Western Bulldogs Clinch Finals Berth with Victory Over GWS
Determined Bulldogs Punch Ticket to Finals
The Western Bulldogs have secured a spot in the 2024 AFL finals after defeating Greater Western Sydney (GWS) in a crucial match at Mars Stadium. Despite facing significant challenges, the Bulldogs displayed resilience to emerge victorious and clinch a top-eight finish.
A Hard-Fought Triumph
The Bulldogs traveled to Ballarat with the pressure mounting, needing four premiership points to secure their finals berth. After defending the wind in the first and third quarters, the team rallied in the fourth, kicking five goals to one to seal a hard-fought 14.14 (98) to 9.7 (61) victory.
Beveridge's Milestone
The win marked a significant milestone for Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge, who surpassed Ted Whitten's long-standing coaching record. The six-time All-Australian coach has guided the Bulldogs to their seventh finals appearance in 10 seasons.
Weathering the Storm
The windy conditions played a pivotal role in the match, but the Bulldogs stood firm against GWS's early onslaught. Aaron Cadman gave the Giants an early lead, but the Bulldogs responded with goals from Cody Weightman, Jesse Hogan, and others to secure a halftime advantage.
Giants' Resurgence and Marcus Bontempelli's Brilliance
GWS regained the ascendancy in the third quarter, but the Bulldogs' determination proved unyielding. A crucial goal from five-time All-Australian Marcus Bontempelli late in the term kept the momentum in their favor.
Edwards Richards' Fourth-Quarter Masterclass
Ed Richards showcased his mastery of the wind in the fourth quarter with a magnificent goal. Toby Greene responded for GWS, but Bontempelli's brilliance set up Aaron Naughton for a late goal that sealed the victory.
Late Outs Plague Giants
GWS suffered a major setback when they made three late outs to their final 23, including key players Toby Bedford and Brent Daniels. The absences proved costly as the Bulldogs took advantage of the Giants' disrupted lineup.
Liam Jones Under MRO Scrutiny
Bulldogs defender Liam Jones faces potential scrutiny from the Match Review Officer for a dangerous tackle on Aaron Cadman in the first quarter. The incident raised concerns over the safety of such tackles.
Macrae and Daniel Return to Form
All-Australians Jack Macrae and Caleb Daniel have made significant contributions to the Bulldogs' late-season surge. Both players recorded 23 disposals against GWS, proving their value as experienced campaigners heading into the finals.
Match Summary
Western Bulldogs: 1.2 7.7 9.10 14.14 (98) Greater Western Sydney: 3.1 5.2 8.5 9.7 (61)
Goals:
Western Bulldogs: Darcy 2, Richards 2, Naughton 2, Williams, Weightman, Gallagher, Dale, Bontempelli, Jones, Liberatore, Daniel Greater Western Sydney: Hogan 2, Cadman 2, Greene 2, McMullin, Kelly, Green
Best:
Western Bulldogs: Richards, Dale, Liberatore, Bontempelli, Daniel Greater Western Sydney: Whitfield, Green, Kelly, Himmelberg
Injuries:
Western Bulldogs: Vandermeer (hamstring tightness), Treloar (calf) Greater Western Sydney: Nil
Late Changes:
Western Bulldogs: Nil Greater Western Sydney: Conor Stone (illness), Toby Bedford (calf), and Brent Daniels (lower back) replaced in the selected side by Nick Haynes, Xavier O'Halloran, and Callum Brown
Substitutes:
Western Bulldogs: Arty Jones replaced Laitham Vandermeer in the first quarter Greater Western Sydney: Callum Brown replaced Harvey Thomas in the fourth quarter
Crowd: 10,224 at Mars Stadium