It’s hard to break down the Bulldogs season. They won 14 games, lost ten, had some plays massively underperform and others play well above expectations.
At times they looked like a side who could very well go one further than last season, yet at times they looked like a side who could miss finals footy.
Their victorious NSW halves combination simply did not perform as they should have, meaning they were dependant on other stars far too often.
Brett Morris’s move to fullback was a great success, while his brother Josh returned to his regular scoring ways.
Season Highlight: 20-4 win over Melbourne (Round 16)
This was as much about the occasion as it was the brilliant performance, as the Dogs returned to their Belmore roots.
In front of a sell-out, and loud, crowd, the Dogs put on a show for some of their most loyal fans.
Brett Morris’s early try set the crowd alight, and it never calmed after. Shaun Lane also announced himself in a huge way on the night.
The Dogs were great, but the crowd were even better. This was a special night, both on and off the field.
Season Lowlight: 38-14 loss to the Tigers (Round 8)
As mentioned, at times the Dogs were brilliant, but on other occasions they were woeful, and this was one such occasion.
They six try to three beating at the hands of the underdog Tigers could, and probably should have been worse, if not for a late fightback of sorts.
The Dogs halves completely went missing on the day, best shown by the fact their kicking game netted 250 metres less than the Tigers.
Aaron Woods dominated the Dogs big men, allowing Tedesco and Brooks to have a field day.
Star Player: Josh Jackson
The NSW representative forward had a season to remember, culminating in the Daly M second rower of the year award.
Jackson has firmly established himself as one of the competition’s top back rowers, and will be part of the NSW set up for many years to come.
He still has plenty of improvement in him, but he’d have to perform well to top his 2015 season.
Tackle breaks and momentum turning runs have become a feature of his game. He will provide plenty in the years to come.
Most Disappointing Player: Trent Hodkinson
Despite three Origin games this season for NSW, Hodkinson did not regularly live up to his lofty reputation this season.
Indifferent form often saw him withdrawn in favour of Moses Mbye, and the Dogs made no real efforts to extend his contract, practically allowing him to walk to the Knights.
Unfortunately for the Dogs, every aspect of Hodkinson’s game was off, including his goal kicking, which was well, well below his usual accuracy.
I have no doubt in the world that Hodkinson will produce far better than he did in 2015, but that won’t do much for the Dogs.
Future Star: Moses Mbye
The man entrusted with the long-term future of the Bulldog number seven jersey and the man who will take over from an incumbent NSW halfback.
Mbye has huge pressure on him to perform, although the early signs indicate he is well worth the punt.
In his 21 games scored three tries, laid on 11 try assists and kicked 14 goals. He can do it all, and going forward, he’s going to have to.
Best Signing For 2016: Bradley Abbey
The Bulldogs have a world class fullback and a pretty handy set of halves, however in young Abbey they have a brilliant back up option.
The 18 year-old comes with sensational wraps from during his time at the Warriors, where he won their rookie of the year in 2014.
He was viewed as the long term fullback option, however RTS’s signing meant he was squeezed out, leaving the Dogs only too happy to welcome him.
He may or not play first grade in 2016, but we will certainly see him in the top grade one day, and by all reports, he looks like a brilliant prospect.
Outlook:
The Dogs have managed to keep the majority of their squad together, although they have lost Trent Hodkinson and Frank Pritchard.
That being said, in Mybe and Lane they have found two readymade replacements with huge futures.
All the ingredients are there for another season of success, but the Dogs have got some questions that need to be answered.
If Mybe the long term prospect they hope he is? Can they hold the likes of Klemmer and Lane despite big interest from other clubs? The future looks exciting if they the answer to those two questions is yes.
Season Grading: C+
Following last season’s Grand Final appearance, nothing short of a repeat, or better, would have sufficed for the Dogs and their fans.
They were unceremoniously dumped from the finals by a resurgent Roosters side, but they played extremely well at times to finish fifth.
The return to Belmore was a brilliant success, while they did unearth Shaun Laune and advanced the career of future NSW hitman David Klemmer.
There were plenty of positives in this season for the Dogs, however their side was put together to win the title, and only that will do.
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