After three rounds of the Canterbury AFL season, a huge player turnover means that player development must remain a focal point for the remainder of the year if the Bulldogs are to realise their back-to-back ambitions.
Young pup Tom Smith is throwing every one of his 38 kilograms into contests and is impresssing with his lack of self preservation in the hunt for the red pill. Using one of Harry's questionable statistics, this year has seen 41 players turn out for either training or game time and of those 41, 31 are first time players with the club. This shows that we have recruited well, and need to wrestle with the balance of game time for experience and getting the right mix on the park to continue winning.
Injuries have taken a toll already, having first gamers and captains alike going down with shoulder problems, not forgetting the shift work habits of some of the more experienced players. It is a recipe designed to challenge the teamwork and balance of the squad as well as testing the sides overall depth.
There can be no expectations that because the first three games were won and good character was shown when required, that the rest of the season will go according to plan. Our most important game of the year is always the next one, and this week puts us against the strong and in form Blues, who desperately want to finish top and more desperately want to beat us to prove to themselves they are the team to beat.
Come ready for a battle this week boys, winning this game will go a very long way to getting the week off before the Grand Final. Let's keep the momentum going forward and be the frontrunners for the season. Be your best!
Last Modified on 18/09/2014 08:41