The Western Bulldogs held out to take a three-goal win over the Collingwood Magpies that will almost certainly put them into September action.
>>MATCH REPORT: Gritty Bulldogs see off late ‘Pies charge
Despite a 5-goal performance from Darcy Moore – in just his 3rd AFL game – Collingwood could not catch the Bulldogs after they set up a 26-point margin at the final change.
Western Bulldogs 15.14.104 def. Collingwood Magpies 13.8.86
The Western Bulldogs and the Collingwood Magpies are battling for a vital win when they meet today at Etihad Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 1:10pm AEST.
Both teams are in precarious positions after recent losses. The Bulldogs went down to the Cats in a game they really should’ve won last week. In doing so they fell to a record of 9-6, only one game clear in finals.
Collingwood’s situation is far more dire. They were always going to struggle playing some of the best teams in the comp in the last month, and for all they could be proud of with close losses to top four teams, haven’t managed to get a single win from their last four.
That’s seen them fall from a top four fancy to outside the top eight, with the likes of North Melbourne, Geelong and Port Adelaide all pushing to leapfrog them into finals contention.
If they don’t break through for a win this week, then odds are their September hopes will be just about over despite an impressive start to the year.
The Magpies situation is worsened by the fact they’ll be missing Travis Cloke after he sustained a calf injury last week against West Coast – and they’re still missing Jamie Elliott.
This means their forward line will be in the hands of the much-maligned Jesse White, ruckman Brodie Grundy, and draftee Darcy Moore, who is yet to kick a goal at AFL level.
Still, the Bulldogs forward line is not exactly much better, as we saw against Geelong last week. They just couldn’t seem to get goals on the board and they may struggle to do so again this week given the quality of Collingwood’s back six.
The Magpies may just get by on the strength of their midfield – the Bulldogs mids are mostly young guns and will be beginning to tire as the year wears on, while the likes of Pendlebury, Sidebottom and Swan can keep providing silver-platter service.
Prediction
I’m tipping the Pies to get across the line and keep their dwindling finals hopes alive.
Collingwood by 12 points.
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 1:10pm AEST.
Josh
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FULL TIME BULLDOGS 15.14.104 COLLINGWOOD 13.8.86
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GOAL COLLINGWOOD That's now FIVE goals for Darcy Moore - what an effort today! Collingwood won't get the win but that's almost as good. BULLDOGS 15.14.104 COLLINGWOOD 13.8.86
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GOAL BULLDOGS Bailey Dale kicks a goal, and the Dogs should win from here. Four goal margin with only a few minutes left to play. BULLDOGS 15.14.104 COLLINGWOOD 12.8.80
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GOAL BULLDOGS Confirmed goal - the Bulldogs lead by three straight kicks. BULLDOGS 14.14.98 COLLINGWOOD 12.8.80
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Mitch Wallis looks to have kicked a goal, going to review.
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BEHIND COLLINGWOOD Dane Swan kicks a behind. BULLDOGS 13.14.92 COLLINGWOOD 12.8.80
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BEHIND BULLDOGS Liam Picken has a set shot but sends it into the post. BULLDOGS 13.14.92 COLLINGWOOD 12.7.79
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Scott Pendlebury has a shot on goal but it's marked by Jason Johannisen on the line.
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BEHIND BULLDOGS Bailey Dale kicks a behind. BULLDOGS 13.13.91 COLLINGWOOD 12.7.79
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GOAL COLLINGWOOD Another goal to the Pies, this one through Sidebottom! Eleven points the margin, there's plenty of time to get there. BULLDOGS 13.12.90 COLLINGWOOD 12.7.79
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GOAL BULLDOGS Dogs give away a 50m penalty for Jesse White who slots his second goal from the top of the square. BULLDOGS 13.11.89 COLLINGWOOD 11.7.73
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GOAL COLLINGWOOD Darcy Moore! Snags his fourth goal in just his third AFL game. He is having a big day. BULLDOGS 13.11.89 COLLINGWOOD 10.7.67
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Final term underway.
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The Bulldogs pulled ahead in that quarter and lead by 26 going into the final term. Can Collingwood pull it in, or will they slump to their fifth straight loss?
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3-QUARTER TIME BULLDOGS 13.9.87 COLLINGWOOD 9.7.61
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GOAL BULLDOGS Stewart Crameri kicks one after the 3-quarter time siren, and that might seal the game. They'll lead by 26 heading into the final term. BULLDOGS 13.9.87 COLLINGWOOD 9.7.61
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GOAL COLLINGWOOD Darcy Moore really standing up in the absence of Travis Cloke, he marks strongly and slots his third goal for the day - and for his career! BULLDOGS 12.9.81 COLLINGWOOD 9.7.61
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GOAL BULLDOGS Caleb Daniel creates off a turnover and snaps a goal. Dogs lead by 26. BULLDOGS 12.9.81 COLLINGWOOD 8.7.55