Western Bulldogs defender James O'Donnell has heard and relished the noise that has surrounded his club's backline this year.
Since the Bulldogs failed to land a defensive fish in last year's AFL player movement period, the external narrative has suggested the club does not have the sturdiness in defence to challenge for the premiership.
The internal growth of O'Donnell, teammate Buku Khamis and the addition of Connor Budarick to the half-back line has propelled the Dogs to being one of the most formidable defences in the competition.
“I like it. It fuels me a bit. At times it's a narrative that is a little bit…I don't think it's completely correct,” O'Donnell said.
“There's definitely been areas in our game we've needed to lift, and I feel like we've made a lot of gains in our game this year, and I think statistically speaking, we're a really solid back six, so again it's just fuel and something I don't shy away from.
“It's been nice to somewhat prove the doubters wrong…us as a club, we're doubted, but when our backs are against the wall, hopefully we can stand up. I love that side of it.”
The end of the home-and-away season has been the Western Bulldogs' best nine-week stretch since the 2021 Grand Final year, and the club has this season conceded only 18 more points than their Friday night rival Collingwood, whose backline is much vaunted.
O'Donnell believes the Dogs producing such consistency even as Bailey Dale has missed five games and Rory Lobb has been removed from the backline to play in the ruck is a product of trust.
“The trust and connection throughout the depth of our group and stand up despite the heavy weight of those guys (missing games) has been really promising,” O'Donnell said.
“I think we've played well throughout the season and in the back half of the year, a mix of continuity and trust and connection within the group is seen within our performance which is pleasing, but there is still a lot more to grow in.”
O'Donnell has arguably had a career-best campaign and 67 games into his career and having recently inked an extension to keep him at the club until 2029, has taken more of a leadership role among the defenders in 2026.
“That's definitely had to fast-track a little bit, but I've loved that side of things and learning a lot,” O'Donnell said.
“I've been put in situations this year where I've had to lead or been exposed to leadership in the club, so really grateful for that, but I definitely aspire to be better at.
“Any leader has to practice what they preach, so starting with action and using that as a foundation to drag others with you and be vocal, I think I've been finding that balance.”
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When it became apparent the Dogs had not landed a key defender, O'Donnell was the immediate name people looked to for growth to keep the Bulldogs around the mark and has relished the challenge while being noted internally for his character and standards.
Collingwood forward barometer Dan McStay looms as a likely matchup on Friday night, the latest challenge in a catalogue of big names O'Donnell has gone head-to-head with this year, with the 23-year-old praising coach Luke Beveridge for allowing him to flourish.
“'Bevo' and I have a great relationship. I'm very lucky to have ‘Bevo' as my coach,” O'Donnell said.
“I think about how I started and how he gave me the opportunity so early in my Bulldogs career, the trust he's given me and responsibility – he's probably given me more belief than I ever had in myself, so that as a starting point, we've got a great relationship in that sense.
"From a backline and role sense, he's super clear in what he wants from me, and I try to provide that every week.”
