The Western Bulldogs have returned to the winners list, recording a 20-point triumph over GWS in a Saturday night goalfest at Giants Stadium.

The Dogs’ second-half dominance was critical to the 16.9 (105) to 19.11 (125) result, in the highest scoring game of the season so far.  

The opening half was an arm wrestle, with just a handful of points separating the two sides at both quarter-time and half-time.

The Bulldogs’ early accuracy was a highlight, helping them establish a 22-point buffer in the first before conceding three late goals which cut their lead to just three points.

Goals were exchanged throughout the second term, with the Giants looking more threatening as the main break approached.

Things could have turned sour when the hosts drew level midway through the third quarter, but the Bulldogs’ maturity came to the fore.

Five unanswered majors gave the visitors some breathing room at the final break, and while the Giants continued to press in the last, the Dogs were able to keep them at bay.  

Vice-captain Jack Macrae was everywhere, registering 37 touches, nine tackles, six clearances and a goal, while Josh Dunkley won a game-high 15 contested possessions to go with 27 disposals, eight tackles and five clearances.

On-ballers Adam Treloar (31 disposals, Marcus Bontempelli (28, seven clearances, one goal) and Tom Liberatore (26, six marks, 10 clearances) were all impactful, while Tim English (23 touches, six marks and 35 hit-outs) and Rhylee West (14 disposals, five marks, two goals) impressed.

Cody Weightman produced five first-half goals, which was matched by Aaron Naughton who also finished with five himself.

Alex Keath, Ryan Gardner and Tim O’Brien were strong in defence, with recently re-signed duo Caleb Daniel and Bailey Dale also important across half-back.

The Bulldogs will look to continue their winning form when they host Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium next Friday night.

GWS GIANTS                      5.4     9.7      11.8     16.9 (105)
WESTERN BULLDOGS       6.1     10.6    16.9     19.11 (125)

GOALS
GWS Giants: Greene 7, Hogan 3, Coniglio 2, Riccardi 2, Ash, Brander
Western Bulldogs: Weightman 5, Naughton 5, West 2, Williams, Bontempelli, McNeil, Scott, Ugle-Hagan, Macrae, Dunkley

BEST
GWS Giants: Greene, Green, Coniglio, Hogan, Himmelberg
Western Bulldogs: Macrae, Weightman, Naughton, English, Dunkley, Bontempelli 

INJURIES
GWS Giants: Preuss (ankle), Peatling (hamstring)
Western Bulldogs: Duryea (knee), Weightman (elbow)

LATE CHANGES
GWS Giants: Matt Flynn (quad) replaced in selected side by Zach Sproule
Western Bulldogs: Nil  

SUBSTITUTES
GWS Giants: Jarrod Brander (replaced Preuss in the second quarter) 
Western Bulldogs: Lachlan McNeil (replaced Duryea in the first quarter)