In one of the biggest stories of the year, the Bulldogs signed Lachlan Galvin<\/a> from the Tigers, sending a clear message to Toby Sexton, the halfback who got them to the top of the ladder, that they didn't think he was the answer.<\/p>\n READ MORE:<\/strong> 'Outrageous' Brownlow shock as Suns star wins<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n READ MORE:<\/strong> Brownlow count rocked by dumbfounding vote snub<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n READ MORE:<\/strong> Storm star on track to return for blockbuster prelim final<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Galvin took over the number seven jumper, took time to adapt to the pressure and new systems, and the Bulldogs began to slide down the ladder.<\/p>\n To add to their woes, hooker Reed Mahoney<\/a>, one of the highest paid players on their roster, lost his spot to youngster Bailey Hayward – and clearly wasn't happy.<\/p>\n The Dogs limped into the finals, losing five of their last six games – their sole win coming over a Panthers team resting a dozen top liners.<\/p>\n A season that promised so much ended in bitter disappointment<\/a>, with a now full strength Panthers side thumping the Dogs 46-26<\/a> on Sunday before a massive crowd at Accor Stadium.<\/p>\n Would the Dogs have fared better had Sexton and Mahoney kept their spots?<\/p>\n We will never know – but the Galvin\/Hayward introduction to their spine mid-season clearly didn't work.<\/p>\n Many believe Galvin is a better five-eighth than halfback, and he finally got a go there in the last game – and played his best match for the Dogs.<\/p>\n There's no doubt he will add to the side next season, especially with an off season under his belt alongside his new teammates.<\/p>\n But despite the unhappy ending, there were plenty of positives to come out of the year.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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