The Bulldogs boast tremendous forward talent, but are light on for tall defenders, particularly with Liam Jones – also a former Blue – struggling this year. He has played only one match in the second half of the year.
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Rory Lobb has become a key defensive pillar since switching to that role last year, while James O’Donnell often battles against opponents who are bigger and stronger.
Coach Luke Beveridge has been insistent on leaving Naughton as a forward, a decision which has proven successful.
Silvagni, who has been used as a forward, back-up ruck and even tagger in his career, was a consistent force in defence in 13 matches this season before a groin injury sidelined him.
The Bulldogs, like the Magpies, are expected to again be in the premiership mix next season, while there is uncertainty with the Blues, with uncertainty about the future of coach Michael Voss.
The Magpies, however, have contractual issues of their own, for they have yet to agree to terms with veterans Jeremy Howe, Jamie Elliot and Brody Mihocek, while ruckman Darcy Cameron, contracted for next year, is keen for an early extension. Rival club sources say the West Coast Eagles are monitoring the Cameron situation closely.
The Dogs smashed GWS on Thursday night, provisionally lifting them into the eight.
It was only the second time this season the Bulldogs had beaten a top-eight team.
They now need to win at least two, possibly, three of their final games against Melbourne, West Coast and Fremantle to make the eight.
“We understand the criticism around not being able to eke our way further up the ladder and not being able to beat some teams above us; we get that, we’ve just got to own up to all that,” coach Luke Beveridge said.
Sam Darcy starred against the Giants.Credit: Getty Images
Key forwards Sam Darcy and Naughton each booted five goals and combined for seven contested marks to destroy the Giants. They have combined for 60 goals in their past eight games since Darcy returned from a knee injury in round 14, Naughton with 31 and Darcy with 29.
Ruckman Tim English has also found form. He had 22 hit outs, 20 disposals, including two goals, 11 marks and 14 score involvements against Giants opponent Kieren Briggs.
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The Giants are already without Josh Kelly and James Buckley for the rest of the home-and-away season, and now reigning Coleman medallist Jesse Hogan is in doubt to play North Melbourne next Sunday after aggravating a foot problem.
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