It was four seasons in one day when the Western Bulldogs met Port Adelaide at Mars Stadium on Sunday.
Icy winds and pre-game hail greeted the Dogs on their trip up the highway to Ballarat.
The home side were in touch at the main break – just four points adrift and at an even keel on the key indicators - but a dominant second half earnt the Power a 44-point victory.
The Power kicked 4.6 to the Bulldogs’ none in the final quarter to deny any chance of a comeback.
The numbers
Jackson Trengove collected 22 disposals, 10 clearances, 28 hitouts, and kicked two goals in a strong all-round performance.
Midfielders Jack Macrae (36 touches and 12 clearances), Lachie Hunter (35 touches) and Josh Dunkley (27 touches and 12 tackles) also worked hard for the Bulldogs.
Hayden Crozier (22) played one his best games for the club across half-back and Marcus Bontempelli was solid in his return from appendix surgery – captaining the club for his 100th match.
You can quote me on that
Senior Coach, Luke Beveridge:
“There’s probably eight to 10, maybe even a dozen boys, who are still trying to find their way in the game and establish themselves as AFL footballers.
“When you’ve got that, it’s quite difficult to connect as a 22 for a quarter, let alone four. We’re finding it hard to play four quarters.
Five takeaways: Beveridge on Power loss
“They’re doing all they can to continue to improve and press in the latter stages of this AFL year.
“I’m pretty proud that they keep fronting up and the desire is there to win.”
Debutant, Fergus Greene:
“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind the past couple of days… obviously it would have been good to get the win but at the end of the day it was pretty exciting to step out there.”
Up Next
The Bulldogs will return to Etihad Stadium on Saturday night to take on St Kilda.
In the VFL, Footscray will play Frankston on Saturday at VU Whitten Oval and in the VFLW the Western Bulldogs will play the Southern Saints at Henry Turner Reserve on Sunday.
