First quarter
Key plays
Sydney won the first clearance and created a number of forward entries but the Western Bulldogs back six stood strong with a number of intercepts and strong defensive efforts.
Tom Campbell announced himself early, taking two strong marks inside 50 within the first five minutes, drilling both goals.
The reigning premiers replied at the other end when Kieren Jack kicked one from close range, followed by a second consecutive goal from Luke Parker.
The game continued to be played in close quarters, with both sides desperate to get the edge on the inside.
Sydney first took the lead when Jed Lamb slotted his attempt, but the Bulldogs continued to create in attack.
The Bulldogs key defenders refused to give Sydney’s tall targets an inch, with the interstate side unable to mark inside the 50 metre arc or have too big an impact in the first stanza.
Bob Murphy was also pivotal in his role across the back half, sweeping the ball from defence and having a hand in a number of important plays.
Daniel Cross found the big sticks in congestion before the ball was called back for a Sydney free kick. The Bulldogs worked hard to turnover the ball at the top of the 50m arc and found themselves back within a goal through Tom Young.
A behind to Josh Kennedy finished the scoring for the quarter, with the Bulldogs just one goal behind the strong Sydney outfit.
Player of the quarter
Making the most of his senior opportunities, Tom Campbell made himself known kicking two early goals for the quarter. Out-positioning his opponent to take two strong marks in the Bulldogs forward line demonstrates the improvement in the 21-year-old’s forward craft, which has been a constant focus in the VFL. The versatility it allows Will Minson in the ruck to rotate and provide a chop out will no doubt be beneficial as the game continues.
Statistical snapshot
- The Bulldogs finished the quarter with five marks inside 50 as opposed to Sydney who had none.
- Tom Liberatore led the home side’s disposals with nine, Ryan Griffen (eight), Adam Cooney (seven), Liam Picken (seven) and Mitch Wallis (seven) followed
- Tom Campbell kicked multiple goals for the first time in his senior career, with both coming in the first five minutes
Progressive scores
Western Bulldogs 4. 1 (25) trail Sydney Swans 5. 1. (31)
Second quarter
Key Plays
The Bulldogs tackling pressure was widely on show early in the second quarter, with Sydney looking more ruthless in attack.
Kurt Tippet found the first major of the term but Jarrad Grant was quick to reply at the other end of the ground, mopping up from a spilled mark to take the quick shot.
After a two goal run from Sydney the Bulldogs managed to get one on the board through Dylan Addison, taking a mark beside the goal square and converting the shot from the tight angle.
The pressure around the ground didn’t provide Sydney much room to move when rebounding from defence, often restricting them to short handpasses and sideways movement.
Trapping the ball in their attacking half for an extended period, the Bulldogs prevented Sydney from kicking a goal for over ten minutes in the quarter. When the away side finally produced a score, Tory Dickson added another to the Dogs tally.
The gallant effort from the Bulldogs continued, finishing the quarter with more tackles, contested possessions, clearance and disposals.
Player of the quarter
Robert Murphy may only have had 12 touches but his influence on the game has been great. The veteran’s two rebound 50s, three inside 50s and four tackles have seen him lead from the front and make an impact both offensively and defensively. His courage and professionalism was put on show when he landed abruptly in a marking contest, but he kept battling and did not let that curb his momentum.
Statistical snapshot
- Ryan Griffen and Tom Liberatore had eight clearances between them that quarter, totaling five and six clearances for the game respectively
- Griffen was also huge in that quarter with 13 disposals
- The Bulldogs lead in clearances (WB27,Syd23), contested possessions (85,83) and tackles (46,42)
Progressive scores
Western Bulldogs 7. 3. (45) trail Sydney Swans 10. 3. (63)
