Tons of reasons to believe Bulldogs can win the flag

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au...012432,00.html


Tons of reasons to believe Bulldogs can win the flag
Courtney Walsh | June 18, 2008


THE dogs are barking with good reason as the Western Bulldogs firm as a premiership chance.

The plaudits came swiftly after the Bulldogs' 63-point belting of Brisbane, also considered a contender, at the MCG on Saturday.

Brisbane coach Leigh Matthews described the Bulldogs as a team with all the credentials to claim a premiership.

New Bulldog Jason Akermanis rated his team-mates more skilful than those he played with in the outstanding Brisbane sides that won three successive premierships from 2001.

Bookmakers, faced with a splurge of money for the third-placed team, reeled Rodney Eade's side into $6 to claim its second flag behind Geelong, at $2.50, and Hawthorn, a $4 shot for September glory.

But there is a weightier measure behind the Bulldogs' hopes than the hype of one scintillating performance.

In scoring 19.17(131) against Brisbane, the potent Bulldogs became just the sixth side in history to post 12 successive scores above 100 points.

Considering the record of sides to have achieved the feat, Bulldogs fans desperate to break a premiership drought dating back to 1954 may be tempted by the odds on offer should the run continue.

Carlton's 1979 premiership holds the record with 19 successive scores above 100 to start the season, while the Kangaroos equalled it when clinching the 1999 flag towards the end of their dominant reign last decade.

The Bombers sit third with 17 successive scores above 100 points, their blitz encompassing an unlucky tilt at the 1999 premiership and the brilliant start to 2000 that saw them canter to a flag.

The Bulldogs, who boast nine players to have kicked more than 10 goals already this year, can level the run recorded by the Carlton side that finished third in 2000 should they score heavily against Collingwood on Sunday, an effort that would take them past the Wayne Carey-inspired North Melbourne of 1992-93.

Former Bomber Joe Misiti, a member of the brilliant 2000 side, said there were many similarities between that team and this litter of Bulldogs.

While the Bulldogs lack a spearhead to match Matthew Lloyd, who kicked 109 goals in 2000, Eade's side has a wide array of avenues to goal.

"It was unbelievable because our forward line contributors included Lloydy, James Hird, Scotty Lucas and Blake Caracella," Misiti said.

"It was terrific because even if they could shut down a couple, they couldn't stop them all."

Misiti, who kicked 14 goals in 2000, is an avid viewer of the Bulldogs.

"I watch them pretty closely because of the way they play," he said. "They have so many avenues to goal and that is one of the things that is so good about them.

"Some of their midfielders are kicking multiple goals, which really helps.

"They are not just one-dimensional."

Robert Murphy, who sits fourth on the Bulldogs' goal-kicking list with 22, said the side's potency had increased by shifting from a reliance on Brad Johnson.

"Brad, his output is still pretty high, but I think the way we have it now is probably a healthier balance," he said.

"Apart from Will (Minson), who is 6'5" and 100kg, the rest of us are all around the same size and I think we are almost forced down the path where we have to have a pretty even share. It is just a different way of setting up your forward line."

Do we dare to dream? Every time I start to, something holds me back.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by The Coon Dog

Do we dare to dream? Every time I start to, something holds me back.

---

Yep, 54 years of pain.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by The Coon Dog

Do we dare to dream? Every time I start to, something holds me back.

---

Nah stuff it, it is achievable.

At present I am off work with the flu so to fill in some time I have watched some of our games this year. So far I have watched the St.Kilda game from rd 3, the Richmond game, the Kangaroos game and the Brisbane game from the weekend.

We have played some bloody good footy this year, but the most impressive thing has been our resolve. Unlike some teams of the past we are playing with a real 'Never Say Die' attitude. If we can continue to play with this spirit and we keep our important players on the field then we are a real chance to break the drought.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mantis

Nah stuff it, it is achievable.

At present I am off work with the flu so to fill in some time I have watched some of our games this year. So far I have watched the St.Kilda game from rd 3, the Richmond game, the Kangaroos game and the Brisbane game from the weekend.

We have played some bloody good footy this year, but the most impressive thing has been our resolve. Unlike some teams of the past we are playing with a real 'Never Say Die' attitude. If we can continue to play with this spirit and we keep our important players on the field then we are a real chance to break the drought.

---

I'm off work with gastro and have just finished watching this weeks game again.

My wife calls it 'Bulldog porn'.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sockeye Salmon

I'm off work with gastro and have just finished watching this weeks game again.

My wife calls it 'Bulldog porn'.

---

Don't use all your sick days, we may need some for early October.;)

I know that I am getting ahead of myself, but I think that this is the best Bulldogs side that there has been in my lifetime. Unlike when I was younger we are never giving up, we are almost always playing at our best. I know it has been 54 years since our last premiership and that we have come so close on so many occasions just to have our hearts broken, but this side can win a premiership and if not this yearI would be fairly confident gong into next year.

Yep - our hard drive went downin the pc last night - so spent the night watching the St Kilda game, and jsut thought - gee we are good. Why not us for a change? Everything has fallen into place so far this year, - it's almost like it is trying to reconcile for the 54 years of no luck footscray and the bulldogs have experienced.

I am trying so hard to keep the lid on it but you guys are making it extremely difficult to do so.

I also believe that this current unit is as good as any I have seen over the last 30 years, but I am still scarred from 85, 92 & 97/8.

One week at a time.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by The Coon Dog

Do we dare to dream? Every time I start to, something holds me back.

---

Cant' take much notice of an article from an ex West Indies paceman now can we?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by The Coon Dog

Do we dare to dream? Every time I start to, something holds me back.

---

Funny that. I've got it too. Is it fear of the unknown?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by alwaysadog

Funny that. I've got it too. Is it fear of the unknown?

---

Fear of the greatest hangover in the history of the known world?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sockeye Salmon

Fear of the greatest hangover in the history of the known world?

---

That too!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sockeye Salmon

Fear of the greatest hangover in the history of the known world?

---

You only get a hangover if you stop drinking.