Expected Finish – 3rd -5th
Actual Finish – 3rd

15 Wins, 7 Losses

Another season that has now left Bulldogs supporters asking the same questions of 2008 “What if? ”. The Dogs were able to produce another solid home and away season and went into the finals in 2009 full of confidence. They narrowly lost to Geelong, defeated Brisbane easily and then lost to the Saints in a close match many believe they should have won. The Dogs players have again improved this season and look more and more like contenders.

That being said the Dogs still have some improvements to make. The big games seem to never produce what the fans want and they are constantly left with that burning question that are still yet to be answered.

Backline

The Dogs defence this season was ranked 6th in the league only letting in 1,940 points for the year. The emergence of Brian Lake has been one of the best things for the team. He became an All Australian player this season and was the backbone of the team. Tom Williams missed a bit of Football in 2009 which did hurt the Dogs in some of their big games when they needed another tall. Hargrave and Gilbee also had good seasons. The backline of the Dogs will benefit from a full pre season from Williams. All Australian Dale Morris also performed well throughout the season showing that the Dogs have the talent down back to match it with the best.

Midfield

The strength of the Dogs is well and truly its midfield which again performed to a very good level in 2009. Last years Brownlow medalist Adam Cooney had another consistent year but did not reach the highs of 2008. The players you expect to perform through the centre certainly did with Griffin, Cross, Boyd and Higgins all able to have solid years. The standouts for me however would be the emergence of Callan Ward who will only improve after this season. Jason Akermanis adds so much to this team as he can go forward and kick goals and also be thrown in the centre to break a game open. He had 96 inside 50s for the season and in my opinion will have to be there for the Dogs to win a premiership.

Forwards

The Dogs forward line again was very high scoring in 2009 ranking second for points scored in 2009. However I think that the forward line is not suitable in big games which was proven in 2009 finals series results. The Dogs have an even spread of goal kickers which does help them produce big scores as they are not reliant on one player. Johnson only kicked 37 goals this season down on his recent form. Mitch Hahn also kicked 38 goals for the season. Akermanis gets a mention here as he was able to kick 43 goals for the season. The strong midfield always chips in with goals but there is one key missing in this forward line which I will touch on in the players needed section.

Rucks

The rucks of Hudson and Minson both had good years for the Dogs. Hudson managed 24 games and 388 hit outs for the season. Minson played all 25 games for the season and showed some good improvement, 365 hit outs, 43 inside 50s, 70 tackles and averaged 12 disposals per game. Spent some time in the forward line and kicked 16 goals for the season.

Players needed for next year

Key Forward, plain and simple I don’t think the Dogs can continue to threaten the better teams without a key forward in their team. The players do a great job at the moment but I believe with the delivery from the midfield a dominant key forward would sure up their team and make them a fantastic chance for the flag in 2010. Like him or not a fit Barry Hall is the best fit for the Dogs, a one year contract and the chance of a flag. Chase him and chase hard is my view.

Looking Forward

Another season that was so close yet so far for the Dogs. The supporters are beginning to become restless and will want some results from their current list of players. Preliminary finals are good but will not have this team remembered. The list is their and the players have the talent. 2010 should be another good year for the Dogs and I would be tipping another good attempt at the premiership.

If you add a key forward into the mix for the Dogs the chances increase dramatically. The finals that they are losing could so have easily been won with the aid of a big forward that can impact a game.