Third quarter
Key Plays
The Bulldogs looked a more determined outfit in the third term, providing plenty of forward pressure and creating back to back opportunities inside 50.
The presence and experience of Daniel Giansiracusa was pivotal in the forward line, while the young brigade’s willingness to give their all in back to back contests was promising.
Continuing to hold the momentum for much of the quarter, the Bulldogs got in front for the first time since the opening goal of the game with Bob Murphy running into goals.
Giansiracusa got reward for effort kicking his first major for the day from three attempts and extending the Bulldogs’ lead to seven.
Robert Murphy kicked the ball into space in front of Luke Dahlhaus who backed himself to run onto the ball and kick another score for the Bulldogs and further emphasizing their momentum.
The Bulldogs’ run continued when Stevens shot a quick pass to Jason Johannisen who was running into the forward line, and the young South Fremantle recruit finished perfectly with a goal.
Preventing Port Adelaide from scoring a major in the third quarter, the Bulldogs created a 19 point buffer heading into the final quarter
Player of the quarter
Tom Liberatore well and truly worked their way into the game in the third quarter and is currently sitting on 27 possessions (17 contested) and eight clearances. Involved in a number of plays driving the ball forward, the 21-year-old has one behind to his name but has also helped rebounding from defence with four rebound 50s.
Progressive score
Western Bulldogs 9. 4. (58) leading Port Adelaide 5. 9 (39)
Fourth quarter
Key Plays
The Bulldogs continued to hold the ball in their forward half early in the quarter but were unable to create another scoring opportunity off the back of their hard work.
Port Adelaide kicked their first score in the half through Justin Westhoff.
Giansiracusa kept his composure in the forward line and found his second major for the day, kicking a smart goal from near the boundary.
Brett Goodes was solid rebounding out of defence, interjecting a number of Port Adelaide’s forward plays.
The Bulldogs were also able to overtake Port Adelaide at the clearances, once Westhoff took over from Redden in the ruck against Minson.
Port Adelaide began to fight back in the final minutes of the game, getting back within two goals with four minutes to go.
Players weren’t given much room to move as the clock counted down, with Angus Monfries close to making it a real contest with a shot on goal but it drifted wide.
Port Adelaide could not lessen the margin, with the final siren blaring when the Bulldogs held the nine point lead.
Player of the quarter
Super substitute Daniel Giansiracusa was superb in the Bulldogs win against Port Adelaide with two goals and two goal assists in a game where scores were hard to come by. The veteran’s composure and class stood up in pressure situations and spurred on his teammates to lead them to the win. He also didn’t let the team down defensively, registering four tackles.
Statistical snapshot
- Tom Liberatore found a career high 35 disposals and 13 clearances for the game in a standout performance
- Ryan Griffen became the first player to break the 40 disposal mark in 2013
- Will Minson had a career high 57 hitouts in a solid performance from him
Progressive score
Western Bulldogs 10. 7. (67) defeat Port Adelaide 8. 10. (58)
