Are the Bulldogs still genuine contenders without English?

Adam Simpson and Ken Hinkley have discussed whether the Western Bulldogs still have the pieces to be a premiership contender following injuries to key players.

Having been the last team to remain undefeated in 2026, the Bulldogs had been the form side of the competition through the first five rounds.

But with a loss to Hawthorn in Gather Round and a 75-point loss to Geelong on Friday night, it has raised doubts around their premiership credentials.

Especially with ruckman Tim English currently sidelined with a knee injury, and doubts over Sam Darcy following his suspected knee injury from last night's match.

Reflecting on their performance, the former West Coast coach noted that Geelong’s dominance in hitouts (59-27) went a long way to exposing the Bulldogs’ defence.

“The backline is vulnerable,” Simpson told SEN’s Crunch Time.

“So, their team defence has been good. Started really well (at) the start of the year (and) they sort of fall back a little bit (and) they protect the corridor.

“But when you lose field position straight away, you're dependent on your ball movement (and it) doesn't really start in your D50.

“You don't wanna get the ball back there, especially down there.

“It's just too hard to transition, and unfortunately, not for the first time, and it won't be for the last time. Geelong will have their way with you if you don't get field position there.”

This would be a sentiment shared by Hinkley.

“I was concerned about their key backs still being able to stand up under real pressure,” he added.

“When you flood back, it's OK when you've got support, but as Adam said, (if) you lose field position so badly from stoppage, you're gonna find yourself in a bad way.

“And their ability to defend key position forwards, as we've seen last night, is not at the level it needs to be.”

But the former Port Adelaide coach also expressed concerns with the side's depth.

“Your ruckman shouldn’t really stop (from winning a flag),” he continued.

“You (Adam Simpson) won a flag, (Nic) Naitanui was out.

“If you're a genuine contender, you can't be one player away (from winning a premiership). That would be my thoughts.

“If you're one player away, you're probably not good enough.

“And I think that's the challenge with list size as a game, if we go back onto a slightly different topic.

“The depth of the AFL clubs now, as soon as you get through to 30, you're in trouble.”

The Bulldogs will look to get back on the winners' list next week in their Round 7 clash against the Swans on Thursday night.

That will be played at Marvel Stadium, with the match starting 7:30pm AEST.

SEN will have live coverage of the match beginning from 6pm across our radio network and on the SEN app.