Third quarter
Key plays
The Bulldogs started the quarter well, holding the ball in their forward half for an extended period of time and it was new recruits Nathan Hrovat (behind) and Jack Macrae that delivered.
It became goal for goal with Sam Blease getting his name onto the scoreboard for Melbourne, while Cooney slotted one through at the other end.
The Demons exposed the Dogs with their leg speed and run and carry for much of the quarter, allowing them consecutive shots on goal, however their inaccuracy in front of goals kept the Bulldogs in the game.
The Bulldogs worked hard with their tackling pressure but could not restrain Melbourne on the run.
Player of the quarter
Tom Liberatore was a shining light in the third term, playing his role in the trenches to the tee. Collecting five more possessions on the ground than any other player, he also has seven clearances, seven tackles, eight inside 50s and has been a dependable cog in the Bulldogs midfield. He also finished the quarter with a goal assist to his name.
Statistical snapshot
- Melbourne have taken 31 more marks than the Bulldogs during the first three terms, with a number of intercept marks particularly hurting the Dogs
- The Dogs still lead in hitouts (WB33,Melb27), clearances (32,25) and contested possessions (118,103)
Progressive Scores
Melbourne 12. 12. (84) lead Western Bulldogs6. 9. (45)
Fourth quarter
Key plays
The Western Bulldogs began like a well drilled machine with a Will Minson hitout finding Matthew Boyd who delivered the ball to Daniel Giansiracusa in the forward line to produce a major.
They followed up with a second attempt with a dribbled ball from Tom Liberatore rebounding off the post.
Griffen found himself 30m in front of goals to reduce the buffer to 26 points, as reward for effort from a number of unsuccessful efforts from the Bulldogs in the forward half.
Melbourne refused to be bettered, replying with two goals to Chris Dawes and Jack Watts.
The Bulldogs continued to try for a last minute comeback, continuing to drive the ball forward with goals to Luke Dahlhaus and Tory Dickson.
Once again stepping up in the clutch moments, Griffen snuck through his third goal for the game, followed by another to Cooney to make it four consecutive goals to the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs began to apply real pressure to Melbourne with a second goal from Cooney putting them within three goals with five and a half minutes to go.
Lachie Hunter was given a free kick, setting up Will Minson in the goal square to bring the Bulldogs well within striking range.
Ayce Cordy stood up when it counts, taking a mark straight out in front to bring the game to within two points.
The intensity in the dying minutes was fierce with Melbourne kicking into an open goal but it bounced wide for a behind but the late surge wasn’t quite enough to get the Bulldogs over the line.
Player of the quarter
After a slow start Ryan Griffen proved he cannot be contained, finishing the game with three goals and 31 disposals as well as rallying his teammates in the final quarter to almost overturn the game. His six clearances, seven tackles and five inside 50s show he is all class.
Statistical snapshot
- The Bulldogs showed real spirit in the final term, winning the quarter by 36 points to finish just three points behind a much improved Melbourne
- Dominating the clearances Liberatore ended with 12, Boyd had eight, Griffen six and Lower five.
- The Bulldogs had seven of the last eight scoring shots for the game
Final scores
Melbourne 15. 13. (103) defeated 15. 10. (100)
