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Perth Now
an hour ago
- Perth Now
Bulldogs dare to dream with season on a knife's edge
The Western Bulldogs have the right brand of football to go all the way this AFL finals series - they just have to get there first. That's the view of 2016 premiership Bulldog Jason Johannisen, as the club's season hangs on a knife's edge. The Bulldogs (52 points) sit ninth with two games to go against West Coast then Fremantle, four points shy of Gold Coast, Hawthorn and GWS. Realistically, Luke Beveridge's charges need to win both games and have either the Suns, who have a game in hand, Hawks or Giants to slip up, in order to make the top eight. But if they can pull that off, Johannisen believes the sky is the limit. "We play the right brand of footy to win it all," he told AAP. "The challenge is just putting it together and putting in a four-quarter effort, because that's what it takes. "And we need an even contribution from everyone. We can't just rely on too few, although some of our stars are playing some really influential football. "Our best footy can match it with anyone. It's just the challenge is doing it over a four-quarter period. "We're up for that challenge, and we're excited for it." The Bulldogs' forwards are "feeding off" the energy of key forward Aaron Naughton (55 goals), who is third in the Coleman Medal. But emerging midfield star Ed Richards saved the day in last week's thrilling win over Melbourne and looms as a pivotal figure, alongside skipper Marcus Bontempelli, in the Dogs' finals hunt. "He's become a bona fide superstar of the competition," Johannisen said. "What makes him so impactful is his use going forward is just top notch. He doesn't miss many targets, and in front of goals, he usually kicks them. "He's had a terrific season." With their season on a knife's edge, the Bulldogs know they cannot afford any slip-ups against the cellar-dwelling Eagles at Marvel Stadium on Sunday. "They've got nothing to lose, so they're going to play with some freedom and some flair," he said. "We've got to combat that. We just know that if we dig into our style, that it will overcome anything." Johannisen, who won the 2016 Norm Smith Medal, was limited to just 28 games between 2022 and 2024 though a series of injuries. But the 32-year-old has managed 14 this year including the past seven on the bounce, which has helped vanquish thoughts his time could well be up. "It does cross your mind," he said. "But at the end of the day, this group is what gets you going in rehab and just wanting to get back and play with your teammates. "That's been my main drive - and that will always be there."
Sydney Morning Herald
8 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
New Zealand Warriors
Kiwi prop Naufahu Whyte led from the front with a double and Daniel Tupou scored a hat-trick as thet Roosters belted the Bulldogs on Friday night.
Perth Now
9 hours ago
- Perth Now
No Fyfe farewell yet: Longmuir bullish on finals hopes
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir has told Nat Fyfe there won't be any farewells just yet as the Dockers brace themselves for a make-or-break final-round game against the Western Bulldogs. Friday night's 57-point loss to Brisbane has left Fremantle's finals hopes hanging by a thread, with the game against the Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on Sunday week set to decide the Dockers' fate. The retiring Fyfe was given a guard of honour by both Brisbane and Fremantle after the Lions' impressive 15.11 (101) to 5.14 (44) win at Optus Stadium. Supersub Fyfe came on for the start of the final quarter and finished with eight disposals and one clearance. Even if Fremantle beat the Bulldogs next week, it may not be enough to earn them a home final, meaning Fyfe may not get the chance to play in front of the Purple Army again. Fyfe will no doubt be the centre of attention leading into Fremantle's final-round fixture, but Longmuir believes there are still a few more games left to play for the two-time Brownlow medallist. "I haven't said my farewells to him yet. I told him that after the game. We've got plenty of footy left in us," a defiant Longmuir said. "We've won 11 of our last 13. I know everyone will be doom and gloom and write us off again after tonight, but I've got a lot of faith in this team. "It didn't go our way tonight, but like I said to them after the game, we'll review it the same way, get better, dust ourselves off and we'll go again." Fremantle missed the finals last year with a 12-10-1 record, losing their last four games to fall from third to 10th. The Dockers (15-7) could suffer a similar fate this year, but Longmuir is backing his maturing group to get the job done. "We've grown a lot. We've already won three more games than last year," Longmuir said. "We were playing in spits and spurts at the start of the year, we've got some players back and found our groove. "It didn't give our way tonight, but everyone wants to talk about the last four games of last year. "We had some injuries through that period to really key players. People forget about that as well. "But we'll get better, and take our best over to Melbourne and play the Dogs." In a huge boost for Fremantle, star midfielder Hayden Young is on track to return from an adductor strain against the Bulldogs. "He's a good chance for next week," Longmuir said. "We've got longer break. We'll be able to get some work into him, and he's a good chance." Fremantle conceded the opening five goals on Friday and had 0.8 to their name before finally kicking their first major late in the second term. Longmuir wasn't sure whether the weight of the occasion or the emotion surrounding Fyfe's retirement had affected the group.
