Attack and be bold.
Those were the instructions from coach Luke Beveridge in the lead-up to Saturday night’s game, the Bulldogs looking to discover their scoring mojo after kicking just six goals against North Melbourne in round six.
The Dogs responded with their highest score of the season, kicking 18.15 to Adelaide’s 17.6.
The result coming down to the final minutes, before 20-year old Marcus Bontempelli slotted the game-winner from a set shot, fifty metres out.
“We took on a bit more risk with our ball use,” Matthew Boyd told westernbulldogs.com.au.
“Last week we were pretty conservative the way we moved the ball, and I thought [Saturday night] we were able to get back to the sort of offence that we know we can play.
“We thought we were a bit down the line and a bit stagnant last week with our ball movement so we just wanted to get back to good ball movement which is what we’re known for and how we play.”
A Marcus Adams kick-out with 1:41 remaining in the first term went through five Dogs before ending with Tory Dickson running into an open goal 14 seconds later.
It was the kind of daring style of football that the Dogs have made their own since Luke Beveridge took over in November, 2014.
"Sometimes you need a reminder," Beveridge said after the 15-point win.
"We asked our players to branch out and explore their attacking game a little bit more.
“Although we conceded some goals, we did use the ball a hell of a lot better.
"We were bolder, we found teammates in open space and challenged their defence.”
While the Dogs registered 80 more disposals and went inside 50 a whopping 31 more times than their opponents, they did the hard stuff too, winning the clearances, contested possessions and the tackle count.
Boyd said it was a satisfying team effort.
“You have to have 22 contributors and I think at certain times throughout the game everybody stood up and played their part and won critical contests.
“That’s what you need and to be successful and to be a good side
“That’s what we’re building towards.”
