The Dogs had hoped their fairytale premiership last year would have been the start of a dynasty, at least giving Bob Murphy a chance this year to taste glory. It wasn't to be. They began the season in good shape, winning five of their first seven, but the campaign soon fell apart, losing six of their next eight. Four straight wins would follow but the margin for error was too thin, and three losses to end the season would ensue. Jason Johannisen was targeted by opponents and struggled with this for weeks; Travis Cloke, his future again uncertain, and Tom Boyd had mental health issues, while Tory Dickson, Jake Stringer and Stewart Crameri could not get going. Marcus Bontempelli was solid without being consistently brilliant. Jack Macrae and Luke Dahlhaus found plenty of the ball but hardnut Tom Liberatore, off contract next year, was also among those to struggle. The Dogs slipped from sixth to 16th in clearances. There has been industry speculation of tension in their recruiting and list department.
Maybe I'm reading too much into dear old Jimmy's neat and tidy little snapshot of our season, but I love the glib tone..."and Tom Boyd had mental health issues" which is described with all the seriousness of somebody breaking a toenail.