Re: Bulldogs By the Numbers
Clay Smith arrived in 2012 and retired at the end of 2017 - 6 seasons for 55 games and 43 goals. But numbers are totally inadequate to describe the grit, conviction and determination that this steely character brought to the table. Four goals on debut, three knee reconstructions and yet he still managed to play his finest football in the 2016 Finals campaign.
He was there in pivotal moments. Boring in, refusing to concede, willing himself to every contest, clearing a path for Caleb Daniel's crucial goal late in the 3rd quarter against GWS. This on top of his four first half goals. Clay Smith - a Bulldog immortal.
Re: Bulldogs By the Numbers
John Quarrell, a wing/half forward from Terang debuted in '57 wearing #15. He played 53 games over six seasons. A left footer he booted two goals in the '61 GF. He initially played on permits and Terang twice refused to clear him. He passed away in 2000 aged 62.
Re: Bulldogs By the Numbers
David Darcy wore #15 from '63 to '71. In '67 he was transferred to Adelaide for work. He played for South Adelaide and came 3rd in the Margery Medal despite playing only 11 games.
He played his first season with us as a forward but thereafter went to full back where he starred. He played 133 games and represented Victoria 4 times. He was sometimes thrown forward and he booted 47 goals from CHF.
He returned to South Adelaide in 1972 as Captain Coach
Re: Bulldogs By the Numbers
David Darcy wore #15 from '63 to '71. In '67 he was transferred to Adelaide for work. He played for South Adelaide and came 3rd in the Margery Medal despite playing only 11 games.
He played his first season with us as a forward but thereafter went to full back where he starred. He played 133 games and represented Victoria 4 times. He was sometimes thrown forward and he booted 47 goals from CHF.
He returned to South Adelaide in 1972 as Captain Coach a position he hald for 2 years. He retired and became non playing coach in 1974.
David passed away in 2020 aged 76. He was a very fine player. The inheritor of Herb Henderson's legacy - the attacking full back.
Re: Bulldogs By the Numbers
Denis Collins, ex-Braybrook FC, played 100 games for us been '72 to '77. He started wearing #48, then 22 and finally #15 for his last three seasons with us.
He was a really good player on the wing. Fast and a beautiful kick he booted 60 goals in his 100 appearances.
Went to Carlton for a year and Richmond for two. All up 147 games.
Died in WA from heart attack aged just 58.
Re: Bulldogs By the Numbers
Alan Jennings from Traralgon played 9 games in 1982 wearing #15. A half forward he kicked 5, 5 and 3 goals in his first 3 games.
He was then diagnosed with arhythmia of the heart and forced into retirement. Could play.
Re: Bulldogs By the Numbers
Beginning in 1986 Murray Rance from Swan Districts played two seasons and 40 games in the #15. He went back West and played 57 games for West Coast and captained them for a season.
Re: Bulldogs By the Numbers
Scott Wynd played 1 game in 1988 wearing #52. Thereafter he wore #15 until retirement in 2000 - 237 games.
Won the B&F, Brownlow and was selected All-Australian in 1992. Club Captain 1994 - 2000. Bulldog Team of the Century. Great player. Great leader. I remember one particular away game against West Coast. We were leading but in danger of being overun. Scott dropped back into the hole and marked repeatedly to turn the tide and help cement a famous win. Lion hearted player.
https://youtu.be/9qp1mLzscZs
Re: Bulldogs By the Numbers
Quote:
Originally Posted by
merantau
Scott Wynd played 1 game in 1988 wearing #52. Thereafter he wore #15 until retirement in 2000 - 237 games.
Won the B&F, Brownlow and was selected All-Australian in 1992. Club Captain 1994 - 2000. Bulldog Team of the Century. Great player. Great leader. I remember one particular away game against West Coast. We were leading but in danger of being overun.
Scott dropped back into the hole and marked repeatedly to turn the tide and help cement a famous win. Lion hearted player.
https://youtu.be/9qp1mLzscZs
He used to do the same when we played against Tony Lockett. Brave man was our Scotty.
Re: Bulldogs By the Numbers
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Bulldog4life
He used to do the same when we played against Tony Lockett. Brave man was our Scotty.
He got crunched a few times. One at Princes Park and had to be carried off.
Scotty was one of my favourite Ruckman.
Re: Bulldogs By the Numbers
In 2002 Sam Power donned the #15 and wore it for six seasons and 84 games. Used mainly in the midfield Sam ended up North for two years and another 39 games - so all up 123 games
In 2017 he was appointed our List Manager and he has been doing an outstanding job IMO.
Re: Bulldogs By the Numbers
In 2008 Ben Hudson arrived from Adelaide and played with us for four years and 88 games in the #15. An true ruckman he gave us good service and was a very popular players both with team mates and supporters. Went on to play at Brisbane and Collingwood. 168 games in total - good effort from a bloke who debuted at the age of 24.
Re: Bulldogs By the Numbers
So, just for a break, I thought I might pause for a while and open up discussion on who's been the best #1, #2 and so on down the line to number #15. It's limited to those players who've repesented us from 1954 onwards.
So for #1 I'll go for Andrew Purser.
Re: Bulldogs By the Numbers
Quote:
Originally Posted by
merantau
Scott Wynd played 1 game in 1988 wearing #52. Thereafter he wore #15 until retirement in 2000 - 237 games.
Won the B&F, Brownlow and was selected All-Australian in 1992. Club Captain 1994 - 2000. Bulldog Team of the Century. Great player. Great leader. I remember one particular away game against West Coast. We were leading but in danger of being overun. Scott dropped back into the hole and marked repeatedly to turn the tide and help cement a famous win. Lion hearted player.
https://youtu.be/9qp1mLzscZs
Absolute legend. Best ruckman since Dempsey. Had a knee reco before we recruited him. The story goes that North would have signed him on a 'form 4' but they turned up a day late.
Players walked tall when Scotty was out there and ex players have remarked over the years what a great leader he was.
Worth listening to Murp interviewing him on the barkly st podcast.
Re: Bulldogs By the Numbers
Thanks for all the great work Merantau. Really appreciate it.