By Mick Jeffrey
June 4 2003

The previous 2 weeks for the Western Bulldogs could be best described as on of lost opportunity on field and improvement off field. Saturday was supposed to be a celebration of the off field success of the week at the dome against the Kangaroos. Indeed, it was all going to plan in the third quarter. Sure the defence was not going too crash hot, given that it was raining goals. But it was the other end that was even better, with the attack going to plan. Life was sweet when the team was up by 37 points and a second win was well and truly on the cards.

About 45 minutes later, the mood could not have been different. The consecutive run of lost opportunities continued as for the 3rd week in a row, the Bulldogs blew a chance to win that elusive second game. Incredibly, the side managed to lose by 11 points.

Maybe the side ran out of legs, maybe the opposition found another gear, perhaps the players became too complacent. Either way, blowing a 37 point lead is unacceptable for the players, coaching staff and supporters alike. Some people still cannot belive what had happened on Saturday.

It does not help when the best player in the team is off the ground. Nathan Brown had already kicked 2 goals and was looking menacing. However, he injured his shoulder in the 2nd quarter while going on a long lead. The good news is that he should be OK to face the West Coast Eagles next Sunday. The bad news was that it cost the side of a real focal point up forward, despite the efforts of Brian Harris, Patrick Bowden and the many small forwards that rotated through the forward 50.

If there is one positive to come out of the game, it was the fact that the side was able to score freely. It may not be as effective against the better defences in the league (not that I'm saying that the defence of the Kangaroos is that bad). But at least we know that the club will be able to keep competitive on the scoreboard provided the defence holds its own.

SCORES:
KANGAROOS 24.12.156
BULLDOGS 22.13.145

BULLDOGS GOALS: Johnson 4, Garlick 3, Smith, Gilbee, Giansiracusa, Brown, Birss 2, Bowden, Harrison, McMahon, Hargrave, Dimattina

afl.com.au BEST: Johnson, West, Giansiracusa, Darcy, Garlick, Hargrave