MATCH SUMMARY
The Western Bulldogs’ 2019 campaign has come to an end at the hands of the GWS Giants in the Elimination Final in Sydney.
The inexperienced Dogs were outclassed in the second half, after staying in the contest until midway through the third quarter.
The Giants kicked eight of the last nine goals from the 21-minute mark of the third term, eventually winning by 58 points.
To further sour the loss, 19-year-old Bulldogs spearhead Aaron Naughton limped off just before three-quarter time with a knee injury.
Jack Macrae led the disposal count for both teams with 32, while Naughton booted two goals before his injury to be the Dogs’ only multiple goalkicker.
PRESS CONFERENCE: LUKE BEVERIDGE SPEAKS TO THE MEDIA POST GAME
THE DEFINING MOMENTS
Giants dominant early: The first quarter was mostly one-way traffic, as GWS capitalised on a lopsided inside 50 count to have eight scoring shots to two in the first term. They kicked the first two goals of the second stanza to lead by 24 points at the 17-minute mark.
Dog resistance: As they did in Round 22, the Bulldogs steadied late in the second quarter and put together a three-goal burst to get within three points, trimming the margin leading into the main break.
Giant surge: The game was in the balance midway through the third term when Ed Richards kicked a classy running goal to make the margin 12 points. From there though, the home team put the foot down and booted the last four majors of the quarter to effectively end the contest.
SHINING LIGHTS
Dogs’ captain Easton Wood did his best to hold out the surging Giants, finishing with six marks and 14 disposals.
Developing ruckman Tim English won the battle in the ruck. Despite being shaded in the hitouts, the 20-year-old’s work around the ground was impressive. He kicked a goal, had 17 possessions and laid four tackles.
Macrae toiled hard all afternoon and was one of only three players on the ground to pick up 30 or more touches, at an impressive 82% efficiency.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS: GWS V WESTERN BULLDOGS
STATS SHEET
The Bulldogs’ midfield brigade has been tremendous in 2019, but the Giants won the day in the elimination final. They finished with 42 more contested possessions and 48 more uncontested possessions, as well as 12 more clearances.
It resulted in a lopsided inside 50 count, which the Giants won 76-37.
Not only was Macrae the game’s highest ball-better, he also recorded a game-high nine tackles.
MATCH DETAILS
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY 3.5 6.9 12.11 16.17 (113)
WESTERN BULLDOGS 2.0 5.5 7.6 8.7 (55)
GOALS
GWS: Finlayson 3, Greene 3, Kelly 3, Lloyd 2, Himmelberg 2, Cameron 2, Whitfield
Western Bulldogs: Naughton 2, Suckling, McLean, English, Schache, Richards, Lloyd
BEST
GWS: Whitfield, Taranto, Hopper, Greene, De Boer, Shaw, Finlayson
Western Bulldogs: Macrae, Wood, Suckling, Hunter, Lipinski
Official crowd: 19,218 at GIANTS Stadium
