First quarter
Key Plays
The greasy conditions in Darwin were quick to surface in the round ten clash with Port Adelaide, but the Bulldogs still managed to kick the first goal through Liam Jones.
Port Adelaide managed to get one on the board soon after and followed on with a second to take the lead.
They continued to look dangerous rebounding out of the Bulldogs’ attacking zone, while Port Adelaide’s ability to turnover the ball from the home side’s kick ins allowed them more opportunities in the forward half.
The game continued to become highly contested with the slippery conditions making the ball harder to control.
Tom Williams found himself in an open goal square and found the Bulldogs second goal but Port Adelaide were able to find their third and extend their lead.
Will Minson dominated the hitouts, as expected, but Port Adelaide are posing a challenge, winning the clearances.
Player of the quarter
Proving to be an absolute ball magnet, Ryan Griffen found 13 possessions in the first quarter. His ability to cover the ground was first rate, while his experience around the stoppages was influential.
Statistical snapshot
- Will Minson was a dominant force in the ruck with 13 hitouts to Jarrad Redden’s five.
- Port Adelaide are leading the clearances (WB9,PA13) and contested possessions (40,45)
- The two sides are applying decent tackling pressure with 20 tackles each
Progressive score
Western Bulldogs 2 0. (12) trailing Port Adelaide 3. 3. (21)
Second quarter
Key Plays
Turnovers continued to hurt the Bulldogs in the conditions with Port Adelaide better handling the slippery ball.
The Bulldogs looked to be creating more opportunities to move the ball this quarter but Port Adelaide weren’t giving them room to move, pouncing on any mistake and making them work hard.
Tom Williams was forced off the ground with what looked to be a shoulder injury partway through the term, removing a key target in the Bulldogs forward line.
Mitch Wallis and Tom Liberatore stepped up through the midfield, assisting around the stoppages and driving the ball forward, while Ryan Griffen continued to build on a standout game with a goal.
Substituted onto the field for Williams, Daniel Giansiracusa was quick to make an impact, credited with a goal assist for the Griffen major.
The Bulldogs defenders worked hard all quarter and prevented Port Adelaide from extending the margin further.
Big Will Minson created the Bulldogs’ much needed fourth goal for the game with a toe poke that bounced truly to finish the quarter.
Player of the quarter
Will Minson has been a class above in the ruck today, finishing with 26 hit outs in the first half. While he has only had eight disposals, his four tackles and a goal show he has been working hard around the ground.
Statistical Snapshot
- Minson’s quality work in the ruck has seen the Bulldogs make gains in the clearance count, now only trailing by three
- Minson, Griffen, Williams and Jones have kicked one sole major each, while no one in the game has kicked multiple goals.
- Ryan Griffen boasts 21 disposals - six more than any other player on the field
Progressive scores
Western Bulldogs 4. 0. (24) trialling Port Adelaide 5. 5. (35)
