Quarter three
Key Plays
Robert Murphy began the quarter slotting through a goal from the tightest of angles to cap off his impressive game as stand in captain.
The Lions battled intently as the quarter continued but were unable to claw back at the Bulldogs substantial winning margin.
Both sided showed their desperation for the ball through the midfield, with the intensity of the game remaining heated despite the disparity in the scores.
Jason Johannisen further established his worth at senior level, driving the ball into the Bulldogs forward half on a number of occasions, including adding his name to the goal kicking list.
While Dahlhaus and Giansiracusa added to their bag of goals, Liam Jones was also rewarded for his tireless workrate - kicking one of his own.
Player of the quarter
Entering his third season on the Bulldogs list, Tom Liberatore showed he has the ability to step up again this season. His clearance work was first rate - with six to his name before half time - while his clean hands and quick thinking added to his standout performance.
Statistical breakdown
Western Bulldogs 16. 9. (105) leads Brisbane Lions 5. 14. (44)
Goals: Giansiracusa 3, Cordy 2, Dahlhaus 2, Dickson 2, Murphy 2, Cooney 1, Griffen 1, Higgins 1, Johannisen 1, Jones 1
Team Stats: (WB, BL): disposals (274,224), marks (89,33), contested possessions (107,105), tackles (50,52), clearances (31,23), hitouts (29,24), i50s (43,32)
Quarter four
Key Plays
There were no easy possessions as the fourth quarter kicked off, with every disposal needing to be earned.
Brown kicked his first goal for the game, with Jordan Roughead keeping the Lions’ captain quiet for most of the match.
The Bulldogs continued to pull away with goals to Griffen and Higgins cementing the win.
With 68 points the final margin, the Bulldogs never looked in doubt, in what was an excellent start to the 2013 season.
Player of the quarter
Shaun Higgins announced himself kicking two goals for the quarter, bringing his total against Brisbane to three. He looked set to kick his forth for the day right before the siren but the ball eventually drifted wide for a behind. His delivery into the forward 50 cannot be underestimated, with the classy forward finishing the game with 10. After a solid pre-season, the 25-year-old is on the verge of taking his game to the next level.
Statistical breakdown:
Western Bulldogs 19. 13. (127) defeat Brisbane Lions 7. 17. (59)
Goals: Higgins 3, Giansiracusa 3, Cordy 2, Dahlhaus 2, Dickson 2, Griffen 2, Murphy 2, Cooney 1, Johannisen 1, Jones 1
Disposals: Liberatore 28, Griffen 27, Wallis 24, Goodes 24, Cross 23, Higgins 22
Clearances: Liberatore 11, Minson 5, Wallis 4, Lower 3, Dahlhaus 3, Griffen 3, Smith 3
Tackles: Liberatore 9, Dickson 8, Cross 4, Johannisen 4, Morris 4, Wallis 4
Team Stats (WB,BL): Disposals (380,304), Marks (116,54), tackles (71,73), clearances (42,34), inside 50s (55,47)
