Western Bulldogs
Best First Year Player : Clay SMITH - 16 matches, 826 points @ 52. Increased $179,700
A rookie on many SC radar’s at the start of 2012, midfielder SMITH began with a bang, scoring 102 in round 1. Although he didn’t reach those heights again, he had a solid season including 3 consecutive 78 pt games in round 19, 20 and 21. Selected in 11.5% of teams, SMITH was one of the few bright lights for the Dogs in a pretty poor year. One to watch.
Most Improved Player : Will MINSON - 21 matches, 1997 points @95 Increased $13,000
Taking on the lone ruck responsibilities, MINOSON was a surprise packet of 2012, averaging a career-best 95 pts
Best First Year Player : Clay SMITH - 16 matches, 826 points @ 52. Increased $179,700
A rookie on many SC radar’s at the start of 2012, midfielder SMITH began with a bang, scoring 102 in round 1. Although he didn’t reach those heights again, he had a solid season including 3 consecutive 78 pt games in round 19, 20 and 21. Selected in 11.5% of teams, SMITH was one of the few bright lights for the Dogs in a pretty poor year. One to watch.
Most Improved Player : Will MINSON - 21 matches, 1997 points @95 Increased $13,000
Taking on the lone ruck responsibilities, MINOSON was a surprise packet of 2012, averaging a career-best 95 pts
per game, up from 82 in 2011. With ten 100 pt matches for the year and a best of 132, MINSON showed he could compete with the best – leading the entire league in hitouts for the season. As a slightly cheaper option, big Will offered a great return.
Best Buy : Mitch WALLIS - 19 matches, 1659 points @ 87 Increased $121,800
One who snuck under almost everyone’s guard, WALLIS had an impressive 2012 – his second year in the comp. In 2011 he averaged 54 pts per game, a stat he raised to 87 this season, including 11 games above 90 points and a top score of 110. A steadily improving player in a team that really struggled this year, WALLIS is one to keep an eye on as the Bullies mature and hopefully progress in 2013.
Worst Buy : Adam COONEY - 14 matches, 1060 points @ 76 Decreased $135,800
A former Brownlow Medallist, COONEY is now a shadow of the footballer he used to be. A degenerative knee injury has taken its toll, but even so 2012 was hugely disappointing for COONEY, who only topped 100 pts twice and had most scores in the 60 to 90 pt bracket. His days as a star midfielder are definitely over – one to avoid in 2013 and beyond.
2013 Prospects
Luke DAHLHAUS - Unlucky not to get the Most Improved award, DAHLHAUS is an exciting playmaker and definitely one to consider for your forward line next year. Having that ‘X factor’, his top SC score in 2012 was 149, proving he can go big. Raising his average by 20 pts a match in 2012, he is one to monitor.
Ayce CORDY - Four years at the club means the time is now for CORDY. Big guys take time, but he needs to show something or it may never happen. His 12 matches this year netted a 45 pt average, with a best of 76. Hardly inspiring, but he came with big wraps and could start producing in 2013.
Most Prolific
1. Matthew BOYD (M) - 2491 @ 113
2. Ryan GRIFFEN (M) - 2121 @ 106
3. Will MINSON (R) - 1997 @ 95
4. Robert MURPHY(D) - 1778 @ 85
5. Daniel CROSS (M) - 1677 @ 98
10. Luke DAHLHAUS - 1426 @ 84 (Top Forward)
Best Buy : Mitch WALLIS - 19 matches, 1659 points @ 87 Increased $121,800
One who snuck under almost everyone’s guard, WALLIS had an impressive 2012 – his second year in the comp. In 2011 he averaged 54 pts per game, a stat he raised to 87 this season, including 11 games above 90 points and a top score of 110. A steadily improving player in a team that really struggled this year, WALLIS is one to keep an eye on as the Bullies mature and hopefully progress in 2013.
Worst Buy : Adam COONEY - 14 matches, 1060 points @ 76 Decreased $135,800
A former Brownlow Medallist, COONEY is now a shadow of the footballer he used to be. A degenerative knee injury has taken its toll, but even so 2012 was hugely disappointing for COONEY, who only topped 100 pts twice and had most scores in the 60 to 90 pt bracket. His days as a star midfielder are definitely over – one to avoid in 2013 and beyond.
2013 Prospects
Luke DAHLHAUS - Unlucky not to get the Most Improved award, DAHLHAUS is an exciting playmaker and definitely one to consider for your forward line next year. Having that ‘X factor’, his top SC score in 2012 was 149, proving he can go big. Raising his average by 20 pts a match in 2012, he is one to monitor.
Ayce CORDY - Four years at the club means the time is now for CORDY. Big guys take time, but he needs to show something or it may never happen. His 12 matches this year netted a 45 pt average, with a best of 76. Hardly inspiring, but he came with big wraps and could start producing in 2013.
Most Prolific
1. Matthew BOYD (M) - 2491 @ 113
2. Ryan GRIFFEN (M) - 2121 @ 106
3. Will MINSON (R) - 1997 @ 95
4. Robert MURPHY(D) - 1778 @ 85
5. Daniel CROSS (M) - 1677 @ 98
10. Luke DAHLHAUS - 1426 @ 84 (Top Forward)