment_29311" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 04: Aaron Naughton of the Bulldogs marks the ball against Dylan Grimes of the Tigers during the round seven AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Richmond Tigers at Marvel Stadium on May 04, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)[/caption] Prediction 6th The Doggies will have a good home-and-away season, securing a home elimination final. As the club showed in 2016, once you're in finals anything is possible, and we should not be surprised if Luke Beveridge's side manage to pull off a run deep into September. However, we still don't have full faith in them taking their game to the next level and being a genuine contender. There is still holes in this team, particularly in the forward half and defence. [caption id="attachment_71514" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 10: Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, draft selection #1 for the Bulldogs poses for a photo during the NAB AFL Draft media opportunity at Marvel Stadium on December 10, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption]

		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	HAW	4	4	0	16	127.4
2	BL	4	4	0	16	119.5
3	GC	3	3	0	12	172.6
4	GWS	4	3	1	12	149
5	ADEL	4	3	1	12	146.6
6	COLL	4	3	1	12	123.4
7	STK	4	3	1	12	114.6
8	GEEL	4	2	2	8	135.7

Season Preview: Western Bulldogs

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