The Western Bulldogs have continued their perfect start to the 2021 season with a 19-point win over Brisbane at Mars Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The 10.13 (73) to 8.6 (54) triumph propels the undefeated Bulldogs back into top spot on the AFL ladder, while also recording a 4-0 start for the first time since 2008.

A strong breeze and patches of rain proved tricky conditions at times, but the Bulldogs didn’t seem too phased – slotting a seven-goal to three opening half and ultimately setting up the victory.

A two-goal opening quarter from Tim English, backed up by a two-goal second quarter from Aaron Naughton saw the Dogs take a 26-point buffer into the main break.

00:47

English exhibition on full display

Tim English is putting on a show in the first quarter, with a couple marks and goals to give the Dogs a handy early lead

The Lions threatened the hosts with a late charge after half-time, but the margin proved too big a gap to close.

A Tom Liberatore goal off one-step sealed the win, as the clock entered the final 15 seconds of play.

English (17 disposals, nine marks, three goals) was a standout, while Jack Macrae (32, eight tackles) and Adam Treloar (29, 10 tackles) dominated in the middle.

Josh Dunkley (27, eight tackles) was also impactful, breaking the record for the most smothers recorded in the first four rounds of a season with 10.

Late inclusion Lewis Young (17, five marks) fought hard in defence.

The Bulldogs will now look to go 5-0 when they host the Gold Coast Suns at Marvel Stadium in a weeks’ time.

All The Highlights & Interviews
  • 00:29

    Dunks' smothers record

    Josh Dunkley made it 10 smothers over the first four games in Round 4, setting an exclusive statistical record.

    AFL
  • 02:48

    Game Film | Dogs v Lions

    Take a look behind the scenes of the Bulldog's return to Mars Stadium in this Inner Sanctum review of round 4.

    AFL
  • 00:37

    People's Choice Moment of the Week | RD4

    With less than 20 seconds to go, Libba kicked this brilliant goal to cap of the game in style.

    AFL
  • 00:36

    Daniel charged for dangerous tackle

    Caleb Daniel has been charged with Engaging in Rough Conduct against Thomas Berry during the first quarter of the Round Four match between the Western Bulldogs and the Brisbane Lions

    AFL
  • 06:45

    AFL Match Highlights | Bulldogs v Lions

    The Western Bulldogs took on the Brisbane Lions in a round 4 clash in Ballarat.

    AFL
  • 07:45

    Luke Beveridge | 'It was more workmanlike'

    Luke Beveridge spoke to the media following the Round 4 victory against Brisbane.

    AFL
  • 01:05

    Lewis Young | 'It's been a long time coming'

    Hear from Lewis Young after his return to AFL footy in the round 4 win against Brisbane.

    AFL
  • 01:58

    Josh Dunkley | 'Stoked to be out there'

    Josh Dunkley spoke to Bulldogs Media following his 27 disposal, 8 tackle performance against Brisbane in Round 4.

    AFL
  • 01:55

    Game Breaker | Tim English

    Tim English was best afield in his side's impressive win over the Lions, clunking a series of tough marks and slotting three goals

    AFL
  • 00:42

    Macrae makes his mark with clearance craft

    Jack Macrae continues his impressive season with a terrific goal, breaking away from the stoppage

    AFL
  • 00:47

    English exhibition on full display

    Tim English is putting on a show in the first quarter, with a couple marks and goals to give the Dogs a handy early lead

    AFL
  • 15:15

    Luke Beveridge | 'Got to be on edge for their best'

    Head Coach Luke Beveridge spoke to the media at VU Whitten Oval ahead of the Round 4 clash with Brisbane.

    AFL
  • 00:57

    Medical Room | Latest on Gardner, Hannan & Crozier

    Head of Sports Medicine, Chris Bell, gives an injury update ahead of Round 4.

    AFL
  • 10:17

    Bulldogs Radio | Easton Wood (April 6th)

    Easton Wood chats to Gary and Tim on SEN 1116, Tuesday Morning.

    AFL

WESTERN BULLDOGS     3.3       7.6      9.10     10.13 (73)
BRISBANE                      2.1        3.4      6.6        8.6 (54)

GOALS
Western Bulldogs: English 3, Naughton 2, Hunter, Bruce, Macrae, Smith, Liberatore
Brisbane: Hipwood 2, Andrews, Fullarton, Lyons, Bailey, McCluggage, Daniher

BEST
Western Bulldogs: English, Treloar, Macrae, Dunkley, Naughton, Dale
Brisbane: McCluggage, Lyons, Andrews, Rich, Neale