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View Full Version : Do the western bulldogs have the competition’s best midfield?


bornadog
12-08-2019, 10:51 PM
Link (https://www.sen.com.au/news/2019/08/12/do-the-western-bulldogs-have-the-competitions-best-midfield/)

https://images.ctfassets.net/u8w3l566ay8a/1YnCk0JsKHO3Olp9iLBWn/06d9dd8d0b5f8d8e4c9912610a3ceb94/16WBGe19MW1429.JPG?w=980&h=520&fit=fill&f=faces

Dual North Melbourne premiership player David King has hailed the Western Bulldogs’ midfield as the best in the competition.


The Bulldogs put Essendon to the sword to the tune of 104 points with Josh Dunkley, Jack Macrae, Lachie Hunter and Marcus Bontempelli dominating the midfield battle.


Dunkley and Macrae were most prolific with 39 and 38 touches respectively while combining for 11 clearances and 12 inside 50s.


“If you’re going to have a bad day, do not have it against the best midfield in the competition,” King told SEN’s Whateley.


“People laughed a couple of weeks ago comparing the Bulldogs to the Collingwood and GWS midfield - this is probably the best midfield in the competition.


“Dunkley is in some serious form. People don’t go to the footy to watch Dunkley play, but maybe they should.


“Macrae’s done it again. I think of his last 21 games he’s had 18 30-plus disposals. Across the last two years it’s something like 30.


“If he’s not All-Australian, they’re not watching the games.”


Next up for the Western Bulldogs is a trip to Sydney to take on GWS in what is a must-win match to keep its finals hopes alive.


Listen to David King’s chat on SEN’s Whateley in the player below
Rocket Science
12-08-2019, 11:45 PM
Of COURSE we do.

What a stupid question.
Bumper Bulldogs
13-08-2019, 07:36 AM
Captain obvious, add Libba and Wallis and it’s just a power house.
1eyedog
13-08-2019, 09:30 AM
McLean was sensational as well such a good pressure player. Quickish and has a great balance of grunt and finesse.
Mofra
13-08-2019, 10:18 AM
Just wait until English matures. Smith provides the burst ability.
comrade
13-08-2019, 10:23 AM
Just wait until English matures. Smith provides the burst ability.

Can’t wait until Smith realises he is quicker than most and feels comfortable taking the game on and kicking rather than looking for the handball option.
bulldogtragic
13-08-2019, 10:33 AM
Just wait until English matures. Smith provides the burst ability.

As will Jack Martin. Lippa & McLean have the smarts and West down the track. Libba & Wally are just depth players... :D
westdog54
13-08-2019, 01:40 PM
Can’t wait until Smith realises he is quicker than most and feels comfortable taking the game on and kicking rather than looking for the handball option.

I'm more excited about Bailey than I was about Cooney when he arrived and I was envisaging big things back then.
bornadog
13-08-2019, 11:22 PM
Ranked one in this (http://PIES AT 5? HASLEBY'S TOP 7 CURRENT MIDFIELD GROUPS IN THE AFL) article as well.

Extract:


1. Western Bulldogs

“The number one midfield in the competition right now is the Western Bulldogs. Led by Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae is a star, Josh Dunkley is becoming a star, Lachie Hunter, Tim English and Tom Liberatore. It gives them good coverage across many positions.”
Hotdog60
14-08-2019, 05:32 AM
I've notice the scribes are finally taking notice of Jack.
Mofra
14-08-2019, 08:32 AM
What if we add Jack Martin or Isaac Smith to a wing?

We could cement the number 1 spot during trade week.
azabob
14-08-2019, 10:51 AM
What if we add Jack Martin or Isaac Smith to a wing?

We could cement the number 1 spot during trade week.

I’d prefer only one of those and it would be Smith for mine.

Yes he’s older but he’s more reliable and will cost less than Martin both trade and contract value.
Bulldog Joe
14-08-2019, 10:57 AM
I’d prefer only one of those and it would be Smith for mine.

Yes he’s older but he’s more reliable and will cost less than Martin both trade and contract value.

Personally I would prefer Martin.

More upside and should be ready to show it in the right environment.
Mofra
14-08-2019, 11:22 AM
Personally I would prefer Martin.

More upside and should be ready to show it in the right environment.
Ditto, although I imagine Martin would split his time wing/forward. He's been doing inside mid work at GCS but I'd prefer him with a little bit of time and space to use his leg. Quite decent overhead for his size too.
1eyedog
14-08-2019, 11:38 AM
Yep Martin over Smith. Martin could be just as effective immediately and he's at least a six year player.
GVGjr
14-08-2019, 11:45 AM
Personally I would prefer Martin.

More upside and should be ready to show it in the right environment.

Fully agree, Martin might still have his best football in front of him.
bulldogtragic
14-08-2019, 12:34 PM
Fully agree, Martin might still have his best football in front of him.

Martin has not had an A class midfield to work inside of, or work outside of with. With us he will have more room and time to impact than he's ever had, and he can impact. I agree, his best footy is ahead of him, even more so with us.
Go_Dogs
14-08-2019, 07:02 PM
Good quote about Jacko being an AA.
1eyedog
14-08-2019, 08:20 PM
Martin has not had an A class midfield to work inside of, or work outside of with. With us he will have more room and time to impact than he's ever had, and he can impact. I agree, his best footy is ahead of him, even more so with us.

It's a great selling point if we're trying to win the hearts and minds of quality footballers. Our midfield will make you Martin/Tippa that much better. Showing that first hand with a dominate display against Essendon surely enhances our standing and diminishes theirs somewhat.