Third quarter

Key plays

The Bulldogs looked like they were off to a brilliant start when Luke Dahlhaus dribbled the ball towards an open goal but the shot was deemed to be touched by the goal umpire, resulting in a behind.

Jake Stringer found some relief for the away side minutes after with his first goal for the match, with a fortunate bounce of the ball ensuring the Bulldogs received the six points.

An unfortunate clash between GWS’s Jeremy Cameron and Jason Johannisen saw the promising Bulldogs youngster stretchered off with a concussion, forcing Nathan Hrovat to be substituted on early in the third quarter.

The pause in play did not detract from the Bulldogs momentum, however, with Mitch Wallis extending his side’s lead to two goals but GWS were determined from the next centre clearance with a passage of play resulting in Cameron finding a goal for the Giants shortly after.

A bad kick in from the Bulldogs saw Dylan Shiel take an intercept mark in GWS’s forward line, resulting in another Giants’ goal to level the scores.

The Bulldogs created a number of opportunities forward of centre but the defensive pressure laid on by the opposition saw them unable to hit the scoreboard and take control of the game.

At the other end of the ground turnovers caused headaches for Bulldogs defenders with a number of intercepted kicks and handballs resulting in the Giants’ hands and allowing for consecutive inside 50s in their half.

Devin Smith was awarded a free kick in their forward line which he converted into a goal to extend the expansion side’s lead to more than a goal.

2012 draftee Jake Stringer was provided an opportunity to chip away at the margin from 50m out but instead he chipped the ball to an experienced head in Daniel Giansiracusa who was in closer range – and the veteran did not disappoint.

A further goal to Clay Smith saw the margin reduced to two points at three quarter time with the Bulldogs still trailing.

Player of the quarter

The aggression and grit of Clay Smith was greatly beneficial in the third term, as he used his physicality to ware down the young opposition. With 11 disposals at 81.8% efficiency, two inside 50s and three clearances he was a solid contributor for three quarters through the midfield and in the forward half. His two goals were reward for effort, leading into space and standing up in pressure situations. Smith’s tackling pressure was also a highlight with eight tackles to his name before the final term.

Progressive scores

GWS Giants 9. 9. (63) leading Western Bulldogs 9. 7. (61)

Fourth Quarter

The Giants continued their pattern of getting onto the scoreboard early with Shiel continuing to show his goal kicking ability but the Bulldogs were quick to respond with Tutt kicking a tricky one over the shoulder to catapult the Dogs’ final charge.

Daniel Giansiracusa showed his willingness to stand up and be counted with a solid tackle awarding him a free kick in front of goals to find his second for the day.

Jeremy Cameron found himself in the right spot shorty after for the Giants, finding his second for the day to see the lead change hands again despite multiple defensive efforts from Jordan Roughead and Dale Morris.

They looked to have turned the momentum when substitute Rhys Palmer found himself with space in the forward line, however his shot drifted wide for a behind, keeping the Bulldogs well within striking range.

A Liam Jones pack mark back in the Dogs forward line allowed him to get his men back in front, as the lead was overtaken for the seventh time today.

Giansiracusa again showed his dominance in the forward line, kicking his third and creating a ten point buffer for the Bulldogs as the siren drew closer.

Another scoring shot arose when Stringer was found in possession of the ball running towards goals, however some excellent defensive pressure and attempted smother from the Giants saw him misjudge the kick and follow through for a behind.

GWS made their final charge with Curtly Hampton unable to find the big sticks and keep his team in with a chance, however teammate Will Hoskin-Elliot again stood up in a clutch moment, following on from last week, and kicked a goal to bring the margin back to four points.

The Bulldogs worked tirelessly to regain control of the play and maintain possession, with the siren sounding to confirm the win.

Player of the quarter

Once again Michael Talia showed he can rack up possessions in the Bulldogs defensive half and provide rebound for the Bulldogs. With a career best 32 possessions (six more than anyone else on the field), the 20-year-old was instrumental in the win, despite just eight games experience. The young pup took five marks, had five one percenters and two inside 50s.

Final scores

GWS Giants 12. 11. (83) defeated by Western Bulldogs 13. 9. (87)