Western Bulldogs captain Bob Murphy believes it will take some time for his team's new-look forward line featuring Travis Cloke to hit its straps. ​
Former Magpie Cloke had 13 disposals and five marks in the 21-point win over Gold Coast last week, with Murphy saying the forwards were still getting used to the new dynamic.Â
"Clokey plays that orthodox centre half-forward ... he runs so hard, he leads for the ball, he stands under the high ball," Murphy told SEN radio.  "We've got some big boys in Stewie Crameri and Jake Stringer but they probably don't play as traditional tall forwards. So I think those guys have gelled in a short period of time, but it will take a little while for it to really click, I think.Â
Murphy said the Dogs' sluggish start against the Suns was frustrating, but the reigning premiers had been told by coach Luke Beveridge on Tuesday night that he believed they would rise to the challenge in 2017.Â
"This is an optimistic time of year, as it should be, and I think Luke got the balance right last night," Murphy said. "Nothing is for certain in an AFL season ... but really everyone starts again and there's the reality for the Bulldogs that people are out to knock us off and we're the hunted and all that sort of thing. And that can either spook you or inspire you and I think that is where Luke was coming from last night to set the tone for the boys 'let's set sail again and see where we can go'."
Murphy has no doubt Gold Coast's Gary Ablett remains "the little master" and will have a big impact on the game in 2017.
He joked that, as a backman, he had no problems if Ablett spent "100 percent of his time in the middle. Even if he kicked it up to half-back, that would be OK, too. Keep him out of the 50.
"He hasn't missed a beat, still very much the little master. He is so good that it really sort of depends on the game and that's what those great players do, and that's how I imagine Rocket will use him. Where the game needs him they'll put him. Whether he is forward or back the game comes to him, he'll find his way into the game and create all kinds of havoc.
"If Gold Coast can get enough ball forward and they play him forward at least 30 per cent, it will be a nightmare for opposition teams."
The Bulldogs begin their premiership defence in the opening round against Collingwood at the MCGÂ on Friday week.Â