While Ugle-Hagan was the match-winner, skipper Marcus Bontempelli was the Dogs’ heartbeat. The Bulldogs champion carried the weight of his club’s slow start last year and was determined to do all he could to get them over the line.

No play symbolised his will to win more than his tackle on Zac Bailey in the second term, standing his ground and bringing down the Lion, who had been intent on dancing around his opponent.

The Dogs fixed up their centre-bounce woes, putting the Lions on the back foot by winning that count 12-4. They defended stoutly when the Lions challenged, denying Chris Fagan’s charges any fluency in their ball movement.

Jack Gunston was excellent, outpointing Josh Bruce with his smarts and speed off the mark. With three goals, he was the Lions’ most effective forward. At one point in the third term, he shaped to be their game-breaker.

As is his way, the enigmatic Joe Daniher was a source of frustration. He squandered a golden chance in the last term when, with teammates running to goal and Charlie Cameron loose, he unloaded with a low percentage shot from long range.

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There was much to like about the Dogs’ start, be it Bontempelli’s end-to-end run, the dare showed by debutant Arthur Jones or their vigour at the centre bounce. Even Jack Macrae’s clanger kick demonstrated an intent to take the game on, in contrast to the stilted play of five nights earlier.

Their greater intensity led to a pronounced territorial advantage in the second term but was not translated to the scoreboard against a Lions side which defended resolutely.

It took until the third quarter for the Bulldogs to find the buffer that reflected their endeavour and commitment.

DUNKLEY BACK AT KENNEL

It appeared early in the game that Dogs fans would lose their bark booing Josh Dunkley. Playing against his old club for the first time, Dunkley appeared set for a big night after seven touches in the first 16 minutes, but the jeers quietened as his influence subsided, though he was important late. While there was no specific match-up for Dunkley, who finished with 23 disposals, there were parts of the night when he and his best mate Adam Treloar were side by side. The indignation in the stands was not matched on the field, where Dunkley was not treated any differently to any other Lion.

ARTY PARTY

Arthur Jones’ legs were shaking when Dogs assistant Travis Varcoe broke the news to him during the week that he would be making his debut. He found the perfect way to shake off his nerves by getting involved early, his enthusiasm triggering a midfield turnover which resulted in Ugle-Hagan’s first goal of the game. The gusto in which he celebrated the play underlined the greater intensity his team brought to their play. Though Jones did not have a heap of the ball, he will quickly grow on red, white and blue hearts if he continues to bring such energy.