Third quarter
Key plays
The Western Bulldogs continued to look the better side in the third term and while unable to impact the scoreboard as much as the second term, their control over the play could not be denied.
The two teams locked horns for much of the quarter, providing a real strong contest across all areas of the ground.
Tory Dickson found his third goal early in the piece, and was the Bulldogs lone goal scorer for the term.
However the Bulldogs also prevented Melbourne from hitting the scoreboard with any frequency, only able to capitalise twice through Jack Watts and Jack Viney.
Luke Dahlhaus was close to adding another goal to his highlights real ricocheting the ball off his boot mid air while colliding with an opponent but it was later deemed to be a behind.
The heat in the contest continued into the dying minutes of the quarter, with Melbourne’s Watts took a shot on goal on the siren, which he converted truly bringing the game back to 31 points.
Matthew Boyd and Tom Liberatore continued to be the Bulldogs main ball winners, while Adam Cooney and Robert Murphy put on a trade mark display running out of the back half.
Player of the quarter
Tory Dickson showed he can impact the scoreboard again this week, becoming the Dogs leading goal kicker with three goals. his 13 disposals, five marks and three tackles were also helpful in the Bulldogs forward line and pushing into the midfield. He also had two score assists in the first three quarters.
Statistical Snapshot
- The Bulldogs had seven fewer rebound 50s than Melbourne
- No Melbourne player had more than 20 disposals at three quarter time as opposed to the Bulldogs who had five - led by Boyd with 33
- Tory Dickson led the Bulldogs scoring with three, while Lachie Hunter and Daniel Giansiracusa also kicked multiple goals with two a piece.
Progressive scores
Western Bulldogs 14. 8. (92) lead Melbourne 9. 7. (61)
Fourth quarter
Key plays
Tom Campbell had the first two scoring shots of the term after taking strong marks inside 50, but was unable to convert either.
The fourth quarter battle ensued when Jack Watts kicked his fourth goal of the game, bringing the game back to within 27 points.
Liam Picken was tireless in defence, while Daniel Cross played with the heart and courage that he forged his reputation on.
Melbourne swung the intensity their way, producing multiple shots on goal, including a goal to Matt Jones.
A ripper mark inside 50 to Liam Jones saw the Bulldogs extend their buffer to 26 points with less than ten minutes remaining and gave his side some breathing room.
Melbourne continued to chip away at the lead, finding themselves 20 points down with five minutes to go when Lynden Dunn found a major.
Adam Cooney replied at the other end of the ground, after the Dogs remained focused in the midfield getting the ball away from the clearances.
Melbourne refused to roll over, finding another goal through Dean Kent but the margin was too large to make any real difference.
Player of the quarter
Champion of the Club and class act both on and off the field, Daniel Cross left nothing on the field in his last game in Bulldogs colours. Finishing with 27 disposals, eight marks, five clearances and seven tackles, he finished on a high. The love and support from his teammates and the members and fans alike no doubt will resonate with him for a long time to come.
Statistical Snapshot
- Matthew Boyd and Tom Liberatore absolutely dominated the clearances with 21 between them, while sharing 76 disposals and 12 tackles.
- Will Minson was strong again in the ruck with 48 hitouts - 11 more than the entire Melbourne team
- The Bulldogs had 108 more disposals than Melbourne
Final scores
Western Bulldogs 16. 11. (107) defeat Melbourne 13. 9. (87)
