Shane Watson’s Test Career is O-V-E-R

Round 2: The Washup

In the first edition of ‘The Wash-Up’ for 2015, along with new features compared to the 2014 column, the author looks at his highlights and lowlights of round two. 

The Highlights 

Essendon’s two-point victory over Hawthorn on Sunday afternoon wins first prize here.

There’s much to like about this Bombers outfit, the most resilient group in recent times, given the stress and uncertainty surrounding their club in the wake of the horrendous two year ASADA investigation.

It was a telling victory, particularly after almost knocking off the Swans on their home deck in round one.

They got off to a flier, making Hawthorn earn their right to victory.

The reigning premiers were missing Josh Gibson and Sam Mitchell, yet the greater story was the match winner in key defender Cale Hooker.

For the man who was most often known for his impossible chase of Buddy Franklin in the ex-Hawk’s stunning 2010 goal of the year, he turned the tables on Sunday to kick the Dons to a win to savour.

The Western Bulldogs are another highlight of the round.

Their aggressive nature, ferociousness and preparation to break things open with flying handballs and gut running from one end to the other broke Richmond down on Saturday.

After a disastrous and much publicised off-season, not even this writer could’ve predicted two wins in the opening rounds.

It was great stuff to watch and be assured, the Dogs are the best under-23 team in the competition. Under new coach Luke Beveridge, expect big things.

Doggies’ fans get ready, it appears to be an exciting ride ahead.

The Lowlights

Three clubs made the bill here and are under the microscope – Gold Coast, Richmond and Carlton.

1. Gold Coast 

Of the three clubs in the worry list, the Suns are who most concern.

High expectations are nothing new at Metricon Stadium, with many experts having predicted a top four finish pre-season.

Having sacked Guy McKenna at the end of last year and appointed former Swans and Bulldogs mentor Rodney Eade as his replacement, the expectation more specifically was that the experienced Eade would be the man to lead the Suns deep into September.

Gun midfielder Jaeger O’Meara did his knee before round one and now after two rounds captain Gary Ablett, who remains out of contract, will be missing with that troublesome shoulder.

Worse still, the losses against Melbourne and St Kilda are alarming. My issues begin with the latter.

The Saints were able to do what they liked away from home on Saturday night, in what appeared to be like a training run at their Seaford base.

The Suns didn’t give a yelp and the basic fundamentals of hard work and pressure didn’t exist.

The Gold Coast have lots of work to do and others must stand up, particularly without their skipper to lead them.

2. Richmond

It seems to be the same old story for the Tigers – always the same mistakes that they need to rectify.

Coach Damien Hardwick is in his sixth year in charge and its finals or bust for him now. Surely.

Missing the suspended Brett Deledio and the late withdrawal of Shaun Edwards against the Bulldogs, the Tigers were without the class and run they rely so much on in those two men.

No aggression at the contest and the willingness to hunt the running Dogs outfit is what should concern the Tiger army.

The Tigers need to stick together and come game day, commit to a hunger and desperation to ferociously hunt the opposition and hurt them on the scoreboard.

Time will tell if they can make that a reality.

3. Carlton 

The Blues are in real strife.

Uncompetitive and unable to play four quarters of football, along with a disinterested and unmotivated playing group without leadership is damning so early on in the season.

Adding to the on-field woes is the out of contract coach in Mick Malthouse, and the uncertainty surrounding his future beyond 2015.

Two uninspiring losses has prompted the rebuild discussion to come up again.

The rebuild term is the focus here and one the club seems to finally coming around to realising the situation they’re in.

Like Eade at the Suns, Malthouse was brought to Carlton at the expense of Brett Ratten to lead this club to the top four and contend for a premiership. That hasn’t happened and most likely won’t either.

In some ways, the Blues have already started rebuilding with the departures of Eddie Betts (Adelaide), Jarrad Waite (North Melbourne), Jeff Garlett (Melbourne) and Mitch Robinson (Brisbane Lions) in the past two seasons. Those players were once the nucleus to a potent forward set up that is now not threatening to the opposition at all.

The big question for Carlton powerbrokers remains, is Mick Malthouse the right man to lead the rebuild that’s required?

In this author’s opinion, the Blues would be wise to allow Malthouse to coach out the season and then evaluate and decide whether to reappoint him or not.

The Blues are in a rebuild and would be wise to look at the Hawthorn model and in more recent times, St Kilda and the Bulldogs as evidence as to how to go about things.

To rebuild the club must be bold at the trade table and consider the likes of Chris Yarran, Andrew Walker, Matthew Kreuzer and Bryce Gibbs in order to build through the draft again.

List Manager Stephen Silvagni has a mighty job ahead of him.

Round 6: The Wash-Up

PORT Adelaide’s premiership credentials are genuine and now a threat to the rest of the competition.

Two years ago this club was labelled a basket case and many held the view, including myself, that it would take several years for the Power to return to the top of the ladder.

They deserve much admiration and respect, having turned around their fortunes since the struggling years of 2010 and 2011 under former coach and club great Matthew Primus.

Last night they dismantled Geelong by 40 points in front of their home crowd at Adelaide Oval, which one suspects could well be a venue that holds a distinct advantage over any opposition.

What a story this club has become.

Ken Hinkley replaced Primus as coach and had an immediate impact in year one, and despite expectation to reproduce in 2014, this club has embraced success and keep on performing.

They are relentless in pressure, tackle hard, gut run and play for each other. All key characteristics of a premiership side in the making.

This Power outfit are tough, fit and fast. They run hard and move the ball with such precision, running games out superbly. They’re solid in the back half and boast an attack capable of big scores through Jay Schulz and Justin Westhoff. Add Chad Wingard and Robbie Gray at their fit, and they’re a handful for any defence.

Matthew Lobbe is an underrated ruckman, while they are led superbly by Travis Boak. Brad Ebert, Kane Cornes, Matthew Broadbent, Ollie Wines and Dom Cassisi form the nucleus of a well-balanced midfield group. Add to that off-season recruits Matt White (Richmond) and Jared Polec (Brisbane Lions), the Power are more than just a formidable unit.

They’re playing with such spark, its hard to see them halting here. The Power are finals bound and a top four finish is well and truly achievable.

Anzac Day Football is great!

There’s something to be said about Anzac Day footy – its just great.

Collingwood and Essendon always produce every year at the MCG and while the Pies got up in clash number 19, the Brisbane Lions pipped St Kilda by 3 points in Wellington.

The occasion of Anzac Day makes our game feel insignificant compared to the real meaning of the sacrifice our soldiers took and continue to take, but the fighting spirit always ensures a great spectacle.

QUESTION TIME

How much pressure are the Tigers under?

Plenty. It wasn’t a great day for the Tigers on Sunday, and with the Cats up next it won’t get any easier. The absence of Alex Rance, Brett Deledio and Ivan Maric is significant, three players they need back very quickly. Tyrone Vickery also needs bust his guts at VFL level and push his way back in the line up, because at his best, he’s a very handy player in attack.

The run and dare of 2013 is missing right now, something they desperately need. Along with getting the ball into their best ball users as much as possible.

Jack Riewoldt is their best key forward and needs to be played in the goal square, where he’s most dangerous as well.

They need to find form and quickly the Tigers, because more losses only mount the pressure as the season rolls on.

What’s wrong with the Bombers?

Too much left to too few. No Brendon Goddard, Heath Hocking, Tom Bellchambers and players devout of confidence isn’t helping either.

The Bombers had a great start on Anzac Day, but their dysfunctional forward line is an issue. Joe Daniher is still young and raw with much to learn, while Jake Carlisle plays best as a defender and looks lost as a key forward.

Getting Goddard, Hocking and Bellchambers back will give them a boost but its time Bomber Thompson re-jigged his attack.

Round 5: The Wash-Up

LET’S BEGIN this week’s agenda by discussing Chris Judd. Was he right to play? If not, why was he the sub? Did he come on too early or too late? Is this the end of one of the game’s greats? The questions kept coming on Sunday night, despite Carlton’s stirring 28-point victory over the Western Bulldogs.

The former captain didn’t even last five minutes before his hamstring went. Despite the club and Judd himself saying he’ll be back, the reality is the clock is ticking on his career and retirement is most certainly closer given the timing of this injury.

Critics say he may have been rushed back, given the different ways opposition bring back players similar to the situation Carlton had with Judd. In recent years, Hawthorn has brought Luke Hodge and Brian Lake through the VFL while the Swans nursed Kurt Tippett through the NEAFL last weekend. I’d expect them to do the same with Adam Goodes as well.

In hindsight the Blues probably should’ve taken the more conservative approach given that their former captain will now miss somewhere between 4-6 weeks as the curtains close on one of the most decorated AFL careers we have witnessed.

Having said that, the Blues were mighty stiff and unlucky to lose Judd the way they did. The Blues boast the oldest list in the competition and have the fewest 23 year olds in the league right now, which is cause for concern. A rebuild of the list is inevitable and now is the perfect time for Malthouse to play the youngsters and find out who can play.

Geelong continue to haunt Hawthorn

What a rivalry this has become. The Cats have beaten the Hawks 12 of the last 13 encounters, with last year’s preliminary final the only exception. Monday’s 19-point victory was emphatic with the Cats’ big names standing up. Steve Johnson loves to perform on the big stage and showed just that, but skipper Joel Selwood, Jimmy Bartel and Tom Hawkins (5 goals) were just as iconic.

The mental toughness of Hawthorn is tested to the maximum in these big clashes, and its clear Geelong remain the benchmark for Alastair Clarkson and his outfit. The Hawks were missing Brian Lake and Ryan Schoenmakers, who potentially could’ve curtailed the dominance of Hawkins, who was too good for Kyle Cheney.

A number of key Hawks weren’t at their best – Jarryd Roughead, Cyril Rioli and Josh Gibson – among them.

The Cats have a belief that they can beat anyone on their day, particularly Hawthorn, a belief that expresses their best is undeniably good. Even more impressive is that Caddy, Motlop and Christensen are on the sidelines, along with Vardy and Menzel, who still remain a big part of their future.

The confidence to move on experienced clubmen Paul Chapman, James Podsiadly, Josh Hunt and Joel Corey, and instil belief in the youngsters to step up is impressive. The Cats are a proud club with rich history and a rock solid culture that opposition clubs should take notice of, more so then perhaps they already recognise.

Saints on the right track

St Kilda should be applauded. They took on an Essendon side I expected to win well, yet the boys from Seaford got the chocolates.

Strong players and teams just get on with the job, and thats exactly what the Saints did. After an 86-point belting at the hands of the Crows last round, they needed to refocus and put all their energies into combating an in-form Bombers outfit.

Nick Riewoldt is in career-best form in his latter years, leading a new generation of young Saints with experienced pair Lenny Hayes and Leigh Montagna. How lucky are the likes of Billings, Dunstan, Curren, Saunders, Newnes and Webster?

Alan Richardson has shown in a very short space of time how good of a coach he really is. He has missed out on several senior coaching jobs but his highly decorated CV as a developer of talent is shining through.

He has the Saints on the right track and they can only improve under his tenure. Its a much brighter future now then it was this time last year under former coach Scott Watters.

Are the pieces coming together for Collingwood?

Yes, bit by bit. It helps when the Magpie engine room is in full swing like they are at the moment.

Nathan Buckley made bold moves on his list at the end of last year with Heath Shaw (GWS), Dale Thomas (Carlton) and Darren Jolly among the departures, stamping his name on the Pies of today. It wasn’t popular but we can start to see those changes kicking into gear for the better.

Turning Alex Fasolo into a running half-back flanker has proved an inspired move, while the recruitment of ex-Swan Jesse White has proved more beneficial than what Quentin Lynch was able to offer last year.

And on the weekend against the Roos, Travis Cloke got back to form with four goals next to his name by half time.

Dane Swan got back to better form, combining well with captain Scott Pendlebury and I like Steele Sidebottom as a permanent midfielder.

Also pleasing to the coach would be the stability of the back half, despite injuries. Lachie Keefe and Jack Frost are showing plenty of promise in the key posts and are improving by the week, and Nick Maxwell is in career-best form.

With Nathan Brown and Ben Reid closing in on their returns, the coach will have selection dilemmas in the coming weeks. And for the first time in a while, Reid could become a permanent forward given the defence is holding its own right now.

On top of that, Brodie Grundy is performing admirably as the no.1 ruckman with Jarrod Witts as back up. The Pies are slowly building but things are looking good.

Time to ditch the score review system

Its a big call but its time to remove the score review system. The current technology isn’t great, with the SD replays making the vision for a clear decision inconclusive. The time it wastes during games is also another issue.

The case was proven on Sunday when James Frawley shot on goal was given the six points, when it was clearly touched by Suns’ defenders Steven May and Rory Thompson.

Its time to remove a flawed system that isn’t doing what it was designed for.

Food & Drink: Coffee a must have

Dukes rocks!! Great coffee, good food and customer service 🙂

Front and Square

A BIG agenda heads this week’s long awaited return of Front and Square, beginning with the deliberate free kicks fiasco in Perth on Friday night…

You’ve got to be kidding, ump!

Nine deliberate free kicks were paid over the boundary line in the West Coast-Geelong match on Friday night and while most of them were there, that many hasn’t been paid all season.

A message from the umpiring department has come down prior to this game, so confusion is widespread.

Umpiring boss Jeff Gieschen came out on Monday to say that seven out of the nine were current calls, I beg to differ.

Geelong coach Chris Scott also talked about this in his press conference after the match and he was spot on.

It wasn’t the umpires fault, its the message that was delivered from higher authorities.

Will things change or will the same message continue to be delivered going forward?

Time will tell, but this writer can speak for most of the football public in saying that we hope not.

Well done North Melbourne

Clearly the team of the round and a massive turnaround from the 115 point capitulation to Hawthorn in Launceston back in round 10.

Since then the Roos have won every game except a close two point loss to the West Coast Eagles in round 15, surrendering a five goal lead.

Coach Brad Scott has led North to two ninth placed finishes but in his third year looks to grant the club their first finals birth since 2008, where they finished seventh under Dean Laidley.

The weekend’s win after old foe Essendon was bitter sweet, given their history, but even more impressive after losing Leigh Adams and Daniel Wells to injury before Nathan Grima broke down mid-way through the last quarter.

Expansion clubs will take time

The Gold Coast Suns have copped several whacks in their second season, unfairly this writer might add.

Despite the spirited efforts of the new boys in Western Sydney, the Suns are on the right track but its going to take time.

This should not be a shock to many, given both the Suns and the Giants are in the very early stages of building a successful club in the rugby dominated states of Queensland and New South Wales.

In their defense, the Suns have been cruelled with injuries this year – with the likes of Nathan Bock, Michael Rischitelli, Campbell Brown, David Swallow and skipper Gary Ablett all missing at various stages, some more than others.

Not to mention the unfortunate departure of Nathan Krakouer at the start of 2012 and it also must be noted that they’re playing kids out of their depth at the moment.

Likewise for GWS, until these kids get 50-100 games under their belt, its going to be a struggle.

Patience is needed but whichever club makes the finals and wins a premiership first will no doubt have the upper hands over the other.

Your club’s verdict

Adelaide: Will finish top two and get desired home final. Handy draw following solid win. Dangerfield is a star and future captain, Wright a revelation.

RUN HOME: BL (G), Melb (MCG), GC (AS)

Brisbane Lions: Mental lapses brought Lions undone again after encouraging start. Former Hawk Lisle showed a bit and Green provides energy as small forward. Need to finish season well and get a couple wins to build into 2013.

RUN HOME: Adel (G), PA (AS), WB (G)

Carlton: No.1 picks Murphy, Gibbs and Kreuzer pivotal in win that keeps their finals chances alive, despite poor percentage. Blues have at least found in a few players in McInnes, Bell and Casboult.

RUN HOME: Ess (MCG), GC (MS), StK (ES)

Collingwood: Season defining win v Swans without the suspended Swan and Thomas, who was subbed out early. Dawes’ last quarter significant and the rise of Beams to elite big boost.

RUN HOME: NM (ES), WCE (PS), Ess (MCG)

Essendon: Inefficiency killed them yet the fade-out even more disheartening given what’s on the line. Dons look far from finals bound going by that effort. Crucial three weeks coming up.

RUN HOME: Carl (MCG), Rich (MCG), Coll (MCG)

Fremantle: Dockers effort unquestionable, but with Pavlich well held lacked the class to win. Good draw gives them finals hope and realistically the best chance of any club outside of the eight to feature in September.

RUN HOME: Rich (PS), NM (ES), Melb (PS)

Geelong: Tough loss but were always in the contest, good effort without Kelly and Chapman, while Christensen and Hawkins were injured early. Top four aspirations shot, which makes it hard from here.

RUN HOME: StK (ES), WB (SS), Syd (SS)

Gold Coast: Picked up second win of the season through shire effort but will be glad for the season to be over after second-year blues. Expectations will continue to rise but development into a super team will take time.

RUN HOME: Haw (MCG), Carl (MS), Adel (AS)

GWS: Hoskin-Elliott and Treloar shining lights for the Giants missing a few players. Made Suns work hard but wasn’t enough, starting to tire.

RUN HOME: Melb (MO), StK (ES), NM (SK)

Hawthorn: Poor start redeemed by an impressive finish and an 11-goal final term. Injuries to Rioli and Gibson big blows ahead of September.

RUN HOME: GC (MCG), Syd (SCG), WCE (MCG)

Melbourne: Another mental lapse proved costly again, but competitive for longer this time. The efforts of 5-goal hero Blease super but a long way to go before the Dees play finals.

RUN HOME: GWS (MO), Adel (MCG), Frem (PS)

North Melbourne: Inspiring win without Adams and Wells and have just about cemented their spot in the finals for the first time since 2008. Lots to like.

RUN HOME: Coll (ES), Frem (ES), GWS (SK)

Port Adelaide: Failed to capitalise on flying start and blown away in the end, but at least showed intensity. Boak terrific, but will be a big loss if he departs. Lots of work remains to be done.

RUN HOME: WCE (AS), BL (AS), Rich (MCG)

Richmond: Finishing the season well after a series of narrow defeats costing them a tilt at finals action. Cotchin, Deledio, Martin and Riewoldt leading the way. Tigers need to continue strong form as a backbone for 2013.

RUN HOME: Frem (PS), Ess (MCG), PA (MCG)

St Kilda: The loss of skipper Riewoldt to knee injury hit hard but ex-Eagle Wilkes able to fill the void as lesser lights stepped up. Finals hopes rest on not dropping another game.

RUN HOME: Geel (ES), GWS (ES), Carl (ES)

Sydney Swans: Unbeaten run brought to an end but lost game due to blowing opportunities early. Need Reid back to settle forward structure and it may be time to bring in Morton, who has been in ripping form for the reserves for most of the season. Biggest tests will come against the Hawks and the Cats.

RUN HOME: WB (ES), Haw (SCG), Geel (SS)

West Coast Eagles: Got their confidence and resilience back, but up against it for a top four finish. Cox and Naitanui remain their biggest weapon ahead of any finalist and still boast the talent to go all the way.

RUN HOME: PA (AS), Coll (PS), Haw (MCG)

Western Bulldogs: Up against it after late withdrawal of Griffen and showed fight in stages but four quarter effort missing. A side rebuilding and will take time.

RUN HOME: Syd (ES), Geel (SS), BL (G)

Power crisis runs deeper than coach

YESTERDAY Port Adelaide sacked coach Matthew Primus and also announced the resignation of its president, Brett Duncanson.

The former club captain looked to have earnt a third-year contract extension, as indicated by chief executive Keith Thomas on July 20, but now is left without a job.

Monday’s press conference at Alberton was a strange one, given the sole purpose was the announcement of the departure of Primus, yet the club president decided to combine his resignation with that of the now former coach.

Despite the reassurances of calm by the CEO, the certainty of the Power’s ability to make the correct decisions in progression of this proud club has long been in question and the press conference yesterday delivered little hope.

“What is happening is that cool, calculated, well-informed decisions are being made to ensure the success of the club going forward,” Thomas said.

Thomas says an extensive review of the club’s operations is under way, with the input of seven independent experts with AFL pedigrees.

Just 14,583 supporters turned up to watch the Power battle Fremantle at AAMI Stadium in  round 18, only 470 more than its lowest record. Fans, clearly, have given up and any hope once present has now been diminished.

According to The Age, Port has been given its last financial bailout, believed to be in excess of $12 million, by the SANFL, which owns the Power’s license, and the AFL.

The club has clearly conceded that the appointment of Primus after the departure of former boss Mark Williams in 2010, has failed.

Primus was appointed ahead of prospective coaching candidates in Chris Scott and Brendan McCartney, when Williams was dumped seven weeks before the end of his final season with a reported payout of about $450,000.

Lets not forget that it was only eight years ago that Williams led the Power to their first and  only flag since their introduction into the AFL in 1997.

The Port Adelaide of 2012 is far from that premiership team of 2004 and it would be naive to deny that this club isn’t in crisis.

There is much work to be done and whoever is appointed as coach for 2013 must have the full support of the board, access to the best resources and be given time to rebuild.

Two players the club must try to retain is midfielder Travis Boak and key defender Troy Chaplin, both of whom will be contemplating offers from rival clubs and now appear more than likely to add to a growing list of departures come season’s end.

Front and Square

WITH the top eight far from settled, the premiership race is wide open which begins this week’s agenda…

Premiership race wide open

Eight rounds into the season and the top eight is far from a settled mix, with a few suprises no one had predicted.

Adelaide and Essendon are the standouts, followed by an injury-depleted West Coast and Collingwood who just keep performing.

Top four fancies Carlton have dropped dramatically to seventh following two consecutive losses and young gun Marc Murphy joining the likes of Carrazzo, Laidler and Waite on the sidelines.

Fremantle hang in the eight by a thread with St Kilda and Geelong breathing down their necks, as well as ladder surges from the likes of the Western Bulldogs and Richmond.

Usually by this stage of the season the top eight is pretty set and going by the history book, not much changes post-round eight.

2012 is proving a much more open year than seen before, with the top eight far from set.

Your club’s verdict

Adelaide: The in-form team of the competition dominated an under siege Carlton at Etihad Stadium. Former Blue Jacobs won the hitouts convincingly as Thompson and Dangerfield continued their supreme dominance.

Brisbane Lions: Got the win they needed against GWS, which will pay dividends for their confidence. Merrett and Brown combining for twelve goals was a great cameo, but need to build from here.

Carlton: Got hammered against the high flying Crows in a dis-spirited performance.  Blues need to make changes as Murphy joins growing injury list of Carrazzo, Laidler, Waite with the sore Duigan and Henderson.

Collingwood: Gutsy win by the Pies over the reigning premiers, will do wonders for team confidence. Injuries to the likes of Tarrant, Brown, Johnson, Reid and Swan the only concern.

Essendon: The Bombers are flying and make the trip to Western Sydney this weekend to tackle the young Giants. The super impressive Bombers are a lock for top four and have tremendous upside.

Fremantle: Poor effort against the Hawks in Launceston with Ross Lyon coming under fire for not utilising his talented ball-winners to advantage. Dockers are a much better side than what their most recent performance showed.

Geelong: Unlucky to go down to Pies on Friday night, but shot themselves in the foot through too many missed opportunities in their front half. A side in transition with alot of youngsters and expect them to improve.

Gold Coast: Full four quarter performances still lacking for the Suns, hence why they’re yet to win a game. Only in year two and will still take time but sustained effort and continual development of players vital.

GWS: Were smashed up at the Gabba but in their defense, the Giants have played most of the top teams in the first eight weeks of the season. Like the Suns, sustained effort and continual development of the list critical to their success in the Western Sydney region.

Hawthorn: Hawks are back on track after big win over Freo. Big plus is the likes of Gilham, Gibson, Stratton and Schoenmakers in the one backline. Luke Hodge’s persistent knee injury the only concern.

Melbourne: Flattening 102-point loss at the SCG, with the Demons at a miserable 0-8 for the season. Several players disinterested and lack of effort is alarming. Long road ahead for Mark Neeld’s Dees.

North Melbourne: Controlled game until last quarter, when Port Adelaide stormed home from 32 points down to win in last 10 minutes. Gut wretching result for Roos and won’t play finals on the back of those efforts.

Port Adelaide: Terrific win for coach Matthew Primus and his coaching career. Proves the Power have the will, determination and spirit to succeed. There’s talent at Alberton, despite contrary views.

Richmond: Came mighty close to toppling the Bombers but ultimately fell short. Damien Hardwick has Tigers on the right track.

St Kilda: The trip West was always going to be a challenge for the Saints but weren’t disgraced. The loss of Stanley, on top of the injured McEvoy further hits their damaged ruck stocks.

Sydney: Easy win over hapless Dees but the absence of Adam Goodes and Shane Mumford leaves them vulnerable against the top sides. Big game against St Kilda this week.

West Coast: Solid win after Essendon debacle the week before. Dean Cox terrific with 5 goals but the absences of LeCras, Kennedy, Nicoski and Embley has hit them hard. Still convinced they won’t drop a game at home.

Western Bulldogs: Two wins in a row puts the Dogs back in the race for a top eight spot. Big test awaits on Friday night against the Cats.