No team in the AFL has a better midfield than the Western Bulldogs heading into the 2021 season, according to Nick Dal Santo.
The Bulldogs added to their star-studded midfield mix by securing the signature of Adam Treloar in a blockbuster trade from Collingwood during last year’s trade period.
Given their embarrassment of riches through the midfield, Dal Santo says the Dogs should run opposition clubs off their feet throughout the upcoming campaign.
“I think this is now the best midfield in the competition,” he told SEN Summer Breakfast.
“(Adam) Treloar, (Marcus) Bontempelli, Jack Macrae, (Lachie) Hunter, (Bailey) Smith, (Josh) Dunkley and ‘Libba’ (Tom Liberatore).
“Obviously only three of four go through at a time and you throw in a couple of wingers, but you tell me a better midfield than that.
“I look at that midfield – exploit the opposition, use your strengths as much as you can, and you make the opposition adjust to you.
“You would love to be able to sit here in nine or 10 months’ time and say our midfield was dominant – we exposed the opposition for their inability to run with us for four quarters.”
The Bulldogs also bolstered their ruck stocks with Brisbane veteran Stefan Martin joining the club to support emerging big man Tim English.
“They’ve also brought in another ruckman in Stef Martin,” Dan Santo said.
“Tim English made some really good steps forward last year. I think his craft as a ruckman was superb.
“You’ve now got the ability to exploit the opposition. You look at Paddy Ryder and Rowan Marshall and the way they were able to work together and they were the team that beat the Bulldogs last year in the finals. They were able to work together and make it look seamless.
“You would love to sit here in 10 months’ time and say we’ve got a great duo, a great combination in the ruck.”
Martin, 34, joined the Dogs on a one-year deal.