First quarter
Key Plays:
The Western Bulldogs opened the scoring via a free kick to Tory Dickson and never lost momentum from that point.
As the Bulldogs continued to keep the opposition majorless, some quick thinking from Luke Dahlhaus resulted in Ayce Cordy goal, with Dahlhaus adding his name to the scoreboard soon after.
While the ball was hotly contested through the midfield, the Bulldogs continued to look the more dominant side, with the ball spending plenty of time in the home side’s forward half.
The veterans did not disappoint with Daniel Giansiracusa, Ryan Griffen and Adam Cooney all adding to the goal tally.
The emerging midfield consisting of Mitch Wallis, Koby Stevens and Tom Liberatore all proved they could lift in the absence of their spiritual leader Matthew Boyd.
Player of the quarter:
Luke Dahlhaus's trademark spark was clearly on show in the first quarter, with the young pup having a hand in a number of the Bulldogs scoring opportunities, including a goal to himself. Proving that he has not missed a beat over the pre-season the third year recruit
Statistical breakdown:
Western Bulldogs 6. 1 (37) lead Brisbane Lions 0. 6 (6)
Goals: Cooney 1, Cordy 1, Dahlhaus 1, Dickson 1, Giansiracusa 1, Griffen 1
Disposals: Giansiracusa 6, Dickson 6, Picken 6, Stevens 6, Cooney 5, Cordy 5, Goodes 5, Higgins 5, Liberatore 5
Marks: Picken 5, Roughead 3, Young 3, Cooney 3, Goodes 3
Team Stats (WB,BL): Disposals (88,62), contested possessions (37,35) marks (33,12), tackles (16,16), clearances (11,4) inside 50s (14,9),
Second quarter
Key Plays:
Scoring their first goal of the game in the opening minutes of the second term, the Brisbane Lions refused to lie down so quickly.
Daniel Rich added to their tally shortly after, reducing the margin to 20 points.
The Bulldogs continued to find scoring opportunities early but were unable to capitalise on the scoreboard until Dickson split two opposition players to find the goals in the sixth minute.
Forward duo Shaun Higgins and Giansiracusa further increased the margin to provide a comfortable buffer for the Bulldogs.
Ayce Cordy added a second goal for the day after taking an impressive mark just outside of the goalsquare and was able to convert.
The Bulldogs carried a 37 point lead into the premiership quarter.
Player of the quarter:
Debutant Brett Goodes looked composed and at home in his first senior AFL game during the premiership season. The 29-year-old’s pinpoint accuracy and footy smarts were of great value as he created a number of forward plays as well as being highly accountable in defense. He ended the half as the leading ball winner for the Bulldogs with 13 disposals.
Statistical breakdown:
Western Bulldogs 10. 5. (65) lead Brisbane Lions 3. 10. (28)
Goals: Cooney 1, Cordy 2, Dahlhaus 1, Dickson 1, Giansiracusa 1, Griffen 1
Disposals: Goodes 13, Liberatore 12, Dickson 11, Giansiracusa 10, Griffen 10, Higgins 10, Picken 10
Marks: Picken 7, Roughead 6, Young 5, Goodes 5
Tackles: Dickson 5, Griffen 4, Liberatore 4, Morris 3
Clearances: Liberatore 6, Wallis 3, Minson 2, Dahlhaus 2, Giansiracusa 2
Team Stats(WB, BL): Disposals (175,149), Contesed Possessions (75,73), Marks (59,24), Tackles (39,35), Clearances (21,16), Hitouts (18,20), Inside 50s (29,20)
