Third quarter
Key plays
Inaccuracy and rushed behinds continued to plague the Bulldogs early in the third quarter until Tom Liberatore found space in the forward line and was able to score his first major in the game.
The Bulldogs looked more composed in their defensive half, applying pressure to the Collingwood forwards to prevent them from scoring as frequently.
Stevens also found his way onto the goal sheet kicking an impressive goal from 50 metres out.
Murphy and Stringer both made attempts to chip away at the margin but the duo were again unable to register majors with their kicks.
The Bulldogs were much improved defensively than the first half, winning the quarter by two points but the struggle to convert their opportunities prevented them from reducing the margin further.
Player of the quarter
Ryan Griffen has continued to build on his strong form in recent weeks, with 24 disposals at three quarter time, alongside three clearances and an impressive seven tackles. His three inside 50s and goal also demonstrate his dominance in the Bulldogs’ forward half and in driving his teammates through the middle.
Statistical snapshot
- The Bulldogs scored 16 points to 14 in the third quarter
- The Dogs have taken more marks than Collingwood with 88 to 74 - including 11 to Jake Stringer and 10 to Jordan Roughead
- Of Tom Liberatore’s 15 disposals, 11 have been contested, with Ryan Griffen next in line with 10 contested possessions
Progressive scores
Collingwood 13. 6. (84) leading Western Bulldogs 4. 9. (34)
Fourth quarter
Key plays
The Bulldogs’ desperation was evident in the fourth quarter, with substitute Daniel Giansiracusa finding his first goal for the day within the first five minutes.
The away side’s hard work and new found momentum saw them preventing Collingwood from scoring since the 19 minute mark in the third term until Cloke kicked a behind five minutes into the final quarter.
The Captain Matthew Boyd managed to find his first goal after receiving a pass from Dahlhaus straight in front of goals.
Despite the scoreline, the Bulldogs were the livelier of the two sides as they continued to dominate possession.
Collingwood found their first goal 17 minutes into the term, but could not hold onto the momentum.
Murphy replied with a goal of his own, while Giansiracusa followed shortly after with his second.
Draftee Jake Stringer kicked an impressive goal from a tight angle to bring the margin to within 30 points.
Collingwood finished with a goal to Travis Cloke which consolidated their 34 point defeat over the Western Bulldogs, but not without the Bulldogs putting up a considerable fight.
Player of the quarter
Tom Liberatore was slow to start against Collingwood but found 11 dispsals and three clearances in the final term alone. Finishing with 26 possessions (16 contested), he also continued his dominance around the stoppages with seven clearances, three tackles and a goal. The performance proves he is firmly establishing himself as a central player in the Bulldogs midfield.
Statistical snapshot
- Ryan Griffen, Robert Murphy, Luke Dahlhaus and Jason Johannisen all had two score assists each
- The Bulldogs won the second half of football by 19 points (2 in the third quarter and 17 points in the final term)
- Will Minson once again took the honours in the ruck dual with 35 hitouts to his name, while Darren Jolly had 28 and Quinten Lynch had nine
- Sixth gamer Michael Talia finished the game with a career best 30 disposals, nine marks, three inside 50s, four rebound 50s and a score assist
Final scores
Collingwood 15. 9. (99) defeat Western Bulldogs 9. 11. (65)
