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Important SN update for SouthlandWhat we learnt: The scoring power of the Dogs is scary
Andrew Slevison • July 4th, 2025 9:29 am
While they didn’t get Thursday night all on their terms, the Western Bulldogs still possess a powerful scoring arsenal.
The Dogs were challenged, particularly in the first half, by North Melbourne on the 100th-year celebrations of the Kangaroos at Marvel Stadium.
The two sides went head-to-head across the first two quarters, and for part of the third, but in the end Luke Beveridge’s side continued to pile on the goals for a comfortable 49-point win.
It was the 10th time this season that the league’s highest scoring team has kicked 100 or more points. Since Round 10 they’ve hit the ton in six of seven games, including four on the trot, for a combined total of 805 points at an average of 115.
Last night they produced 34 scoring shots from 66 inside 50s. Those numbers are frightening.
Even 250-gamer Tom Liberatore got in on the act, kicking two goals for the first time this year.
Sam Darcy has kicked 15.6 since his Round 14 return which has coincided with a renaissance of form for Aaron Naughton who has booted 12.5 in the same timeframe.
Naughton now has 31 for the season and Darcy has 29. Throw in Rhylee West’s 24 as a small forward and double figures for NINE other players, and there are avenues to goal everywhere.
The Dogs have 12 players in double figure goals with two more on nine. As a comparison, last year’s premiers the Brisbane Lions had 10 double-figure goal kickers.
“Offensively, they are brilliant,” said David King on SEN’s Fireball.
However, there are bigger tests to come. Adelaide, Brisbane and GWS across the next four weeks will tell us more about the Doggies.
Despite the defeat the Roos must be commended.
After a Hawthorn smacking and in the wake of a tough week they were able to come out firing and improve their contest and pressure.
The pre-game celebrations highlighted by Denis Pagan’s stirring speech were excellent and the first quarter in particular was impressive after conceding two very early goals.
Nick Larkey’s four-goal first quarter could have led to anything if he didn’t hurt his knee and losing Luke Davies-Uniacke to concussion hurt their midfield.
But at least they showed their fans some fight.
