Western Bulldogs star Ed Richards has conceded that they need to win against better sides to avoid the ‘flat track bullies’ claim.
The eighth-placed Bulldogs won by 79 points against 17th-placed Richmond on Sunday, winning (21.9) 135 to (8.8) 56.
This win put them back into the top eight while the Tigers still sit second last in 17th.
The Bulldogs have only one win against a team currently in the top and have won by an average of 57 points from their eight wins so far, an average that rises to 72 in their last six wins.
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Conversely, the average Bulldogs losing margin in their six losses this year has been just over 14 points, all coming against sides above them except for the Gold Coast Suns, who are equal with the Dogs on points but are below in ninth due to percentage.
Bulldogs star Ed Richards, whose form this season has been compared to some of the greats, told 3AW post-game that the goal was to try and win against a team above them.
“Some people are calling us flat track bullies at the moment, so we need to do something about it. We’ve got to beat a team above us, which is definitely the goal for the backend of the year.
“We’ve been dominant against the weaker sides, and it’s great for our percentage, but come finals time, we’re going to be playing stronger sides if we’re able to make it.
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge explained that the big wins were great, but they need to win against teams above them.
“There are aspects of our game that are quite strong, but we’re vulnerable as well at different times, and we’re not shying away from the fact we haven’t been able to beat most of the teams above us,” Beveridge said in his post-match press conference.
“They’re above us and higher up on the ladder for a reason; they’re the better teams in the competition.
Beveridge was determined not to talk about the possibility of playing finals as he talked about September
“We are a mile off September, I think we’ve just snuck into the right, haven't we? So you’re not going to catch me out talking about September”