Bulldogs Development Manager Chris Maple says his team’s efforts to slow the game down and counter Richmond’s free flowing style ultimately led to the 117 point victory on Saturday. 

“We got more numbers around the contest, they were sending two forwards up which helped us a little bit – [it] made it a little bit more congested,” Maple said.

“We just did a little restructure behind the ball and that helped us a lot.”

While the forward line put on an impressive display sharing 26 goals, Maple highlighted the contributions across the board that led to the 19 goal win.

“I think it’s important that our mids defended well and our defenders got best position on their player and we got the ball inside 50 a lot, so that helps as well,” he said.

12 players combined on the scoreboard, including seven multiple goal scorers - led by Ayce Cordy who kicked five.

Maple was pleased with the even spread of contributors on the day, and said the team had winners all over the ground.

“We were rapt, obviously some of our AFL boys contributed greatly but it was good to see our VFL players really standing up this week as well,” he said.

“The efforts of Nick Jamieson, Nick Lower, Michael Fogarty, Todd Finco, guys like that were fantastic for us.”

Maple hopes the strong support at Victoria University Whitten Oval will continue in 2014, with the first game back on the hallowed turf hailed a success.

“It was a good turn out from our supporters and hopefully they can do that week in, week out for us,” he said.

“I know it lifted the players and we were rapt to be here and back at Whitten Oval and having such a strong turn out from the crowd.”