This is essentially our round 2 match. The first two weeks were not our true team, so realistically we have just 1 data point to go off. Let's compare us against storm on paper from the last round.
Storm had 51% possession, a 73% completion rate, ran for 1476 (avg. 36 per set) with an avg. play-the-ball speed of 3.26s. They made 300 tackles (93.7% effective), conceded no line breaks and only conceded 17 tackle breaks.
Bulldogs had 49% possession, a 89% completion rate, ran for 1751 (avg. 50), with an avg. play-the-ball speed of 3.33s. We made 379 tackles (87.7% effective), conceded 1 line break and conceded 36 tackle breaks.
I would say we had the harder / more competent opponents last round than Melbourne did. Their performance last week didn't impress me (penrith literally handed them their first few tries). But to be fair, they had the worse playing conditions (greasy/dewy surface) and did not have to be better.
We certainly have our work cut out for us today, and the loss of Foran is huge... but I really don't see this as an unwinnable clash at all (even if we do go on and get smashed).
Cogger is an unknown, who is as ready as he can ever be for his club debut with a lot to prove. Has set up some good tries with precise kicks and short passes in CCup and could have a blinder today.
No reason we shouldn't be optimistic. Get 'em dogs.
