1. Tim English continues to develop
The 24-year-old continued his promising start to the season with a strong display in the ruck. English gathered 24 touches, 21 hit-outs and six marks to go with six clearances, displaying his ability to play as a ‘fifth midfielder’. Add a long-range bomb from beyond the 50 into the mix, as the ruckman showed plenty in the narrow 12-point loss.
2. Vice-captaincy hasn’t changed Jack Macrae
A new five-year deal and recently appointed vice-captain, Jack Macrae has had a busy couple of months, but the proven ball-winner hasn’t let it affect his footy. The 27-year-old racked them up again on the ball, collecting 35 touches in a solid outing. His performance followed a 39-disposal game against the Dees in Round 1, solidifying the midfielder as one of the standouts in the competition.
3. Second half blitz
The result didn’t go the way of the Bulldog’s on Thursday night but there was plenty to take away from the second half. Fifteen scoring shots to six and a hunger in the midfield was the catalyst for a second half fight back. The home side came hard in the last but couldn’t quite get over the line with lessons to be taken into the clash with Sydney next Thursday.
