MATCH SUMMARY
Fremantle has extended the Western Bulldogs’ losing streak to four, with a 19-point win at Optus Stadium in Anzac Round.
The Bulldogs were highly competitive for three quarters away from home, but couldn’t finish off their work in the final stages.
The Dogs were within a goal early in the last quarter, but the Dockers surged with four of the last five goals
Brandon Matera booted five goals to help the Dockers celebrate David Mundy’s 100th game.
THE DEFINING MOMENTS
The Dogs came out hard after half time and were on top of the contest, leading by seven points. A fierce scrimmage at half forward could’ve gone either way. It flipped to Freo’s advantage, and they went the length of the field to score a goal through David Mundy. The Dockers then slammed on two more goals to swing the momentum their way, and they were never headed from there, despite the Bulldogs trying their best to claw back.
SHINING LIGHTS
Tim English continues his sharp rise as a ruckman with a strong performance in a losing side. He was a strong presence in the air, taking seven marks, and influenced the game across the ground with 17 disposals.
Caleb Daniel’s ball use from defence was a feature, with his 30 disposals coming at 83% efficiency.
Lachie Hunter was back to his best on the wing, while Bailey Smith had some impressive moments in just his sixth game.
STATS SHEET
The Bulldogs midfielders bounced back by winning the clearances (31-26), but were eclipsed by 15 in contested possessions.
The visitors had one extra scoring shot, despite going down by 19 points.
Hunter (32 disposals) led the possession count for the Dogs, while defender Hayden Crozier had a team-high five tackles.
MATCH DETAILS
FREMANTLE 4.3 6.7 9.9 13.10 (88)
WESTERN BULLDOGS 2.2 6.6 8.9 9.15 (69)
GOALS
Fremantle: Matera 5, Mundy 2, Walters 2, Brayshaw, Hogan, Fyfe, Taberner
Western Bulldogs: Lloyd 2, Smith, Hunter, Hayes, Wallis, Gowers, Dickson, Bontempelli
BEST
Fremantle: Mundy, Fyfe, Matera, Hamling, Hill, Walters
Western Bulldogs: Hunter, Macrae, English, Crozier, Daniel, Wallis
UP NEXT
Round 7, Western Bulldogs vs Richmond, Marvel Stadium, Saturday May 4, 7.25pm.
