In 2015, it was an away win against Sydney that displayed the Bulldogs’ bonafides as a team on the rise.
In the context of the 2016 season, Saturday afternoon’s win against Port Adelaide may well be reflected upon in a similar fashion.
After claiming two victories from as many matches at the MCG last month - away from the familiarity of Etihad Stadium - an interstate win had moved into focus for Luke Beveridge’s men.
Losing in their earlier interstate trip to the Giants, the Bulldogs arrived at Adelaide Oval chasing their first win outside of Victoria this season and a maiden victory at the venue.
“We spoke about that during the week, about travelling, and travelling well,” Jack Redpath told ABC Grandstand post match.
“We changed a few things after the GWS [match], and it’s nice to get away with the boys and play some good footy on the road.”
Against a resurgent Port Adelaide, it was a task that the Bulldogs had not under-estimated.
“They’re an extremely good team, they play fast, exciting football,” Redpath said.
“They do really test you when they get the ball back deep, in our forward 50m, they really do slingshot and go from there.”
A high-pressure, fast-paced and physical encounter, it was the Bulldogs that prevailed by three-points, in a contest that saw nine lead changes across the afternoon.
The Bulldogs posted their first three-figure score in the last four weeks, a reflection of an improved offensive effort.
“Every week you play against a different defence…each week we get thrown different looks and as a group of six or seven, and even the midfielders coming through there, we’re finding ways to beat opposition defences," Redpath said.
“It’s a work in progress, because it’s probably the biggest part of game to work on, that forward play.”
