First quarter
Key plays
West Coast started strongly finding two goals from the first three scoring shots before Nick Lower got the Western Bulldogs on the scoreboard with a goal.
Strong work by Adam Cooney and Matthew Boyd in the middle saw the Bulldogs create another opportunity up forward with Jack Macrae kicking a goal of his own.
The Eagles took hold of the game as the quarter continued, kicking four unanswered goals and extended the margin to 27 points.
While Will Minson competed fiercely through the ruck and the Bulldogs continued to win the clearances, an experienced West Coast proved they were dangerous, capitalising on Dogs’ turnovers.
Jake Stringer brought the gap back to 21 points with a late goal bouncing through, registering his first goal for the game.
Player of the quarter
Posed with the challenge of going head to head with premier ruckman Dean Cox, Minson got off to a good start. Heading into the first change leading in hitouts - with 14 to his name - the 28-year-old was also one of the Bulldogs chief ballwinners, finding ten disposals around the ground. Minson had four clearances in a solid first term for the ruckman.
Statistical snapshot
- Will Minson and Matthew Boyd were the main possession winners for the Bulldogs this quarter, with ten each for the quarter
- Luke Dahlhaus and Daniel Cross had two inside 50s each in the first term
- The Bulldogs won in hitouts, clearances and contested possessions
Progressive scores
West Coast Eagles 6. 3. (39) leading Western Bulldogs 3. 0. (18)
Second quarter
Key Plays
The Bulldogs were able to move the ball forward early in the second term but were unable to add to the score line.
Jack Darling continued his dominance in the West Coast forward line, kicking two straight goals for the Eagles and just missing a third for the quarter.
Cooney broke the Bulldogs drought, but the Eagles did now allow them any respite, replying with a goal through Mark LeCras.
It continued to be goal for goal with Jason Tutt kicking his first for the season, while Jack Darling managed his fifth at the other end of the ground.
Both teams competed hard to create a final run for the half but neither side was successful.
The Dogs continued to win the contested ball throughout the quarter but the Eagles ability to score on the back of turnovers has proved the difference.
Player of the quarter
Clay Smith had a real appetite for the footy in the second quarter, providing a defensive option in the Bulldogs forward line and through the middle. With 11 disposals (seven contested), two clearances and four inside 50s, the 19-year-old has been instrumental in creating opportunities for the Bulldogs and holding the ball inside the forward half.
Statistical snapshot
- Liam Jones began to work his way into the game in the second half taking a number of impressive grabs further up the ground - finishing the half with four marks
- Clearance specialist Tom Liberatore found form in the second quarter, with five clearances at the end of the quarter
- Big man Jordan Roughead tied with Liam Picken for most tackles for the Bulldogs with five, while Nick Lower had four.
Progressive scores
West Coast Eagles 10. 4. (64) leading Western Bulldogs 5. 2. (32)
