The Western Bulldogs have secured their first win of the season in a dominant display over the Gold Coast Suns in Ballarat.
The Gold Coast have been the best first half team in 2024 but it was the Dogs who had the hot hand early, flying on route to a nine-goal first quarter including four from Cody Weightman, while nullifying the Suns on the other end.
The Suns fought back at various stages, but it was never enough, the Dogs holding on and adding insult to injury late in the game to inflate the final margin.
The big names in the middle of the ground stood out for the Bulldogs, managing to win a physical midfield battle against an in-form Suns side.
The Dogs, now 1-1, face West Coast next week, while the Suns, who faced their first loss of the season, will regroup over the bye.
Our player ratings:
Western Bulldogs
Marcus Bontempelli: A+
Stood up in a big way when the game was somewhat in the balance. Looked hurt early but dominated the closing stages of the game. Captain’s performance.
Tom Liberatore: A+
Went touch for touch with the most physical player in the league. A phenomenal battle across all areas of the ground, tackled hard and bagged a goal.
Cody Weightman: A+
Six brilliant goals in what was the best small forward performance of the season thus far. Killed the game from the jump with four first quarter goals, presented up the ground, near flawless in the front half.
Adam Treloar: A
Very impactful early, was great in the contest against a very physical Suns midfield.
Ed Richards: A
Was excellent off the back flank, plenty of intercept touches and was vital in moving the ball from back to front. Unfortunate to go off with concussion late.
Sam Darcy: A
A show of what’s to come. Played brilliantly as the second ruckman, kicked a couple and covered the ground really well.
Jason Johannisen: A-
Dynamic. Used his run and carry to perfection, although some of his ball use was slightly questionable.
Bailey Dale: B+
Great across the backline. Plenty of footy, used it very well.
Oskar Baker: B+
Came on early as the sub and proved influential with 3 goals and plenty of run. Hard to see him out of the 22 next week.
Ryley Sanders: B+
Bags of potential, moved really well in a heated midfield battle.
Caleb Daniel: B+
Pushing hard to earn his spot back after wearing the sub vest last week, looked back to his best.
Lachlan Bramble: B
Did his job well when called upon. Looking comfortable in the new colours.
Tim English: B
Did well but couldn’t dominate against an inexperienced opposition. Expected more but still did his job.
Aaron Naughton: B
A lot of questions on Naughton this year but he presented very well. Collected plenty of footy at high half forward.
Liam Jones: B
Intercepted very well when the Suns pushed forward.
Buku Khamis: B-
Strong again in the backline.
Rhylee West: C+
Harvey Gallagher: C+
Laitham Vandemeer: C
Bailey Williams: C
Caleb Poulter: C
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan: C-
Had plenty of opportunities but couldn’t assert himself on the game. Better late, minus points for stealing Bailey Dale’s goal.
Nick Coffield: N/A
Subbed very early with a shoulder.
Gold Coast
Matt Rowell: A
Endured an all-time battle with Tom Liberatore, neither managed the edge but was phenomenal to watch. Continuing his strong form.
Sam Collins: A
Had another strong performance, held his direct opponents very well all day.
Ned Moyle: A
Superb in just his third game. Won the hit-out battle against one of the better ruckman in the league, bagged a goal and covered the ground well. Witts still a big out but held his own comfortably.
Noah Anderson: A
Provided plenty of run, led the game in metres gained and looked great across the ground.
Will Powell: B+
Did his job. Looked great when the Suns had the run of play.
Touk Miller: B
30 touches and 10 tackles look fantastic but failed to have a major impact. Low disposal efficiency at just 57%.
Ben King: B
Limited delivery for the big man. Took his chances early and looked in great nick early but fell out of the game late.
Bodhi Uwland: B
Sam Flanders: B-
Another solid game with six goal involvements through the midfield.
Jack Lukosius: B-
Took a while to get into the game but was strong in the second half.
Brayden Fiorini: C+
20 touches on decent efficiency.
Nick Holman: C+
David Swallow: C+
Levi Casboult: C+
Brandon Ellis: C
Alex Sexton: C
Unable to use his run and skill to full effect. Was good with the ball but was unable to leave his mark on the game.
Ben Ainsworth: C
Charlie Ballard: C
Seven intercept possessions but couldn’t do much to halt the Dogs in attack.
Tom Berry: C
Jed Walter: C
A tough debut. Had moments throughout but wasn’t able to get a clean run at it. Bags of potential.
Connor Budarick: C-
A fair chunk of the footy but wasn’t able to impact against the Dogs small forwards. Ball use below average.
Ben Long: D
Failed to have an impact in the forward half. Two behinds and just the four touches before being tactically subbed in the third term.
Rory Atkins: N/A
Subbed on late. Had a few touches in the back half.