The Western Bulldogs put together some impressive performances throughout 2019.
Here’s a look at five of the best wins for the seasons.
5. GWS Giants, Round 22
GWS Giants 9.11 (65) def by Western Bulldogs 19.12 (126) at Giants Stadium
A dominant second half saw the Bulldogs post a big win against the 2019 grand finalists.
The Giants led by three points at half-time on their home turf, before the Bulldogs turned it on after the break.
They kicked 10 unanswered goals to run out 61-point winners.
Josh Dunkley was the star of the show, finishing with 31 disposals and two goals to earn the 10 votes from the coaches.
The Bulldogs’ midfield ran riot - particularly after half-time - with Jack Macrae (39 disposals), Pat Lipinski (27 disposals) and Marcus Bontempelli (26 disposals) also prominent.
Best: Josh Dunkley, Jack Macrae, Marcus Bontempelli, Pat Lipinski, Matt Suckling, Jason Johannisen
Goals: Josh Schache 3, Tory Dickson 2, Josh Dunkley 2, Aaron Naughton 2, Sam Lloyd 2, Pat Lipinski 2, Lachie Hunter, Ed Richards, Bailey Smith, Taylor Duryea, Bailey Dale
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Western Bulldogs 15.9 (99) def Richmond 7.10 (52) at Marvel Stadium
The AstroNaught took flight in arguably the Bulldogs’ first four-quarter performance of 2019 – a 47-point win against Richmond under the Marvel Stadium roof.
Teenage forward Aaron Naughton was superb, claiming nine contested marks and slotting five goals in a breakout performance.
And he had plenty of in-form friends against the 2019 grand finalists.
Josh Dunkley (35 disposals) and Marcus Bontempelli (27 disposals) had an impact around the ball, while Hayden Crozier (28 disposals) and Caleb Daniel (36 disposals) were prominent off half back.
Emerging ruckman Tim English also shone, as did Jackson Trengove in keeping Tigers’ spearhead Tom Lynch goalless.
Best: Aaron Naughton, Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae, Josh Dunkley, Toby McLean, Caleb Daniel, Sam Lloyd, Jackson Trengove
Goals: Aaron Naughton 5, Marcus Bontempelli 3, Billy Gowers 2, Sam Lloyd, Jason Johannisen, Bailey Smith, Toby McLean, Ed Richards
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3. Hawthorn, Round 2
Hawthorn 13.9 (87) def by Western Bulldogs 16.10 (106) at the MCG
It was a comeback for the ages.
The Bulldogs trailed by five goals at three-quarter time at the home of football, before producing a nine-goal final term to run down Hawthorn.
Josh Schache slotted four goals – including three in the last quarter – to have a huge impact.
Fellow forwards Tory Dickson and Billy Gowers also hit the scoreboard, with three goals each.
Jack Macrae (36 disposals) and Tom Liberatore (28 disposals) had plenty of the footy, with both also kicking important final term goals.
Best: Josh Schache, Matt Suckling, Jack Macrae, Lachie Hunter, Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore
Goals: Josh Schache 4, Tory Dickson 3, Billy Gowers 3, Toby McLean 2, Aaron Naughton, Mitch Wallis, Jack Macrae, Tom Liberatore
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Port Adelaide 5.11 (41) def by Western Bulldogs 10.6 (66) at Adelaide Oval
Interstate wins are big at the best of times. Even more so in heavy rain, when your season is on the line.
The Bulldogs were brilliant in this 25-point win against Port Adelaide, and it was a performance which sparked a sensational run to September.
Marcus Bontempelli was on another level.
The midfield maestro set the tone in the first quarter in enemy territory. He was prolific around the stoppages, and brought his own footy.
Jack Macrae (36 disposals), Josh Dunkley (29 disposals) and draftee Bailey Smith (22 disposals, 14 tackles) also had a significant impact around the ball.
Up forward, Josh Schache was on target with three majors and some impressive marks in the wet, while Roarke Smith kicked a maiden AFL goal in the best performance of his AFL career.
Best: Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae, Josh Dunkley, Josh Schache, Bailey Smith, Caleb Daniel, Roarke Smith
Goals: Josh Schache 3, Tory Dickson 2, Pat Lipinski 2, Matt Suckling, Jack Macrae, Roarke Smith
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1. Essendon, Round 21
Essendon 4.9 (33) def by Western Bulldogs 21.11 (137) at Marvel Stadium
After conceding the first goal of the game, in the opening 60 seconds, the Bulldogs were relentless.
They kicked 21 goals straight – before Essendon kicked the last three of the match – to record an emphatic 104-point victory.
The 100-plus point win is rare at AFL level, and remarkably this was the Bulldogs’ first since round one of 2006 and sixth overall in their VFL/AFL history.
Eleven Bulldogs kicked a goal or more, or had 20 or more disposals.
Josh Dunkley (39 disposals), Jack Macrae (38 disposals) and Lachie Hunter (34 disposals) were the major ball-winners, while Toby McLean had a big impact with 22 disposals and three goals.
The Bulldogs had winners all over the ground, with emerging players Will Hayes, Bailey Dale, Tim English, Josh Schache and Pat Lipinski all getting in on the action.
Best: Josh Dunkley, Lachie Hunter, Toby McLean, Jack Macrae, Bailey Dale, Bailey Smith, Marcus Bontempelli, Will Hayes
Goals: Tory Dickson 3, Toby McLean 3, Bailey Dale 3, Josh Schache 3, Aaron Naughton 2, Will Hayes 2, Bailey Smith, Josh Dunkley, Jason Johannisen, Sam Lloyd, Jack Macrae
