Third quarter
Key Plays
Richmond again opened the scoring through Shaun Grigg but the Bulldogs continued to work their way into the game.
Neither side was able to produce a major until 13 minutes into the quarter where the Tigers’ Ty Vickery and Reece Conca piled on two quick goals.
Richmond continued to extend the lead with another two consecutive goals.
Jack Macrae made a final effort for the Bulldogs with a scoring shot late in the quarter but it went through for a behind.
The Bulldogs were unable to find reward for effort throughout the third quarter, despite a number of strong defensive efforts.
Heading into the final term the margin sits at 53 points.
Player of the quarter
Ryan Griffen has again shown he is one of the AFL’s elite midfielders, finding 26 disposals in the first three quarters and providing a shining light for the Bulldogs. He has had three rebound 50s, four tackles, three one percenters and a behind.
Statistical snapshot
- The Bulldogs are leading in clearances (WB27,Rich21), tackles (43,26) and hitouts (29,22)
- Tom Liberatore once again leads in the contested possession count with ten, as well as six clearances, six rebound 50s and three tackles
- Matthew Boyd and Liam Picken are leading from the front in tackling pressure with seven and six tackles respectively.
Progressive scores
Western Bulldogs 5. 11. (41) trail Richmond 13. 16. (94)
Fourth quarter
Key Plays
The Western Bulldogs looked a more determined outfit in the final term, moving the ball forward with relative ease from the stoppages but turnovers handed Richmond early goals.
Daniel Giansiracusa continued to show his worth being substituted on midway through the game, finding the Bulldogs’ first goal of the half.
It was goal for goal as Richmond retaliated through Nick Vlastuin, while the Bulldogs refused to be beaten and followed up with a major to Bob Murphy.
Richmond exposed the Bulldogs with pace and their spread from the contested, which afforded them to extend the margin and create a comfortable buffer.
A quick goal to Matthew Boyd in the goal square provided some reprieve, with Jason Johannisen lining up for a shot shortly after, but the young defender was unable to convert.
The Bulldogs finished the game 60 points down, but their persistence and tackling pressure could not be denied.
Jordan Roughead, Dale Morris and Michael Talia worked tirelessly in defence while Lachie Hunter was a find in the forward line.
Player of the quarter
Jack Macrae again proved one to watch, finding a career high 27 possessions at 85.2% disposal efficiency, three marks, three clearances and three rebound 50s. His pace through the midfield and growing composure around the ground was greatly beneficial, as he diligently went about his role.
Statistical snapshot
- Richmond had played 12 games more per player on average than the young Bulldogs who had 14 players with less than 50 games experience
- Jordan Roughead finished the game with 11 marks, while Liam Jones had three marks inside 50
- The Bulldogs won ten more clearances than the Tigers led by Tom Liberatore (seven), Ryan Griffen (six) and Matthew Boyd (six)
Final scores
Western Bulldogs 8. 13. (61) defeated by Richmond 17. 19. (121)
