Phil Gould, the Bulldogs' chief, has shared statistics to support his assertion that Lachlan Galvin is destined for greatness, insisting that the No. 7 will eventually "wear down" his critics.
Two years ago, Gould famously labeled Galvin as "the best teenage footballer I've ever seen." He has analyzed the playmaker's 2026 season and hailed him as one of this year's standout players.
"There's so much that he's improved. His kicking game has improved, the accuracy of his kicking game, the timing of his kicks, his defensive work," Gould said during the 'Six Tackes with Gus' podcast.
"In sheer numbers, if you compare him to all the other (number) sevens in the competition this year, he comes up very, very favourably in results (for) line breaks (7), line break assists (20), tries (8), try assists (16), his kicking game (6241m), his running meters (1613m).
"(And) I don't know where you get a measure of courage, but his courage is incredible."
With over 40 years of experience in top-flight rugby league, Gould has no doubts that 21-year-old Galvin stands out compared to other playmakers at the same age. Galvin has faced scrutiny since his early career, given the expectations placed upon him.
Gus remarked, "There's been some precocious young talents come up, but I don't think anyone's come up under that sort of scrutiny and pressure he (Galvin) does. All these great halfbacks - and I saw them all at 20 years of age, I saw them coming through - and I said to Lachie these players, when they were your age, were out playing in park football in front of family and friends, making their mistakes.
"They weren't on prime-time TV Friday night, so we're not worried about the occasional error because he's in a learning phase. Lachie played Australian Schoolboys in September (of 2023) and his next game was in first grade in March.
"Not only that, he came into a team (Wests Tigers) running last and was their best player. I think he's been outstanding, he's been absolutely wonderful, and he's got a long, long future in front of him. He'll eventually wear them (the critics) all down."
Gould is uncertain if Galvin will stay at No. 7 or move back to his usual five-eighth role next season, leaving that choice to coach Cameron Ciraldo. The 10th placed Bulldogs aim to finish a disappointing season positively when they face the reigning champions, Brisbane, at Accor Stadium on Thursday night.