Mid-season review: Why the Dogs are a “sneaky chance” to win it

SEN • May 28th, 2025 11:23 am

Kane Cornes and David King have graded each AFL team's performances throughout 2025 entering the mid-season bye rounds.

Graded on SEN's Fireball, the pair delve into the positives and negatives from each side's opening fixtures, judging their position amongst the competition with a rating scored from one to 10.

With the Western Bulldogs heading into the bye in Round 12, Cornes and King shone the spotlight on the Doggies.

Luke Beveridge's side currently sits 7th with a 6-5 win-loss record through 11 games.

Western Bulldogs

The Western Bulldogs are playing some of the best footy we’ve seen so far in 2025.

Yes, they have lost five matches, but there is plenty to like about Bevo’s Bulldogs.

“They are one of the most powerful teams with possession to then get it on the scoreboard,” said King.

“They are one of the best teams defensively to deny the opposition.

“They are two huge ticks that could take you a long way.

“They have got an asset with this inside to outside handball game that is not just Marcus Bontempelli and Tom Liberatore. It is now deeper than that with Joel Freijah and Ed Richards.

“They would have two or three guys in the conversation for All-Australian midfield honours already.

“Their losses have been really close. I think they’re a real sneaky chance to win it this year.”

King's rating: 8.5/10

Listen or watch the full mid-season review below: