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Western Bulldogs tip AFL goal tide to turn

3 minute read

Key forward Josh Bruce has managed only 13 goals in his first season with the Western Bulldogs but is happy with the way the AFL club's attack is functioning.

JOSH BRUCE.
JOSH BRUCE. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

Josh Bruce admits he's had a "challenging" first season at the Western Bulldogs but isn't too concerned with his personal fortunes as long as the AFL team is winning.

The 28-year-old key forward - now at his third club after stints at GWS and St Kilda - has delivered the Dogs 13 goals in 16 games ahead of Saturday's elimination final against the Saints.

The tally ranks him third at the club in 2020 behind Mitch Wallis (24) and Aaron Naughton (14).

Heavy restrictions on training under COVID-19 protocols have added a layer of difficulty to his integration into the Bulldogs' attack.

"It's been challenging at times," Bruce said.

"It's never easy going into a new team and a new forward line, particularly.

"But I think as an entire offence we're actually playing some pretty nice footy and we're quite a high-scoring team, especially in the last couple of months or so.

"Whilst I might not be individually getting the plaudits and kicking the bags of goals, I'm part of a forward line that's working pretty well."

The Bulldogs rank sixth for overall scoring this year, and their average of 75.2 points a game over their last six outings is higher than the 72.5 season average posted by competition leaders Port Adelaide.

Six of Bruce's goals came in one match in early July and he has managed only four in his past 11 appearances.

"I'm sure it will turn for me with goals and stuff like that but it's not really a concern," Bruce said.

"We're in a successful side at the moment and looking to go as far as we can."

Naughton is important to the Bulldogs' hopes of toppling St Kilda and will wear a rugby-style helmet to protect his fractured cheekbone if, as expected, he plays at the Gabba.

He trained with teammates on Wednesday, a day after having stitches out post-surgery.

"(The helmet) hides part of his mullet, so everyone will be happy," Bruce said.

"He'll be fine to wear it and it's all looking good."

Wallis also trained on Wednesday and is expected to be cleared to play despite a knock to his shoulder in the Bulldogs' last-round win over Fremantle.

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