Third quarter
Key Plays
Missed opportunities in Sydney’s forward half prevented them from creating a handy buffer early in the second half.
Jarrad Grant has really stood up in the forward line in recent weeks and his run continued when he received a quick pass from Tom Campbell in the forward line and was able to better position himself to take the shot.
Fellow forward Luke Dahlhaus built on the momentum, kicking a goal of his own a minute later.
A goal to Kurt Tippet extended the Sydney lead to 13 point but the Bulldogs refused to turn over easily, locking the ball into their attacking half until Grant again emerged to give his side reward for effort.
Sydney showed why they are a top four side from the next contest, with Craig Bird responding to kick the next goal.
Substitute Daniel Giansiracusa found his way on to the scoreboard early with a tap from Tom Campbell allowing himself to get a boot to ball and direct it through for an impressive goal.
Again Sydney was able to respond with the next scoring shot through Heath Grundy and boosted their lead into three quarter time with another two consecutive goals.
Player of the quarter
Mitch Wallis has continued to build on form in recent weeks, while undertaking tough tasks on a number of the oppositions best players. Spending time on both Josh Kennedy and Kieren Jack the father-son recruit has amassed 24 disposals, nine tackles and two score assists. His composure and relentless attack on the ball while still playing a defensive role has been much improved in recent weeks as he continues to build into a more well-rounded player.
Statistical snapshot
- The Bulldogs now lead in a range of statistical categories including disposals (WB303,Syd274), tackles (75,35), clearances (41, 36), inside 50s (43,41) and contested possessions (130,127)
- Tom Liberatore has ten clearances, Griffen has won eight, while inclusion Daniel Cross has six
Progressive scores
Western Bulldogs 11. 4. (70) trail Sydney Swans 15. 6. (96)
Fourth Quarter
Key Plays
Sydney looked the dominant of the two sides in their attacking half early in the quarter, with two goals to the Bulldogs three behinds.
Daniel Giansiracusa stood up to find the first goal for the home side, sneaking through a major on the run.
Two quick goals to Sydney saw the lead extend to the largest of the game in 42 points.
The Bulldogs desperation increased as they looked to chip back the margin to reflect the hard work all day against the reigning premieres, with Tory Dickson finding his second major for the day.
A second chance came around quickly when Koby Stevens lined up on goals shortly after but his kick drifted wide.
Kurt Tippett was a dominant force at the other end of the ground, finding his fifth goal for the day.
Stevens was given a second opportunity on goals, which he kicked truly, when he received a free kick straight in front.
Draftee Lachie Hunter also added to the Bulldogs score to bring the game back within 30 points, before a score at the other end of the ground again extended the margin.
The Bulldogs fought hard all day against the strong Sydney contingent but were unable to maintain the stranglehold for four quarters, eventually falling by 35 points.
Player of the quarter
A 41 possession game to Ryan Griffen saw him once again put in a prolific performance as he continues to build on his career best form. An impressive eleven clearances, six tackles and six inside 50s confirm he was dominant across the ground both defensively and in setting up a number of the Bulldogs attacking plays. An honourable mention also goes to Tom Liberatore who finished with 33 possessions (18 contested), 13 clearances, nine tackles and five inside 50s.
Statistical snapshot
- The Bulldogs took it right up the reigning premiers laying 18 more tackles than their opponents, winning six more clearances and six extra inside 50s
- Mitch Wallis led the tackling count with 12, Tom Liberatore laid nine, while Liam Picken, Tom Young, Jack Macrae, Ryan Griffen, Will Minson and Daniel Cross had six
- Jordan Roughead continued his fine form in the backline, racking up 14 one percenters and taking four marks, while Michael Talia had eight one percenters and six marks
Final Scores
Western Bulldogs 15. 9. (99) defeated by Sydney Swans 21. 8. (134)
