2011: Overview:

After three consecutive preliminary final berths many tipped the Bulldogs to once again challenge for the premiership, but this was not the way things panned out. A round one 55-point thrashing at the hands of Essendon set the tone for what was a disappointing season.

The Western Bulldogs managed only ten wins and finished in tenth position on the ladder, missing out on September action for the first time since 2007.

Many asked why the Bulldogs had taken such a fall from grace, and there are a number of reasons. Firstly, their season was disturbed heavily by injuries, Brian Lake, Adam Cooney, Ryan Hargrave and Tom Williams were among those to be sidelined for a significant time period.

This left the Doggies backline vulnerable with Robert Murphy having to hold the backline together for the majority of the season. There were coaching concerns, it seemed as though the team had stopped believing in his game plan, leading to lack lustre performances, and thrashings.

Rodney Eade was sacked after a round 21 loss to Essendon and Paul Williams coached out the remaining three games. Brendan McCartney will take over the reigns in 2012, and even after a poor season, McCartney will join a team that is well placed.

Even though the Bulldogs farewelled leading goal kicker Barry Hall, Mitch Hahn, Ben Hudson and Callan Ward, the Bulldogs debuted ten players last season, which is a step in the right direction. This development must be marked as a positive to take out of an otherwise sour 2011 campaign.

Key Player:

Liam Jones:
in 2011, Liam Jones showed glimpses of his potential, and he can turn these glimpses into an entire game, one day he will be a premier forward in the competition. With the loss of Barry Hall a lot rests on Jones’ shoulders, the 21-year-old will have to become a dependent marking option for his team.

Jones managed 43 contested marks in 2011, which made him equal-fifth in the competition, a very impressive effort for a man who has only played 25 senior games.

One thing that could be criticised about Jones’ game, is that he is hesitant to take a set-shot for his side. He can take big, strong pack marks, but once he goes behind the man on the mark he no longer looks confident.

With 25 goals in 25 games, the Bulldogs need him to produce more goals off his own boot. If Jones can boot goals more regularly and continue to take telling marks, then the Bulldogs will be closer to playing finals football once again.

3 Most Important games and why:

Round 3 vs. St.Kilda

Just about on every occasion the Bulldogs meet St.Kilda, it’s a cracking game. But the Bulldogs tend to be overrun by the Saints when it matters. This would be a great game for the Bulldogs to win, mentally.

Also if the Bulldogs are to play finals football they need to beat a team like St. Kilda who would most likely be fighting for a similar spot on the ladder, like the sides have done for many years.

Round 14 vs. Essendon

The Bombers handed the Dogs two separate eight-goal-plus beltings last year. The first in round one really put them on the back foot, and the latter in round 21, was to be Rodney Eade’s last game as Bulldogs head coach.

Essendon inflicted some pain on the Bulldogs last year and they will be determined not to let the Bombers walk all over them again. Both teams play fast paced games, and if both teams are playing well it could be a fantastic game of footy.

Round 19 vs. North Melbourne

Last year North finished one spot ahead of the Bulldogs on the ladder and the two teams will most likely be vying for similar ladder positions again this season. It is pivotal for the Doggies to beat the sides around them to ensure that they play finals football.

It is also imperative that during the latter stages of the year, because these teams may still be fighting for the seventh or eighth spot on the ladder with a few rounds to go.

What to Expect in 2012:

As has been evident in the NAB Cup, McCartney is trying to get the Bulldogs to play a Hawthorn-like game style, with lots of short precise kicks. On top of this he wants the Bulldogs to play a tougher brand of football as well, and win a lot of contested possession. It should be expected that the Doggies will go in harder than they did in 2011, which will go a long way in earning a finals berth.

Consistency is something that may be lacking early in the season, while the players begin to understand and perform the game plan to a higher standard. If the Bulldogs feel confident in the game plan, then we may see a rejuvenated Western Bulldogs outfit.

If the Doggies can have a mainly injury-free season then there is no reason as to why they cannot make the top-eight.

Prediction:

7-11

Jake D’Amato is a third year Bachelor of Journalism student at La Trobe, and is part of the upstart editorial team. Follow him on Twitter @jdamato32