First quarter

Key plays

The Western Bulldogs worked hard to create a number of opportunities in their attacking zone but inaccuracy hurt them. 

West Coast’s ability to quickly rebound from defence allowed them to find plenty of space on the run entering the forward half and helped them to produce a more favourable score line. 

Dylan Addison found the first goal for the Bulldogs, followed by Daniel Giansiracusa who finished beautifully on the run, while Josh Kennedy, Jack Darling and ex-Bulldog Josh Hill found majors for the Eagles.

After being unable to convert a set shot earlier in the game, Matthew Boyd kicked truly with his second attempt and brought the scores back level to 21 points. 

A Josh Hill shot from the boundary saw the eagles able to extend their lead, and while Giansiracusa took a mark on the siren he was unable to deliver. 

Player of the quarter

Dylan Addison looked potent in the forward line for the Bulldogs, taking five marks and kicking the Dogs first goal. His constant presence and willingness to lead provided a consistent option for the young Dogs to kick to going inside 50 as well as providing the trademark pressure he has forged a career on. 

Statistical Snapshot

  • 50 gamer Tom Liberatore started the game in trademark fashion, laying six tackles
  • The Bulldogs leading disposal winners are Adam Cooney (11), Koby Stevens against his old side (10), Tom Young (nine) and Liam Picken (nine)
  • The Dogs currently lead in disposals (WB127, WCE 108), tackles (19, 10), contested possessions (44, 38) and inside 50s (17, 15)

Progressive scores

Western Bulldogs 3. 3. (21) trail West Coast Eagles 4. 4. (28)

Second quarter

Key Plays

The Bulldogs came out the more dominant of the two outfits, producing four inside 50s in the opening minutes but the Eagles continued to interject each of their efforts to score. 

Tory Dickson had the first scoring shot on the run but it drifted wide, but the Eagles replied with two quick goals - both from Sharrod Wellingham. 

A strong passage of play down the corridor saw the ball find its way into Giansiracusa’s hands in the forward line, but the veteran Bulldog was unable to capitalise. 

Adam Cooney swooped in shortly after to get the reward for effort for the home side, to get the Bulldogs back within ten points. 

The Dogs looked to be making another play when Luke Dahlhaus was found running into the forward line but he was caught unaware with a strong tackle from an Eagles opponent, which saw the ball rebound to the other end of the ground. 

Dickson finally managed to get his name onto the score board when Jarrad Grant dished a quick pass to him running into an open goals, with number 29 finishing truely. 

Grant was then involved in the Bulldogs next scoring shot, creating a huge marking contest which allowed Griffen to put the ball to Dahlhaus’ favour deep in the forward line. The small forward then fended off his opponent to sneak through a goal. 

Jamie Cripps replied at the other end of the ground but Dahlhaus was not satisfied with one impressive major for the highlights, replicating the soccer goal off the ground through traffic for a second time, again putting the Dogs in front. 

Player of the quarter

Luke Dahlhaus announced himself in the forward line, providing a spark the Bulldogs needed. At half time the small forward had two goals and a goal assist to his name, as well as 15 disposals (nine contested) at 80% disposal efficiency, two clearances and four inside 50s. 

Statistical Snapshot

  • The Bulldogs continued to dominate the inside 50 statistic with 31 to the Eagles 25.
  • Finding 39 more disposals than the Eagles, the Dogs have been able to create a number of plays but the Eagles have been more damaging when in possession
  • The Eagles have won the hitouts more then the Bulldogs (WB12, WCE 23) but the Dogs are working their way into the clearances, (17, 20). Griffen is leading the Bulldogs in that stat with five. 

Progressive scores

Western Bulldogs 7. 7. (49) lead West Coast Eagles 7. 6. (48)