First quarter
Key Plays
Hawthorn found plenty of opportunities up forward early but their inaccuracy in front of goal kept the Western Bulldogs in close touch.
Missed chances to Liam Jones and Jarrad Grant allowed the Hawks more breathing room before Luke Dahlhaus found himself in an open goal square to kick the Bulldogs first.
The inside 50 count was telling from the beginning, with clean delivery to their forwards keeping the Dogs defenders accountable but Michael Talia, Dale Morris and Jordan Roughead continued to compete.
Dylan Addison brought the margin back without ten points, when he took a strong mark in the Bulldogs forward line and converted.
The Bulldogs looked to be inching in on their third when the ball Club looked intent on trapping the ball in their forward line. A Griffen shot on goal didn’t make the distance and allowed the Hawks to steady the ship and slow the momentum down.
Nathan Hrovat takes a mark on the buzzer but the 2012 first round draftee saw the kick drift wide for a behind.
Player of the quarter
Robert Murphy was a key member of the Bulldogs across the ground in the first term, finding eight possessions at 100% disposal efficiency and a highly impressive five rebound 50s. His run and carry out of the backline and ability to set up attacking plays provided a spark for the Dogs, with the veteran drawing on his strengths and experience to maximise his impact for the team.
Statistical snapshot
- Tom Liberatore and Ryan Griffen both found their fair share of the ball in the first term, finding 10 possessions each, while Robert Murphy and Koby Stevens had eight apiece
- Liam Jones has already taken two marks inside 50, while Jarrad Grant, Dylan Addison and Nathan Hrovat have also taken marks in the Bulldogs forward line
- The inside 50 count was glaring with Hawthorn’s 17 to the Bulldogs eight
Progressive scores
Hawthorn 4. 6. (30) leading Western Bulldogs 2. 3. (15)
Second quarter
Key plays
Adam Cooney had the first shot on goal in the second term from outside 50m but the kick was just offline, resulting in a behind.
The Bulldogs defensive pressure continued to build as the quarter drew on, but missed attempts from Koby Stevens and Dylan Addison kept the margin to ten points.
In promising signs, the Dogs also began to chip away at the inside 50 count, reducing the different to five.
Hawthorn’s Kyle Cheney hit the post when kicking from the goal square as a result from a 50m penalty, unable to extend the margin by more than one.
Tory Dickson was gifted the next shot on goal from a free kick when he was taken high, and his kick never looked in doubt.
Hawthorn replied with a long range goal to Luke Hodge, after the Hawks captain managed to gain control of the ball after smothering a Ryan Griffen kick and took a shot from within the square.
Jarrad Grant attempts one of the Bulldogs from a tight angle but is unable to guide it through.
Again the Bulldogs take a shot on goal after the siren, this time with Cooney not able to make the distance.
Hawthorn continue to look dangerous when given space but the Bulldogs increased intensity allowed a more even second term, as the Dogs look to push the top of the table outfit for four quarters.
Player of the quarter
Tom Liberatore has continued to step up through the midfield against Hawthorn, with an equal game high 17 disposals so far (ten contested). While he is yet to have his usual influence around the stoppages, his hands in close and consistent work rate has been a highlight. The 21-year-old has taken four marks, one clearance, two rebound 50s, and two tackles in the first half.
Statistical snapshot
- Jack Macrae and Brett Goodes have laid the most tackles among the Bulldogs so far, with four each. While Daniel Giansiracusa, Jordan Roughead and Koby Stevens have three tackles to their name
- The Bulldogs only kicked one goal in the second term, but Hawthorn only found two themselves. The Dogs had four behinds to Hawthorn’s three.
Progressive scores
Hawthorn 6. 9. (45) leading Western Bulldogs 3. 7. (25)
