First quarter
Key Plays
GWS Giants came out with real intent from the first bounce, getting one on the board early through Dylan Shiel in the opening minutes.
The Dogs were quick to follow, adding their first major to the goal tally when Liam Jones received a 50m penalty – taking the shot from the top of the goal square.
It was coast to coast football when Jeremy Cameron replied for the Giants, capitalising on a Bulldogs turnover in the home side’s defensive half.
Refusing to roll over, the Bulldogs were quick to produce their second, with Canberra product Jason Tutt finishing off a solid passage of play finding his first goal for the game.
The Bulldogs continued to build on their momentum when Tory Dickson found himself in possession deep in the forward line, a quick pass to a better positioned Luke Dahlhaus allowed for the Dogs to kick a consecutive goal.
Both sides were utilising the wings at Manuka Oval to find space and launch their attacks, with Robert Murphy, Brett Goodes and Michael Talia playing instrumental roles in providing rebound from the Giants forward line.
Dahlhaus again found himself involved in a scoring chain with a quick pass to Clay Smith under pressure allowing the 2011 first round draft pick the chance to run into space and kick truly for another Bulldogs goal.
GWS finally found another score through Setanta O’hAilpin, followed by a goal to Lachie Whitfield while saw them overtake the lead and head into the first change one point in front.
A time keeping error gave the Bulldogs false hope when Liam Jones took a mark when the siren eventually sounded, but it was not paid and the Dogs were refused their chance to regain the lead.
Player of the quarter
Father-son selection Mitch Wallis saw a return to form in the first quarter, finding nine disposals, three marks and two clearances. He was also influential in a number of the Bulldogs attacking plays, with three inside 50s, as well as steadying the ship and looking composed when in defence.
Progressive scores
GWS Giants 4. 3. (27) leading Western Bulldogs 4.1. (25)
Second quarter
Key plays
The Giants again were the first to get on the score board in the second term through Devon Smith but a sturdy Brett Goodes intercepted GWS’s next forward play and catapulted the Bulldogs next attack.
Tory Dickson continued to prove his dependability from a set shot, finding his first goal from a free kick and then from similar circumstances a few minutes later making a second attempt – but this time could not convert.
Another opportunity comes for the Bulldogs when Ryan Griffen launched a kick towards goals but it drifted across the face.
At the other end of the ground GWS fires up with their own attempt at goals but it brushes the post on the way through and results in a point.
Jones sought after his second goal of the game shortly after, dribbling the ball through the big sticks but it too hit the base of the post.
Adam Cooney made a final attack for the Bulldogs before half time, taking a shot in congestion but it went through for a behind, seeing the Dogs head into the main break one point down.
Player of the quarter
Tory Dickson was the Bulldogs main attacking force in the second quarter, working his way into the game to take two shots on goal to compliment his goal assist from the first term. His composure and tackling pressure was greatly felt in the Dogs forward half as he builds on his match conditions from last week after an extended stint on the sidelines with an ankle injury.
Progressive scores
GWS Giants 5. 6. (36) leading Western Bulldogs 5. 5. (35)
