MATCH SUMMARY
The Western Bulldogs have taken their biggest scalp of the 2019 season, defeating ladder leader Geelong by 16 points at Marvel Stadium.
The Bulldogs trailed for most of the game but surged in the last quarter, kicking four of the last five goals to claim their third win in four matches.
Aaron Naughton booted four goals in a match-winning performance, while Lachie Hunter, Jack Macrae and Marcus Bontempelli were prolific through the midfield.
The Cats led by 10 points at the final change in a low-scoring, pressure packed contest, before the Dogs finished full of running.
THE DEFINING MOMENTS
The Bulldogs’ final quarter surge was ultra-impressive. The last time they played the Cats they were 15 points in arrears at three quarter time, and conceded the last seven goals to lose by 43.
This time, the Dogs put the foot down late in the game, kicking the first four goals of the last term, two of them from the boot of Naughton.
Geelong’s only goal of the quarter came from Tom Hawkins with just under two minutes left in the contest.
SHINING LIGHTS
Lachie Hunter was immense, particularly in the last quarter. As the Cats tried to wrestle the momentum back, the Bulldogs’ number 7 was outstanding, particularly with his defensive work.
Naughton was a beacon in the Dogs’ forward line, providing an aerial target all night. While the Cats had their fair share of dominance in the air, the 19-year-old fought hard all night and was ultimately the gamebreaker.
Toby McLean was excellent on his return to the senior side, playing a combination of time through the midfield and up forward. He finished with 23 disposals and was instrumental in the final quarter.
Sam Lloyd moved up to 25 goals for the season with another bag of three – the ninth time he has kicked multiple goals in a game this season.
STATS SHEET
The Bulldogs were triumphant on the scoreboard and on the stats sheet – they had more possessions (+9), contested possessions (+11), inside 50s (+8), clearances (+2) and tackles (+10).
The fine season of Jack Macrae continued – he led all comers on the ground for possessions with 34, including 15 contested.
Hunter finished with 32, while Bontempelli (game-high 17 contested) and Dunkley (nine tackles) had 27 each and Jason Johannisen racked up 22 from half back.
MATCH DETAILS
WESTERN BULLDOGS 1.4 3.5 5.7 10.11 (71)
GEELONG 3.5 4.8 6.11 7.13 (55)
GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Naughton 4, Lloyd 3, Dickson, Bontempelli, Smith
Geelong: Dangerfield 2, Hawkins 2, Kelly, Selwood, Rohan
BEST
Western Bulldogs: Naughton, Bontempelli, Macrae, Hunter, McLean, Johannisen
Geelong: Tuohy, Stewart, Dangerfield, Clark, Kelly
Official crowd: 35,641 at Marvel Stadium
NEXT WEEK
Round 17, Western Bulldogs v Melbourne, Sunday July 14, Marvel Stadium, 3.20pm.
