Bulldogs Tune-Up, Hawks Struggle: AFL Pre-Season Insights
The Western Bulldogs delivered a dominant performance against Hawthorn in their final pre-season outing, signaling positive momentum heading into their Round 1 clash with Brisbane. Meanwhile, the Hawks face questions after a lackluster display, despite a near full-strength lineup.
English Dominates, Sanders Shows Promise
Tim English was a standout for the Bulldogs, racking up 23 disposals, six marks, four clearances, and two goals. His performance in the ruck is a particularly encouraging sign for Bulldogs fans. Youngster Ryley Sanders also impressed with 26 disposals before being concussed late in the match, a setback that will see him miss the season opener against the Lions.
Bulldogs development coach Jarryn Geary acknowledged Sanders’ injury, stating he’ll be assessed on Wednesday. Geary highlighted Sanders’ potential, noting his previous hiccup but emphasizing his desire to improve. Jordan Croft and Arthur Jones also shone in attack, each booting three goals.
Hawks Face Concerns Ahead of Season Opener
The Hawks, missing only Tom Barrass and Karl Amon from their likely Round 1 team, were comprehensively outplayed. Their issues spanned all areas of the ground – a porous defense, a midfield largely dominated by the Bulldogs, and a forward line overly reliant on Jack Gunston.
Assistant coach Adrian Hickmott offered a positive post-match appraisal, but the performance is unlikely to fill head coach Sam Mitchell with confidence. The failure to secure Zach Merrett, coupled with Will Day’s injury struggles, adds to the midfield concerns.
Key Performances in Melbourne-Richmond Clash
In a separate pre-season match, Melbourne defeated Richmond 12.6 (78) to 6.7 (43) in a game impacted by lightning. Melbourne’s slicker ball movement and potent forward line were on display, with Jacob van Rooyen contributing three majors. Richmond’s veteran forward Tom Lynch was uncharacteristically inaccurate.
Rising Stars and Injury Updates
Koltyn Tholstrup, a young Melbourne forward, impressed with a long-range goal, showcasing his skill, and power. Caleb Windsor’s increased midfield time signals a shift in Melbourne’s game plan, emphasizing running power and transition. However, Richmond suffered injuries to Luker Kentfield (concussion) and Sam Cumming (shoulder).
AFL Pre-Season: What Does It All Mean?
Pre-season games offer valuable insights, but it’s crucial to interpret the results with caution. The Bulldogs appear well-prepared for a challenging start against Brisbane, while the Hawks have work to do to address their shortcomings. Melbourne’s evolving midfield and Richmond’s injury concerns will be key storylines to watch as the season unfolds.
FAQ
Q: Will Ryley Sanders be fit for Round 1?
A: No, Sanders will miss the clash with the Lions after being concussed in the practice match.
Q: What were the key issues for Hawthorn in their loss to the Bulldogs?
A: The Hawks struggled across all three zones, with issues in defense, midfield, and attack.
Q: Who stood out for the Western Bulldogs?
A: Tim English and Ryley Sanders (before his injury) were particularly impressive, along with Jordan Croft and Arthur Jones.
Q: What is the significance of Caleb Windsor’s increased midfield time for Melbourne?
A: It indicates a shift towards a more running-based midfield, emphasizing transition and speed.
Q: What impact did the weather have on the Melbourne vs Richmond game?
A: Lightning forced the game to be abandoned midway through the third quarter.
Pro Tip: Don’t overreact to pre-season results. Teams often experiment with different strategies and lineups during this period.
Did you know? Buku Khamis, a Bulldogs swingman, was previously sought after by Carlton but couldn’t strike a deal to move.
Stay tuned for more AFL coverage as the season gets underway! Explore our other articles for in-depth analysis and expert insights.
