The Western Bulldogs saluted their captain with a well-fought 29–point win over Hawthorn under the roof at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.
There was anticipation for Bulldogs skipper Marcus Bontempelli to kick a goal in his 200th game, but fans were denied the pleasure. Instead, they emptied their lungs for Arthur Jones, whose first goal in AFL sealed the win during the final minutes of the game.
Bontempelli was impactful and involved in significant moments of play with 20 disposals. A great stat for any player but Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell will surely be happy with the ball-winner being kept below his season average of 26, much to the credit of Conor Nash.
Arthur Jones in action. Credit: Getty Images
The Hawks brought it right to the Bulldogs for the first half and took a three-point lead at the main break before being overrun in the second.
Not many gave Hawthorn a chance against the Dogs, but they had a decent crack against a much more experienced and skilled side.
They pushed hard up the ground and won the possessions overall by 32, and clearances, turning the tables on their opponents’ usual high-possession game.
The home side ramped up the pressure after half-time and had better ball movement, while the Hawks missed crucial chances
Each side had an equal number of goals in the first and second term, but the Dogs then had three goals to none in the third and were away.
Marcus Bontempelli.Credit: Getty Images
Aaron Naughton was reliable in front of goal for the Bulldogs with four majors, while Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Rory Lobb had two each. However, lively small forward Cody Weightman didn’t have a single touch until halfway through the third quarter and finished with just three.
Hawks veteran Luke Breust had a big first half as he closes in on a career 500 goals.
Lewis welcomed return for Hawks
Key forward Mitch Lewis brought needed reinforcement for the Hawks attacking line and was a welcomed return, despite some signs of rust and lacking some steam by the end. He had an immediate impact but kicked one goal to four behinds.
The Hawks’ under-resourced forward line was further hobbled by Lewis’ knee injury, which sidelined the big man since round 20, 2022.
Will Day was also a handy gain after a two-match ban for rough conduct kept him from the field. He got busy around the ball, with a game-high 30 touches.
Hawthorn next play Fremantle in Perth, while the Western Bulldogs play GWS in Canberra.
Western Bulldogs: 3.2 7.3 10.6 14.10 (94)
Hawthorn: 3.3 7.6 7.8 9.11 (65)
GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Naughton 3, Lobb 2, Ugle-Hagan 2, Williams, Scott, English, Johannisen, Daniel, Jones.
Hawthorn: Breust 3, Newcombe 2, Worpel, Lewis, Day, Sicily.
BEST
Western Bulldogs: Daniel, Macrae, Naughton, Johannisen, Williams.
Hawthorn: Day, Nash, Worpel, Hardwick, Lewis
