MELBOURNE: 2.2, 5.5, 10.6, 12.11 (83) WESTERN BULLDOGS: 3.2, 5.7, 9.7, 15.9 (99)
GOALS Melbourne: Kennedy-Harris 2, Frawley 2, Jamar, Pedersen, Vince, Cross, Tyson, Dawes, Salem, Tyson Western Bulldogs: Crameri 4, Williams 3, Liberatore 2, Tutt 2, Cooney, Minson, Giansiracusa, Griffen
BEST Melbourne: Tyson, Jones, Frawley, Jamar, Cross, Viney, Vince Western Bulldogs: Liberatore, Minson, Williams, Crameri, Cooney
INJURIES Melbourne: Terlich (concussion), Frawley (TBC) Western Bulldogs: Dickson (shoulder), Williams (calf), Crameri (shoulder)
What Happened These two sides played out an unlikely classic, is what happened! In a match that had everything from lead changes to incredible bravery to big hits to some classy attacking play, the Western Bulldogs ultimately proved too good as they came from behind to win 15.9 (99) to 12.11 (83).
In a match that featured eight lead changes during the second half, the Bulldogs showed their class with a six-goal-to-two final term as they snapped a three-game losing streak with a hard-fought win on Saturday night at the MCG.
The victory will probably come at a cost, though, as Liam Jones looks like spending several weeks on the sidelines for a big hit on Dean Terlich during the third quarter, one that left the Melbourne defender motionless on the turf for several minutes. Terlich was subbed off with concussion and didn’t appear again and Jones is facing a short holiday.
There are injury concerns for the Dogs too as Tom Williams hurt his calf just before half-time but bravely stayed on the field to score three goals.
Adding to the Dogs’ problems, Stewart Crameri suffered a shoulder issue late in the game but stayed on to score two of the last three goals. Tory Dickson was also subbed out late in the second quarter with a shoulder issue, although the Dogs immediately regretted the move as Williams pulled up hurt just moments after the sub Daniel Giansiracusa was activated.
Despite the pain, the brave Williams stayed on the park to lead the charge in a dramatic final term as he scored a spectacular goal on the run to set the tone for the Dogs’ last quarter charge.
Go here to read the rest: