The Western Bulldogs’ quest to claim a remarkable 2021 premiership has been halted by Melbourne in the Grand Final.
The Bulldogs succumbed to a second half Demons blitz after holding a 19-point lead early in the third quarter, as Melbourne claimed their first flag in 57 years.
The Dogs overcame a slow start to control the second term and looked in control of the contest when Marcus Bontempelli snapped his third goal of the game at the 12-minute mark of the third, but the Demons responded with a devastating run of 11 straight goals.
They turned a dangerous deficit into a 24-point lead at the final change, and by the final siren they were 74 points in front after kicking 15 of the last 16 goals of the match.
It was a bitter pill to swallow for the Bulldogs, who fought so valiantly to claw their way into the Grand Final after finishing fifth and traversing the country to earn the right to play off for the Premiership.
Bontempelli led his team brilliantly in defeat, collecting 25 disposals to go with his three majors – two of which came from contested marks in the crucial second quarter fightback.
Adam Treloar was another who performed admirably, kicking three goals and winning 28 touches, while defender Caleb Daniel finished with a team-high 37 possessions.
For the Demons, Christian Petracca was named as the Norm Smith Medallist and Bailey Fritsch kicked six goals.
MELBOURNE 4.5 5.9 12.11 21.14 (140)
WESTERN BULLDOGS 1.2 7.5 9.5 10.6 (66)
GOALS
Melbourne: Fritsch 6, Brown 3, Petracca 2, Neal-Bullen 2, McDonald 2, Spargo, Brayshaw, Sparrow, Oliver, Langdon, Jackson
Western Bulldogs: Bontempelli 3, Treloar 3, R Smith, Naughton, Hunter, Johannisen
BEST
Melbourne: Petracca, Fritsch, Oliver, Brayshaw, Salem, Gawn, Jackson
Western Bulldogs: Bontempelli, Daniel, B.Smith, Treloar, Macrae, Liberatore, Dale
INJURIES
Melbourne: Nil
Western Bulldogs: Nil
SUBSTITUTES
Melbourne: Jordon (unused)
Western Bulldogs: Vandermeer (unused)
Crowd: 61,118 at Optus Stadium
