Third quarter
Key Plays
The Western Bulldogs showed no signs of tiring in the third term, producing the first score of the term with veteran Daniel Giansiracusa finding his way on to the scoreboard.
They were quick to go again, driving the ball into their forward line, with Dylan Addison taking a strong mark in a pack but his shot on goal drifted wide.
Gia was on song in the third term, intercepting an Essendon kick and adding a second goal to his name.
Essendon were quick to reply with Jason Winderlich producing the Bombers’ first goal for the quarter.
Tory Dickson nearly converted an impossible kick but a late bounce saw it go through for a behind - but Essendon used the opportunity to quickly set up and rebound up the ground. They too were unable to goal from the forward entry.
The Bulldogs continued to remain on the Bombers heels with Luke Dahlhaus reducing the margin to ten points, before Dyson Heppell found a goal at the other end of the ground.
Jason Tutt again showed he can find the big sticks, adding his name to the Bulldogs goal kickers list after being rewarded with a free kick.
It again was goal for goal, with Dahlhaus producing a major for the home side before Courtenay Dempsey replied for the Bombers.
A Will Minson goal seconds before the siren saw the margin return to 13 points, keeping the Bulldogs well within striking distance ahead of the final term.
Player of the quarter
Ten disposals and four clearances in the third term to Tom Liberatore brought him well and truly into the game, as he confirmed his status as the leading stoppage winner in the competition. The 21-year-old also had an influence on the scoreboard with a goal and four inside 50s.
Statistical snapshot
- The Bulldogs lead in disposals (WB313,Ess284), contested disposals (127,97), inside 50s (48,41) and clearances (37,29)
- The Western Bulldogs lost the first term by 20 points, but the second by only one and continued on to win the third quarter by ten points
- Daniel Giansiracusa kicked both of his goals in the third term
Progressive scores
Western Bulldogs 12. 4. (76) trail Essendon 13. 11. (89)
Fourth quarter
Key Plays
Two consecutive goals to open the quarter for Essendon didn’t dishearten the Bulldogs outfit, who continued to pile on defensive pressure and tackle with intent.
Luke Dahlhaus found his third goal of the day, shortly followed by a major to Brett Goodes who was on the receiving end of a quick hand pass from Jarrad Grant.
The momentum continued with Nathan Hrovat seemingly poised to add to the Bulldogs fortunes, before the ball was called back to the centre for a free kick.
The intensity continued to rise as the clock counted down, when Dahlhas lined up for his fourth but he could not convert.
Another goal to Heppell saw the margin to extend to 17 points at the 20 minute mark of the game. Jake Melksham and Courtenay Dempsey also kicked goals to create a more comfortable buffer.
Despite the final score, the Bulldogs battled hard against a more experienced Essendon outfit and produced a highly physical game.
Bob Murphy was catalyst in the back line, providing run and carry alongside Brett Goodes and Dale Morris who were standouts on the day.
A number of the Bulldogs’ young pups stood tall and continued to compete until the final siren, in particular Tom Liberatore, Koby Stevens and Nathan Hrovat.
Player of the quarter
Luke Dahlhaus was a pivotal player in the Bulldogs forward line in the second half, to finish with three goals and one behind. His tenacity and repeat efforts were first rate, while his zip and dash lifted the side in the third term. He ended the day with 16 possessions, four tackles and three clearances.
Statistical snapshot
- The Bulldogs won 30 more contested possessions than Essendon and six more clearances
- Tom Liberatore, Koby Stevens and Jason Tutt had six inside 50s each, while Ryan Griffen and Daniel Giansiracusa had five.
- Liberatore and Griffen also lead in the tackle count with six each, while Clay Smith and Adam Cooney laid five each.
Final scores
Western Bulldogs 14. 6. (90) defeated by Essendon 18.13. (121)
