The Western Bulldogs have made a big statement with a 55-point win over West Coast in front of an empty Optus Stadium.
The major talking point pre-game was the WA Government’s decision to ban fans from attending the clash after a COVID case was identified in Perth, but post-game it’ll all surround Luke Beveridge’s impressive side.
The Bulldogs led from start to finish, dominating at both the stoppage and on the scoreboard, with 33 scoring shots to the Eagles’ 13.
Marcus Bontempelli (three goals, 29 disposals), Bailey Smith (two goals, 31 disposals) and Jack Macrae (one goal, 32 disposals) starred in the middle as the Dogs won the clearance count 44 to 29.
Up forward, Aaron Naughton was the main man with four majors and five contested marks as he continues his dominant season.
For the Eagles, the defence got plenty of the ball with the Dogs having 22 more inside 50s as Brad Sheppard (24 disposals), Shannon Hurn (26 disposals), Josh Rotham (23 disposals) and Tom Barrass (22 disposals) led the possession getters for Adam Simpson’s side.
Dogs defender Ryan Gardner was forced from the game with a nasty shoulder injury, while the Eagles looked to escape the game without any injury concerns.
Here’s everything you need to know!
The Bont dominates against West Coast, again
Marcus Bontempelli will almost surely take six Brownlow votes from the two clashes between the Dogs and Eagles this year.
His performance today followed his Round 2 game where he willed the Dogs over the line with three goals and 30 touches, and he was equally as special today.
The smooth-mover helped himself to ten clearances and nine score involvements, and even kicked one of the most freakish goals of the season late in the last term.
MARCUS BONTEMPELLI.
— AFL (@AFL) June 27, 2021
That is incredible! 😮#AFLEaglesDogs pic.twitter.com/CAlenfK59y
At 25, he’s probably just reaching his prime. Quite a remarkable fact considering he’s already a premiership hero and three-time All-Australian.
It might be time that we start recognising the Bulldogs captain as the undisputed best player in the game, such is the impact he’s having this season.
Eagles ins run out of gas
Excitement built for this clash when teams were named as the Eagles added Luke Shuey, Tim Kelly, Jeremy McGovern, Brad Sheppard and Jack Petruccelle to their line-up.
Ultimately though, a lack of game time at the top level for their star ins might have cost Adam Simpson’s side with the Dogs kicking six goals to the Eagles’ one in the last term.
In saying that, they probably wouldn’t have gotten near the Dogs today even if they were fit and flying, such was the gap between the two sides.
They’ll be hoping for a bit more from their experienced stars as they look to sew up a place in the top eight before the season’s out.
What’s next?
Both teams have a seven-day break with the Eagles facing Sydney at Geelong next Sunday while the Dogs face the Roos at Marvel Stadium.
FULL SCORE
West Coast: 1.1, 2.4, 5.6, 6.7. (43)
Western Bulldogs: 2.8, 4.12, 7.15, 13.20. (98)
GOALS
West Coast: Allen 2, Kennedy, Cripps, Gaff, Petruccelle
Western Bulldogs: Naughton 4, Bontempelli 3, Smith 2, Weightman, Garcia, Macrae, McLean
BEST
West Coast: Jack Redden, Brad Sheppard, Shannon Hurn, Nic Naitanui
Western Bulldogs: Marcus Bontempelli, Bailey Smith, Jack Macrae, Aaron Naughton, Taylor Duryea
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