Defence: B-
Attack: C+
Structure: C
Coaching: A-
Selections: B+
Potential: A
Predicted ladder position: 3rd or 4th
The Bulldogs of 2012 looked a lot more impressive at this stage of the season, but despite that they had only one extra win on the board.
Defence- Last season all our success revolved around our near impenetrable defensive structure. This year we seem to have developed a couple of lapses on one side of the field. I think our line speed is also down on where it was last season. I hope we solve these issues before finals time.
Attack- Recently we are getting closer to an A but we began the year at D+, we had enthusiasm but little respect for ball security and we were heavily penalized which meant we could lose momentum as quickly as were able to gain it. Kicking options were poor which meant we couldn't sustain pressure for more than a set of six. We still lose our rudder when we get within 20 metres of scoring but we have improved there a bit because we have some variety in our kicking options now. We are starting to see the team get repeat sets where earlier we'd see a lot more changes of possession. The exciting thing is that we have a lot of room for improvement and we are still winning most of our games. We should be much more fluent in attack by the time the finals begin.
Structure- We had a few teething problems this year. The 2nd row position on the right side of the field had 2 very solid defenders filling the position last season in Stagg and Halatau. Williams just isn't and won't be as mobile in defense as either of them and this has formed a questionable area in our defensive structure. I don't think this is Entirely the fault of Williams. With the shuffling between Inu and Lafai in the centre position on that side, something has gone astray in terms of communication between Lafai and Perret and often we see them reading from different scripts on where they should be headed in relation to each other. Our attacking structure looks fine to me though.
Coaching- I'm not sure if Hasler has the side set to improve slowly so we have some surprises left for the finals or not but in Des i trust. We will be near our best at the right end of the season.
Selections- I've been pretty happy with player selection. We had to rely on depth at the start pf the year but everyone performed fairly well so no complaints with who we've seen in the side. I would have preferred to see Williams eased into the side off the bench though. He did look VERY lost when he first started.
Potential- We only had three permanent changes to the top 17 this season with Williams, Hodkinson and Browne replacing Stagg, Keating and Turner but Hodkinson adds a lot to our kicking game and Williams at his best can be a real handful in attack. So i think when things click on that side of the field we will be dangerous accross the park. As long as we keep most of this team on the field i think we can improve enough to go one better.
