Over the next fortnight, westernbulldogs.com.au will look back on a season like no other – 2020 – reviewing every player who featured in more than three AFL games.  

Wrapping up this series is a pair of defender – Bailey Williams and Easton Wood. 

 

2020 Review: Wallis, West
2020 Review: R. Smith, Vandermeer 
2020 Review: Richards, B. Smith 
2020 Review: McLean, Naughton 
2020 Review: Lloyd, Macrae 
2020 Review: Liberatore, Lipinski 
2020 Review: Johannisen, Keath 
2020 Review: Gardner, Hunter 
2020 Review: Dunkley, English 
2020 Review: Dale, Daniel 
2020 Review: Cordy, Crozier 
2020 Review: Bontempelli, Bruce

 

Bailey Williams 

 
It was an enormous year for Bailey Williams, who was crowned the Bulldogs’ most improved player for 2020 – and was arguably the competition’s most improved player.  

Williams played every game – for the first time in his career – and was prolific across half-back, alongside Caleb Daniel.  

The 23-year-old led the Bulldogs for rebound-50s and metres gained, thanks to his penetrating right boot.  

He also turned defence into offense – with his inside-50s (2.3) and score involvements (3.1) rated elite for his position.  

Williams finished fifth in the best and fairest in a breakthrough season.  

00:59

2020 Highlights | Bailey Williams

Check out highlights from the 'Most Improved' Bulldog in 2020.

By the numbers… 

Games: 18 
Goals: 3 
 
Disposals: 16.6 
Marks: 4.6 
Rebound 50s: 4.9 (1st) 
Metres gained: 395.9 (1st) 
Intercept possessions: 4.7 

Best game: There were a few to choose from, but we’ve settled on the elimination final loss to St Kilda. Williams was clearly one of the best that night, as the Bulldogs fell agonisingly short. He had 19 disposals – and kicked the ball at an efficiency of 90.9 per cent. Williams generated 385 metres gained, had five intercepts and three rebound-50s. 

 

Easton Wood 

The calming presence of Easton Wood in the Bulldogs’ back line makes a big impact. 

Wood missed a couple of games early in the season due to injury and a couple late, but overall compiled another strong, consistent year.  

The 31-year-old’s ability to peel off an opponent to help teammates in marking contests remained as important as ever.  

As does his off-field leadership, to a young group and first-year captain in Marcus Bontempelli. 

00:24

EW10 takes flight for MOTY contender

Easton Wood grabs all the attention after a stunning speccy.

By the numbers… 

Games: 13 
Goals: 0 
 
Disposals: 9.5 
Marks: 3.8 
Spoils: 3.3 
Rebound 50s: 2.2 

Best game: Wood was at his high-flying best in round five against North Melbourne, after missing the previous three weeks. Defenders rarely poll Brownlow votes, but Wood got one – that’s how good he was. He had 14 disposals and nine marks – six intercepts, four contested. Add in three spoils and a couple of rebound-50s for good measure. 

2020 Recap