MATCH SUMMARY
A gallant Western Bulldogs have fallen just short of an upset win over Collingwood at the MCG on Friday night.
The Bulldogs were right in the contest until late in the last quarter, before conceding three of the last four goals to eventually go down by 14 points.
After the Bulldogs controlled large parts of the game, the Magpies’ seasoned midfielders lifted in the final minutes to ensure they secured their second win of the season.
The Dogs now have a 2-2 record heading into next Sunday’s clash with Carlton at Marvel Stadium.
THE DEFINING MOMENTS
After a dour first half from both teams, the Bulldogs roared to life in the third. They kicked three straight goals start of the third term to take the lead, and looked to have control of the contest.
Ultimately it was the last 10 minutes which defined the match. After doing an admirable job of containing the Pies’ big weapons, the likes of Brodie Grundy, Jordan De Goey and Scott Pendlebury lifted, and their forwards reaped the benefits.
SHINING LIGHTS
Aaron Naughton’s aerial ability, particularly in the third quarter, was a real highlight. He took several massive pack marks that had the Dogs fans on their feet, and booted a goal which kick-started his club’s run in the second half.
Hayden Crozier was a rock in defence, either in the air, on the ground, or with his distribution.
Bailey Smith’s first goal in AFL football was a ripper, and was met with raucous celebration from his team-mates.
STATS KINGS
Marcus Bontempelli continues to shine, and his 36 disposals was the second highest tally in his career so far. 16 of those were contested, and he also applied six tackles.
Jack Macrae (33 disposals) and Lachie Hunter (30) were typically busy in the midfield, while high defenders Matt Suckling (27 touches and a goal) and Caleb Daniel (30 possessions) found plenty of the footy.
Jason Johannisen’s return to senior football was a success, with the speedster gathering 25 disposals and taking eight marks.
MATCH DETAILS
Collingwood 1.2 4.6 6.9 11.12.78
Western Bulldogs 0.3 2.7 7.8 9.10.64
GOALS
Collingwood: Phillips 2, Thomas 2, Stephenson 2, Elliott 2, De Goey, Varcoe, Cox
Western Bulldogs: Lloyd 2, Dickson, Naughton, Dunkley, Smith, McLean, Wallis, Suckling
BEST
Collingwood: Phillips, Grundy, Roughead, Adams, Pendlebury
Western Bulldogs: Bontempelli, Hunter, Macrae, Suckling, Crozier, Daniel
UP NEXT
Round 5, Western Bulldogs v Carlton, Marvel Stadium, Sunday April 21, 1.10pm
