The Western Bulldogs have overcome a 32-point deficit to snatch victory away from the Richmond Tigers in the dying stages of the last quarter.
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Final score
Western Bulldogs 11.14.80
Richmond Tigers 11.9.75
The Richmond Tigers unbeaten streak ended abruptly last week, after suffering a 76-point drubbing at the hands of the Adelaide Crows. Things don’t get any easier for the boys from Punt Road as they get set to face the reigning premiers Western Bulldogs. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:25pm (AEST).
‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times’. Entering the much-anticipated clash against ladder leaders Adelaide, Richmond were brimming with confidence and were revelling in the talk of being considered potential top four aspirants.
It only took three quarters – in which the Crows had 30 shots at goal to the Tigers paltry 5 – for the bubble to burst, for the footy world to once again shake their heads in exasperation before branding them as the same old Richmond.
Heading into the round 6 blockbuster as the number one defensive team in the competition, the Tigers were thought to have the tools to halt Adelaide’s lethal offence. Instead the Crows incinerated Richmond with swift ball movement, as they romped home to a 76-point victory.
After five wins in a row, the Tigers are likely to suffer consecutive defeats if they produce the same effort against an equally devastating Bulldogs outfit on the quick Etihad stadium surface.
Despite falling by two points against the Giants last week in another classic, the defending champs look close to recapturing their scintillating form showcased last year in their fairy tale finals run.
Against the 2017 premiership favourites, the Dogs dominated the match for large periods including a second quarter which included 12 shots at goal.
Had it not been for inaccurate kicking at goal – the Bulldogs had 8 more shots at goal than the Giants – it’s likely they would have cruised to victory.
Accuracy in front of the big sticks is an issue for the Dogs as they convert only 42.5 per cent of their shots, good for a lowly 17th in the competition. If Beveridge’s men are to repeat their success of last year this is an issue which must be addressed promptly.
In team news, the Tigers will be without star recruit Dion Prestia after he was ruled out of Saturday’s clash due to a hamstring injury. Prestia is just one of four changes for the Tigers, with Reece Conca sidelined with a foot injury, while Toby Nankervis was offered a one-week suspension after striking David McKay.
Steven Morris has also been dropped after just one game back. Young ruckman Ivan Soldo – cousin of cult hero Ivan Maric – has been elevated from the rookie list and is in line to debut for the Tigers on Saturday night.
For the Bulldogs, champion veteran Matthew Boyd is back in the team replacing the omitted Bailey Dale. Boyd returns after missing last week’s clash against the Giants due to a back complaint.
Prediction
Despite a considerable drop in support for the Richmond bandwagon after a humiliating loss, the Tigers are still a very impressive 5-1. A competitive showing against the Bulldogs will go a long way to convincing the doubters that Richmond are deserving of a Finals berth this year.
Expect the pressure to be intense early as these are the two of the most tackle happy sides in the competition, with the Dogs ranking first while the Tigers are third.
However, with the Premiers starting to find their mojo and their transition from defence to attack looking more threatening, expect the Dogs to hand the Tigers their second straight loss.
Bulldogs by 43 points.
Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:25pm (AEST).
Kishan Badrinath
Roar Guru
» Click here to read the full match report
XI
Roar Guru
He was fumbling it. But there's no way that he was fumbling because he couldn't gather the ball. He wanted a stoppage in the forward 50. It is a harsh rule, but in a game with plenty of questionable "handballs" that wasn't a bad call.
Kishan Badrinath
Roar Guru
It really looked like he fumbled it in my eyes, but fair enough.
Kishan Badrinath
Roar Guru
Really harsh call on the deliberate out of bounds called on Jayden Short. It looks like he just fumbled the ball over the boundary line. I have a feeling that there will be plenty more talk about the already contentious rule.
Kishan Badrinath
Roar Guru
This match was brutal and it certainly took its toll on both teams. For the Tigers, Nick Vlastuin left in the 2nd quarter after a shoulder injury, while the Dogs lost both Jake Stringer (knee) and Josh Dunkley (shoulder).
XI
Roar Guru
It was absolutely a deliberate out of bounds. There was no one for him there to pass to.
Kishan Badrinath
Roar Guru
Siren sounds! The Bulldogs have held on by 5 points to win a thriller. Gallant effort from both teams but you have to feel for the Tigers who led for all but the last 10 minutes of the match. FINAL SCORE Western Bulldogs 11.14(80) Richmond Tigers 11.9(75)
Kishan Badrinath
Roar Guru
Ball spills out of bounds 15m away from the Tigers goal, and the umpire has pinged Richmond for deliberate!?!?! Big call and in my opinion wrong call!
Kishan Badrinath
Roar Guru
Ball trickles out of bounds in the same position. 52 seconds left
Kishan Badrinath
Roar Guru
Ball on the Tigers half forward flank, 57 seconds left. Ball up.
Kishan Badrinath
Roar Guru
The Bont stands strong marking a centring kick from Lambert on the Richmond 50m arc. 1:20 left.
Kishan Badrinath
Roar Guru
What a call from the umpire! It looked like Tom Boyd completed a strong one handed mark but the Tigers defender did get a fist in before Boyd completed the mark.
Kishan Badrinath
Roar Guru
2:47 left.
Kishan Badrinath
Roar Guru
Dustin Martin you are a superstar!! Pure desperation from Dusty as he beat two Bulldogs on the wing before getting the handball that released the Tigers. The ball eventually fell to Riewoldt in the forward 50 who snapped truly. Four point lead to the Dogs. GOAL TIGERS Western Bulldogs 11.13(79) Richmond Tigers 11.9(75)
Kishan Badrinath
Roar Guru
Just 5 minutes remaining, the Tigers would need a miracle to get up now.
Kishan Badrinath
Roar Guru
Probably the Dogs because it would be the 2nd week in a row that they would blow a game due to inaacuracy. Plus they were heavy favourites heading into the match.
Kishan Badrinath
Roar Guru
That is brilliant vision from Smith, finding Hunter 25m out straight in front with no one around him. It took a wobbly left foot kick from Smith to find him, but it did the job as Hunter slots it. Could be game, all the momentum with the Dogs now. GOAL BULLDOGS Western Bulldogs 11.13(79) Richmond Tigers 10.8(68)
Kishan Badrinath
Roar Guru
Terrific tackle on Cotchin dislodges the ball allowing Johannisen to find Clay Smith 40m out. Smith kicks truly to give the Dogs their first lead of the night! GOAL BULLDOGS Western Bulldogs 10.13(73) Richmond Tigers 10.8(68)
XI
Roar Guru
Not sure who'd be more disappointed with a lose here. The Tigers have led the whole game but the Dogs have had so many opportunities. It'll be a hard defeat... Here's hoping for a draw!
Kishan Badrinath
Roar Guru
The Dogs take the long route to goal as Johannisen slips in the middle of the ground, but still manages to get the handball off before suckling finds Smith alone in the goal square. Back to 1 point. GOAL BULLDOGS Western Bulldogs 9.13(67) Richmond Tigers 10.8(68)