MATCH SUMMARY
The Western Bulldogs have snapped their interstate losing streak with an impressive grinding win over Port Adelaide in greasy conditions at Adelaide Oval.
After a gallant loss to Collingwood last week, the Bulldogs led for the majority of the match against the Power to record just their second ever victory at the venue.
After being strongly challenged during the third quarter, the Dogs booted five of the last six goals to notch their sixth win of the season.
It came on the back of a fierce attack on the contest, with the Bulldogs recording 109 tackles and winning the clearance count.
Josh Schache booted three goals for the second consecutive week, and Jack Macrae continued his fine season with 35 disposals.
HEAR THE BOYS SING THE TEAM SONG AFTER THE GAME
THE DEFINING MOMENTS
The start: Coming interstate is a difficult thing for most AFL sides, let alone going to Adelaide Oval and facing a red-hot Power outfit in drenching rain. The opening minutes were always going to be telling, and the Bulldogs kicked three of the first four goals to get the upper hand early.
The Power challenge: The Dogs led by 13 points at half time, but Port surged early in the third and got to within two points as they dominated field position and the home crowd started to roar. But against the tide, Macrae snapped a crucial goal, which was followed up majors to Pat Lipinski and Schache to get the game back on the visitors’ terms.
SHINING LIGHTS
Josh Schache was excellent on his return to the senior team last week under the roof, and he was equally impressive in completely opposite conditions in Adelaide. He kicked three crucial goals and had 12 possessions in another fine display.
Roarke Smith had a night to remember. He of the ‘Joe Dirt’ hairstyle was clean, hard in the contest and kicked his first AFL goal – a brilliant snap from long range in the second quarter. He finished with 23 possessions and six tackles.
Hayden Crozier has had a splendid season, and he was solid as a rock in the Dogs’ defence against the Power. He took numerous intercept marks and constantly repelled Port’s attacking forays.
Marcus Bontempelli looked like he was back under the roof at Marvel Stadium, such was his clean ball use in the wet, especially in an opening quarter when he had 12 touches to set his team on its way.
STATS SHEET
The Bulldogs’ pressure was relentless for the majority of the game, and it showed on the stats sheet. The Dogs finished with 32 more tackles than Port, and won the clearances (by seven) and contested marks (by three).
For all the discussion recently about forward half efficiency, the Bulldogs went at 63% accuracy (10 goals and six behinds).
Macrae recorded his eighth game of 30 or more disposals this season, with he, Josh Dunkley and Bontempelli combining for 53 contested possessions between them.
Bailey Smith led all comers for tackles with 14, to go with 23 disposals (an equal-second career high)
MATCH DETAILS
PORT ADELAIDE 1.2 2.5 5.8 5.11 (41)
WESTERN BULLDOGS 3.2 5.2 8.3 10.6 (66)
GOALS
Port Adelaide: Dixon 2, Rozee, Gray, Ladhams
Western Bulldogs: Schache 3, Dickson 2, Lipinski 2, Suckling, Macrae, R.Smith
BEST
Port Adelaide: Lycett, Hartlett, Boak, Byrne-Jones
Western Bulldogs: Bontempelli, Macrae, Dunkley, Schache, B.Smith, Daniel, R.Smith
Official crowd: 25,623 at Adelaide Oval
NEXT WEEK
Round 16, Western Bulldogs v Geelong, Saturday July 6, Marvel Stadium, 7.25pm.
