A look at some of the key takeaways from the Western Bulldogs’ nail-biting three point win over Carlton on Saturday night.
1. The start
Strong starts on the scoreboard have been few and far between for the Bulldogs in 2019.
But, when the Bulldogs have led at quarter time – they’ve gone on to win the match.
Saturday night was the first time the Bulldogs had won the first term since the round one victory against Sydney.
And it was a convincing first term at that – not just establishing a 19-point advantage, but controlling the ball and key players like Josh Dunkley (15 touches), Marcus Bontempelli (14) and Caleb Daniel (11) all heavily involved.
2. Dunks goes beast mode
Josh Dunkley is becoming a bona fide midfield star.
The AFL world got a glimpse of his best at the back of 2018, when he took on a more prominent on-ball role.
Over the past six weeks, he has taken his game to a new level.
Yes, his numbers have been great – just to scratch the surface, in that period he’s averaged 32.5 disposals and almost seven tackles per game. Plus a career-best 41 touches against Carlton.
But it’s been his impact on games that has been profound, particularly in the wins against Richmond, Brisbane and Carlton.
3. The end
It goes without saying that winning the close ones builds confidence.
And on a couple of occasions this year, the Bulldogs have been close late in games, without being in front at the final siren.
Think the Gold Coast, Collingwood, Fremantle, North Melbourne and Geelong matches, where the margin had been 10 points or less at some stage during the final term.
It makes Saturday night’s win an important one, staving off the fast-finishing Blues.
Another big step forward for the Bulldogs’ young group.
