Looking forward: Western Bulldogs keen to forge new path in 2018
Western Bulldogs assistant coach Daniel Giansiracusa says 2018 is about forging a fresh path rather than recreating the magic of 2016.
The Bulldogs' bid to rebound from a disappointing season in 2017, when they failed to make the finals a year after claiming the ultimate prize, begins in earnest on Saturday when they host their JLT Community Series opener against Hawthorn in Ballarat.
The Dogs began a two-day community camp in the town on Thursday but understand the best way to galvanise what they hope will be a new support base is through impressive on-field performances.
New year, new Dogs: The Western Bulldogs aren't dwelling on the past.
Photo: Paul JeffersGiansiracusa, who will coach the side against the Hawks in a step he hopes will one day lead to a senior coaching role, said the Dogs, now without retired veterans Bob Murphy and Matthew Boyd, were ready to make a fresh imprint on the competition.
"It's definitely looking forward, different players. We have had some pretty experienced players leave the footy club but that is exciting to see who will step up and play in different roles. Every year is different. The AFL landscape is changing and it will only continue with player movement and things like that. I think you just have to focus on the 12 months and the list you have at that time and go full tilt at it," he said.
"Last year there were probably players at the level they did not want to be, so we will probably get it (development) through those guys. They have shown since day one of the pre-season they want to get back to the levels they had previously. They are 12 months older.
"I think we are the fourth or fifth youngest list in the comp so there are going to be guys stepping up from that department. I am looking forward to seeing how that goes."
One player who has returned with a "steely resolve" is midfield hardnut Tom Liberatore, who impressed during Saturday's intra-club clash.
Liberatore's form was an issue last year and he was dropped from the senior side. However, he has enjoyed a strong summer heading into a year when he is off contract and a free agent.
"He seems like he has focus. We know he is one of the best stoppage and clearance players in the competition. Him at his best means that we are going to be a better side," Giansiracusa said.
The Bulldogs want to get better inside attacking 50. They ranked 15th for points scored per game and 18th for goals per inside 50 as well as accuracy last year.
They hope key talls Tom Boyd, back enjoying his football, and former Lion Josh Schache can deliver the goals required.
"There is a bit of unknown how we are going to set up, not only us but everyone in the competition. If they are getting a kick and playing well within team structures, I think we can be quite formidable in that area," Giansiracusa said.
"We got a lot of entries last year but weren't able to capitalise. That's been a bit of a focus through the pre-season. Hopefully we can show that against the Hawks on Saturday."
Aaron Naughton, the Dogs' first pick in last year's draft, made what Giansiracusa said was a "slow start before Christmas" but has lifted since joining the main training group. The former defender with Peel Thunder in the WAFL, highly regarded for his intercept skills, hopes to step out against the Hawks.
"He has got a confidence about him, he goes for his marks, we love that as a footy club in terms of backmen that can mark the footy. He played senior footy last year in the WAFL - he doesn't shy away from playing against bigger bodies and things like that. Obviously, there is a long way to go in his career but we are excited about how he has gone at it so far," Giansiracusa said.
Jason Johannisen will be keen to move on from the headlines following a late-night altercation at Crown Casino on the weekend. A member of the Dogs' leadership group, Johannisen was with friends when a group of men acted "extremely inappropriately towards some female members of Jason’s group, which caused an argument between males of both groups [which did not involve Johannisen]," the Dogs said in a statement.
Added Giansiracusa: "We thought that JJ handled himself really well. Someone once told me not much good happens after 12 o'clock. He wasn't in the wrong but being out later anything can happen but, in terms of the situation, he moved on pretty quickly and we have as a club."
Jon Pierik is a sports writer with The Age, focusing primarily on AFL football, cricket and basketball. He has won awards for his cricket and basketball writing.
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