Three things to take from the Bulldogs’ one-point win against the Brisbane Lions in the Semi Final on Saturday night.

1. Composure in a crazy finish
The 'ice in my veins' celebration from Bailey Smith told the story. Although his sensational goal from the boundary with a tick under two minutes remaining didn't necessarily win the game for the Western Bulldogs – Zac Bailey had evened things up with 80 seconds to go before a dramatic match-winning behind from Laitham Vandermeer – it did go to show the composure needed to win this thrilling contest. The Bulldogs enjoyed all of the key moments when it mattered. Smith's goal was important, but not as influential as Vandermeer's heads-up play to rush the ball through for a point with just seconds on the clock in a tied game. Caleb Daniel's composed kick from the last line of defence to find a teammate, with barely any time remaining on the clock, then sealed the deal on another incredible September night for Luke Beveridge's side. Talk about keeping your head when it mattered most.

2. Magnificent Macrae
Lachie Neale set the AFL/VFL record for disposals in a finals match last week when he found the footy 46 times against Melbourne. Jack Macrae spent large periods of Saturday night as though he was coming for that crown, finishing his evening with 39 disposals. Clearly the best Bulldogs performer at the Gabba, Macrae's influence was evident throughout the evening. His goal to start the fourth quarter, slashing a 10-point deficit to just four and coming amid a flurry of four consecutive Dogs majors, typified his brilliant night. Macrae ultimately finished 19 contested possessions, 11 clearances, 10 inside 50s, 758m gained and nine score involvements, proving the most influential Bulldogs player when the game was in the balance.

3. Injuries sour an unforgettable night
The one-point win gave Luke Beveridge plenty to smile about, but also plenty to fret about heading into a preliminary final against Port Adelaide next week. After a breakout performance against Essendon in an elimination final, Cody Weightman's night came to a disappointing end at half-time against Brisbane. Copping a high hit following a collision with Marcus Adams on the stroke of the main break, Weightman was unable to return and was ultimately replaced by medical substitute Jason Johannisen. A concussion sees him enter the AFL's 12-day protocols and means he misses this week's heavyweight bout with the Power. Influential captain Marcus Bontempelli also limped from the field late in the game with a knee injury, but he avoided serious damage and is considered a possible starter against Port.