1. Welcome back crowds
We were lucky to have a cohort of our Bulldogs’ army attend our game against Geelong, and were so grateful for that.
But to have you back at our home ground, Marvel Stadium, on Sunday – it just hits different.
It’s been six weeks since we last welcomed you in.
While we’ll be capped at 25,000, the energy, noise, and support you bring to the ground is second to none.
To our faithful cheering on from the comfort of their living rooms, whether that’s here in Victoria or interstate, we hope it’s not too long before we can have even more of you in attendance.
2. Doc 150
Veteran defender Taylor Duryea will register his 150th senior match on Sunday.
And what a career he has had.
A two-time premiership player with Hawthorn after being drafted in 2009, he arrived at the Kennel at the end of 2018.
Despite battling injuries across his first two seasons in the red, white and blue, the now 30-year-old is playing some of his best footy to date.
He has not missed a match this year, averaging 18.9 possessions, 5.7 intercepts and 319.7 metres gained while travelling at 86% disposal efficiency.
Go well, Doc.
3. Back to the future
There was plenty worth celebrating the last time the Bulldogs faced North Melbourne.
Not only was it the biggest winning margin in Club history – 128 points – it was also the first time since 2009 the Dogs had started a season 3-0.
Josh Bruce also celebrated a personal best 10-goal performance, making it 16 goals from his last two outings against North Melbourne.
It is worth noting however that both teams, coming off the back of wins last week, will line up a little differently than the last time they met.
Nevertheless, it’s going to be a cracking contest.
4. On-ball battle
In one corner, you’ve got Tom Liberatore.
In the other, you’ve got Ben Cunnington.
Put them together and you’ve got a battle between two contested beasts.
Liberatore has been an integral part of the Bulldogs’ midfield dominance this season, having recorded 121 clearances from 14 games and putting him well on track to becoming just the second AFL player in history to reach 200 clearances.
He’s also averaging 24.3 disposals (14.6 contested), five inside 50s and 27.8 pressure acts.
For the Roos, Cunnington is resigtering similar numbers – averaging 27 disposals (16.3 contested), 3.8 inside 50s and 20.3 pressure acts.
