“I’ve got questions”: Why Hinkley is not yet sold on the Bulldogs

The Western Bulldogs have started the season in flawless fashion, however, Ken Hinkley is not yet fully convinced.

After sneaking past the reigning premiers in Opening Round, the Dogs returned home to batter an undermanned GWS in Round 1, winning by 81 points to start 2-0 for the first time since 2021.

Coming up against last season's minor premiers in the Adelaide Crows, Hinkley has questions as to how the Dogs will handle the Crows' tall forward trio.

“Friday night game, I’ve got questions with the Bulldogs,” Hinkley told SEN Sportsday.

“I’m really happy with what I’ve seen, from the trial game at Whitten Oval, watching them up in the Gabba and watching them last week.

“They kept an undermanned Giants to 53 points at Marvel – they don’t get beat there; they just smack teams.

“They’re coming over to Adelaide; they’re playing against an offensive team… I guarantee you they give them the looks that they gave Brisbane. There’s no coming back from there!

“They’ll flood back to help out with the talls from Adelaide, there’s no doubt about that. But then they’ve got to transition the ball against a team who, defensively, is very, very good.”

Adelaide kicked off their season with a strong win over Collingwood at the MCG, with keys Riley Thilthorpe, Taylor Walker and Darcy Fogarty combining for 42 disposals, 16 marks and five goals. Izak Rankine is also due to return from suspension.

They host the Bulldogs on Friday night at Adelaide Oval.