They had to work hard for it, but the Bulldogs eventually came away with a 32-point victory over the Lions to give Bob Murphy the perfect 300th game.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Western Bulldogs 17.20.122
Brisbane Lions 14.6.90
The Brisbane Lions have shown improved form so far in 2017, but their next test is by far their toughest as they take on the reigning premiers, the Western Bulldogs, on a Saturday afternoon. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 1:45pm AEST.
The Lions don’t have the results to show for it, but 2017 is already looking a lot better than 2016.
After a first-up win over the Suns, the Lions played both the Bombers and Saints tough before a hiccup last weekend against the Tigers.
While there aren’t high expectations for this season, the fans would be wanting a competitive showing against the Bulldogs to consolidate the improvement shown.
The Bulldogs have been anything but convincing to start the season, however, their 3-1 record has them set for another run at September football.
First-up wins over Collingwood and Sydney were good, but a loss to Fremantle and a scare against the winless Roos last weekend has some pundits questioning how this group is travelling.
Anything less than a thumping win in this one will leave many of those questions unanswered.
The Lions will lose youngster Tom Cutler with a hamstring for this match, the only forced change to the side.
Rohan Bewick and Tom Bell have also been dropped, as both players have struggled with form to begin the year.
Ryan Harwood, Ryan Bastinac and Liam Dawson come into the side, with Bastinac in particular set to provide some stability in the midfield.
The Bulldogs lost big man Travis Cloke with broken ribs over the weekend, and he’s not due back for at least 4-6 weeks. Shane Biggs will come into the side to provide a bit of extra run off half back.
Although not the marquee match-up of the weekend, the match will get a lot of publicity as Bob Murphy’s 300th.
A favourite son at the Bulldogs, expect a bumper crowd to witness a milestone that was stolen from him last year.
Prediction
You just get the feeling the Dogs will get up for Bob’s 300th. I think the Lions are lambs for the slaughter in this one.
Bulldogs by 82
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John0s
Guest
Brisbane had the doggies on toast!!!! Lions are on they're way ! Who are the dogs playing next week? . Go the lions . A hell of a lot of good play.
Raimond
Roar Guru
Bulldogs had more scoring shots in the first half, but managed to be 5 goals behind. Superiority in general play is meaningless without accuracy in front of goal.
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
Thanks AD. Had to take a few months off to get married, but good to get back into it
XI
Roar Guru
What? But the Dogs wouldn't know how to generate calls to go their way. There's no evidence to suggest that they've ever been favoured before. **sarcasm sign the size of Dogs fans' persecution complex**
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Thanks for the blog, Joel. A seriously impressive standard of commentary you've produced this afternoon, buddy!
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
» Click here to read the full match report
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
I hate being this guy, but some of that umpiring was ever-so-slightly favouring a particular team.....
XI
Roar Guru
I'd like for fans to be able to see when bad calls go their way and to be mad at them too. But that'll never happen so...
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
FULL TIME The Lions made them work for it, but the Dogs will get Robert Murphy a win in his 300th. It was only a late flurry that caused the 32 point margin, as the Dogs kicked five goals in the last six minutes of the match. Full Report to come. STATS Disposals: Bulldogs 418-360 Free Kicks: Bulldogs 20-14 Clearances: Bulldogs 41-40 Inside 50: Bulldogs 62-44 Contested Possessions: Bulldogs 151-126 Tackles: Lions 82-69 Hit Outs: Lions 50-39 GOAL KICKERS Bulldogs: Stringer 3, Dunkley 3, McLean 2, Bontempelli, Boyd, Picken, Macrae, Adams, Smith, Murphy, Johannisen, Dahlhaus Lions: Hipwood 3, Zorko 2, Keays 2, Lester 2, C Beams, Taylor, McCluggage, Rockliff, Robinson AFL FANTASY TOP 5 1. Dayne Zorko 161 2. Luke Dahlhaus 130 3. Dayne Beams 126 4. Tom Rockliff 124 5. Stefan Martin 121
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
The really don't deserve it, aye? I wouldn't be reading to much into these junk-time goals though.
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
GOAL BULLDOGS 0' The Lions win a clearance, but their disposal is poor, and Bontempelli eventually wins the footy. The Dogs have three running into goal, and Clay Smith is the man to thump it through. Bulldogs 17.20 122 Lions 14.6 90
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
GOAL BULLDOGS 1' Stringer kicks an easy goal. You've gotta feel bad for the Lions. They don't deserve this margin. Bulldogs 16.20 116 Lions 14.6 90
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
BEHIND BULLDOGS 2' The Lions with a parlay forward, but Fletcher Roberts will take an uncontested mark deep inside 50. The Lions just losing their focus late here. The Dogs rebound, and Suckling will mark inside 50. Distance will be no issue for the former Hawk, but accuracy is. That hit the left goalpost hard. Bulldogs 15.20 110 Lions 14.6 90
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
I feel bad for the Lions. Heartbreaking. Still, they've been more than impressive today. No one can fault their effort.
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
GOAL BULLDOGS 3' The Dogs are threatening to turn this into a five goal game at the moment, as they're coming home with a wet sail. Clay Smith is crunched between two Lions, and McLean will mark 40 from goal. He's got it, and the Dogs are well and truly home. Bulldogs 15.19 109 Lions 14.6 90
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
GOAL BULLDOGS 4' JJ wins the footy in the midfield, and he'll find Macrae on a strong lead to the pocket. He'll handball back to JJ (How'd he get over there?) and now Stringer marks in the pocket. This one would surely seal the deal, and he kicks it!! It's a long way back for the Lions now. Bulldogs 14.19 103 Lions 14.6 90
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Next goal is beyond critical. Dogs get it, they win. Lions get it, game on!
Paul D
Roar Guru
Hipwood reminds me of one of those giant prehensile monsters from the Mortal Kombat games, just all arms and legs but also with incredible agility
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Gotta love bulldogs fans complaining when a call goes against them....
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
GOAL BULLDOGS 6' Lions are deep in attack here, they just can't find any clean possession. Boyd wins the footy down to Jong, who uses JJ to clear. This one should be deliberate, and it is paid as such. Mayes sends it deep inside 50, but JJ reads it best, and he'll clear the danger. The Dogs win the footy at half back now, and Murphy can find a man inside 50. He's got Dunkley on the run, and Dunkley rolls it through!! Still five and half to go, but that feels like the sealer the way this game is going. Bulldogs 13.19 97 Lions 14.6 90