First quarter
Key Plays:
In his first game back since round 18 last year, Tom Williams found himself lining up in front of goal within the first minute of the game but was unable to convert the shot.
Nick Riewoldt made himself known early, taking two strong marks in St Kilda’s attacking zone in the following minutes, kicking a behind followed by a goal.
The Saints continued to look dangerous rebounding out of defence, with their quick ball movement creating most of their scoring opportunities, spotting up marking targets in space up forward.
Dylan Addison kicked the Bulldogs’ first major for the day, when he received a free kick in a marking contest.
First gamer Nathan Hrovat put the Dogs in front, kicking his first goal in senior football, while Clay Smith added his first goal for the term soon after.
The Bulldogs continued their run with Dylan Addison getting boot to ball under pressure and produced his second - increasing the lead to 13 points.
Koby Stevens found his way into the scoreboard, while the Saints added to their score through Leigh Montagna.
The intensity lifted as the first term drew on with the ball needed to be won in close, with the Bulldogs finishing the quarter 14 points in front.
Player of the quarter:
In his first game back, Tom Williams made an immediate impact rotating through the ruck and the forward line. Working in tandem with Liam Jones and Jake Stringer as tall targets in the Bulldogs’ attacking zone, Williams took three marks, two inside 50, had two attempted shots on goal and a goal assist.
Statistical Breakdown:
- The Bulldogs had 15 forward half tackles to St Kilda’s two
- While St Kilda led in possessions the Bulldogs were in front in Clearances, Inside 50s, contested possessions, tackles and hitouts
- Luke Dahlhaus was an integral player in the Bulldogs’ forward line in the first quarter with two goal assists
Progressive scores:
St Kilda 3. 2. (20) trailing to Western Bulldogs 5. 4. (34)
Second quarter
Key Plays
Ryan Griffen made the most of a 50 metre penalty, converting the opportunity into the Bulldogs first goal for the quarter.
St Kilda looked a more determined after the first break outfit kicking three straight goals to regain the lead but the Bulldogs’ refused to make their next scoring opportunities easy.
Noticeably lifted their defensive pressure in the second half of the quarter, the Bulldogs made the opposition work hard to find space and produce a score.
The Bulldogs ability to turn over the ball in St Kilda’s forward line cost the opposition and helped the Dogs keep the margin under control.
While the Bulldogs were unable to maintain the lead through the second quarter the fight and work rate was still highly evident.
Player of the quarter
Koby Stevens has been one of the Bulldogs biggest ball winners so far this match and at half time is just four disposals off beating his previous career best of 20. Playing a largely outside role, Stevens has shown he is capable of providing run and rebound as well as assisting inside the contest where needed. With five marks and a goal to his name, he is beginning to find form and show the attributes that caught the Bulldogs eye in trade period last year.
Statistical snapshot:
- Matthew Boyd worked his way into the game with 12 possessions that quarter - going from five at quarter time to leading the Bulldogs disposal count with 17
- Jack Macrae is currently equal to his previous career best tackle count on 4, while Tom Liberatore, Dylan Addison, Matthew Boyd and Nick Lower have had three
- Ryan Griffen and Matthew Boyd are the two main players moving the ball forward with five a piece while debutant Nathan Hrovat has four.
Progressive Scores:
St Kilda 8. 4. (52) lead Western Bulldogs 6. 6. (42)
