Freed-up Bulldogs regain love of the game

Western Bulldogs midfielder Jack Macrae believes the Dogs have rediscovered their love of the game as their AFL premiership defence enters a critical phase.

With rumours of in-fighting swirling, the Dogs won just two of seven games heading into last week’s encounter with North Melbourne, but scraped home for a one-point win that left them in ninth spot.

Coach Luke Beveridge released the shackles ahead of the Kangaroos clash and gave his players the freedom to recapture their barnstorming form of last season.

“(Bevo) spoke a bit about … just getting back to enjoying playing with each other with that free-flowing footy,” Macrae said on Tuesday.

“When you’re a kid growing up everyone just wants to have the ball in their hands and we’ve probably gone away from that a bit at different stages.

“Just to enjoy each other’s company out there (with) no restrictions on how you move the ball … complete freedom, which I think the boys enjoyed.”

The Dogs responded by scoring over 100 points for the first time since round five.

Macrae is hopeful the thrilling win over the Roos will send the Bulldogs into another key clash – this time against West Coast at Etihad Stadium – with renewed momentum.

The Eagles defeated the Dogs by eight points at Domain Stadium in round eight, but have lost four of their past five games to sit seventh with the same win-loss record (7-6) as Beveridge’s side.

In a major boost, skipper Bob Murphy is poised to return to the lineup from a hamstring injury suffered in round 10.

Macrae agreed Murphy’s presence across half-back might help take a bit of heat off Jason Johannisen, who has struggled with a tag in the skipper’s absence.

“His leadership and presence around the ground is something you just can’t measure … he’s such a great player and there’s only so many people they can focus on,” he said.

“Hopefully he can help him out in that respect … I know we can always do a better job helping JJ out as well.”

Macrae said the whole Bulldogs family had embraced Travis Cloke after the club announced he would take indefinite leave to deal with a mental health issue.

“We’re just putting our arms around him and looking after him as much as we can,” he said.

“Just let him know that footy’s not the most important thing in your life – it’s a great reminder for everyone.”

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