First Quarter Breakdown
Key Plays: ?An experienced Fremantle outfit proved too good for the Western Bulldogs in the first term, often capitalising on the scoeeboard whenever the ball entered their attacking zone.?The immense pressure the away team was able to apply when the ball was in the Bulldogs forward half also made it very difficult for the Dogs to make inroads in reducing the margin.
Both teams competed strongly for the duration of the quarter but Fremantle was able to find space with ball in hand.?Tom Liberatore was a machine at the stoppages finishing the quarter with a highly impressive six.
Player of the Quarter?: While Adam Cooney kicked the only Bulldogs major in the first term, it was his bursts of speed and class that impressed more for the quarter. The veteran didn?t put a foot wrong, setting up a number of forward plays for his young side and standing up when he was needed most.
QUARTER TIME: Western Bulldogs 1. 1. (7) trail Fremantle 6. 2. (38)
Second Quarter Breakdown
Key Plays: ?The Bulldogs played with intent early in the second quarter, kicking two kick goals through Cross and Smith, to begin clawing back at the margin.?The intensity across the ground lifted considerably from the first quarter, with the Bulldogs not giving Fremantle any space in their forward half.?
Brett Goodes? looked the part of a seasoned veteran marshaling the Bulldogs back line, while Smith?s work rate saw him have more impact this quarter.
Player of the Quarter: ?If six clearances in the first quarter wasn?t impressive enough, few could argue that nine in the first half isn?t praise worthy for Tom Liberatore. Stepping up in the absence of captain Matthew Boyd, the third year recruit has also had 14 disposals (ten contested) and five tackles. His clean hands and quick thinking has been influential in helping the Bulldogs lead the clearance count 22 to 13.
HALF TIME: Western Bulldogs 5. 5. 35 trail Fremantle 9. 6. 60
