Western Bulldogs defy critics with shrewd recruiting

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When president Peter Gordon took to the stage at the Bulldogs' season launch, his message was clear. He was tired of those sniping at the club from outside of the Whitten Oval and he was tired of talk that the Dogs' summer had been horrible. He said the club had a captain who wanted the role, and a list that would lead the club into its greatest era.

They were strong words, coming after a year where it had been almost unfashionable to say anything good about the Dogs. Admittedly, it turned out that some players had felt there were few things which had been good about their club, leading to an October of upheaval. Then came chief executive Simon Garlick's departure in January. He has yet to be replaced, with Gordon assuming some of the duties.

However, as the spotlight turns on the Blues and Magpies and their recruiting issues, it's clear to all that the Bulldogs have quietly gone about gathering - and developing - some of the best youngsters in the land. As one observer notes, they have successfully plumped for the more "traditional footballer".

In 2010, the club's bloodlines allowed Mitch Wallis and Tom Liberatore to join as father-sons, with the Dogs gladly handing over their first two selections. Wallis was one of the best afield in a stirring win over the Tigers on Saturday. Liberatore claimed a breakthrough best-and-fairest last year, but is now recovering from a knee reconstruction.

In 2011, came a second-round pick of Michael Talia, who was superb in defence on Saturday, and speedy rookies Jason Johannisen and Luke Dahlhaus, the latter now one of the faces of the club.

A year later, the bold move to trade Brian Lake was made. In came Jake Stringer, the raging bull and a man likened to Adelaide great Mark Ricciuto, along with Jack Macrae, who is now starting at centre bounces, Nathan Hrovat, father-son Lachie Hunter and the rookie Lin Jong. Stringer, Macrae and the blooming Jong appeared on Saturday, while Hrovat and Hunter will be important players.

Then came the pick of the litter in 2013, when Marcus Bontempelli, who some considered a speculative selection, was taken with the fourth overall pick, behind Tom Boyd (GWS), Josh Kelly (GWS) and Jack Billings (St Kilda). Mitch Honeychurch, another to have played against the Tigers, appears to have been a steal with the 60th overall pick.

"They have been shrewd and their list for the next six, seven, eight years looks good," said one rival recruiter.

While it was said the Dogs were a rabble when former skipper Ryan Griffen defected to the Giants in October, in came the powerful Boyd. Therefore, the Dogs had the first and fourth picks of a strong 2013 draft. The Dogs, admittedly, are still paying a chunk of Griffen's wage, but Boyd shapes as one of the major forward forces of the next decade. That was a price worth paying.

As any industry figure would admit, premierships are won with key forwards. Check out Hawthorn, Sydney, Collingwood and Geelong of the past six years.

It was floated amid hours of dissection over the Blues at the weekend that they should have entertained talks for Boyd or Jonathon Patton last year, when it emerged one, or both, wanted to come home. The equivalent deal for the Blues would have involved offering Bryce Gibbs. Would Blues' supporters have been in favour of that? Some would say yes.


What the Dogs also now have in their favour under Luke Beveridge is an attacking game plan, one encouraging the players to back themselves. It provides excitement within the club, and should lead to greater eyeballs tuning in around the country.

Off the field, a Sweeney Sports Report released last year suggested the Bulldogs had much work to do in improving their brand. Using Australian Bureau of Statistics-weighted market surveys, the report found that of those Australia-wide who listed the AFL as their preferred sport, the Bulldogs were the least supported team, ranked lower than the Gold Coast and just ahead of Greater Western Sydney. The Dogs also struggled for consistent coverage in the mainstream media.

If the current excitement continues to parlay into wins, that should change in the next year or two. A Friday-night clash should also be a possibility.

Admittedly, two games into the new season is only a small sample, and a stung Hawthorn on Sunday could deliver a harsh taste of reality. But it appears as if the Bulldogs, having suffered through the expansion period, will emerge from the depths quicker than the Saints and Demon

A semi positive Bulldogs story... I forgot what they are like.

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Originally Posted by bulldogtragic

A semi positive Bulldogs story... I forgot what they are like.

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How is that not a positive story? It's more than semi positive.

BT, facts are facts. The article is positive and is full of praise.