Backing up for a second week might be harder than the first...
The returns of Gary Ablett and David Swallow against North Melbourne were lauded in the aftermath of last weekend’s impressive victory, but the difficulty for the pair will be backing up for week two after such a long absence from the game. The football universe marvelled at the second half produced by the dual Brownlow medallist, who after a slow start, broke a close checking tag to do as he pleased. Swallow didn’t reach the same heights against the Kangaroos, although his influence after the main break was telling in the outcome. Liam Picken has moved away from his old role as tagger under Luke Beveridge with Mitch Wallis performing the duty at times. But he may just become reacquainted with Ablett in Cairns. Gold Coast’s midfield suddenly looks far more potent than it did a fortnight ago – having two of your best players back undoubtedly has a flow-on effect across an area of the ground.
All Star rebounding Bulldogs a task for Eade and co
Three Western Bulldogs rebounding defenders have bona fide claims on an All Australian guernsey as we enter the back nine of the 2015 campaign. Robert Murphy and Matthew Boyd are no strangers to this coveted accolade, but one player who is one of the most improved players in the game this season is Easton Wood. Under Beveridge’s tutelage, the Bulldogs back six appears rejuvenated – playing with far more confidence and flair than under the previous regime. Moving Boyd to a half-back flank has been a masterstroke with the seasoned veteran well in the mix for a fourth Charles Sutton medal. And Murphy is Murphy. Since assuming the role as captain during a dark time for the Bulldogs, the polished ball user has elevated his standing in the game. He is all class; there is no disputing that. But the reinvention of Wood has been pivotal in the turnaround in form this season. The speedster is arguably the best intercept defender in the game, reading the play faster than those around him to turn defense into attack in the blink of an eye. Curbing the influence of these three will be high on Eade’s agenda heading into Saturday.
Inconsistent? Look a little deeper into Dixon's career defining season
In the days after Charlie Dixon booted a club record seven-goals against North Melbourne, some sections of the media criticised the spearhead’s inconsistency. But if you delve deeper into his season, it has been somewhat of a breakout season – potentially even a career defining year. A fortnight ago against Carlton, Dixon was the SUNS' best player, booting 3.2 before being substituted out of the game in the third quarter due to an ankle injury. He provided a massive contest against Fremantle in the wet on a day not suited to key forwards and going back further, hauls of four against Collingwood’s Nathan Brown and three from minimal opportunities against Adelaide All Australian Daniel Talia were also impressive. And there was his big bag of six against Brisbane in QClash 9. From nine starts, and off an injury interrupted pre-season, the big bustling key forward has kicked 27 goals – the most he has ever kicked in a single season. Consistency issues? Maybe not. Key forwards don’t kick big bags every week, especially not in this era and particularly not for a team who has been decimated by injury to key midfielders for the best part of a season.
If there was a prize handed out for second-year stars, Kolodjashnij would be favourite
Second-year blues are a mythical curse that live to haunt young stars of the competition. They don’t hand out awards for a player’s second season in the big time, but if they did, Kade Kolodjashnij would be leading the charge. The polished left-footer has risen amidst adversity this season, taking on challenge after challenge from the coaching staff and delivering with minimal fuss or outside fanfare. Last weekend against North Melbourne, the Tasmanian put on a clinic in the opening half. Whilst Dixon and Ablett stole the lion's share of the praise externally, Kolodjashnij’s influence on the outcome wasn’t lost. Dixon and Ablett did their damage in the second-half, when the game was out of North’s reach, whilst Kolodjashnij accumulated 19 possessions before the main break to be the main architect. Externally, he is beginning to earn the plaudits down south that he deserves, particularly given the circumstances that he has crafted a brilliant second year from.
One comes in, one comes out
Just when the Gold Coast SUNS back six strengthens its spine, one of their prime runners is sidelined with injury. It’s been the tale for much of the season, and it is the case once again this week with key defender Rory Thompson returning from a hip injury, whilst rookie revelation Adam Saad departs with a groin issue. Having not played since round six, the return of Thompson alongside the in-form Steven May ensures the SUNS have a full complement of their first-choice spine for the first time in a long time. The Western Bulldogs front six presents an unorthodox challenge with their two leading goal kickers, Jake Stringer (28 goals) and Tory Dickson (22 goals), being non key position types. Inexperienced forward pairing Tom Boyd (21 games) and Jack Redpath (5 games) continue to keep Stewart Crameri out of the side and present intriguing match-up decisions for Rodney Eade.
