First quarter
Key Plays
Ayce Cordy returned to the senior side with an immediate impact, kicking a goal in the opening minutes of the game.
Melbourne began to show their intent, creating a number of scoring opportunities but the Western Bulldogs defenders refused to let them goal easily, with a number of rushed behinds restricting the damage.
Ryan Griffen continued to build on his scintillating form with an early goal but Melbourne responded with a third goal through Jeremy Howe.
Both teams displayed an appetite to win the contest and a desperation to lead heading into the first break.
Melbourne’s ball movement and attack look much improved on previous weeks but the Bulldogs continued to put up a fight, particularly in their back half to keep the Demons under pressure.
Player of the quarter
Nick Lower had an impressive start to the game, collecting six possessions at 83.3% disposal efficiency. But it was his no holds barred attitude, putting his body on the line and repeat efforts that stood out most.
Statistical snapshot
- Melbourne had an impressive 20 inside 50s in the first term to the Bulldogs nine - Melbourne’s return is a marked improvement on their previous weeks, with their average inside 50s per game this season only 39.9
- The Bulldogs still lead hitouts (WB12, Melb5) and clearances (10,7)
Progressive scores
Melbourne 3. 5. (23) lead the Western Bulldogs 2. 2. (14)
Second quarter
Key Plays
Tory Dickson found himself in front of goals with the Bulldogs first scoring opportunity for the quarter but the shot hit the padding on the goal posts for a behind.
Melbourne continued to hit the scoreboard with an early goal to Jack Fitzpatrick, who was quick to reply.
Jake Stringer was next to line up in front of the big sticks from 50 metres out but couldn’t convert.
Third time lucky when Daniel Giansiracusa was rewarded a free kick from a similar angle, gliding it through for the Bulldogs first goal for the term.
Jack Watts continued to dominate at the other end of the ground finding his third, while Cooney lined up at the other end of the ground but again it drifted wide.
The Bulldogs continued to create changes with Giansiracusa taking a mark in the forward line and kicking his second for the day - he went on to take his third shot on goal but missed shortly after.
Melbourne regained some momentum with Max Gawn producing a goal, while their leading forwards continued to cause headaches for the Bulldogs’ back six.
Player of the quarter
Super substitute no longer, Daniel Giansiracusa showed he could make an immediate impact against Melbourne, with his hand in a number of scoring opportunities for the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs veteran took four marks - two inside 50 - and kicked two goals, while playing an integral role leading the forward line.
Statistical snapshot
- Tom Liberatore, Ryan Griffen and Matthew Boyd have all won four clearances so far and Nick Lower has three, while only Nathan Jones for Melbourne has three.
- The Bulldogs had 15 inside 50s for the quarter to Melbourne’s 11, turning the momentum from the first term
Progressive scores
Melbourne 8. 8. (56) leading Western Bulldogs 4. 6. (30)
