Dogs’ quick descent to also-rans

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THE need for speed has never been greater for the Western Bulldogs.

For all the talk about the desperation for a key forward — which now looks certain to come with a top-five selection at November's draft — pace is rising towards No. 1 of an array of issues coach Brendan McCartney was last night left facing.

MATCH: DOGS LEFT TO RUE AS LIONS POUNCE

DOGS-LIONS: FULL SUPERCOACH SCORES

It was laid bare in embarrassing fashion as the bottom-placed Brisbane Lions swept the Dogs off their feet in the second quarter.

Perhaps fortunately, only 18,054 — the smallest ever Etihad Stadium crowd between the clubs — watched on.

The run and carry of self-proclaimed 'mozzies' — Dayne Zorko, Lewy Taylor and Josh Green — sliced and diced the Bulldogs to shreds.

Mitch Wallis and teammates contemplate the loss after the match. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

In the second term Brisbane dominated inside 50s, contested disposals and outscored the Dogs by 33 points as, in all too familiar fashion, McCartney's side threw away a match with one messy quarter.

It was painfully obvious when Zorko speared a counter attack from half-back and combined with Taylor who hit goalkicker Marco Paprone with a bullet pass just before half-time as the footy zipped up the ground in breathtaking fashion.

Marcus Bontempelli tried to avoid trouble. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

Rewind five years and the Dogs were the slickest, most polished side in the league.

They had tricks and class and their ball movement was so exciting to watch they demanded frequent Friday night appearances, a timeslot the Dogs again won't enjoy this season.

Lindsay Gilbee and Jason Akermanis boasted golden foot while angle-cutting and zippy back pocket Jarrod Harbrow was as creative as Thomas Edison.

Bob Murphy, 32 tomorrow, can break lines, as can midfield stars Adam Cooney and Ryan Griffen.

Wallis has a kick smothered by Dayne Zorko. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

Of the youngsters Luke Dahlhaus, Jason Tutt and Easton Wood have wheels, but as a collective the Dogs are stagnant and slow and are suddenly in the biggest hole McCartney has faced.

Just 33 games ago the Dogs whipped the Lions, pre-season champs, kicking 19.13 in a 68-point thumping before Brisbane was crippled by its serious talent drain.

From that Bulldogs side only Daniel Cross and Nick Lower (both delisted) are no longer on the list, highlighting just how far back the Dogs have suddenly sling-shotted.

The Dogs own talent drain is what has them in strife. In four consecutive drafts from 2006-9 they added 19 players.

Ryan Griffen collides with Claye Beams. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: News Corp Australia

Only six remain and of those Tutt and Jarrad Grant are still yet to cement their places and first-round pick Christian Howard looks likely to face the chop.

Howard was substituted out after just a half last night as he collected only two kicks.

At this year's season launch, president Peter Gordon cleverly borrowed a famous TV quote and warned the Dogs were not in danger, but would be the danger.

Since then they've been broken.

Badly.

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