MATCH SUMMARY
The Western Bulldogs have snapped a four-game losing streak in emphatic fashion, eclipsing an undermanned Richmond by 47 points at Marvel Stadium.
The win came off the back of an outstanding individual performance by Aaron Naughton, who booted five goals and took nine contested marks.
His haul of grabs was one off the all-time record, held by North Melbourne great Wayne Carey.
The Dogs were at their swarming, pressure packed best for four quarters, with their ball movement a feature, as well as their ability to convert in front of goals.
After an even first term, the Bulldogs pulled away in the second and third quarters, booting 10 goals to four during that period.
THE DEFINING MOMENTS
Aaron Naughton came to life in the second quarter with an extraordinary display of contested marking. He kicked three of his five goals in a devastating patch in that term, including taking five marks. It helped the Dogs turn around a three-point deficit at quarter time, and it was the catalyst for what was to come for the rest of the game.
The Bulldogs led by six goals late in the third quarter, before Richmond booted two quick goals which briefly changed the momentum. But goals either side of the final change to Toby McLean and Ed Richards snuffed out any chance of a Tiger comeback.
SHINING LIGHTS
It goes without saying that Naughton was the brightest star in a massive win, but it’s unfair on the 21 others who pulled on the red, white and blue.
On another day Marcus Bontempelli would’ve challenged for the three Brownlow votes – his tally of three goals and 27 possessions undersold his influence in all three lines.
Jackson Trengove kept Richmond’s dangerous key target to just five disposals and one behind, while Tom Liberatore curbed the influence of Dustin Martin.
Josh Dunkley’s second half was huge – he amassed 24 disposals in the last two quarters.
And the pups continued to shine – Lachie Young, Bailey Smith and Will Hayes stood up when they were needed.
STATS SHEET
Good kicking is good football – for the second time this season the Bulldogs kicked more goals than points, and it yielded a big win. It was especially rewarding given the Dogs win the inside 50s by just four. The Bulldogs lowered their eyes when going forward, taking 20 marks inside 50 to Richmond’s 12.
The Dogs’ midfield brigade was dominant, winning the contested possessions by 11, the clearances by 12 and the uncontested possessions by 95.
Three Bulldogs finished with more than 30 touches – Caleb Daniel (36), Jack Macrae (35) and Dunkley (35), who also had a game-high eight tackles.
MATCH DETAILS
WESTERN BULLDOGS 2.5 6.7 12.8 15.9.99
RICHMOND 3.2 4.6 7.7 7.10.52
GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Naughton 5, Bontempelli 3, Gowers 2, Lloyd, Johannisen, Smith, McLean, Richards
Richmond: McIntosh, Caddy, Baker, Houli, Balta, Ross, Stack
BEST
Western Bulldogs: Naughton, Bontempelli, Macrae, Dunkley, McLean, Daniel, Lloyd
Richmond: Stack, Prestia, Lambert, Vlastuin, Martin
UP NEXT
Round 8, Western Bulldogs vs Brisbane, Mars Stadium, Saturday May 11, 1.45pm
