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Rival coaches Brendan McCartney and Alan Richardson both saw quite a lot to like, mixed with one dreadful quarter apiece, from their teams’ NAB Challenge clash at a rain-sodden Simonds Stadium.
In a match delayed by half an hour and played over shortened quarters following a torrential pre-match downpour on Wednesday night, the Western Bulldogs prevailed by 11 points over a St Kilda side being coached for the first time by Richardson.
The Bulldogs had the first eight scoring shots and led by 33 points shortly before quarter-time, only to be held scoreless in the second term as the Saints wrested control.
St Kilda hit the front for the only time early in the third quarter following Beau Maister’s second goal.
With the rain returning midway through the third term, scoring became even more difficult as the Bulldogs held on to win 0.10.7 (67) to 1.7.5 (56).
“We got a look at some good footy, it was actually quite exciting,” said Bulldogs coach McCartney.
“It was quick and we kicked it to some dangerous places and the small forwards were a handful.
“We probably struggled to adapt in a lot of areas when the game stopped.
“It was almost like they’ve worked on something all summer and it wasn’t quite right and they didn’t know how to adjust, so we had a bit of work to do there.”
McCartney said “disappointed” was not a strong enough word to describe how he felt about his team being held scoreless in the second quarter.
“It agitates or frustrates, but it’s sort of part of the parcel with a developing team,” he said.
“But we’ve got to get them (lapses) out of our game.
“It’s OK against some clubs, but the good clubs, they give you a whack in that 15 minutes and they can put the game away.”
Small forwards Luke Dahlhaus and Lachie Hunter combined for five goals, but former Bomber Stewart Crameri (one goal and five disposals) struggled to make much of an impact in his first game for the Bulldogs.
Rookie small forward Eli Templeton made an impressive cameo for St Kilda, kicking two clever goals off the deck.
“We also defended really well, our team defence was solid,” said Richardson.
“We were pretty pleased with the way our rucks went – we rate (Will) Minson really highly, and for us to give our midfielders first use, even though we went down in clearances (was a positive).”
The Bulldogs’ second NAB Challenge match is against Fremantle at Etihad Stadium next Wednesday, while St Kilda travel to Wagga Wagga to play Greater Western Sydney on March 1.
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