Bulldogs Team of the Decade

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The Bulldogs entered the new decade with plenty of promise after they enjoyed a fairly successful end to the nineties under the tenure of coach Terry Wallace. With three consecutive top-four finishes to end the nineties, the team from Whitten Oval entered the 2000s with unfinished business and they were determined to continue on from where they left off in the nineties, where they won 65% of their games between 1997 and 1999.

The top-line players at the Whitten Oval looked solid enough to launch many more attacks in the years to come. Entering the new decade, Chris Grant was 27 and in the prime of his career. Rohan Smith (26), Scott West (25), Luke Darcy (24), Brad Johnson (23) and Nathan Brown (22). These six were seen as the integral players for the midterm future, and all would have starring roles in the new decade.

The 1999 Draft would become a masterstroke for recruiting manager Scott Clayton. He would draft seven players, five of whom would go on to have long careers. From Victoria, The Bulldogs drafted an impressive trio of Robert Murphy, Daniel Giansiracusa and Lindsay Gilbee. From Western Australia arrived Ryan Hargrave, and from Queensland arrived a solidly built youngster by the name of Mitch Hahn.

At the top end, there was an aging list. Scott Wynd and Steven Kolyniuk, both with impressive careers, would retire at the end of the 2000 season. Joining them would be Danny Southern who managed eight seasons at the Kennel. After five seasons in the red, white and blue, Paul Hudson's Bulldogs career ended in 2001, before being picked up by Richmond for the 2002 season, only to see him spend most of the year playing in the reserves. The other main retiree from 2001 would be Jose Romero, who spent seven seasons at the Club. Tony Liberatore's prosperous sixteen-year Bulldogs career ended in 2002, while the likes of Steven Kretriuk, Matthew Croft, Paul Dimmatina and Simon Garlick soon followed suit. Despite strong consideration, none of the above players made it in the final squad of 22 for the Bulldogs Team of the Decade.

The main problem the Bulldogs found in the 2000s was a lack of a quality tall, strong forward. Daniel Bandy arrived from Fremantle in 2002, and initially he impressed, but he only lasted four seasons after failing to live up to expectations. Jade Rawlings' arrival in 2004 didn't quite last that long, and by season 2006 he was playing alongside his brother at North Melbourne. The experiment of Kingsley Hunter at Full Forward in the early part of the decade didn't quite go to plan, while other players such as Patrick Wiggins, Trent Bartlett and Patrick Bowden never had it in them to hold down a permanent position as a key forward.

In the latter part of the decade, the Bulldogs had to be content with backup ruckman Will Minson occasionally going forward to provide a target, but as a forward he just didn't cut it.

And so it is probably no surprise when it is revealed that the forward six of the Bulldogs is an unorthodox setup, none of them taller than six-foot-two, yet all six players are talented, all of whom were very good at fighting above their weight division. If this Team of the Decade have a problem scoring goals, then there are two players positioned at CHB and another in the ruck who can swing forward to take strong marks and bang through some goals. It's certainly not all gloom and doom.

The Bulldogs Team of the Decade has been strongly considered by its creator and, although not all fans will agree with some of the selections (as some will have their personal favourites or "love child" missing out), each player named, well and truly deserves to be recognised as an invaluable member of the Bulldogs team throughout the 2000s.

FB: Dale Morris (VIC) - Brian Lake (SA) - Ryan Hargrave (WA)

Dale Morris made his debut against Adelaide in 2005 (Grant's 300th game), after being picked up from Werribee in that pre-season's rookie draft. After playing on Crows' champions Mark Ricciuto and Andrew McLeod on debut, and doing a sterling job, his career has gone from strength to strength. Initially Morris was used as a negating player, but he has since transformed himself into a key defender, consistently picking up some of the opposition's best forwards, where he is rarely beaten. When I think of Morris, I think of a fierce competitor who never likes to lose. He is an extremely durable and tough player, having played 112 of a possible 114 games since making his debut. His courage and determination was highlighted in the 2009 Preliminary Final when he battled through a fracture in his foot to line up on Saints' champion Nick Riewoldt. He isn't a big ball-winner, but there are plenty of others players in the side who are, and Morris' strength and value to this side is the fact that he has an excellent record stopping his opponent from having an influence on the game. He earnt himself All-Australian honours in 2008 after a below-par 2007 season, while despite missing All-Australian selection in 2009, he finished third in the Club's Best and Fairest, and ranked second in the competition in total one percenters. The 26-year-old enters the new decade determined to continue on with his impressive defensive duties.

Brian Lake made his debut as Brian Harris against Carlton in 2002, and under Peter Rohde he was in and out of the side, rotating between the back half and forward half of the ground. He was an honest battler during the Peter Rohde era in 2003-2004, but when Rodney Eade was appointed head coach of the Bulldogs in 2005, Lake's emergence into a key member of the Bulldogs side was testament to his hard work. Having been picked up with selection 71 in the 2001 Draft, he was seen as a "risk worth taking" and somewhat of a raw selection. When the Bulldogs went to another level in 2006, so too did Brian Lake. He became a lot more attacking and, as a result, averaged over five marks per game. In 2007, Lake was honoured with the Charlie Sutton Medal as the fairest and best Bulldogs player of the year. He averaged a very impressive 9.1 marks (ranked third in the competition) and over 17 possessions per game. As a bonus, Lake was also very good at stopping the opposition's key forward from kicking goals. Come the end of the decade, Lake's attacking has gone up yet another level, but it's his reading of the play that makes him a fabulous player to watch. He easily dominated the stat of most marks from opposition kicks in 2009, and once again he has performed extremely well on the opposition's key forward. In 2009, he took his game to another level. He was rewarded with All-Australian selection, and in an impressive month for Lake, he kept Tredrea to one goal, Franklin to one behind, Anthony kick-less, and Lloyd to just two goals. If you're after a player who is great at stopping his opponent from kicking goals, whilst also being able to win his own ball and launch attacks, Lake is certainly your man. In his 147 games, the 27-year-old is currently one of the most sought-after players in the AFL.

Ryan Hargrave hasn't had the accolades of the other two defenders, but he has been an unsung hero of the Bulldogs team, especially in the latter part of the decade. Making his debut under Terry Wallace in 2002, after being drafted with selection 66 in the 1999 Draft, Hargrave earned himself a Rising Star nomination and has arguably got better with each season he has played. He was often abused and wasted as a player during the Peter Rohde era, consistently having to pick up the opposition's number one forward, despite clearly being undersized and not built for the role as the number one key defender. In his 164 games, the 28-year-old has averaged more marks than the previous year throughout his career, and more disposals than the previous year in his past five seasons. The rebounding defender has made his fair share of mistakes over the years, but his assets more than make up for them. With each year that has past, his mistakes have become fewer, and in 2009 Hargrave averaged over seven marks per game, as well as a staggering 24 disposals per game, including a career-high of 35 against Collingwood. Hargrave's biggest strength is perhaps his long kicking, which is usually very effective. He has emerged into somewhat of a linkman in the latter part of the decade, but his stopping ability mustn't go unnoticed either. In Hargrave's career-best 2009 season, he was rewarded with being one of twelve defenders nominated for All-Australian selection.

It just goes to show you that you don't have to rot away like Carlton, Richmond and Melbourne to get the draft selections to build a great foundation. Hargrave was pick 66, Lake was pick 71, and Morris was initially a rookie. Kudos must go to the messiah that is Scott Clayton.

HB: Rohan Smith (VIC) - Chris Grant (VIC) - Lindsay Gilbee (VIC)

Rohan Smith played 153 games for the Bulldogs this decade, and played his final game for the club in his 300th game against West Coast in the 2006 Semi Final. The brilliant rebounder had pace to burn and highly rated kicking skills, and he was more than capable of kicking a long goal. In 2000, he kicked 42 goals, proving to all that he was able to play in multiple positions and still star. Averaging 18.3 disposals per game this decade (where games weren't as quick as in the latter part of the decade after he had retired), the Bulldogs champion also averaged 0.85 goals per game, which most midfielders would quite frankly be happy with. When I think of Smith, I think of his hard running out of the backline, having a couple of bounces and going "bang" from sixty metres and the ball sailing through the big sticks post height. Smith won All-Australian honours in 2003, while representing Australia in the International Rules in 2000 and 2003.

Chris Grant sits number two on the Bulldogs all-time games played list, having recently been overtaken by another club champion in Brad Johnson. In 128 games between 2000 and his retirement in 2007, Grant was a gun at CHB, and a gun at CHF. Wherever needed, Grant would play there and most of the time dominate. Extremely smart, tough, courageous, uncompromising and an inspirational leader, Grant showed many of the great qualities that Ted Whitten in spoken about in volumes. The amount of times Grant would save a game at CHB, or kick match-winning goals in the forward line made every Bulldogs supporter smile. He was club captain from 2000 to 2004, and played a starring role in the 2006 Elimination Final against Collingwood as a 33-year-old. His goal-kicking was often scrutinised, and for this reason there is no doubt CHB is the position for Grant to be named, as his field kicking was brilliant on either foot, and his footy smarts allowed him to be wherever the ball was and he was a gun at launching attacks. In the early part of the decade at CHF, Grant averaged 2.2 goals per game, and when he was used as a swingman under Eade in 05-06, he'd go forward and kick a bag of goals. When the Bulldogs were making a late run to the finals in 2005, Grant was used off the bench to swing forward - he managed sixteen goals in the final five games to remind fans he still had it after all these years. He will forever be remembered for his toughness, courage, talent, disposal on either side of his body, strong-marking, reading of the play, footy smarts, consistency and his leadership. Chris Grant has been named Vice Captain of this Team.

Lindsay Gilbee was drafted with pick 43 in the impressive 1999 Draft, and made his debut against Collingwood in 2001 in a very forgettable match. Despite only managing nine games that year, it was clear from the outset that the young man had a brilliant kick on him. He played sixteen games in 2002 and earnt himself a Rising Star nomination after his impressive 24 disposals and two-goal effort against West Coast, but unfortunately for Lindsay the good news momentarily ended there. In the Peter Rohde era, Gilbee was consistently in and out of the side, playing fourteen games in 2003 and just twelve games in 2004 where he was a star later in the season. Enter Rodney Eade, and Lindsay was convinced to stay at the club despite demanding to be traded. There's no way Eade was going to let this impressive player leave, and since then Lindsay hasn't taken a backward step. In 164 games, the 28-year-old is crucial to the Bulldogs structure, and has been crucial ever since Eade arrived to the club in 2005. He played all 22 games in 2005, and many media personalities were rating him as one of the most improved players of the year. He averaged over twenty possessions per game, and his field kicking was rated as one of the best in the game. The Club thought so too, as he finished third in the Best and Fairest. The rebounding defender continued to consistently set up scoring plays in 2006, and Lindsay was rewarded with All-Australian selection, where he averaged more possessions and marks than his impressive 2005 season. A poor season in 2007 from him saw him rebound in impressive fashion in 2008, averaging the same amount of possessions as his All-Australian year, but kicking more goals. In 2009, Lindsay played the same amount of games (24) as in 2008, and had the same amount of possessions (509) as in 2008. Strangely, his 2006 numbers were 24 games for 507 possessions. Consistency has become an admiring part of Lindsay's great game.

Once again, you don't need early selections to create a gun half back line. Chris Grant was selected with pick number 105, Lindsay Gilbee with pick 43, while Rohan Smith was a zone selection for the Bulldogs, initially having played for Yarraville.

CE: Nathan Eagleton (SA) - Scott West (VIC) - Daniel Cross (NSW)

Nathan Eagleton joined the Bulldogs in 2000 as a 21-year-old with potential, but lacking consistency. His highlight that season was a career-best seven-goal haul against Geelong at the new Docklands Stadium, and unfortunately there were few highlights to follow in the early part of his Bulldogs career. Despite managing to play every game in his first season at the Bulldogs, he averaged only 13.6 disposals and one goal per game. In 2001 and 2002, and even for the first four months of the 2003 season, Eagleton struggled to cement a permanent position in the side. He only managed 13.2 disposals per game during this time, and was struggling to average a goal per game. In his first seven games of the 2003 season, he averaged 10.1 disposals and only a total of two goals for the season. It was a game against Hawthorn in round fourteen (which the Bulldogs lost convincingly) that finally kick-started Eagleton's career. The next week, to show it wasn't a fluke, he played another very good game against Port Adelaide and the Bulldogs fans had somethings to smile about in a very bleak season for the Club. He went on to average 20.2 disposals in his final nine games of the season, as well as scoring twelve goals during that time. Finally, the Bald Eagle had arrived and everyone in Barkly Street finally saw some sense in the trade that sent Brett Montgomery to Port Adelaide. In 2004, Eagleton played all 22 games and averaged nineteen disposals per game, kicking seventeen goals. Another 22-game season from him in 2005 saw he once again average nineteen disposals per game, but this time his return was an impressive 28 goals. By the end of the decade, Eagleton's numbers hovered around nineteen disposals per game, but it was his long kicking and eye for goals that has made him an invaluable player. Perhaps his greatest performance came in his second last game of the decade, a Semi Final win over Brisbane. In that game, he kicked three goals, took nine marks and had thirty disposals.

Scott West is the third of four Bulldogs 300-game champions in this team. In his 177 games between 2000 and his forced retirement after an injury-interrupted 2008 season, the superstar hard-nosed midfielder won four best and fairest awards and also won All-Australian honours on four occasions. He was runner-up in both the 2000 and 2006 Brownlow Medals, while finishing fourth in both the 2004 and 2005 Brownlow Medals. In the decade, West averaged an impressive 27.7 disposals per game, which included five consecutive league titles of most average disposals per game, which he achieved from 2002 through til 2006. If there was any slur on West's game, it was his lack of goal-kicking and penetration in his kicking, but he more than made up for that with his gut-running, ball-winning ability, hardball gets and clearance work. His courage and footy smarts also couldn't be denied. He is a true Bulldogs champion whose consistency over a long period of time was exceptional.

Daniel Cross was selected by the Bulldogs with selection 56 in the 2000 Draft, and from day one it was clear he didn't have the natural football talent and would have to work extra hard to compete with the game's A-grade midfielders. For pure football ability, Cross would struggle to impress in country level football, but for work ethic and athleticism, Cross leaves the rest of the field in his entire wake. Quite clearly, Cross is perhaps the fittest player to ever play for the Bulldogs. He served as an apprentice to Scott West for a few years before showing some good signs in 2004, and by 2005 he had stamped himself as one of the better midfielders in the competition, averaging 25.6 disposals per game and finishing second in the Best and Fairest. His numbers continued to increase and in 2006 he averaged 26 disposals, importantly also increasing his output in clearances, marks, tackles and also goals. He was rewarded with his first finals appearance, while also achieving another top three finish in the Best and Fairest. A level two knee injury sidelined him for almost two months during the season in 2007, so he struggled to get back to his 2006 form, despite still managing to average 24.5 disposals per game. Come 2008, and he was well and truly over the knee problem from the previous year, and he averaged a career-high 26.5 disposals per game, on his way to winning the Club's Best and Fairest award. Despite a brilliant season, Cross was unfortunately (and controversially) overlooked in the All-Australian team, although he was included in the forty players nominated for the final 22-man squad. Cross enjoyed another good season in 2009 as he averaged 25.3 disposals per game, on the way to finishing at the runner-up in the Best and Fairest. In Cross' 133 career games to date, we have learnt that Cross' courage, gut-running, fitness, ball-winning ability, hardball gets, one-percenters, strong marking, tackling and footy smarts are highlights of his game (all very similar to traits to Scott West). Like West, Cross' weakness is his kicking penetration, which means he also struggles to trouble the scoreboard. Entering the new decade, the 26-year-old will be one of the veterans of the Bulldogs' impressive midfield.


HF: Jason Akermanis (VIC) - Robert Murphy (VIC) - Daniel Giansiracusa (VIC)

Jason Akermanis arrived at the Whitten Oval in 2007, and each of his three seasons this decade proved to be better than the previous one, despite being 32 years old at the turn of the decade. Originally from the Brisbane Lions, Aker left QLD in controversial circumstances and joined the Bulldogs because he wanted "to join a team capable of winning him one last flag". In 2007, his return was 19 games for 20 goals, at an average of 15.7 disposals. Hardly inspiring stuff, but still not bad. The following year, he was a part of the initial 40-man squad for the All-Australian team where his numbers were 49 goals, 17.2 disposals per game, from 25 games played. Unfortunately Aker failed to make the All-Australian side, but at the halfway mark of the season, not only was he considered a "shoe-in" for All-Australian selection, but he was one of the top six favourites to win his second Brownlow Medal. In 2009, the 32-year-old enthralled the Bulldogs crowd and showed he still had the talent and skill after fourteen years in the AFL. He played 24 games, kicked 43 goals and averaged 19.6 disposals per game. That is quite an amazing return, considering at the beginning of the year there was a lot of speculation that Aker would be rested at various times throughout the year, and he only missed the one game due to being suspended. Akermanis' finishing on either side of his body is absolutely first class. Whenever he has the ball, you know he is going to do something positive and Bulldogs fans hold him in very high regard in that area. His goal-kicking accuracy is almost elite, and his inside fifties and goal assists always rank highly. The extremely smart, skillful, talented, poised, explosive and trash talker will be 33 when the 2010 season begins, and once again Akermanis is expected to play a big role and hopefully put his Grand Final experience to use in what certainly has to be Aker's final season. Then again, 2009 was meant to be his final season, so nothing should surprise with this superstar,

Robert Murphy was drafted with selection thirteen in the 1999 Draft, and the diminutive and ultra talented player didn't take long to make his debut, which came in round nineteen against Carlton in his first season. What makes Murphy an amazing player to watch is that he is deceptively strong for his small body frame, as well as being surprising very quick. He has an enormous engine, allowing him to cover a lot of ground as a lead-up forward, making him a daunting match-up for opposition players. Murphy consistently ranks very highly in total marks, which once again is testament to his workrate. Bulldogs fans can appreciate the way he always likes to keep the ball moving quickly, perhaps having something to do with the lack of having a key forward to kick the ball to in a 50/50 contest. Most of the times when Murphy marks the ball out in front, he quickly likes to swing around on either side of his body and play on, forcing the ball to travel inside the forward line at a much quicker rate. This has proven to become very effective and it's his footy smarts that is able to assess the situation and determine whether quickly playing on will benefit the team. Perhaps the most amazing thing about Murphy's career is that he hasn't achieved All-Australian selection. Hands down, he's been one of the Bulldogs most important players this decade, and he is one of only four players to have played for the Bulldogs every year since 2000. Since Rodney Eade has been coach, Murphy has averaged 7.8 marks, 1.2 goals and 16 disposals per game. Before Eade arrived at the Whitten Oval, Murphy did most of his work applying his trade as a rebounding defender, a job he has still played every now and then, usually when returning from injury. That's not to say he wasn't good before Eade arrived. In 2001, he earnt himself a Rising Star nomination, as well as being rewarded as the Club's Most Promising Player award. In 2002 and 2003, he represented Australia in the International Rules series, where he averaged 16.2 disposals and 4.7 marks during that time. His workeate, deceptive strength, skill, marking, effectiveness and smarts makes him one of the first players picked in the side every week. In his 167 games since making his debut in 2000, the 27-year-old twinkle toes enters the new decade as one of the Bulldogs most important and most skillful players.

Daniel Giansiracusa was selected with pick 32 in the 1999 Draft, and the silky-skilled goalsneak made his debut against Adelaide in 2001, where he kicked a goal with his very first kick in the wet conditions of Football Park. He was rated as the best first year player at the Bulldogs in 2001, where he averaged 12.4 disposals and five marks per game. Giansiracusa consistently ranks high in the category of goal assists, which is no surprise considering his disposal efficiency is ranked highly, and his awareness and skill are top of the range. His ability to find space is also another massive asset to the Bulldogs, because when he has the ball, you know he is going to find a teammate, or at least give them a good chance at winning possession of the ball. In his 168 games, he has averaged 18.4 disposals, ??? inside fifties, and has kicked 172 goals and had ??? goal assists. His leadership is another quality he possesses, having been a part of the Bulldogs leadership group since 2006. In 2005, Giansiracusa had the honour of representing Australia in the International Rules series, which turned out to be a heated affair. Another quality asset Giansiracusa brings to this side is his ability to attract female supporters to the Club. His good looks, charm and charisma keep women supporters at the Club, instead of them being scared away by Akermanis' multi-coloured hair and Ben Hudson's massive bird's nest below his chin.

FO: Nathan Brown (VIC) - Brad Johnson (VIC) - Mitch Hahn (QLD)

Nathan Brown was seen as the future of the club when the nineties ended. The skillful left footer had come off a seven-goal performance against Geelong in 1999, and there's no doubt every Bulldogs supporter was looking forward to seeing him run around in the red, white and blue for the next decade. Unfortunately, Brown's stay at the Whitten Oval was short-lived, and after playing another four years with the Cub, he left to play "finals football", so the smart thing to do was to join Richmond at Punt Road. Well, at least he thought so anyway. Brown left the Bulldogs in career-best form, and the midfielder-come-forward's best football was well and truly ahead of him. The time he did spend at the Bulldogs was memorable. In the opening year of the decade, he spent most of his time applying his trade in the midfield, and he had an exceptionally good season, averaging 23.5 disposals and kicking 26 goals from 23 games. His brilliant season was capped off by finishing runner-up in the Club Best and Fairest award. The following season, Brown was yet again instrumental, averaging a touch over 21 disposals, while kicking 32 goals from his 22 games. He was awarded with his fine season by being named on the Interchange Bench in the All-Australian season. He saved his best for the 2002 season. Despite only averaging eighteen disposals, he managed to kick a healthy 57 goals from 22 games. Once again, Brown was named All-Australian, but this time he was upgraded from the Bench to a starting position in the Forward Pocket. As well as being the Bulldogs' leading goal-kicker, he also finished third in the Club's Best and Fairest award. His final season in 2003 was once again a good one, despite the Club having its worst season in years. For the fourth consecutive season, Brown played every game, and kicked 56 goals. What was unusual about his goal-kicking in this season, was his shocking accuracy. Along with 56 goals, he also kicked a staggering 51 behinds, compared to the 24 behinds he kicked the previous season. His disposals per game had dropped to sixteen, but he was once again the Club's leading goal kicker.

Brad Johnson has been named captain of the Bulldogs Team of the Decade, so he must have done something right to receive this accolade. At the end of the decade, Johnson has an impressive 349 career games next to his name, and the superstar from Barkly Street still has more left in his durable tank. Since 2000, "The Smiling Assassin," as he is affectionately known, has played a staggering 225 games out of 229, where he has averaged 1.98 goals and 20.8 disposals per game. Johnson holds the league record for the most number of games with at least twenty disposals and at least four goals per game, having achieved this feat 28 times this decade. The midfielder-come-forward won two best and fairest awards this decade, while being selected in the All-Australian team on four occasions, and being named as the All-Australian Captain in 2006. He also has another three top-three finishes in the Best and Fairest. He has lead the Bulldogs in goal-kicking on three occasions, and his 74 goals in 2006 ranked him second overall for the season. Johnson, at times, has been scrutinised for diving to the ground to win himself a free kick, but that's no different to some other superstars from opposition clubs. Despite being heavily criticised for missing after-the-siren goals to win matches against North Melbourne and Geelong in 2008 and 2009 respectively, Johnson has had his fair share of match-winning performances, none more so than his three-goal last quarter (all in the final five minutes) to defeat Adelaide in his 300th game in 2008. Pound for pound, Johnson will be remembered for being one of the toughest players of his era, and his leadership is a quality that only a small few possess. His footy smarts, leadership, strong-marking, accurate kicking, reading of the play, workman-like performances, courage, skill, consistency, durability and resilience are all extremely admirable qualities of the great man that has made him one of the greatest and most loved Bulldogs players of all time.

Mitch Hahn was drafted by the Bulldogs with selection 37 in the 1999 Draft, and he is one of only four players to have played for the Bulldogs in every year this decade. That alone should justify Hahn's selection, and his longevity is the deciding factor getting a starting position over young gun Shaun Higgins. Hahn's game centres around his crash and bash style, with his large build allowing him to burst through packs and present himself as an X Factor. The Queenslander has improved his performance and has become more consistent as he matures, which is evidenced by his last two seasons where he kicked 34 and 38 goals in 2008 and 2009 respectively, at an average of 1.4 goals per game. Although not a massive accumulator of the sherrin, Hahn's ability to influence games without getting lots of disposals is why he has played 164 games since making his debut against Sydney in 2000. He was rated as the Club's Best First Year Player in 2000, and won the Match Committee Award in 2003. Hahn's strength has been his size and no-fear attitude, but his defensive pressure in the forward line in the final three years of the decade has been an important part of his game, In his sixty games since 2007, Hahn averages 3.5 tackles per game. He was able to produce career-high totals in marks, goals, disposals and tackles in 2009, proving that the 28-year-old is getting better with age. In his 162 career games, the midfielder-come-forward is a handy forward target for the Bulldogs, who has managed four bags of five goals or more in the last two seasons.

RU: Luke Darcy (SA) - Adam Cooney (SA) - Matthew Boyd (VIC)

Luke Darcy is quite clearly the best ruckman the Bulldogs have had this decade, and there is daylight between him and the next best ruckman. In 2000, Darcy shared the ruck duties with former Brownlow Medalist and Club champion Scott Wynd, and he averaged 13.4 hitouts, 6.2 marks, 16 disposals and kicked 10 goals in his seventeen games. When Wynd retired after the 2000 season, Darcy's importance to the side rose significantly. He immediately took full control, as he had a brilliant 2001 season to win the Club's Best and Fairest award. He averaged averaged 18.2 hitouts, 5.6 marks, 18.2 disposals and kicked 14 goals in his 21 games. Despite not winning the Best and Fairest in 2002, his season that year was clearly better. Not only was it better, he was voted as the best player in the competition that year, which is evidenced by his Leigh Matthews Trophy by being the League's Most Valuable Player. He was also the Brownlow Medal favourite, but the umpires clearly got it wrong when Darcy only finished equal sixth overall. He was also a part of the All-Australian team, named in the forward line. The mobile ruckman wasn't the best tap ruckman going around, but his ability to win clearances from centre bounces, and his ball-winning ability was first class for a ruckman. The prodigious left footer also had an eye for goal, having kicked 115 goals in his 131 games this decade. His mobility, strength, smarts, clearance work, skill and consistency makes him one of the better players in the Team of the Decade.

Adam Cooney is the Club's sole number one draft selection, having been picked up from South Australia in the 2003 Draft. The flamboyant, explosive and hard-bodied midfielder took a while to live up to his high draft selection, but when he finally did get going, there was absolutely no stopping him. Cooney finished equal fourth in the 2004 Rising Star Award, after he averaged 11.8 disposals and kicked 11 goals in his 19 games. Not the best return, but you can't be too harsh on a first-year player, despite being the number one draft pick. The following year, Cooney's stats increased to 19.7 disposals, 2.5 tackles and kicked 21 goals from his 22 games. A much better return. Since then, Cooney hasn't taken a backward step and he reached a brilliant standard in 2008, as he became the first ever number one draft selection to take home the prestigious Brownlow Medal. As well as earning All-Australian selection and finishing as the runner-up in the Best and Fairest, he averaged 25.5 disposals, 4.8 clearances, 3.7 inside fifties, 2.6 tackles and kicked 23 goals. In 2009, he ranked thirteenth in the competition in disposals, fifth in first possessions and fourteenth in clearances despite struggling through the first half of the season witn injury. In his 135 games since making his debut in 2004, the skillful, smart, explosive, strong, poised, consistent ball-winning and goal-kicker midfielder is the most exciting Bulldogs player in years.

Matthew Boyd was drafted in the 2002 Rookie Draft, and his transformation from a rookie player into an integral part of the Bulldogs side has been mind-blowing. His improvement each year has been obvious, and by the end of the decade, the hard-nosed midfielder has a Best and Fairest next to his name. His 2009 Best and Fairest was hardly a surprise, given he was a raging hot favourite to win the award two thirds into the season. He finished third in total disposals, averaging 28.9 per game. Not a noted goal-kicker, his return of fifteen goals from 25 games is also a career-high, and his selection in the All-Australian team capped off a tremendous season for the 27-year-old. His transofmation from a battler into a top class midfielder has been exceptional. Averaging just seven disposals per game in his debut year of 2003, to an unimpressive 13.2 disposals per game in 2004, it was obvious Boyd was a long way off. It didn't improve in 2005, averaging the same amount of dispoals. Come 2006, and Matthew Boyd had finally arrived. He played all 24 games for the Bulldogs, and fell just two disposals shy of averaging 20 disposals per game for the season. At the end of the 2006 season, Club champion Rohan Smith noted Boyd as a future gun, and he had no problem handing over his number five jumper to the tough, accountable midfielder. In 2007, Boyd imcreased his average to 24.8 disposals per game, and increased it further to 25.2 disposals per game in 2008, while also finishing third in the Best and Fairest. It is no surprise that Boyd has improved his disposals average each year, but it's the final three years of the decade that earns Boyd a position as rover in the Team of the Decade. His consistency by the turn of the decade is outstanding, and it's a pleasure to have such a brilliant ball-winner in the side. His consistency, accountability, toughness, tackling, courage, contested ball, clearances and hardball gets makes him a prominent midfielder at the Whitten Oval. With 140 games under his belt, the current Charlie Sutton Medallist is likely to improve on his numbers yet again in 2010.

INT: Ben Hudson (VIC), Ryan Griffen (SA), Matthew Robbins (VIC), Shaun Higgins (VIC)

Ben Hudson could be considered a controversial selection, having only played 47 games this decade (the fewest of any player in the Team of the Decade), but the fact is that no other player is good enough to be named as the back-up ruckman. Daniel Bandy? No! Peter Street? Wrong! Will Minson? He comes close for longevity, but Hudson's two seasons at the Kennel were both better than any of Minson's seasons. The fact is, Hudson's two seasons at the Bulldogs have been good enough to earn himself the position as back-up ruckman, a position the Bulldogs have desperately struggled in this decade. In 2008, he averaged 13.1 disposals, 13.5 hitouts, three marks and two tackles per game. They're not great stats, but his strength is his work in contested situations. His second, third and fourth efforts cannot be underestimated. His 199cm and 109kg frame makes him an enormous presence, and he's no easy push-over. He improved his game in 2009 at the age of thirty in the important areas of hitouts and tackles. Once again averaging thirteen disposals, Hudson improved his average to 16.2 hitouts and an impressive 3.4 tackles per game. On top of that, he averaged 5.4 first possessions, 4.9 contested possessions, 4.8 one percenters and three clearances per game. At the age of thirty, Hudson is expected to play for at least another two or three seasons, given he didn't arrive to the game of Aussie Rules until he was 24 playing for Werribee. Ruckmen also have the capacity to play into their early thirtees, and he certainly hasn't shown any signs of slowing down.

Ryan Griffen was selected with pick number three in the 2004 Draft from South Australia, and the dynamic, evasive, quick, talented, flashy and attacking player made an instant arrival at seniour level. He made his debut in round four of 2005 against West Coast and went on to play seventeen games for the year, where he averaged 13.1 disposals per game. His season was capped off in solid fashion when he finished as the runner-up to Brett Deledio in the Rising Star award. A full 24 games from Griffen in 2006 had Bulldogs fans licking their lips with excitement. He dazzled fans with his run and carry, evasiveness, finishing work and raw talent. As a second year player, Griffen still has some critics, saying his work ethic and defensive work wasn't up to standard, but you can't expect a second-year player to do everything. He averaged more disposals, marks and tackles in his second year, and he looked set for another good season in 2007 before it ended prematurely when Jed "the assassin" Adcock crunched his knee in fourteen places in a fierce tackle. 2008 was Griffen's best season. He continued to shine in the areas Bulldogs supporters have become accustomed to, but he was also able to improve his workrate and defensive work. Although he has failed to reach a high standard in these areas, his improvement showed enough signs that he could one day turn out to be a complete player. He was two disposals away from averaging 20 disposals per game, while averaging 4.3 marks, 2.6 tackles and had a return of 18 goals in his 24 games. Despite averaging more disposals and tackles in 2009, Griffen didn't reach the heights that were expected from him. He averaged 21.95 disposals, 3.6 tackles, 4.5 inside fifties, 4.1 clearances, whilst ranking 10th in total running bounces. In his 97 games, Griffen is well on his way to become an all-round star with pace to burn and talent that would make David Copperfield blink.

Matthew Robbins is only one of six players named in the Team of the Decade no longer with the Bulldogs. In his 126 games this decade, Robbins showed he is able to play at either end of the ground and do a good job. In his early Bulldogs career, Robbins played mostly in the back half of the ground, usually being asked to play an important role on a damaging opposition player. He has never been a massive ball-winner, but his large build and small size made him a difficult match-up, while his pace and energy was always a welcome addition to the side. His rejuvenation came in 2004 when he began to play more and more as a permanent small forward. His goal-kicking accuracy was very good, while his defensive pressure in the forward line proved to be crucial. His ability to run down players with his quick burst of speed enthralled the Bulldogs supporters, while his strength in one-on-one situations was an important asset. He managed to kick 29 goals from 22 games in 2004, but his best was still to come. 31 goals from sixteen games in 2005 was a healthy return, while his 45 goals in 24 games in 2006 produced his career-best return. He struggled somewhat in his final season in 2007, only managing the nine games and just fourteen goals. The 30-year-old retired having been a solid contributor with assets that were important to the Bulldogs structure. It is extremely rare that you can find a solidly built player with extremely quick speed, and just as an added bonus, his 133 goals and 68 behinds this decade proves just how handy he was in front of goal.

Shaun Higgins was drafted from the Geelong Falcons with pick eleven in the 2005 Draft, and he was instantly a crowd favourite. In his four games in his debut year, he thrilled Bulldogs fans with his skill and natural talent. Unfortunately for the youngster, his debut season ended on a sour note when he injured his elbow at Subiaco, prematurely ending his season after looking like he was going to be a part of the Bulldogs' first finals campaign since the year 2000. In 2007, Higgins continued to impress, earning a Rising Star nomination for his stunning performance against Collingwood and, later in the season, he showed he can be a damaging forward when he kicked five goals in a disappointing loss against Melbourne. Against the same opponent in 2008, Higgins' rotten luck with injury continued, and he injured his ankle in an innocuous incident. Higgins returned later in the season to play an impressive role in the finals, and he really made a name for himself with a very good performance against Geelong in the Preliminary Final. In 2009, the Higgins the football world knew (the good young player with potential) was no longer. The good player had emerged into a very good player, averaging 21.1 disposals, 5.2 marks and kicked 32 goals from 20 games. Perhaps those stats don't do justice to his season, as he played some of the season with annoying injuries, mainly to his groin. As the new decade approaches, Higgins is considered to be one of a select few players in line to replace Brad Johnson as Captain of the Bulldogs. His leadership qualities were obvious from day one, and his skill, talent, evasiveness, vision, smarts, goal-kicking, reading of the play, tackling and marking are qualities every Bulldogs fan can look forward to for many more years to come. Despite having only played 52 games, Higgins' selection in the Team of the Decade is well and truly deserved.

[Chadley]

Great write up

[#14Ward]

Excellent XBox, shows how good our current team is, as most of these players are still playing.

[GrandBlue]

I was going to create a topic exactaly like this a couple of days ago and came out with an almost identical result. I wouldn't have Nathan Brown in the side though because he didn't play anywhere near long enough and I would comfortably have Minson ahead of Hudson, not only for Minson being here longer but being a better serving ruckman, getting more of the ball etc, Hudson is only used for tap-outs and a wall in the center.

[doggiesin08]

Originally Posted by GrandBlue

I was going to create a topic exactaly like this a couple of days ago and came out with an almost identical result. I wouldn't have Nathan Brown in the side though because he didn't play anywhere near long enough and I would comfortably have Minson ahead of Hudson, not only for Minson being here longer but being a better serving ruckman, getting more of the ball etc, Hudson is only used for tap-outs and a wall in the center.

Nathan Brown would have played 4 years (2000 - 2003) with the Dogs. That's the same number of years that Higgins has been on the list and you'd have to say Brown's overall output would have been higher with more games to a similar quality as Higgins from this year.

Maybe in another thread we could have a worst team of decade of those who actually played for the RW&B (not just those who got drafted and delisted).

[fitzroybulldog]

Awesome post, although i would have Minson ahead of Hudson, but thats just me.
i'd be interested to the Team of failed expectations of the Decade headlined by Walsh, Rawlings, Bartlett, Kingsley, Ray, Power, Skipper and Wight.

[Matt78]

Great team, great write up....

My only changes would be Grant made captain & mentioned as the greatest Bulldog of the modern era & that Judas to be banned from the team.

Put Robbins into the pocket instead of Judas as he was alot tougher & created great forward pressure. When he wasn't there the ball rebounded out of our forward line far to easily. Judas also was a terrible kick for goal, great showman, but terrible at set shots. His 51 goals was also a result of him being our only focal point.

I'd also put Wynd as back-up ruckman, as he carried the dogs on his last legs into the 2000 finals when Darcy did his knee.

[Matt78]

Great team, great write up....

My only changes would be Grant made captain & mentioned as the greatest Bulldog of the modern era & that Judas to be banned from the team.

Put Robbins into the pocket instead of Judas as he was alot tougher & created great forward pressure. When he wasn't there the ball rebounded out of our forward line far to easily. Judas also was a terrible kick for goal, great showman, but terrible at set shots. His 51 goals was also a result of him being our only focal point.

I'd also put Wynd as back-up ruckman, as he carried the dogs on his last legs into the 2000 finals when Darcy did his knee.

[RedWhite&Blue]

Jesus Christ!! this is the best write up I have ever seen on Big Footy.
Well done, I love it.

[shaolinmastah]

Lake
Grant
Gilbee
West
Cross
Brown
Johnson
Darcy
Cooney
Boyd
Griffen
Higgins


All amazing players Lake is easily one of the best defenders I have ever seen, Grant as many would agree is the best player I have ever seen pull on a Bulldogs jumper and is a childhood hero along with Michael Jordan, Brown and Darcy both had their careers cut short for varying reasons Johnson is a champ, Cross under much guidence from the master West has come along Boyd is tough as nails, Cooney, Griffen and Higgins are exceptional talents and I get excited everytime I run those 3 names through my head or to other people I suspect Ward and Harbrow will be added to that list in later years.