Former Western Bulldogs coach Terry Wallace admits he is confused by his old club’s start to the 2024 season.
The Australian football Hall of Famer feels the club is stuck between two generations, unsure whether they should be competing for a flag or developing young stars.
“Yeah, they’re confusing,” Wallace told SEN’s Whateley.
“I’m sort of confused by what’s going on there. I’m a little bit with those asking whether they’re playing for the now or are they playing for the future.
“I can’t understand the Jack Macrae stuff and where that sits and him being shoved sideways, does he stay or go.
“They’ve got some enormously good young, tall talent coming through. I was really surprised 12 months ago with the acquisition of Rory Lobb.
“I just didn’t see with the development they were needing to put into Sam Darcy, who looks like he’s going to be a star, and they’ve got Jordan Croft on the sidelines coming through, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, I just didn’t see a position for (Lobb) in the side.
“It’s nothing to do with his ability, but if you’re going to develop the right guys there isn’t a spot and are you going for now or for later?
“It’s very confusing and a little frustrating watching on from the sidelines.”
Wallace believes the Dogs should be looking slightly more long term, given the age profile of the likes of Darcy and Ugle-Hagan.
“I don’t think they’re quite there at the moment because their big kids are very young.”
“From that point of view, they’re 18 months away, but they certainly should be better than they are playing at the moment.”
The Bulldogs have the chance to bounce back on Thursday night when they take on an injury-battered St Kilda.
Listen to Terry Wallace chatting about new Australian football Legend Jason Dunstall on SEN with Gerard Whateley