Key defender Alex Keath hopes a mid-season break may also help the Western Bulldogs clean up and refocus for a cost in direction of the AFL’s top-four – and presumably silverware.
The Bulldogs (8-6) sit a recreation clear inside the highest eight regardless of dropping three of their final 4 video games heading into their round-15 bye.
They steadied the ship with a 21-point victory over North Melbourne final week.
But it got here at a price when defenders Liam Jones (damaged arm) and Tim O’Brien (hamstring) have been added to a protracted damage listing with setbacks that can hold them sidelined for 2 months.
“Realistically, the last month hasn’t gone the way we would’ve liked,” Keath instructed AAP.
“We’ve played some good sides and we’ve been competitive.
“But if we wish to problem and make a very good fist of issues on the finish of the 12 months, we have got some enhancing to do.”
The Bulldogs host Fremantle at Marvel Stadium in round 16 and face only two current top-eight sides in the run home.
Key backs Jones and O’Brien are hoping to be fit before the finals, while running defenders Jason Johannisen and Ed Richards (both hamstring) could be back within a month.
Versatile young tall Sam Darcy (jaw) is also poised to return to fitness in coming weeks.
“The perception on this group’s big and it will likely be good if we get some cattle again,” Keath stated.
“You at all times want a little bit of luck with that form of stuff.
“But the belief’s certainly there and a lot of hard work’s gone into the first half of the year, so I think we can build on it now.”
The Bulldogs have to patch up their defence for the Fremantle conflict, having used spearhead Aaron Naughton and wingman Bailey Williams as makeshift backmen in opposition to North Melbourne when Jones and O’Brien went down.
Coach Luke Beveridge says it is unlikely Naughton will proceed in defence, indicating reserves trio Ryan Gardner, James O’Donnell and Josh Bruce could be thought of for remembers.
But Naughton stays a viable possibility if required.
The 23-year-old was drafted as a key defender and spent his first AFL 12 months within the back-line earlier than shifting ahead, the place he has kicked 124 targets in 61 video games during the last two-and-a-half seasons.
“He’s one that can play a number of roles,” Keath stated.
“Obviously he’s been integral forward for us but having him in the back-line is fantastic. I love playing alongside him down there.
“Whether it’s one thing to stick with stays to be seen however he is a improbable participant for us at both finish.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
