Is it panic stations at the Bulldogs? Surely not.
Although the Sharks blew away the Bulldogs in the final game of the season, Canterbury’s opponent for week 1 of the finals had an even worse round 27: Melbourne lost both Jahrome Hughes and Ryan Papenhuyzen for the year.
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In the latest episode of Real or Ridiculous, 2015 Dally M Five-eighth of the Year Blake Austin scoffs at the notion that Canterbury, even without the services of Bronson Xerri, Marcelo Montoya and potentially Jacob Kiraz, will exit the finals without firing a shot.
“I’m a big believer that footy is different in finals,” Austin said.
“I think their pack is undersized, I think it’s a slower game in round 1-27. Finals footy is high fatigue footy and I think their pack becomes a stronger pack.”
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