SYDNEY 16.6 102 d WESTERN BULLDOGS 12.16 88
Aaron Naughton will be nervously awaiting scans.Credit: Getty Images
KEY POINTS
INJURY-PLAGUED DOGS FIGHT TO END
The Western Bulldogs’ gallant 14-point defeat to Sydney has been compounded by injuries to stars Aaron Naughton and Ed Richards, who are set to miss a potentially season-defining stretch for the club.
The injuries to the gun pair, and a concussion to Anthony Scott, cruelled the Dogs’ bid for an upset victory against the reigning premiers, leaving them with just two fit men on the bench for the final 40 minutes of the match.
The Dogs are optimistic Naughton has not suffered a dreaded rupture to his anterior cruciate ligament, but will not know for certain the extent of the damage until after he undergoes scans on Friday.
Naughton had his right knee caught underneath him in a tackle from Lewis Melican in the second quarter, and hobbled off in clear distress with the assistance of trainers.
An ACL tear would end Naughton’s season and eat into a decent chunk of next year while damage to another ligament would likely result in him missing several weeks.
Richards failed a concussion test early in the third term after a clash of heads with Sydney’s Ollie Florent as the pair contested a ground ball.
The silky-skilled left-footer, with 18 possessions playing in the midfield, was arguably best on ground in the first half, continuing his strong run of form since being moved into the centre square.
Without Richards, the Dogs midfield lost ascendancy against the Swans, who received a massive lift from Chad Warner (four goals).
The Dogs activated their sub in early in the first quarter after Scott was concussed, also in a head clash.
FORWARD RESHUFFLE LOOMS FOR DOGS
Whatever the scans reveal for Aaron Naughton, Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge will have to reorganise his forward line.
If he wants to persist with three tall forwards, there is an opening for maligned big man Rory Lobb, whose preferred role is deep in attack rather than as a forward who can play ruck.
Beveridge swung skipper and gun midfielder Marcus Bontempelli forward in the second half. Bontempelli was threatening at times but the Dogs lost his midfield drive.
Marcus Bontempelli was thrown forward as injuries bit the Dogs.Credit: Getty Images
With Ed Richards out next week and Tom Liberatore still a fortnight away from returning, the Dogs can ill afford to lose Bontempelli from their midfield.
Another option would be to play Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Sam Darcy as the two tall forwards and pick an extra medium-sized half-forward who would be able to lay more pressure.
One thing is certain we will see how the Dogs forward line functions without Naughton, whom some think should be played in defence.
WARNER STARS AGAIN
Chad Warner enhanced his reputation, and his claims for a first All-Australian blazer, with another stellar performance.
After a relatively quiet first half by his lofty standards, Warner was the Swans’ game-breaker as they made their move in the third term with 12 disposals and two goals.
Chad Warner proved the difference in the tight contest.Credit: Getty Images
Warner has made his name for his ability to burst clear from stoppage but his highlight came when he soared above the big men to take a spectacular high mark above his head deep in attack, then kicking truly.
His goal came amid a four-goal run which turned a match that had been in the balance firmly in the Swans’ favour.
Brilliant last week, the Swans midfield had their colours lowered for large periods of the game.
Brownlow Medal favourite Isaac Heeney had one of his quieter games in a red-letter season, limited to 23 disposals, although he did kick a big goal in the last term, while James Rowbottom had just nine possessions but laid a game-high 10 tackles.