It was a season of inconsistency for the Bulldogs.
After being a half of football away from winning the premiership last season, Luke Beveridge’s side looked set to redeem themselves and make another charge at a flag.
Unfortunately, it was clear early on that the Bulldogs would need another magical run to achieve that goal, with the club bouncing between brilliant wins and brutal losses seemingly round by round.
Despite only spending a total of four rounds within the top eight, the Bulldogs were able to sneak into the finals with a 12-10 record, securing a trip interstate to take on Fremantle in an Elimination Final, which ultimately ended in heartbreak after throwing away an early 41-point lead.
The season in a sentence
Their best could compete with anyone, but their worst continually let them down.
The Highlight
The win over Melbourne in Round 19 allowed Bulldogs fans to dream big once more.
The second Grand Final rematch of the year, the Bulldogs came into the game fresh off a convincing win over St Kilda, keeping their finals hopes alive.
Falling behind by 24 midway through the second quarter, a repeat of their Round 1 defeat looked to be imminent.
However, a stirring comeback was on the cards for the Dogs who ultimately came away with a 10-point victory, led by an impressive five-goal haul from young gun Jamarra Ugle-Hagan in what was the best performance of his career.
The Lowlight
The Bulldogs looked to be in prime position to lock in a semi-final matchup against Collingwood after racking up a 41-point lead over the Dockers halfway through the second term of their Elimination Final.
The Bulldogs were at the top of their game, running rampant at Optus Stadium as hopes for a deep finals push began to mount.
Flash forward to the end of the match and the Dockers have kicked 11 of the last 13 goals, stampeding back in front of their home fans and defeating the Bulldogs by 13 points.
As soon as Fremantle started to heat up, the Bulldogs crumbled, ultimately being on the wrong end of the second largest finals comeback of the AFL era.
It was a loss that was emblematic of the Dogs’ season, showing both the side at their brilliant best as well as their lifeless worst.
Off-season moves to make
Plenty of action will be happening at the Bulldogs over the trade period.
With star midfielder Josh Dunkley looking likely to head interstate and Jason Johannisen considering a move to the Suns, there could be a few holes in the side, however they do have the depth to fill these gaps.
The Bulldogs have Fremantle’s Rory Lobb seemingly on his way, adding another big body into the forward mix, as well as defensive reinforcements in the form of Liam Jones.
Adding Lobb and Jones should sure-up their spine, something that has troubled them in recent years.
On the chopping block
Former no.2 pick Josh Schache only had a handful of senior appearances this year and finds himself without a contract for 2022.
Mitch Wallis, Stef Martin and Zaine Cordy are also out of contract beyond this season.
Defender Hayden Crozier is reportedly looking around for other opportunities, falling out of favour at the club with a year left on his contract.
B&F Top 3
- Marcus Bontempelli
- Tom Liberatore
- Josh Dunkley
Marcus Bontempelli had another terrific year and is well-positioned to secure his fifth Charles Sutton Medal, however Liberatore and Dunkley should both be in contention.
Season grade
5/10