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STRENGTHS: Shades of the Eagles in the way that the Hounds are providing a foundation for future success around the development of a potent ruck and midfield brigade. The Bulldogs are quick and creative and run the ball as well as any side in the competition. While much hoopla around the side centres on the youngsters, the club has as strong a contingent of experienced veterans as any club going around: West, Grant, Johnson, Smith & Eagleton.
WEAKNESSES: For mine, the Hounds still lack the strong bodies required to impose themselves on the big contests. More tellingly, the loss of several talls during the preseason leaves them worryingly vulnerable in key positions. Effectively, they now have Harris (hit & miss at FB); Grant (a champion, but past his best and injury prone); and Davidson (unproven and horribly injury prone) to hold down key posts. Not only does this leave them a tall short to begin with, but they effectively have zero depth for any fresh problems that will almost certainly arise.
PREDICTION: At full strength they would be a major finals prospect, but they seriously lack good balance at the moment, and may struggle accordingly.
Western Bulldogs - 11th
WEAKNESSES: For mine, the Hounds still lack the strong bodies required to impose themselves on the big contests. More tellingly, the loss of several talls during the preseason leaves them worryingly vulnerable in key positions. Effectively, they now have Harris (hit & miss at FB); Grant (a champion, but past his best and injury prone); and Davidson (unproven and horribly injury prone) to hold down key posts. Not only does this leave them a tall short to begin with, but they effectively have zero depth for any fresh problems that will almost certainly arise.
PREDICTION: At full strength they would be a major finals prospect, but they seriously lack good balance at the moment, and may struggle accordingly.
Western Bulldogs - 11th
