It was the Western Bulldogs who were victorious today with a dominant 64 point over the Port Adelaide, as they make their presence known up the top end of the table.
The Power got things going at the start of the match, kicking the first three goals and setting quite an intense tone for the match. However they were not prepared for the Bulldogs onslaught that occurred as the Dogs kicked seven unanswered goals in the second quarter.
>>MATCH REPORT: Bulldogs smash Power by 64 points
The second half saw the Bulldogs continue their dominance as they overran their opponents for the second week in a row, in what was a very impressive performance by the Bulldogs who now move to 4th on the ladder.
The final term saw the emergence of Jack Redpath who booted four goals in the one quarter.
At the end of the day, the Bulldogs were just too good for the Power who were unable to match the pressure and pace of the Dogs.
Bulldogs 19-14 (128) def. Power 9-10 (64)
The Western Bulldogs will have an early taste of finals intensity when they meet a Port Adelaide Power side desperate to keep their September hopes alive. Join The Roar for all the action from 1:45pm (AEST).
The Dogs finished 2014 in 14th place, with only seven wins. However, with a new coach and a never-say-die attitude, the Bulldogs have gone from rags to riches and sit just one win outside the top four with four rounds to go.
A win for the Dogs will see them just about secure their place inside the top eight and, more importantly, give the top four a mighty scare.
They face a determined Port Adelaide side that will look to keep their slim finals chances alive.
The two sides have swapped places, as last season it was the Power who took the season by storm, only to be denied by eventual premiers Hawthorn in the preliminary final.
The Power are in form, coming off back-to-back wins against the Saints and Bombers. A win against an in-form side in the eight will boost belief within the side as we enter the business end of the season.
The Power currently sit 12th, six points outside the top eight, making each match an elimination final.
The Power midfield will miss star Ollie Wines due to a shoulder injury, resulting in Jarman Impey coming into the team. The Bulldogs make two inclusions, with Sam Darley and Lin Jong coming in for Josh Prudden and inspirational captain Robert Murphy.
Last week the Power outclassed the Saints, in arguably their best performance of the season. Robbie Gray impressed with 37 disposals, five tackles, 18 contested possessions and 12 clearances, and he will be looked upon to get his team over the line.
The Bulldogs meanwhile upstaged a very disappointing Essendon, with Stewart Crameri returning against his former side to kick seven goals in an emphatic victory.
Prediction:
The Bulldogs will get over the line in an exciting, fast-paced game.
Bulldogs by 9 points.
Will the Power prove that they are worthy of September action, or will they be denied by a Bulldogs side charging toward the top four? Join The Roar from 1:45pm (AEST) to find out.
Athos Sirianos
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Thank you for joining us at The Roar for today's AFL action. I hope you enjoyed today's coverage of the match.
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
Match Result: It was the Bulldogs who were victorious today with a dominant 64 point over the Port Adelaide, as they make their presence known up the top end of the table. The Power got things going at the start of the match, kicking the first three goals and setting quite an intense tone for the match. However they were not prepared for the Bulldogs onslaught that occurred as the Dogs kicked seven unanswered goals in the second quarter. The second half saw the Bulldogs continue their dominance as they overran their opponents for the second week in a row, in what was a very impressive performance by the Bulldogs who now move to 4th on the ladder. The final term saw the emergence of Jack Redpath who booted four goals in the one quarter. At the end of the day, the Bulldogs were just too good for the Power who were unable to match the pressure and pace of the Dogs. FINAL SCORE Bulldogs 19-14 (128) def. Power 9-10 (64) Disposals WB - Boyd 32 Hunter 31 Macrae 30 Port - Gray 23 Ebert 20 Boak 20 Goals - WB - Stringer 4 Redpath 4 Crameri 3 Dickson 3 Port - Schulz 2 Wingard 2 Ryder 1
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There's the final siren! The Bulldogs victorious by 64 points as they move into the top 4 with a very dominant display! Bulldogs 19-14 (128) Power 9-10 (64)
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BEHIND Aaron Young with an ambitious torpedo attempt right on the siren.
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GOAL BULLDOGS An immediate response, as Jake Stringer kicks the goal after grabbing it and kicking it over his head in the goal square! Very acrobatic from Stringer who kicks his fourth.
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GOAL POWER. A late goal for Schulz after a great run off half back from the Power. Bulldogs 18-14-(122) Power 9-9(63) 2 minutes to go.
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GOAL BULLDOGS Redpath kicks his fourth of the quarter after taking a great one on one mark. He has really stepped up today, a great performance from the man playing only his tenth match. Bulldogs 18-14-(122) Power 8-9-(57)
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BEHIND POWER The ball is punched through for a behind, preventing Wingard from taking a contested mark in the goal square. Bulldogs 17-14-(116) Power 8-9-(57)
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GOAL POWER Robbie Gray kicks a goal after roving the ball out of a stoppage and running into an open goal. Bulldogs 17-14-(116) Power 8-8-(56)
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GOAL BULLDOGS Redpath has kicked his third, as the Bulldogs move to a 66 point lead. A great team goal, as the Dogs moved the ball out of defence very well. Bulldogs 17-14-(116) Power 7-8-(50)
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BEHIND PORT ADELAIDE Jay Schulz misses to the left from a set shot, directly in front from 50 metres out. Bulldogs16-14-(110) Power 7-8-(50)
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GOAL BULLDOGS Crameri kicks a goal after taking an uncontested mark inside fifty. Bulldogs 16-14-(110) Power 7-7-(49)
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The bulldogs have activated their substitute. Bailey Dale coming on for Tory Dickson.
Sue
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Go Bulldogs X New zealand
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GOAL BULLDOGS The onslaught continues, as Redpath kicks a goal from 40 metres out. Bulldogs 15-14-(104) Power 7-7-(49)
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GOAL BULLDOGS Picken kicks a goal after a deliberate rush behind against Ryder, who punched it through on the foul after a stoppage in the goal square. Bulldogs 14-14-(98) Power 7-7-(49)
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BEHIND BULLDOGS Crameri with a very ambitious attempt from the boundary which goes across the face for a behind. Bulldogs 13-14-(92) Power 7-7-(49)
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GOAL POWER A quick response by Travis Boak who gets the margin back to 42 points, after a great centre clearance from Hartlett. Bulldogs 13-13-(91) Power 7-7-(49)
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GOAL BULLDOGS Redpath kicks the first of the quarter in no time, as he takes a great mark 18 metres out and makes no mistake. A great start to the final term for the Bulldogs. Bulldogs 13-13-(91) Power 6-7-(43)
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The final term is underway here at Etihad. The Power will need a very, very big quarter in order to save their season. They trail by 42 points.