Murphy reaches 300
The Club’s charismatic leader enjoyed a standout 2015 season and is set to reach the revered 300-game milestone in 2016. Murphy sits on 292 games, and is poised to hit the milestone in round eight against Melbourne at the MCG if he plays every game to begin the season. Murphy will join Brad Johnson (364 games), Chris Grant (341), Doug Hawkins (329), Scott West (324), Ted Whitten (321) and Rohan Smith (300) as the Club’s other 300-game players.
Libba back on the park
Tom Liberatore managed just half a quarter in 2015, after rupturing his ACL in the opening minutes of the Club’s first NAB Challenge game. The 2014 Sutton Medallist had established himself as one of the competition’s elite inside midfielders by the end of 2014 and has been referred to as a new “recruit” for the Club in 2016. Liberatore’s tough, fearless style will compliment the dash and dare seen by Luke Beveridge’s side in 2015. The 23-year-old will receive a warm welcome from Bulldogs fans when he makes his return to the big stage.
Dogs return to Friday night football
Having not played a Friday night match since round nine 2012, the Bulldogs return to the timeslot will be highly-anticipated. The Dogs make three Friday night appearances in 2016 – round six (North Melbourne), round 19 (Geelong) and round 21 (Collingwood). After playing a brilliant brand of football in 2015, the Bulldogs have been rewarded with a slot in prime time football and the match ups are set to delight football fans.
First seven at Etihad
The Bulldogs open their 2016 account with seven games at the Club’s home ground. The Dogs won 11 out of 13 games at Etihad in 2015 and will be looking to start the season strongly with a similar success rate. The Dogs’ high-octane game style appeared suited to the fast track at Etihad Stadium, and fans made the venue a sea of red, white and blue throughout 2015. The first seven matches of 2016 will be integral in setting the tone for the remainder of the Dogs’ season.
Suckling fronts up
Off-season recruit Matthew Suckling will not have to wait long to come up against his old side, with the Bulldogs to play the Hawks in round three. It’s the first time the two sides have played at Etihad Stadium since 2012, with the matches in between being played at Aurora Stadium. The versatile defender’s elite kicking skills are set to excite Bulldogs fans throughout the year. Suckling was joined in the off-season by Jed Adcock, Josh Dunkley, Kieran Collins, Marcus Adams, Bailey Williams, Luke Goetz and Bradley Lynch – who will all be pressing for their chance at senior football throughout the year.
