1.Versatility an asset
The Bulldogs will head into season seven with some great versatility, trialling a number of players in different roles in the game against the Giants.
We saw Celine Moody start forward – finishing with a goal and a number of strong contested marks – alongside midfielder-turned-forward Gabby Newton provided another forward target inside 50.
Eleanor Brown added some midfield minutes to her time, showing her skills inside, while Millie Brown played majority of the match in defence.
We know coach Nathan Burke isn’t scared to shuffle the magnets, so if yesterday is anything to go by the round one line-up could look slightly different to other seasons.
2.Pressure impressive
For a practice match, the Bulldogs definitely didn’t shy away from the contest.
The pressure was high, with strong tackling and hard running keeping the Giants on their toes when in possession.
There were a couple of lapses late that ultimately let the Giants in with a sniff, who in the end were able to snatch the lead, but it’ll only add more fuel to the fire when the two sides meet again in round one.
3.Improved ball use
The Dogs shot out of the blocks against the Giants, slotting the first three goals of the game via some slick ball movement and quick thinking.
It almost caught the visitors off guard, and was reflective of the Bulldogs’ brand and how they want to play.
If they can continue to implement similar in the season proper – and sustain it throughout the match – there’ll be some exciting footy played.
4.New Pups settle in
All six of the Bulldogs’ off-season additions had a run in the red, white and blue on Saturday morning.
And they looked to slot in almost seamlessly.
Draftees Rylie Wilcox, Heidi Woodley and Keely Coyne impressed with their first touches, while Brooke Vernon, Daisy Bateman and Millie Brown were composed around the ground.
5.Forward forays effective
A lot of external noise had concerns about the Bulldogs’ forward forays after losing Isabel Huntington, Brooke Lochland and Bonnie Toogood in the off-season.
But Nell Morris-Dalton, De Berry, Gabby Newton, Rocky Cranston and Celine Moody impressed with their time inside the arcs, as the Bulldogs went on to slot seven goals from 15 scoring shots.
The accuracy could be improved, but the opportunities are well and truly there.