- Giansiracusa confirms ‘super sub’ status
After getting out to a six goal lead against Richmond late in the third quarter and after a late flurry of goals to the opposition, the match hung in the balance with only two minutes remaining — the pressure was immense and the Tigers had all the momentum. Enter the Super Sub. Daniel Giansiracusa was everywhere in the last quarter but his second major was the moment that stood out most. Giansiracusa drew a clever free kick just 25 metres from goal and duly converted handing a two point win to the Dogs.
- Crameri stands tall in Melbourne win
The Bulldogs fought out another close encounter against Melbourne in round eight, with the lead changing hands nine times throughout the match. It looked to be anyone’s game until Stewart Crameri stood up for the Bulldogs, slotting through two quick goals under immense pressure — with less than five minutes remaining. The new recruit then moved to the backline as a spare, and was composed throughout the final minutes, showing his maturity and flexibility in the 16 point win.
- Captain courageous drags Dogs across line
Ryan Griffen is a captain who leads by example and that was on display in the final term against the GWS Giants. After being closely tagged, the Bulldogs skipper chipped away to be a key influencer in the side’s come back – showing courage in spades. Despite being spear tackled midway through the game, Griffen persisted through obvious pain and played a central role in the Bulldogs win. When the game needed the captain most, Griffen responded. Trailing by eight points at three quarter time, it was the Griffen’s crafty mark and goal from outside 50 that sparked a seven goal to one final term and eventual 27 point win.
- Dahlhaus comes of age
The instant Heath Hocking was ordered to stop his tag of Ryan Griffen and go to Luke Dahlhaus in the second half against Essendon, was confirmation that the Bulldogs livewire had elevated his game to another level in 2014. Dahlhaus forced the Bombers to pay attention with 32 touches and two goals in an elite display in round seven. The 21-year-old handled the tag well and was important in the second half — and even though the gallant Dogs weren’t able to get the points, it was a watershed moment for the former rookie.
- Football returns to Whitten Oval
It may not count towards the AFL competition but witnessing the first win at Victoria University Whitten Oval since 1997 would no doubt figure prominently in the top memories of this season to date. A comprehensive 117-point victory to the Footscray Bulldogs against Richmond in their first game as a standalone team was a special moment for the Bulldog faithful. The atmosphere and noise of support in the EJ Whitten Stand and its surrounds reminded us why our former players loved to play here, and why our former opposition loathed it.
Highly commended list:
Club record 108 tackles against Melbourne — 40 of which came from Liberatore, Griffen and Macrae
Liam Picken keeping Lindsay Thomas goalless and to just four possessions for the game against North Melbourne
Roughead’s heroics against Richmond with an injured shoulder
Tom Williams’ three goal effort against Melbourne
