I'm just wondering whether or not coach Des Hasler might be forced into a rethink on the way his team plays football and the types of players he employs. The forward-dominated play, which has served them so well, is looking a little tired.
I have reservations around the contribution levels of the two halves. Five-eighth Josh Reynolds is a feisty competitor. However, he contributes little on the score of playmaking or creativity. Halfback Moses Mbye is a young player of tremendous potential, but at this stage is not commanding anywhere near enough of the ball.
My major concern for the Bulldogs is with their kicking game. It's not long enough, accurate enough or varied enough. Not to mention the fact that with the loss of Trent Hodkinson they are now lacking a genuine goalkicker.
On Friday night we also witnessed that, man for man, the Rooster players just looked a yard or two quicker. The Bulldog forwards are big and willing, but they tend to lumber along at half-pace when going about their work. By comparison, the Rooster forwards do everything at top speed. Over the course of the 80minutes you could see what effect this was having on the game.
Anyway, Des Hasler is one of the best coaches of the modern era. I'm sure he'll work it out.