The Western Bulldogs’ three-game winning run has come to an end at the hands of Essendon at Marvel Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Little separated the sides in the first half, before the Bombers pushed ahead in the second half to claim a 13-point win, 15.7 (97) to 12.12 (84).
They had opened up a four-goal lead midway through the final term, before the Bulldogs found a pair of goals late to cut the margin and give them a chance.
Ultimately, it was accuracy in front of goal which proved the difference.
The Bulldogs had their opportunities throughout the contest but couldn’t make the most of them - taking 20 marks inside 50 and winning the inside-50 count, 60-39.
Up the other end, Essendon capitalised - as Peter Wright finished with seven straight goals.
The Bombers also took control of the game around the ball, winning the clearance count 47 to 31.
In the opening term, the Bulldogs controlled large periods but could only generate a 13-point lead.
It allowed the Bombers to wrestle control back with a six-goal second term and sneak ahead by three points at the major break.
That lead extended to 11 points at three-quarter time. The Bulldogs generated eight scoring shots for the term, but just two majors.
Two of the first three goals in the last quarter saw the Bulldogs bring the margin back to single digits, but the Bombers found a strong response.
Jack Macrae was the Bulldogs’ best, finishing the day with 38 disposals and five tackles, while skipper Marcus Bontempelli was again strong with 34 disposals and a goal.
Bailey Williams stood tall in defence with 24 disposals and four marks, while Adam Treloar marked his return from a serious ankle injury with 22 touches and a goal.
Up forward, Josh Bruce finished with 3.2 from 15 disposals in his 150th AFL match, before suffering a knee injury in the dying seconds of the game.
Despite the result, the Bulldogs currently remain on top of the ladder, and could retain that position depending on the result of Monday’s game between the West Coast Eagles and Melbourne.
The Bulldogs will now turn their attention to Hawthorn, with details for the round 22 clash to be confirmed.
WESTERN BULLDOGS 3.3 6.5 8.11 12.12 (84)
ESSENDON 1.2 7.2 11.4 15.7 (97)
GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Bruce 3, Bontempelli, Duryea, English, Johannisen, Liberatore, Naughton, Treloar, Ugle-Hagan, Wood
Essendon: Wright 7, Francis 2, Draper, Guelfi, McDonald-Tipungwuti, Parish, Smith, Waterman
BEST
Western Bulldogs: Macrae, Bontempelli, Williams, Dale, Bruce, Liberatore
Essendon: Wright, Parish, Merrett, Draper, Ridley, Shiel
INJURIES
Western Bulldogs: Schache (ankle), Bruce (knee)
Essendon: Nil
SUBSTITUTES
Western Bulldogs: R.Smith (unused)
Essendon: Perkins (unused)
