The Western Bulldogs have kept their finals hopes alive thanks to an eight-point win over Melbourne at Marvel Stadium.
On a day dedicated to the Fightback of 1989, the Bulldogs showed plenty of spirit to notch their eighth win of the season in a low scoring contest.
The third straight victory moves Luke Beveridge’s side to within one game of the top eight with matches against St Kilda and Fremantle to come.
For the Demons, it’s their 11th loss of what has been a disastrous year.
Here’s everything you need to know!
Medical Room: Premiership Dog hamstrung
Western Bulldogs midfielder Toby McLean suffered a hamstring injury that prematurely ended his afternoon.
Bulldogs GM of Football Chris Maple confirmed the news at half-time with McLean sitting out the remainder of the match.
The injury occurred early in the second quarter which left the Dogs one short on rotations for almost three quarters.
Bulldogs midfielder Toby McLean has put the tracksuit on after injuring himself in the second quarter against Melbourne.#AFLDogsDees pic.twitter.com/hWaicnwrXL
— AFL.com.au (@AFLcomau) July 14, 2019
The Star: Josh Dunkley
Josh Dunkley was simply outstanding for the winners.
The Western Bulldogs ball-magnet continued his breakout season with a best-on-ground performance against Melbourne.
Dunkley finished with a game-high 39 disposals with 24 of those contested, 15 tackles, nine clearances, five inside 50s, two goals and, you would think, three Brownlow votes.
Josh Dunkley is putting on a tackling clinic. 💥#AFLDogsDees pic.twitter.com/Ngd1LkLMR2
— AFL (@AFL) July 14, 2019
The 22-year-old came into today’s game averaging 26.3 disposals and 5.9 tackles from his 15 appearances in 2019.
Dunkley won the bragging rights over his young brother Kyle who was drafted to the Demons via the mid-season draft.
Kyle Dunkley kicks his first AFL goal and flexes on his brother Josh who manned the mark! 💪#AFLDogsDees pic.twitter.com/7ohdtOJb1a
— AFL (@AFL) July 14, 2019
What’s next?
Western Bulldogs face St Kilda at Marvel Stadium next Sunday in a twilight fixture. Melbourne host West Coast on the same day in Alice Springs.
Full Score
Western Bulldogs: 3.3, 6.5, 7.13, 10.14.(74)
Melbourne: 3.2, 6.4, 7.7, 9.12.(66)
GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Lloyd 2, Smith 2, Dunkley 2, Richards, Schache, Hunter, Smith
Melbourne: Petty 3, Hunt, Petracca, Dunkley, Lewis, Dunkley, Fritsch
BEST
Western Bulldogs: Dunkley, Hunter, Macrae, Duryea, Crozier, Schache
Melbourne: Viney, Gawn, Harmes, Petty, Petracca
Reports: Nil
Injuries: McLean (hamstring)