Dogs add bite to vital clash

REINVENTED Western Bulldogs forward Mitch Wallis says Friday night’s match against Geelong will be a litmus test for his team on its charge to the finals.

The Dogs moved into the eight with their win over Melbourne last week — with Wallis bagging a career-high four goals.

Wallis, 27, finds himself in new roles personally and professionally in 2020.

He became a father to daughter Charlotte in June and on field has moved from his customary role in the midfield to become a dynamic forward threat with a team-high 20 goals.

Wallis said third-placed Geelong posed a greater threat than recent wins over Melbourne and Adelaide.

“It’s a big challenge this week. Geelong I think are one of probably two or three teams that are favourites to take it out this year,” Wallis said.

“We will definitely find out where we are at. The ball’s in our court now; we’re in charge of our own destiny to see what happens in the next month or so and see if we can be there at the end of the year.”

While Wallis was heaping praise on his opponents on Wednesday, Richmond coach Damien Hardwick anointed his team’s opponent on Thursday night, West Coast, the “premiership favourites”.

Hardwick’s reigning premier plays the fourth-placed Eagles on the Gold Coast.

Hardwick, who denied he was playing mind games, said there was no doubt the Eagles were the “form side of the competition”.

“They’re incredibly talented, they use the ball very well and they try and keep the ball off through time and possession; so it’s going to be full of challenges — but one our boys are looking forward to,” Hardwick said.