What were the media saying after the Bulldogs’ nine-point win over Gold Coast on Saturday?
The Age (Peter Ryan)
The difference in the end was Jack Macrae, who had 40 disposals, Lachie Hunter and Luke Dahlhaus who drove the Bulldogs forward with the Suns unable to make the most of the opportunities they created.
The turnaround was due to Jason Johannisen, who kicked a goal against the run of play after the Suns had butchered two golden opportunities inside 50.
When Johannisen's goal sapping the Suns' energy momentarily, the Bulldogs pounced with a dribble goal to Billy Gowers, who has kicked at least one goal each game this season, and two to youngster Patrick Lipinski.
BEST: Macrae, Dahlhaus, Hunter, Gowers, Johannisen
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Herald Sun (Sam Landsberger)
Jason Johannisen moved forward in a switch which sparked the game and broke the drought. Soon after lifelong Bulldog fan Patrick Lipinski kicked consecutive goals.
Suddenly the baby Bulldogs had booted four in six minutes. It was their only hot patch of the first half and it ultimately proved decisive.
Tim English had a quiet day although took his moment in the final quarter. The Dogs recorded 11 of the first 12 entries in the final term however couldn’t find a way to goal.
But English, who predominantly played at full-forward with Tom Boyd used in the ruck, received a technical free kick and slotted the set-shot as the game finally cracked open.
Best: Macrae, McLean, Hunter, Dahlhaus, Daniel, Naughton, Dunkley, Gowers
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AFL Media (Ben Collins)
In front of a vocal crowd of 6833, the Bulldogs – who have now joined the Suns at 3-4 – overcame a sluggish start and trailed at every change before outlasting the visitors, winning 11.15 (81) to 10.12 (72).
The Suns led 17 minutes into the last quarter, and were within a straight kick in time-on, but the weight of Bulldog possession in the final term, when they amassed a club-record 24 inside 50s, ensured the home side remained in sight of the top eight.
Macrae was brilliant for the Dogs with 40 possessions and Hunter led from the front with 34 while Luke Dahlhaus and Toby McLean were also prolific with 31 apiece.
Best: Macrae, Johannisen, Hunter, Dahlhaus, Naughton
