UNSW/ES
How their year went
The Bulldogs started their premiership defence well, winning their first three games before falling to North Shore. Lost two consecutive games in Round 7 and 8. The highlight of their season could almost be their win midway through the season at home against eventual premiers, Manly-Warringah. Mixed results for the rest of the season saw them finish fifth and their season ended with an Elimination Final defeat to Pennant Hills.
What they need
A side that prides themselves on two-way running may need some more legs to rotate through the midfield. Depth in the ruck would definitely assist with midfield duels especially important on their smaller Village Green home deck.
Shining lights
Max Collett had another good year through the midfield being named vice-captain in the Senior Representative Squad and the AFL Sydney Team of the Year. We were really impressed by the progression of Hayden Nichols into the midfield and James Pascoe down back. Both will be important cogs in the Bulldogs resurgence towards another premiership.
Season defining moment
It was an up-and-down season for the Bulldogs so it is difficult to pin-point where it went wrong. You could say they lost more home games in particular than previous season, including Round 15 against Campbelltown that spelled an end to their hopes of a double chance.
Players on the rise
Pascoe and Nichols continued their development this year. Alex Foote was another who added much needed pace to the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs brigade would be tickled pink with the efforts of their Under 18 side that played in the Grand Final this year. At least a handful of those players will play Premier Division next year.
Grade
C+
The Bulldogs had such a surge up the ladder in 2013 that it is easy to throw stones at how they performed this year. Injuries to Leigh Lavery, Adam Gulden and others didn’t help their cause, as well as the departure of Phelan Medalist Dane Rampe and Sam Tagliabue in particular. They could not get up a head of steam in what was a very even competition this year.
2014 prediction
UNSW/ES still have the makings of a very good side and an astute coach in Rhys McAlister who knows the likes of Campbelltown and co are likely to take another step forward in 2014. If they work hard and inject some more players with strong running and foot skills, they will play finals again next year.
Last Modified on 27/09/2013 12:09
