The Serve

Ray Warren: Dogs not dead yet

This was dour struggle in conditions that weren’t conducive to a classic game of football. Melbourne seemed like they were waiting for the Dogs to catch up, then they put the foot on the gas. 38-6 looks like a thrashing, but when you think about it, the Bulldogs were only two behind with 25 minutes left. Because of the wet, we didn’t see the best of either side.

Tonight, the Storm did a terrific job in containing Sonny Bill Williams. He couldn’t make the offloads he normally does, not make his usual number of breaks. The Dogs focus a lot of their game on him, so their attack was depleted by his lack of influence. Melbourne’s two clashes with the Dogs this season have both resulted in thrashings, with Willie Mason’s absence the common denominator. That’s important.

The Bulldogs style is not made for wet weather. Players like Sonny Bill, Roberts and Tonga thrive on the dry, where they can squeeze passes and find support players in traffic.

I would not put anything past Canterbury. Their record in finals over the last two decades demands respect. Put Willie Mason back on the paddock and they are a much different side. I would suggest they would struggle though if they slide to seventh or eighth, which is a distinct possibility if they lose in Townsville next week.