First quarter
Key plays
The Western Bulldogs’ defenders were forced to work hard early in the first quarter, maintaining possession while trying to break through Collingwood’s forward press.
The Magpies continued to mount pressure onto the Bulldogs’ back six, with their pace and rebound quickly shutting down any of the Dogs’ forward plays.
Koby Stevens had the first scoring shot for the Bulldogs, running through two Collingwood players to take the kick - but was unable to convert.
A second attempt came from Dylan Addison in the minutes after but he too could not kick truly from an angle.
Adam Cooney and Robert Murphy provided some much needed drive around the ground, the former in stellar form after spending three weeks on the sidelines.
The Bulldogs were unable to kick a major for the term, but their effort and pressure was not lacking.
Player of the quarter
Jordan Roughead was a pillar in defence, keeping Travis Cloke accountable for much of the quarter and stepping up under pressure. Taking six marks as well as two tackles and three one percenters, the versatile tall continued to battle and compete strongly against his mature opponent.
Statistical snapshot
- Both Matthew Boyd and Adam Cooney may have spent the past three weeks on the sidelines, but neither seems to have lost touch, both amassing 10 possessions for the quarter
- The Bulldogs are currently leading in disposals (WB112,Coll98), contested possessions (41, 37) and hitouts (11, 8) but are trailing in clearances (7,13) and inside 50s (9,16)
Progressive scores
Collingwood 4. 2. (26) leading Western Bulldogs 0. 2. (2)
Second quarter
Key plays
Collingwood against started the quarter the better of the two sides, with Travis Cloke getting his toe on the end of the ball on the goal line to kick his first major for the term.
The Bulldogs were unwilling to allow them to win any easy possessions and found their first goal for the game through the persistent efforts of Ryan Griffen.
The Magpies answered quickly through Jamie Elliott and looked to add a second through Darren Jolly but his shot drifted wide.
Collingwood’s ability to expose the Bulldogs in space continued to allow them to control the tempo of the game and break the game open.
Addison found another set shot on goal but the all brushed past the post, resulting in a behind.
Jake Stringer followed with an attempt of his own but it too resulted in a point.
The Bulldogs continued to create chances and capitalise on the ballbeing held in their forward line with Robert Murphy kicking from an impossible angle but it eventually was taken out on the boundary.
An intercepted pass allowed the Bulldogs to create another opportunity with Liam Jones taking the shot, but again could not kick truly.
Luke Dahlhaus began to involve himself more in the play around the ground and set up Stringer in front of goals for his second shot, which resulted in the Bulldogs’ second major.
Player of the quarter
Robert Murphy was his inspirational self in the first half against Collingwood, collecting 17 disposals and providing plenty of run and composure across the ground. Finishing the half with a goal assist to his name as well as six marks, three rebound 50s and two inside 50s, the veteran was one of the Bulldogs most influential players.
Statistical snapshot
- Jordan Roughead (eight), Jake Stringer (seven) and Bob Murphy (six) took the most marks for the Bulldogs in the first half
- Clay Smith’s tackling pressure was first rate with four tackles for the half (three in the second quarter), while Nick Lower, Tom Liberatore and Ryan Griffen weren’t far behind with three
- The two sides sit on 21 hitouts a piece with Will Minson and Darren Jolly going head to head in the ruck
Progressive scores
Collingwood 11. 4. (70) lead Western Bulldogs 2. 5. (17)
