WESTERN BULLDOGS 23.11 (149) d FREMANTLE 12.10 (82)
Marcus Bontempelli of the Bulldogs celebrates kicking a goal.Credit: Getty Images
BULLDOGS WIN THE CONTEST
Both clubs needed a win and they went about it in different ways. The Dogs wanted to play to their strength and turn the game into a series of contests and force the ball to stay on their side of the ground, while the Dockers wanted to win the ball and then power away using their speed. That speed shone early, but when the game was there to be won, the Bulldogs made it a battle and worked over the visiting side. Marcus Bontempelli was typically classy – more on him later – and Tom Liberatore was immense around the contests, inspiring others to join the cause. Fans won’t like how the Dogs coughed up some of their 58-point lead, but they will love the play that led to it. They go into their first bye of 2024 on the edge of the top eight and deserve it. The small forwards shone as well, with Cody Weightman, Rhylee West and Harvey Gallagher kicked nine goals between them. The Dogs have something very solid, the question is how consistently they can show it. Rory Lobb’s three goals were the cherry on top of a big day out.
BONTEMPELLI’S GOAL OF THE YEAR CONTENDER
The talk before the game was all about Bontempelli battling a virus this week, but Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge noted pre-game that Bontempelli missed training the week before his best-on-ground display against Collingwood earlier in the season. Beveridge proved correct as his skipper was again brilliant, and he stood up while playing more time as a forward, including a contender for the goal of the year. He attempted a mark, chased the ball on the ground and beat three Dockers to grab the ball, get to his left boot and snap the goal. Liberatore or others might beat him to three votes, but his three goals, three goal assists and 30 disposals were immense.
DOCKERS FAIL BADLY
For all their promise, this was a test of Fremantle’s finals bona fides, and they missed the mark badly. They remain in top-eight contention, but a team filled with serious talent, speed and promise couldn’t stand up in a contested battle. Dockers coach Justin Longmuir had his head in his hands for much of the second half, knowing his side could have both pushed an opponent down the standings and boosted themselves. Instead, the questions will ring out, more so, when they played with such dare and desperation once they were down by 58 points. To make matters worse, skipper Alex Pearce limped off late. Hopefully, it was just cramp rather than an injury, while Michael Walters injured his hamstring and was subbed out. He will surely miss some time.