Tigers show "insufficient intent"
The deliberate out of bounds rule will be debated again after a number of controversial decisions on Saturday night. With the Bulldogs desperately holding onto a five-point lead in the final minute and the ball deep in Richmond's forward line, Jayden Short attacked a contest and fumbled, with the ball spilling free and going over the boundary despite his best efforts. He was penalised and the Bulldogs were able to clear the danger zone and hang on. It wasn't the only dubious call following the rule's reframing as "insufficient intent", rather than deliberate, this week. Dustin Martin was penalised after booting the ball off the ground in the centre square and watching as it went out of bounds on the wing. The star midfielder was bewildered when penalised, and Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge found the rule comical post-match.
The third-quarter specialists
While Richmond controlled the first half and took an 18-point lead into half time, they were always going to have their work cut out to hold off the reigning premiers. The Bulldogs are the third-quarter specialists this season, winning five of six going into Saturday night, and they didn't disappoint at Etihad Stadium, kicking 4.5 to 2.1 to get back into the game. Igniting the Bulldogs was Marcus Bontempelli, with the star midfielder turning around a quiet first half to rack up eight possessions, two crucial centre clearances and kick 1.1. The Bulldogs kicked 7.8 to 4.3 in the second half to surge home.
We like what Soldo's selling
Richmond's confidence had grown in the past six months that Ivan Soldo would grow into an AFL player and on Saturday night we saw why. The 21-year-old made his debut three years after joining the Tigers as a project rookie, and the big strides he has made were obvious early, both in the centre square and in marking contests around the ground. Soldo received his jumper pre-game from cousin Ivan Maric after edging the veteran for selection this week as the Tigers looked to replace suspended big man Toby Nankervis. With Nankervis due back against Fremantle next week, Soldo will likely return to the VFL, but after 42 hit-outs against the Bulldogs, the Tigers have proof their project has delivered results.
Finals gun lifts
One of the Bulldogs finals heroes in 2016, Clay Smith found himself in the VFL earlier this season. He earned his chance in round four, and Saturday night was his return to form, booting four goals in a match-winning performance. The 23-year-old was critical in the final term, kicking back-to-back goals to give his team the lead and setting up another to Lachie Hunter with a brilliant centering ball. Smith's pressure has been brilliant since coming into the team, and on Saturday night the offensive side clicked.
Caddy gets his midfield chance
With fellow big-name recruit Dion Prestia injured, Josh Caddy was earmarked for more time in the centre square on Saturday night. His influence at stoppages was important in the first quarter, racking up nine possessions and three clearances, kicking the ball with 100 per cent efficiency. The former Geelong and Gold Coast midfielder has struggled to get going this season, playing large chunks forward, but Saturday night might be the match he needed to get rolling in 2017. He finished with 20 possessions and a goal, slowing down after half-time.
