A look into what was said in the media following the Western Bulldogs’ 104-point win over Essendon on Saturday night at Marvel Stadium.
It was a great win. Obviously, we didn’t go out there expecting to win by that much, but the boys did really well, and it was great to come away with it.
It felt really good. I actually haven’t played in a win like that since I’ve been at the footy club.
The feeling was great out there. The best thing about it was that every single player was still willing to put their head over the ball and play their role for the team. – Western Bulldogs player, Josh Dunkley.
Quite simply the Bulldogs set up their memorable win with a superb first half, obliterating Essendon in the contested possession and clearances and playing with more purpose, urgency and system.
The demolition started in the midfield, where Josh Dunkley, Marcus Bontempelli and Jack Macrae set the tone, and ruckman Tim English showed promising signs. – The Age journalist, Warwick Green.
MATCH REPORT | RUTHLESS DOGS THRASH BOMBERS
I've actually never been a part of a victory like that, either at the Bulldogs or growing up and playing school footy and colts.
It's a different feeling, an awesome feeling, but I think it's a credit to the team that we were able to focus on the things that were important for so long against a top-eight team.
We're fighting for that top-eight spot and we know what we have to do as a group. – Western Bulldogs player, Tim English.
Macrae (38 disposals) had tagger Dylan Clarke for company from the first bounce but had shaken clear of his stubborn attention by midway through the second term.
Hunter (34) was a willing ally for Dunkley, taking the honours in a wing duel with Merrett.
The Bulldogs midfield has an insatiable appetite and Saturday night was akin to football’s version of an all-you-can-eat buffet.
But with GWS and Adelaide between them and a finals berth, you sense the Dogs will treat their Bomber feast as a mere appetiser. – Herald Sun journalist, Tim Michell.
BEVERIDGE HAILS TREMENDOUS WIN
We have seen enormous growth in individuals that are helping us play better. Dunks is an example of a player whose growth has been really off the charts in the last year, year and a half. It was another night where the opposition would have found it really difficult to play against him. He’s so courageous and I think he used the ball pretty well out of congestion. His hands were good. – Western Bulldogs senior coach, Luke Beveridge.
The 21.11 (137) to 4.9 (33) win ensures the Dogs' season lives another day. But on this form, they can start to believe in miracles. Although they must be near-perfect over the next fortnight to make the eight, near-perfection was what they reached at Marvel Stadium. – AFL Media reporter, Riley Beveridge.
