The Western Bulldogs are on the rise after overcoming a horror collapse, injuries, and a last-gasp challenge from Richmond to hold on in a thriller, in a result that is set to have repercussions for the Tigers.
Spearhead Tom Lynch is staring at suspension after a clash with Alex Keath, which left the defender concussed early in the Bulldogs’ five-point heart-stopper at the MCG.
Leading by 29 points in the second term, the Dogs gave up seven goals in 15 minutes approaching half-time but showed tremendous resolve to recover after the long break.
Tom Liberatore and Dion Prestia.Credit: Getty Images
Despite not capitalising on their territorial control, the Dogs built an invaluable buffer in the final term then held on during a white-knuckle final few minutes when goals to Tim Taranto and Shai Bolton drew the Tigers within a kick.
Bolton’s goal left the Dogs with 33 seconds to defend their lead, a task they were able to achieve after a crucial, though far from textbook, clearance by Marcus Bontempelli.
Lynch will come under the scrutiny of the match review officer after collecting Keath in a marking contest in the first quarter. Dazed from the collision, Keath took a while to get to his feet and left the field moments later to undergo a concussion test, which he failed.
Given Carlton forward Harry McKay was given a one-game ban for a clash where North Melbourne’s Harry Sheezel was not injured, Lynch can expect to miss multiple matches if he is cited.
Except for their second-quarter collapse, the Dogs were tenacious and hard at it in the wet. They turned their clearance domination into territory but struggled to convert.
They were excellent in the first 45 minutes, when Tom Liberatore and Bontempelli were on top in the middle. Operating in confined spaces, Liberatore was his side’s heartbeat, his influence extending beyond the centre square. His ferocious tackle on Liam Baker, who dared take him on after sharking a crumb, delivered a goal — his second — which highlighted the Dogs’ greater endeavour.
The Tigers fumbled and overused the ball in the greasy conditions. A kick to handball ratio of one to one would not have been their plan, but was the product of the Dogs’ fierce pressure.
The match changed complexion dramatically midway through the second term. The wet did not suit Samson Ryan, a surprise inclusion for Jack Riewoldt, but, outnumbered, he hit a contest hard, spilling the ball for Bolton to pounce and kick a classic small forward’s goal.
The Tigers turned the clock back to their glory years, except it was a combination of their old and new who excited.
Noah Cumberland, a deserved inclusion in the 22, kicked a stirring goal from long range after out-marking Josh Bruce, finishing a play which started from a clearance in defence.
Dustin Martin was electric, explosive at ground level and not afraid to land kicks on a handkerchief in the corridor. His goal on the stroke of half-time drew a roar from the yellow-and-black faithful that could have been heard on Swan Street.
TARRANT HURT
The Tigers’ defensive stocks took a further hit with Robbie Tarrant and Bigoa Nyuon both injured in the VFL, while young forward Kaelan Bradtke was also hurt, injuring his finger. In his second game back from a hip injury, Tarrant lasted just a few minutes at Punt Road Oval before leaving the field and not returning. It was not clear on Saturday if it was a recurrence of the same issue which has delayed the start of his season or a fresh injury. Nyuon injured his foot in the first half and did not play out the game. The Tigers are already without Nathan Broad to suspension for another two games, youngster Josh Gibcus (hamstring) for at least another fortnight, and Jayden Short (calf).
DOGS FORWARDS
The four towers in attack were worth a try — even if they were not on the field at the same time — but it’s clear the Dogs are better with the more traditional set-up of two keys, in Aaron Naughton and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, and a third, Rory Lobb, who can play ruck. Naughton was again prominent, attacking the contest with aggression, and Ugle-Hagan lifted in the second half. Lobb still has work to do but played an improved game. Despite booting 2.2 in the wet in the VFL, son of a gun Sam Darcy may have to bide his time in the seconds.
