1. English Lesson

Tim English is a young ruckman learning his craft in the AFL spotlight.
It’s easy to forget he’s still only 22 years old.
But after just 36 AFL games, he seems to have the ability to do things that other big men could only dream of on the footy field.
The Bulldogs have won three of their past four, and English has reigned supreme in those wins. He was head and shoulders above – in a few senses – on Friday night.
With 22 disposals, six clearances, four contested marks and a goal, English took another huge stride forward to be best on ground against Essendon.

2. You’re a wizard, Cody 

How about that for a first kick in footy?
Not bad. Not bad at all.
The debutant produced some wizardry with a 40-metre banana from the boundary, to probably become the new clubhouse leader in the first-kick, first-goal club on account of the degree of difficulty.
But back to that wizardry angle… how about this photo of Cody as a kid?

Just a little bit of Harry Potter about that look?
We’ll forgive the supporting Collingwood part. He’s red, white and blue now.

3. Contest response

After being beaten around the ball by Carlton last week – particularly early – the Bulldogs needed to respond against the Bombers.
And they did.
The Bulldogs’ midfield talent was on full display on Friday night, turning a -17 contested ball differential against the Blues into a +35 count against the Bombers.
They also won the clearances, 30 to 23.
English (six) led the way, with skipper Marcus Bontempelli (five), Tom Liberatore (five), Jack Macrae (four) and Bailey Smith (four) getting the job done in the engine room.

All The Highlights & Interviews
  • 01:01

    Game in 60 seconds

    Check out all the action from the Round 7 win over Essendon condensed into 60 seconds.

    AFL
  • 08:52

    Beveridge | 'It's a promising night for us'

    Watch Senior Coach Luke Beveridge speak to the media following his side's win over Essendon at Metricon Stadium.

    AFL
  • 04:41

    Cody Weightman | 'I had an absolute blast out there'

    Hear from Bulldogs debutant Cody Weightman following the Round 7 win over Essendon on Friday night at Metricon Stadium.

    AFL
  • 02:52

    Mitch Wallis | 'We'll enjoy this one'

    Hear from Bulldogs forward Mitch Wallis following the Round 7 win over Essendon on Friday night at Metricon Stadium.

    AFL
  • 00:56

    Sing the song, 'Sons of the West!'

    Watch the Bulldogs sing the team song and celebrate their round seven win over Essendon.

    AFL
  • 06:16

    Match Highlights | Essendon v Western Bulldogs

    Watch all the key moments and plays from the Western Bulldogs' 42-point victory over Essendon at Metricon Stadium.

    AFL
  • 00:33

    Cody strikes again as Dogs run hot

    An impressive debut from Cody Weightman getting better by the second after repeat efforts finishes with a slick shot on goal.

    AFL
  • 00:38

    Suckling on the end of a perfect delivery

    Laitham Vandermeer provides a perfectly-weighted ball for Matthew Suckling to mark and goal.

    AFL
  • 00:34

    Towering English lets his hands do the talking

    Western Bulldogs ruckman Tim English strong in the aerial contest and kicks a critical goal.

    AFL
  • 00:32

    Weightman dobs the banana on debut

    Cody Weightman announces his arrival on the AFL stage with an early grab and goal

    AFL
  • 03:46

    Match Committee | Round 7

    Jack Heverin and Terry Wallace bring you all the latest team selection news ahead of the Round 7 clash against Essendon.

    AFL
  • 18:18

    Luke Beveridge | 'The Bombers play a strong brand of team football'

    Hear from Luke Beveridge in the lead up to the Round 7 clash against Essendon on Friday night at Metricon Stadium.

    AFL
  • 03:29

    Lachie Hunter | 'It hurt a lot'

    Western Bulldogs midfielder Lachie Hunter speaks to Bulldogs Media about how he dealt with the days, weeks and months after an incident which saw him suspended for four games, culminating in his return to the field for the Bulldogs last weekend.

    AFL
  • 02:30

    Weightman | 'I'm super happy and can't wait'

    Hear from Cody Weightman following the announcement of his debut ahead of the Round 7 clash against Essendon on Friday at Metricon Stadium.

    AFL
  • 01:44

    Cody Weightman calls his parents

    Check out the moment Cody Weightman calls home to tell his parents about his debut.

    AFL
  • 02:57

    Bailey Smith | 'I've enjoyed it so far'

    Hear from Bailey Smith in the lead up to the Round 7 clash against the Bombers on Friday night at Metricon Stadium.

    AFL
  • 00:59

    Medical Room | Latest on Lloyd, Dunkley, Gardner.

    Hear the latest injury news on Sam Lloyd, Josh Dunkley and Ryan Gardner thanks to Elastoplast.

    AFL