First quarter
Key Plays
The Western Bulldogs applied plenty of pressure early in the game, giving Essendon little room to move.
Brett Goodes was prolific in the backline, providing rebound and a stable hand in defence as well as finding more than his fair share of the pill.
Essendon were able to capitalise on the scoreboard with four consecutive goals but the Bulldogs continued to create chances and challenge the strong Bombers outfit.
Intercepted marks and turnovers proved costly for the Bulldogs, particularly in their forward half where the Bombers were able to instigate a number of their scoring chains.
Liam Jones finally found the Bulldogs first goal of the game, which seemed to lift his confidence and shift the momentum the way of the Dogs.
A second goal came soon after through Clay Smith who cleanly converted a tricky kick, before Jarrad Grant got involved with a major of his own.
A free kick to Jake Carlisle in front of goals looked certain to upset the Bulldogs consecutive run, but his inability to convert kept the game within 20 points.
Koby Stevens and Nathan Hrovat played important roles in setting up a number of the Bulldogs chances, while Ryan Griffen continued to get into the right spots.
The Bulldogs fight and endeavor throughout the quarter should be commended, as they never gave up or allowed Essendon any easy goals.
Player of the quarter
A lift in form from Koby Stevens saw him play an integral role through the midfield and in the Bulldogs forward half. Finding more possessions than any other player on the field (11 disposals) in the first term, his unrelenting pressure and courageousness was impressive. He finished the quarter with two clearances, three inside 50s and a goal assist.
Statistical snapshot
- Three of the Bulldogs new recruits over the 2012 led the possession count in the first term with Stevens finding 11 disposals, Brett Goodes finding ten and Nathan Hrovat finding nine
- The Bulldogs had five more tackles than Essendon in the first term
- The Dogs also led in inside 50s (WB18,Ess16) but were behind in rebound 50s (10,15)
Progressive scores
Western Bulldogs 3. 2. (20) trail Essendon 6. 4. (40)
Second quarter
Key Plays
The high intensity desperation from both sides continued into the second term but the Bombers’ dominance on the rebound continued to provide headaches.
A composed Tom Liberatore guided through the Bulldogs first goal of the term, with Liam Jones bringing the margin back to within 15 points shortly after.
Koby Stevens was next to add to the Bulldogs goal tally, kicking an impressive goal under pressure, deep in the forward line.
Essendon’s experience came through as the quarter wore on, producing two consecutive goals and again creating a 23 point buffer.
The Bulldogs tackling pressure never subsided though, as the young side continued to battle until the dying minutes.
Player of the quarter
Within the first half of the game, Nathan Hrovat had already equalled his previous career best disposal count, finding 19 possessions for the term. Complemented by eight marks, a clearance, four inside 50s and two tackles, the 19-year-old stood up under pressure and provided plenty of drive.
Statistical snapshot
- The Bulldogs dominance around the clearances began to really shine through winning 24 to 16. Tom Liberatore and Ryan Griffen continued to lead the assault around the stoppages with four apiece, while Koby Stevens and Clay Smith won three each.
- Four Bulldogs had four inside 50s in the first half - Nathan Hrovat, Ryan Griffen, Jason Tutt and Jarrad Grant
- Liam Jones was the Dogs leading goal scorer with two, while Koby Stevens, Tom Liberatore, Clay Smith and Jarrad Grant also had one each on the board
Progressive scores
Western Bulldogs 6. 2. (38) trail Essendon 9. 7. (61)
