Herald Sun

“For the Bulldogs, the victory delivered it an important second MCG victory from as many starts and the club’s best start to a season since 2008.

With spiritual leader Bob Murphy out for the season, stand-in skipper Easton Wood stood tall.

The All-Australian hauled in 13 marks as his standing as the intercept king of the league swelled and a rare last-quarter goal helped seal the deal.

It was three parts bitter and one part sweet for the Bulldogs, their scratchy foot skills up until the final break blossoming with room to move in the final quarter.

Save for Suckling who appeared to be kicking a different footy, the Dogs’ skills were torn down by the Pies’ pulsating pressure.”

Sam Landsberger

The Age

“That the Dogs were able to stay in touch was a testament to their ability to hang in and scrap in the face of the Collingwood pressure, a quality that should never be underestimated.

That they didn't do better themselves could be sheeted back to their own inaccuracy by foot, their errant kicking too often lacking penetration and accuracy.

Their uncharacteristic hesitancy and waywardness denied them scoring chances from a realistic range in a first half that was short of the standards they have set in previous matches this season.

The Bulldogs have enjoyed great success in the first half of the season with their attacking thrusts from half back, but Collingwood were able to smother that threat and prevent Luke Beveridge's side from rebounding as often as they would like.”

Michael Lynch

AFL Media

“Luke Dahlhaus was terrific with 37 disposals, Tom Liberatore had six clearances from 31 touches, and Matt Suckling returned to the side from injury to show his class with 22 disposals at 82 per cent efficiency.

Proving the Dogs' ability to grind out a victory, Tory Dickson, Jack Redpath and Josh Dunkley all booted two majors each as star forward Jake Stringer went goalless and Marcus Bontempelli (20) was well held by Levi Greenwood.”

Callum Twomey