First quarter
Key plays
The Brisbane Lions put on a strong showing from the opening bounce, kicking three unanswered goals and dominating possession early in the term.
While the Western Bulldogs applied tackling pressure across the ground, the home side’s clean skills and ability to capitalise inside 50 allowed them to apply early scoreboard pressure.
Tory Dickson opened with the first major for the Dogs, while Tom Campbell looked to build on the momentum with a shot of his own - however it hit the post.
The Dogs were not perturbed, finding a second major through Dylan Addison, while another missed opportunity from Bob Murphy prevented the Dogs from taking the lead for the first time.
Daniel Merrett asserted his authority in the Lions forward line, slotting his first opportunity from a set shot, then following it up with a second consecutive goal minutes later.
Tom Campbell shonked a second shot on goal, which hurt the Bulldogs with the kick drifting wide.
A second goal to Daniel Rich saw him begin to have a big impact on the game, continuing his rich vein of form against the Bulldogs.
The margin expanded to almost 30 points late in the term when Matthew Leuenberger converted his attempt in front of the big sticks, as they continued to find space.
Player of the quarter
A third of the Western Bulldogs clearances in the first term were won by Tom Liberatore, following on from his scintillating form around the clearances. The Dogs second highest possession winner for the term also managed seven disposals at 100% efficiency and laid three tackles.
Statistical snapshot
- Jarrad Grant leads the Bulldogs in both marks and inside 50s in the first term
- The Dogs have won three more clearances but 18 fewer disposals and six less hitouts
- The Lions have had one more scoring shot yet have only kicked one behind to the Bulldogs five
Progressive scores
Brisbane Lions 7. 1. (43) lead Western Bulldogs 2. 5. (17)
Second quarter
Key plays
Leuenberger was the next Lions player in line to find his second goal of the match, showing his wares forward of centre.
Luke Dahlhaus replied for the Bulldogs with a quick goal on the run to chip the margin back.
Brent Staker went goal for goal with a goal from long range, finding himself in possession inside 50 minutes later and repeating the feat.
Intense pressure from both sides saw the ball held up through the center for an extended period with neither side able to break the shackles of the opposition and run free.
Neither side could produce a major for almost ten minutes, until Josh Green kicked truly to increase the Lions buffer to 45 points.
Dayne Zorko produced the next two consecutive goals for the Lions,
Daniel Giansiracusa found the Bulldogs second goal for the term in the 25th minute and found a second opportunity moments later when he received a free kick in front of goals.
The normally composed veteran was unable to convert the kick, resulting in a behind.
The Bulldogs continued to create opportunities in their attacking half but were unable to create scoreboard pressure , with the Lions strong rebounding defenders stifling their repeated efforts.
As the siren sounded the Lions were 50 points in front and looked poised to attack the second half.
Player of the quarter
Captain Matthew Boyd has been a solid contributor all day, remaining composed under pressure and working hard in the engine room. His 14 possessions and three clearances was among the top rated of the Bulldogs side, while he heads into the second half with a goal assist to his name.
Statistical Snapshot
- Six Lions players have kicked multiple goals to the Bulldogs zero
- Liam Picken has laid an impressive seven tackles in the first half
- The Lions have taken 22 more marks than the Bulldogs
Progressive scores:
Brisbane Lions 13. 2. (80) lead Western Bulldogs 4. 6. (30)
