MATCH SUMMARY
The Western Bulldogs completed an incredible last quarter comeback to stun Hawthorn in front of nearly 40,000 fans at the MCG in Round 2.
The Dogs trailed by 30 points early in the last quarter before unleashing a devastating eight-goal burst to set up a 19-point win.
The win was the Bulldogs’ second straight to start the 2019 season, and just the second win in the last 12 matches against Hawthorn.
Josh Schache kicked a career personal-best four goals in a match-winning performance, three of which came in the final term.
PRESS CONFERENCE: LUKE BEVERIDGE POST-GAME
THE DEFINING MOMENT
The final 30 minutes. The Hawks slammed on seven goals in the third quarter, and all at the MCG would’ve been forgiven for thinking they would run away from the contest from there.
Even when it was goal-for-goal early in the last, it seemed a foregone conclusion.
But when Schache kicked truly at the eight-minute mark the Dogs had a sniff, and just 15 minutes later scores were tied.
A set shot from Schache, an insane snap from Tom Liberatore and Billy Gowers’ third from the goal-line was the icing on the cake.
Earlier, the second and third quarters were almost a mirror image – the Bulldogs were completely dominant before half time, and the Hawks owned the contest on the other side.
The difference was efficiency. The Bulldogs managed just two goals from 23 entries when they had control, while the Hawks blasted seven goals from their 21 inside 50s in the third quarter.
SHINING LIGHTS
Schache played his best game as a Bulldog – to complement his four goals, he had 15 disposals and took five marks. He was a strong presence up forward, pushed up the ground to provide a contest and took his chance when it came late in the game.
Tory Dickson’s goal nous can never be underestimated, and he showed his value against the Hawks with three crucial majors. But it was his work away from goal which helped the Dogs most. He had 20 touches, took six marks and laid four tackles.
Bailey Smith continued to take more positive strides in just his second AFL game. The young midfielder worked his way into the game nicely to finish with 13 disposals.
STATS KINGS
The Bulldogs had ball magnets all over the ground. Macrae was everywhere again, winning a game high 36 possessions, while fellow midfielders Lachie Hunter (33), Mitch Wallis (29), Liberatore (28) and Marcus Bontempelli (28) were prolific.
The Dogs found plenty of drive off half-back, through Caleb Daniel (32 disposals) and Matt Suckling (29).
Liberatore and Bontempelli shared an equal game-high seven tackles, while for the second week in a row the Bulldogs had more than 60 inside 50s.
MATCH DETAILS
Hawthorn 4.2 5.3 12.7 13.9.87
Western Bulldogs 3.4 5.7 7.7 16.10.106
Goals
Hawthorn: Gunston 4, Puopolo 2, Roughead 2, Breust, Smith, O’Meara, Cousins, Henderson
Western Bulldogs: Schache 4, Dickson 3, Gowers 3, McLean 2, Naughton, Wallis, Macrae, Liberatore
Best
Hawthorn: Gunston, O'Meara, Worpel, Breust, Sicily, Henderson
Western Bulldogs: Schache, Suckling, Macrae, Hunter, Bontempelli, Liberatore
UP NEXT
The Bulldogs face the Gold Coast Suns at Marvel Stadium next Sunday, April 7 at 2.20pm.
