Club
UNSW/ES Bulldogs
Key players
Given the loss of experience through Peter Kefalas (retired) and Troy Luff in particular, it will be up to the two Jeremy’s- Kiel and Daniher to lead the Bulldogs under new coach, Josh Parmenter. Kiel is as exciting as they come when in form across half-forward or half-back but will be closely watched this year by opposition sides, while the reigning club Best & Fairest, Daniher is a bulldog (pardon the pun) at the ball with his in-and-under work among the best in the competition. Alex Henderson will be heavily relied upon deep in defence.
Star on the Rise
Luke Irvine can expect to extend on his maiden Premier Division appearance last season for the Bulldogs. One from the Maroubra nursery of talent, Irvine finished third in the Under 19 Kealy Medal for Best and Fairest last year, a fair achievement considering he only played 11 games.
Strengths
They often have access to some of the best youngsters in Sydney given the dominance of Maroubra in the Sydney Juniors Under 17 Competition and that their Under 19s finished third last year. The potential is there and Parmenter should harness this with a brand of attacking football that saw them claim the premiership in 2012.
Weaknesses
We have talked about the lack of experience but they lacked a genuine target who could help them lock the ball in the forward line. James Pascoe was the leading goal kicker with 23 goals in 2014. They need much more from him and others if they are to threaten the top sides, especially on their small home ground at Village Green- where they should be averaging at least 90 points a game.
Season defining month
They have winnable games on the road in the first two rounds before a crucial month that starts on ANZAC Day at home to Manly-Warringah. This should prove to be a great litmus test ahead of a trip to St George and two home clashes with Pennant Hills and Campbelltown. With three games out of four at home, wins will be like gold. They have to win at least two to keep pace with the top sides.
Notable Transfers
While Kefalas and Luff are big losses, the biggest is undoubtedly Hayden Nichols who moves to South Adelaide (SANFL). The mid-sized Nichols was a consistent performer with the Bulldogs, winning their 2013 Club Best and Fairest and proving a thorn for many opponents. Along with Nichols, other first graders to depart include Abe Davis and Jordan Foote (Sydney Swans), Josh Whitelaw (Sunraysia), Tim Cummins (year off) and David Batten (VAFA- Uni Blacks). Word is Tom Heath is overseas this year which would also be a big loss. The main addition so far has been Stewart Boyd from Illawarra. He was a shining light last year in their seniors and has NEAFL experience with Belconnen. Pras Sayakhot has also joined from the Western Regional Football League in Victoria and by all accounts has looked like he can make an impact off the wing.
Predicted finish
8th
Will missing the finals with a surprise loss to East Coast in the final round of the 2014 season prove to be a spurn or a lingering memory for the Bulldogs? They have lost more than they have gained so it is hard to see improvement for the Bulldogs who have only played one finals game since claiming the 2012 Premier Division Premiership. Parmenter should provide a shot in the arm alongside Rhys McAlister who is assisting during the week in a consultant-type role. All in all, they will be honest performers but it won’t be not enough to make finals.
Last Modified on 02/04/2015 13:03
