Western Bulldogs Assistant Coach Shannon Grant talks to BulldogsTV for the Weekly Wrap after the Bulldogs 82 point loss to Sydney on Sunday.
Watch Shannon Grant's match review on the media player above.
The Good
The Western Bulldogs’s ability to match league-leaders Sydney for the first half impressed Assistant Coach Shannon Grant most on Sunday. At the main change the Bulldogs led Sydney in disposals (WB 184, SYD 171) and marks (WB 47, SYD 31) as well as matching Sydney in clearances at 17 each. Sydney led marginally in contested possessions (WB 77, SYD 79) and the Inside 50m count (WB 23, SYD 31). The performance was a step up for the young Bulldogs outfit.
Area for Improvement
Grant indicated that the Dogs inability to sustain their intensity over the four quarters was the biggest area for improvement. An in-form Sydney outfit capitalised on the drop off and went on to dominate the second half of play resulting in the 82 point defeat.
Read the full match report at westernbulldogs.com.au
Stat that Mattered
The Bulldogs lack of decisiveness with ball in hand led Grant to the stat that mattered, opposition goals from turnovers. Sydney kicked 16 goals from the Bulldogs’ direct turnovers. Better decision making and more effective ball usage could have prevented the resultant goals and led to a closer contest between the two sides.
Player of the Day
Coming as no surprise, Grant named midfielder Ryan Griffen player of the day for his 47 disposal effort. Having amassed 38 disposals by three quarter time, Griffen gathered double figure possession in all but the final term. Not only was the 47 disposals a career high but also saw him break Simon Atkins' Club Record for most disposals in a game. Atkins’ previous record stood at 46. Griffen also collected 22 contested possessions, four marks, eight clearances, eight inside 50s, four rebound 50s and two goal assists.
Watch highlights of Ryan Griffen's record breaking game on BulldogsTV
Read Brendan McCartney's review of the match at westernbulldogs.com.au
