Here’s a look at three things to take from the Bulldogs’ 39-point win against the GWS Giants in Canberra.

1. Rivals bring the heat

There was almost an expectation this would be another fiery encounter between a couple of fierce rivals.
That didn’t really eventuate – it was just a battle of attrition.
The Giants brought the heat for the first three quarters and the margin was just three points heading into the final quarter.
In a high-pressure contest, the Giants found a way to deny the Bulldogs the free-flowing game style that has become their trademark in 2021.
But the Bulldogs found it for a quarter after withstanding the pressure – and that proved more than enough.

2. Avenues to goal

The Bulldogs’ forward line has evolved again in 2021.
And for the fourth time in six matches this season, they cracked the 100-point barrier.
It’s been a shared load between the key forwards, small forwards, midfielders – and even defenders.
Friday night’s win was a great example of that.
Tall targets Aaron Naughton and Josh Bruce were among five players who kicked two goals apiece.
Star midfielders Jack Macrae, Marcus Bontempelli, Adam Treloar and Tom Liberatore – twice – all hit the scoreboard.
And forward-turned-defender Bailey Dale proved he still knows how to split the sticks, floating forward for two final-quarter majors.

3. Depth test for Dogs

The injury gods didn’t smile on the Bulldogs on Friday night.
In his first AFL game since round 5 last year, Lin Jong was influential early before suffering a hamstring injury midway through the first term.
That was followed by the losses of Josh Dunkley (shoulder) and Tim English (concussion) in the final term.
The pleasing thing on the night was the Bulldogs finding a way to get the win.But now they’ll need to source some reinforcements to face the reigning premiers, Richmond, next Friday.
Thankfully there were more than a few impressive performers in Footscray’s big Thursday night VFL victory.