How did the media see last night’s 23 point win over Sydnet? Find out below.
Herald Sun
Marcus Adams wasn’t even in the side for Round 1 but came in to replace Dale Morris and was outstanding given he had to stand Franklin for much of the evening.
Lin Jong probably would have played in the premiership if he didn’t cop a late injury and was the man who engineered the Dogs resurgence in the second quarter on Friday night.
Matthew Suckling also got injured at the wrong time last year but his brilliant kicking was a standout on Friday night, highlighted by a stunning second-quarter goal.
And then there was Bob Murphy. The captain was one of the stories of the premiership even though he didn’t play and his class was influential when it mattered in his second game back.
- Scott Gullan
The Age
The Western Bulldogs triumphed over Sydney. Again. This time it was not an upset, it was a comeback and a welcome back.
This was a game befitting a grand final, if not also a rematch. It was a game that allowed no rollicking forward. It was a grind, it was tough, it was punctuated by moments of brilliance and one moment of umpiring boldness.
The Bulldogs reverently unfurled their brand new flag before the game as a reminder, that was not required, of what joyously occurred last year. The emotion and disbelief has not dissipated in the six months since.
Best: Bontempelli, Jong, Wood, Murphy, Stringer, Macrae, Dahlhaus, Cloke.
- Michael Gleeson
AFL Media
One of the Bulldogs' seven new faces from last year's Grand Final side was Lin Jong, who missed the premiership after a collarbone injury in the elimination final win over West Coast. Out of contract at the end of last season,
Jong's toughness and ability to burst out of a stoppage proved hard to contain as he collected 23 disposals and seven tackles, and he also kicked a vital goal in the second quarter from deep in the forward pocket. Jong's kicking needs improvement but his effort and intensity give him the capacity to impact a game.
Best: Dahlhaus, Jong, Bontempelli, Stringer, Picken, Hunter, Cloke
- Callum Twomey/Nick Bowen
