Bulldogs dare to dream with season on a knife's edge
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."
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Sydney Morning Herald
4 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Roosters bash the Bulldogs black and blue to sound finals alarm
Key posts 10.03pm Roosters bash the Bulldogs black and blue to sound finals alarm 9.55pm Tupou completes hat-trick as Roosters march into top eight 9.33pm Burton intercept gives Bulldogs some hope 9.25pm Galvin gets it wrong, Walker gets it right as Tupou scores again 9.15pm Whyte crashes over for his second and the Dogs are in trouble 8.51pm Roosters pile on the pressure and score another 8.36pm Walker edges Roosters ahead after penalty 8.25pm Walker kicks for Tupou and it's all square Hide key posts Latest posts Pinned post from 10.03pm on Aug 15, 2025 By Dan Walsh For a team that was supposed to be rebuilding, according to those outside the Roosters' opulent Allianz Stadium walls (and quietly, a few within the Tricolours HQ), Trent Robinson's side is giving the 2025 title race one hell of a shake. And for a pack featuring roughly $3.5 million in Origin and international talent, it is undoubtedly hustling, bustling Kiwi prop Naufahu Whyte who is now the Roosters' spiritual leader. Just ask Canterbury, beaten first physically with Whyte leading the assault, then on the scoreboard too – 32-12 – as the front-rower bagged two tries in nine minutes and doubled his career tally. For all the hand-wringing after a small galaxy of stars left the building and the Broncos put 50 on them in round 1, the Roosters have suddenly emerged as one of the NRL's form sides. How else can you describe them? In the past three weeks they've outmuscled Manly in the wet, thrashed the Dolphins and now trounced the Bulldogs, a genuine premiership contender. All while knowing their season could be all but scotched with a loss anywhere in that run. All season, Whyte has been immense. And for all the representative credentials of his teammates like Spencer Leniu, Lindsay Collins, Angus Crichton and Victor Radley, the 23-year-old with big hair and a bigger motor is the top prop around Bondi way. By the time Robinson gave him his first breather on Friday night, Whyte had two tries, 113 metres from 17 runs and 22 tackles to show for his 54 minutes at the coalface. 'I thought the system of play these guys wanted to play pulled [the Bulldogs] apart and then Naufahu has been leading the way a lot in that,' Robinson said. 'He's been impressive, really impressive.' Skipper James Tedesco added: 'He's been here for a while and this year I think he's just matured and grown as a person and a player. He's really turned into a leader... he's become one of the best front-rowers in the game.' The Roosters' timely run has lifted them into the top eight with games against Parramatta, Melbourne and South Sydney to finish the season. Their finals fate is now not only in their hands, but alongside Penrith, Robinson's side suddenly shapes as one rivals won't fancy crossing in September. Canterbury's yo-yoing of late meanwhile, is cause for concern. A 42-4 carve-up of Manly, into an insipid loss to the Tigers, back to their best against the Warriors, and now beaten black and blue by the Roosters is hardly an encouraging form line. 'I sort of blame myself there,' a quietly fuming Cameron Ciraldo said. 'Guys are carrying niggling [injuries] and they just get through training instead of actually training. I'm going to stop that. If you can't train it results in a performance like that. 'We've got a deep squad and a lot of good players who didn't play tonight. If we don't want to prepare to win then I'll put someone in that does.' Aside from Enari Tuala's opening try, and a late Matt Burton intercept, the Roosters had the Bulldogs covered. Standing opposite Tuala, Daniel Tupou was a natural target for Sam Walker's chipped and dinked kicks – putting a pair of tries on a platter for the veteran. Between Tupou's first two tries came a rough and tumble grind the Roosters slowly gained the ascendancy of. Thanks to Whyte. The big man's first try was fortuitous, a late Angus Crichton offload falling his way when Canterbury's line couldn't be cracked. But Whyte's second was a front-rower's dream – with Lachlan Galvin a bug on his windshield and carried for five metres to the tryline, along with three of his teammates. Loading The Bulldogs' rally came all too late from 26-6 down. After the Roosters had dominated the physical exchanges for an hour, Canterbury found their shoulders and hammered the Roosters into errors. Each error that left them defending deep in their own end was covered by scramble defence, though. And Canterbury turned balls over as they pushed passes and chased points. Tempers frayed along the way too – with Sam Hughes and Max King both on report for high shots, though Billy Smith may have the most to worry about for an ugly cannonball tackle. Otherwise for the Roosters, who finished in style as Tupou claimed his third try of the evening, life is looking pretty good. 9.55pm on Aug 15, 2025 Tupou completes hat-trick as Roosters march into top eight That's the cherry on top for the Roosters and Daniel Tupou, who dives over for his hat-trick try in the left corner after some lovely passing from Sam Walker and James Tedesco. Tupou is now past 180 tries and closing in on Billy Slater's career tally of 190. Tupou is 34 years old but has still got it. Walker meanwhile can do no wrong and fades his right-foot conversion in from the left touchline, capping a dream night for the Roosters. It's hard to believe they came into tonight's game sitting ninth on the ladder, but they'll leapfrog the Dolphins and Sharks – at least for now – and climb into seventh place. Roosters beat Bulldogs 32-12 at Allianz Stadium 9.50pm on Aug 15, 2025 Roosters defence comes up trumps again Great defence again from the Roosters now – the Bulldogs go left, the Roosters defence slides, Mark Nawaqanitawase holds his spot on the wing, and when the ball finds Jacob Kiraz the Tricolours swarm to tackle him over the sideline. Another penalty for a high tackle against the Bulldogs, this time on Max King, but after Roosters players run in again referee Grant Atkins has words with Tricolours skipper James Tedesco. If another Roosters player runs in for a bit of argy bargy they'll be spending the final minutes of this one in the sin bin. Meanwhile time has just about run out on the Bulldogs tonight. Roosters lead 26-12 with five minutes left 9.43pm on Aug 15, 2025 Bulldogs go close, then take pressure off with Hughes high shot Another Roosters error now, Mark Nawaqanitawase doing well to bring down a bomb then beat the attempted tackle of Viliame Kikau, only to lose his grip on the ball while getting tackled. It gives the Bulldogs a new set 10 metres out from the Roosters' line – another try here could make this a very interesting finish. It's not a great set from the Bulldogs, but it finishes well when they go through the hands to the left, and Jacob Kiraz kicks ahead and tackles Hugo Savala in the in-goal. But this time Savala's dropout is a short one, which goes off Stephen Crichton's legs and ends up in the hands of Spencer Leniu. The Roosters have it back, and Billy Smith is hit high by Sam Hughes on the following play. The Roosters don't like it and players are rushing in from everywhere. The referee calms things down and it's a penalty to the Roosters. 9.33pm on Aug 15, 2025 Burton intercept gives Bulldogs some hope A better kick from Lachie Galvin this time – once again it's caught easily by Daniel Tupou, but this time he takes it in the field of play and is shoved into the in-goal by the swarming Bulldogs defenders. The dropout gives Canterbury a much-needed repeat set, but it ends when Matt Burton's grubber is easily defused by Mark Nawaqanitawase. Both wingers have been great for the Roosters tonight, as have both halves, and their props – across the board really they've been excellent. Angus Crichton has been a handful on the left edge, Victor Radley has shown some real class with his short passing in the middle, and the Tricolours' defence has been great. But now… a rare mistake. And it's a costly one – Hugo Savala throwing an intercept pass for the very quick Matt Burton who streams clear to beat Nawaqanitawase to the tryline. Stephen Crichton nails the conversion. 9.25pm on Aug 15, 2025 Galvin gets it wrong, Walker gets it right as Tupou scores again Everything's going the Roosters' way now – so much so that even when the Bulldogs get a trip upfield via a penalty and Lachlan Galvin puts up an attacking bomb, it backfires. Galvin's bomb is a little too deap, Daniel Tupou takes it in the in-goal, and charges upfield to take a quick 20-metre tap. The Roosters charge down into Canterbury territory with their seven-tackle set, and on the last, another perfect Sam Walker kick is on the spot for Tupou to leap over Enari Tuala and score his second. All too easy. Roosters lead 24-6 with 25 minutes left 9.15pm on Aug 15, 2025 Whyte crashes over for his second and the Dogs are in trouble A rare error from Connor Tracey, who makes a meal of a Hugo Savala bomb, gives the Roosters another shot at the Bulldogs line. And they go in again, Naufahu Whyte running off Sam Walker and carrying three Canterbury defenders over the tryline with a bullocking run. The Roosters scored 64 points last week. They won't match that tonight but they are every chance of running away with another big win, even against this excellent Bulldogs defence. Roosters lead 20-6 after 47 minutes 9.12pm on Aug 15, 2025 Burton blunder then a cracker from Crichton The second half is underway and once again Matt Burton looks to hammer a long 40-20 – but it's a little off target and Mark Nawaqanitawase makes a big play, planting a foot over the sideline before taking it on the full – and the Roosters get possession well inside Bulldogs territory. The Roosters attack to the left but Billy Smith is wrapped up by a great Stephen Crichton tackle that spills the ball free. Roosters lead 14-6 after 43 minutes 9.03pm on Aug 15, 2025 Half-time stats snapshot: Roosters well on top 8.54pm on Aug 15, 2025 Roosters with all the momentum at the break It's all Roosters now. Five-eighth Hugo Savala makes a half break, then Sam Walker puts up another testing bomb, Mark Nawaqanitawase taps it back, and James Tedesco kicks for the in-goal to force another dropout. The Bulldogs kick it long and hold on for the final few seconds, and will be happy to go into the half-time break. Roosters lead 14-6 at half-time
Daily Telegraph
8 hours ago
- Daily Telegraph
AFL live ladder predictor: Every club's finals chances during round 23
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL News. Followed categories will be added to My News. Adelaide has edged closer to locking up top spot on the AFL ladder after outlasting Collingwood in an epic battle at the Adelaide Oval. Amid a barrage of Collingwood inside 50s, the Crows held on to break a 10-game losing streak to the Magpies, who lost at the ground for the first time in 10 visits. It means Adelaide has locked up a top-two spot, and can claim the minor premiership with a win over North Melbourne next week. MORE: Crows break Collingwood hearts in finals-like epic Earlier, Gold Coast had a chance to sew up a top four position and plan an assault on the top two, but that's all up in the air now. The Giants came and conquered, all but securing a finals campaign in a huge upset that shakes up the ladder. Brisbane locked up its own future with an upset of its own over the Dockers, with Fremantle now in a perilous position where they could miss finals. It is becoming increasingly likely that there will be a 15-win team miss finals for the first time in the league's history. This page will be updated throughout the weekend's games to show exactly who is favoured to miss the cut at any given point. Adelaide Crows were the first to lock in finals. Picture: Janelle St Pierre/AFL Photos/via Getty Images 1. ADELAIDE Played: 21, Won: 17, Lost: 5, Percentage: 141 RUN HOME R24: North Melbourne, Marvel (Saturday afternoon) What a win over Collingwood! The Crows have locked in the minor premiership - pretty much. They would need to lose to North Melbourne in round 24 to drop off, but even then, a home qualifying final awaits. Best Case Scenario: 1st Beat Kangaroos OR lose to Kangaroos AND Cats lose to Tigers Worst Case Scenario: 2nd Lose to Kangaroos AND Cats beats Tigers Expected Finish: 1st Beat Kangaroos OR lose to Kangaroos AND Cats lose to Tigers The Lions secured a finals berth after their win over the Dockers. Picture: Getty Images 2. BRISBANE Played: 22, Won: 15, Drawn: 1, Lost: 6, Percentage: 114.3 RUN HOME R24: Hawthorn, Gabba (Sunday night) Brisbane has secured its immediate future with a win over Fremantle – the Lions will play finals. A win over Hawthorn in round 24 could see them edge inside the top four, which is a huge result given the injury woes in recent weeks. Losing to Hawthorn would result in a home elimination final; potentially even against Hawthorn. Best Case Scenario: 1st Win against Hawks AND Crows lose to Magpies and Kangaroos AND Cats lose to Swans and Tigers AND Magpies lose to Demons Worst Case Scenario: 8th Lose against Hawks AND Giants beat Saints AND Dockers beat Bulldogs Expected Finish: 4th Locked up a finals appearance with a dominant win over Fremantle on Friday. Now a lot relies on the win over Hawthorn next Sunday. We're still on Jeremy Cameron 100 watch. Picture: Getty Images 3. GEELONG Played: 21, Won: 15, Lost: 6, Percentage: 139.8 RUN HOME R23: Sydney, SCG (Sunday afternoon) R24: Richmond, MCG (Saturday afternoon) Sydney at the SCG could be a tricky fixture to venture through, but if the Cats escape victorious then a top-two finish beckons. A minor premiership is not out of reach, but it would take a Collingwood win over Adelaide and a perfect end to the season – with enough of a margin to overturn the small percentage difference. Best Case Scenario: 1st Win against Swans and Tigers AND Crows lose to Magpies or Kangaroos, with a 2.6% turnaround Worst Case Scenario: 8th Lose to Swans and Tigers AND Hawks beat Lions AND Giants beat Saints Expected Finish: 2nd Win against Swans and Tigers and have expected winners from other matches A win over Sydney opens up a shot at the minor premiership, but only if the Crows slip up. But lose to the Swans and the Cats could slide outside the top four. Suns losing to Giants also firms up a top two finish There's still a lot to play out for the Magpies. Picture: Getty Images 4. COLLINGWOOD Played: 22, Won: 15, Lost: 6, Percentage: 123.1 RUN HOME R24: Melbourne, MCG (Friday night) What an eight-pointer that game was. Collingwood could've locked up a top-four finish if they held on against the Crows on a wet Saturday night. Now they need to beat Melbourne to be in the conversation for a double chance. Best Case Scenario: 2nd Beat Demons AND have Cats drop two, plus Lions lose to Hawthorn. Worst Case Scenario: 8th Lose to Melbourne AND have Giants beat Saints AND have Hawks beat Lions AND have Bulldogs beat Dockers Expected Finish: 4th Lose to Crows but beat Demons and have expected winners from other matches 5. HAWTHORN Played: 22, Won: 15, Lost: 7, Percentage: 122.7 RUN HOME R24: Brisbane, Gabba (Sunday night) A convincing win over Melbourne has them just about locked into finals - where they end up is still up to other results. Win against Brisbane and they're a chance for top four, lose and its elimination final time. They can't finish 9th; their percentage is better than Fremantle's and they're eight points ahead of the Dogs - who play each other next week. Best Case Scenario: 4th Beat Lions AND have Magpies lose to Melbourne. Worst Case Scenario: 8th Lose to Lions, and have expected winners from the other matches Expected Finish: 8th Lose to Lions, and have expected winners from the other matches The Dockers loss and Giants win means the Hawks can't finish ninth, but will likely finish eighth. An upset win at the Gabba next week pushes them into double chance territory. GWS could make the top four or miss the finals. Picture: Getty Images 6. GWS GIANTS Played: 22, Won: 15, Lost: 7, Percentage: 115.5 RUN HOME R24: St Kilda, ENGIE (Sunday afternoon) The Giants will be playing finals after their upset over the Suns. But while they can keep moving up the ladder, an elimination final beckons - very likely a home final if they knock off the Saints next week. Best Case Scenario: 5th Beat Saints AND have Suns lose to either Power or Bombers AND have Hawks beat Lions Worst Case Scenario: 8th Lose to Saints Expected Finish: 6th Beat Saints The Giants stamped their ticket to the finals with the dominant upset win over the Suns. Even if they lose to the Saints in round 24, they are locked into finals. A home final beckons if they win next week. The show is not over just yet for Nat Fyfe. Picture: Janelle St Pierre/7. FREMANTLE Played: 22, Won: 15, Lost, 7, Percentage: 108.6 RUN HOME R24: Western Bulldogs, Marvel (Sunday afternoon) Get ready for a classic 'round 24 elimination final' for Fremantle. The Dockers had a real chance to lock in a finals berth on Friday, but the loss to Brisbane could cost them a September appearance. They can still make the eight without winning next week, but it would take a whole lot of luck. Best Case Scenario: 4th Win against Bulldogs AND Cats lose to both Swans and Tigers AND Magpies lose to both Crows and Demons AND Lions beat Hawks Worst Case Scenario: 9th Lose to Bulldogs and have expected winners from other matches Expected Finish: 9th Lose to Bulldogs and have expected winners from other matches The Dockers' destiny is still in their hands - win and they're in. But lose and they miss out. A true Round 24 elimination final. The Suns are on the verge of their first finals campaign. Picture:8. GOLD COAST Played: 21, Won: 14, Lost: 7, Percentage: 121.2 RUN HOME R24: Port Adelaide, AO (Friday night) R24: Essendon, PFS (Wednesday night) Could the loss at home against the Giants be the moment in history we look back at? Surely the Suns don't miss finals from here, but the pressure is on to hold onto a double chance. Best Case Scenario: 3rd Win games against Power and Bombers AND have Lions lose to Hawks Worst Case Scenario: 9th Lose games against Power and Bombers Expected Finish: 3rd Win against Power and Bombers AND have Cats win against either Swans or Tigers A loss against the Giants has cost them a home qualifying final, but the Suns can still get a double chance - they just need to win out from here. The Bulldogs' last game of the season will determine their fate. Picture: Getty Images 9. WESTERN BULLDOGS Played: 21, Won: 13, Lost: 8, Percentage: 135.4 RUN HOME R23: West Coast, Marvel (Sunday twilight) R24: Fremantle, Marvel (Sunday afternoon) Luke Beveridge needs to echo the mantra of Dory from Finding Nemo: 'Just keep s-winning.' Knocking off the Eagles is a start, but the Bulldogs will likely need to beat Fremantle in the final round to make the top 8. But their destiny is still in their own hands, their percentage is superior to those around them. Just keep winning. Best Case Scenario: 4th Win both games AND have Giants lose to Saints AND have Suns lose to either Power or Bombers Worst Case Scenario: 9th Lose to Dockers Expected Finish: 7th Win both games and have the expected winners from other matches would lead to a 6th-place finish. The Bulldogs won't miss finals if they win their final two games, and would need results to go their way if they were to drop one of the two clashes. Round 24 v Fremantle could be an elimination final. Originally published as AFL live ladder: Who will finish in the top eight, miss the finals
West Australian
9 hours ago
- West Australian
WAFL 2025: West Coast Eagles cop fifth wooden spoon in a row after Swan Districts kick late winner
West Coast Eagles have collected their fifth straight WAFL wooden spoon in heartbreaking circumstances after they were cruelly denied victory by a late Swan Districts major at Mineral Resources Park. Ayden Cartwright's last-gasp goal in the final minute saw the Swans cling on for a five-point win, condemning the Eagles to yet another last-placed finish with an 11.12 (78) to 11.7 (73). Three final term goals to young ruck Harry Barnett looked to have been enough for West Coast to claim their third win of the year, but Cartwright's second of the game minutes later broke hearts. Heading into their second last game of the season, the Eagles were long odds to leapfrog Subiaco in ninth, who sported an eight-point advantage. And the Eagles' battling loss made it impossible for them to overhaul the Lions and their two-win lead heading into West Coast's final game of the season, against minor premiers South Fremantle. Amid some promising showings from several AFL-listed players, West Coast did well to lead by five at the break and despite relinquishing the lead to trail by seven at the last change, heroically hit the front late thanks to Barnett's huge final term Two Jacks — Williams and Petruccelle — were among the Eagles' best, with the former kicking three and snaffling 12 marks, while the youthful triumvarte off half-back of Harvey Johnston, Tyrell Dewar and Lucca Grego all had at least 20 disposals. AFL players kicked the first three goals of the game as Petruccelle, Williams and Coen Livingstone helped their side to a 13-point lead at quarter-time, with the visitors held goalless in the first quarter. West Coast doubled their amount of goals between half-time and the final change – the only issue was the Black Ducks tripled their own tally, booting six in the third quarter to lead by seven heading into the last term. With the Eagles trailing in the final term, a pair of goals to Barnett narrowed the margin to five points as the hosts sensed a boilover. Barnett's third looked to have snatched victory, but a late Swans raid came up trumps as Cartwright side-stepped a tackle and snapped truly.
