Third quarter
Key plays
Four consecutive failed attempts in front of goals prevented the Western Bulldogs from getting reward for effort early in the third term.
A Jarrad Grant shot on goal continued the pattern with the kick falling short, resulting in the ball being brought over the line for a rushed behind.
A 50 metre penalty to Dylan Addison inside 50 saw him kick the first goal for the term, with the Bulldogs able to keep the Lions quiet so far in the quarter.
Luke Dahlhaus found his second for the game guiding the ball over the line with his boot less than a metre out from goals, as the Dogs built momentum.
A horrific head clash between Tom Young and Bob Murphy left both players dazed and held up the play.
While the dogs continued to find opportunities in front of goal, the inability to convert plagued them, with Jordan Roughead kicking a behind.
In form midfielder Mitch Wallis was able to break the trend kicking his first major, followed by Tom Campbell who also split the big sticks - bringing the game back to within 30 points.
As the Dogs kicked five goals to one in the third term, the key indicators began to level in hitouts, disposals and tackles.
Player of the quarter
Luke Dahlhaus provided his trademark spark in the forward line in the third term to help through the momentum the Bulldogs way. Ahead of the final term the small forward had accumulated 17 disposals, three tackles, three inside 50s, two goals and a goal assist.
Statistical snapshot
- Tom Liberatore has been impressive in the trenches with ten clearances, double any other player afield
- Dylan Addison and Luke Dahlhaus are the two multiple goal scorers for the Dogs
- The Dogs won 14 more clearances, 11 extra inside 50s and 15 more contested possessions.
Progressive scores
Brisbane Lions 14. 3. (87) lead Western Bulldogs 8. 11. (59)
Fourth quarter
Key plays
The Dogs continued to encroach on the Lions territory, when Will Minson capped off his strong performance in the ruck with a goal to reduce the margin to 22 points.
A free kick to Ryan Griffen saw the Bulldogs continue their streak, bringing them back within striking distance.
The Lions have managed just one goal in the second half, while the Bulldogs piled on the goals, the next through veteran Bob Murphy.
The resilient Bulldogs refused to be beaten despite the growing desperation from the Lions to hold onto the lead.
The Lions managed their first goal since 20 minutes into the third term through Andrew Raines to take the margin to 16 points.
A Dahlhaus free kick in front of goal looked promising from short range but unfortunately the young forward was unable to convert.
The missed opportunity obviously didn’t sit well with the young pup, as he ensured he got the next major of the game seconds later.
Another free kick paid at the other end of the ground resulted in the Lions next scoring shot, which ended in a behind.
The game became the Bulldogs for the taking when Daniel Giansiracusa slotted through a goal after being rewarded a 50m penalty in the Bulldogs forward line - reducing the margin to five points.
The contest remained heated until the dying minute, with both sides working ferociously to lead when the final siren sounded but the Lions took the four points.
Player of the quarter
Ryan Griffen lifted when the game was in dispute and finished with 23 disposals at over 78% efficiency. He also was influential in close with seven clearances, 12 contested possessions and four tackles. He ended with five inside 50s, a goal and a goal assist.
Statistical snapshot
- The Dogs had 16 more clearances, 14 more inside 50s and 20 extra contested possessions
- Liberatore won a career high 14 clearances - the next best afield was Ryan Griffen and Will Minson with seven each, while Leuenberger had six for the Lions
Final scores
Brisbane Lions 15. 10. (100) defeat Western Bulldogs 13. 15. (93)
