David King believes the Western Bulldogs aren’t ready to go to the next level until the forward line starts to build some chemistry.
Without looking at the scoreboard, Luke Beveridge’s side looked to have comfortably accounted for a directionless Collingwood on Friday night.
The Bulldogs recorded differentials of +149 possessions, +33 marks and +19 inside 50s, but the final margin was just 16 points, and the Magpies were never truly out of the contest.
“It was 16 points but it felt like 36 points. I think that’s the Dogs’ lot,” King told SEN’s Whateley.
“They’ve got a clear and distinct brand with this handball game.
“Win it once, keep it off the opposition, flick it around, get one player into space and then try and punish.
“But until they get this forward 50 functioning, they’ll remain in games that should be over.”
King believes the Dogs could be yet to find the right balance of talls, despite a confident display from inexperienced key back Ryan Gardner and glimpses of glitz and glamour from forwards Aaron Naughton and Josh Bruce.
“Jamarra Ugle-Hagan kicked five goals in three quarters in the reserves, there’s been tough love given out there,” King began.
“When he comes in, what will that allow? Everyone’s saying Naughton to centre half-back. Maybe he stays, maybe Josh Bruce goes there.
“I’m worried about centre half-back and full-back. Alex Keath and Ryan Gardner, that worries me.
“They looked solid on the weekend, but they are vulnerable down back.”
The Bulldogs will look to back up their opening round win when they confront West Coast at Marvel Stadium on Sunday afternoon.