The Age

Caleb Daniel perhaps once ordered poorly off a menu, but it might be the only bad decision he has made.

Mitch Wallis returned seamlessly in his first game after a broken leg in round 18 last year.

Lin Jong was inventively used as a second ruck against Mark Bilcavs and the Dogs did not lack for it.

Best: Daniel, T Boyd, Wallis, Jong, Johannisen, Murphy, C Smith

- Michael Gleeson

AFL Media

Mitch Wallis was dominant in the VFL as soon as he returned from a badly broken leg, suffered against St Kilda in round 18, 2016.

But coach Luke Beveridge held him back, resisting the temptation to rush him back in and he played three VFL games before being selected to take on Geelong. He was outstanding and influential, with a third quarter that helped the Bulldogs with seven touches and two goals.

He ended the game with 26 disposals, including six tackles and 20 contested possessions.

Dangerfield was at his brilliant best, finishing with 36 disposals, 12 tackles and four goals to put in a display that reminded everyone of his status as a champion. 

Best: Wallis, Daniel, Jong, Murphy, Macrae, Dale 

- Peter Ryan/Ben Guthrie

Herald Sun

The Bulldogs won a flag built on pressure and tackling. And in the third quarter they flicked the switch.

All the cylinders flicked into action with the result six unanswered goals and a nine point three-quarter time lead.

It would be a brave man to want to bet on what was going to happen next. The romantics would say the home side had some magic hidden away somewhere. And the smart punters would say the match-winning move would come from a tackle.

In fact, there were two tackles 30 seconds apart which won Geelong this game.

- Scott Gullan