The Western Bulldogs secured their place inside the top eight after defeating St Kilda by 40 points at Etihad Stadium.
Both sides came into the match at five wins and four losses with the match being dubbed an ‘eight-point contest’.
Jake Stringer performed excellently on his return, kicking five goals and taking a game-high seven marks.
With only point-six of a percent separating the two sides prior to the match, both came out breathing fire in what was quite a tenacious opening term.
The Saints looked impressive in the opening quarter despite missing key forward Nick Riewoldt as they controlled much of the play and had their opponents worried by their rapid ball movement.
St Kilda were however unable to capitalise on their chances, allowing the Bulldogs to then take control of the match after quarter time.
The Bulldogs outscored the Saints eight goals to three in the next two quarters which gave the home side a comfortable lead heading into the final term.
Despite a late fightback, the Saints were ultimately no match for the Bulldogs who were reminiscent of the side that won last year’s Premiership.
Jack Newnes was impressive for the Saints gaining a game-high 35 disposals and Paddy McCartin looked very promising taking several big marks and contributing inside 50.
Both sides will now go into the bye.
Final score
Western Bulldogs 13.12.90
St Kilda Saints 7.8.50
mattyb
Guest
With Libba,he still seems interested, I think he got ahead of himself and is now playing catch up. It's a very disappointing effort. I'd be very surprised if he is back next week as McLean and Honeychurch would be well ahead plus Clay Smith. From the outside we can't know what's going on but he's not playing very good football that's for sure. Cloke might be called up but Redpath I doubt. Redpath is a good back up plan but as a whole he's to slow and immobile. Does have good goal sense but doesn't offer anything in a support way and he effects locking the ball inside 50. Like I said,Cloke was ok. I to prefer the smaller forward line also but Cloke did a fair bit of work around the wings. I've been very impressed with English in the reserves but I don't imagine him playing that much in the seniors. Cloke might come back,it will depend on what Bev wants but he played well enough to deserve a place. I must say I'm still keen to see Boyd more up forward. He's doing OK in the ruck but he's going to be an awfully expensive ruckman if he doesn't make it as a forward,he is only young still which I often forget. From the weekend I'm guessing the preferences will be to get McLean back and possibly Webb. Honeychurch is the big dark horse as he's in great form. I'd also think Roberts or Cordy might come in for a horses for courses scenario against the Swans. On form I'd go with Roberts. I can only see the seniors making two changes with Murphy injured and maybe English out. Might be hard to find room for Cloke.
I ate pies
Guest
Nice summary yet again Matty. Do you think that Libba has lost interest, or do you think that maybe there's some sort of physiological problem with him? Even with a poor start to the year his fitness should be improving by now. Do you think Cloke or Redpath deserve a call up? They should be kicking bags in a 100 point win in the twos. I think that the dogs forward line works better when it's smaller so maybe these two will struggle to get back, particularly now Roughy and English are in and they can swap into the forward line. Roughy, English and Boyd are far more mobile and flexible than those two.
mattyb
Guest
Footscray VFL Report. After my great tip regarding English last week I must say this weeks report contains nearly all ticks after the dogs 99 point demolition of Sandringham. Honeychurch was brilliant,he's been in some red hot form since returning from injury and played probably the best game I've seen him play. Kicked four goals and must have nearly had 40 possessions,as BOG as you'll ever see,could see him playing seniors shortly. McLean was very good. Has obviously been told to smarten up his defensive work because for two weeks running he is tackling more than normal and doing a good job at it,chance to return. Spent a lot of time in the midfield. Webb plays really good at this level and was again prominent,might take Murphy's spot but I doubt it. Needs to keep working and then try and replicate this form and the higher level. Chance to return. Cloke/Redpath. Cloke was better and worked hard around half forward and the wings. Red was ok but it was a thrashing,roamed around a bit more which was good but I can't remember him kicking a goal,certainly didn't kick multiple. Cloke kicked one but was still ok. Campbell was serviceable,he mustn't have been at full fitness earlier in the year and has gotten better each week. Highly doubt he will promoted any time soon though. Hamilton/Libba,well there you go,I'm lumping Libba here and that pretty much sums it up. Look he was ok,but 20 odd possessions to both in a 100 point win is no big deal. Libba is trying because he's tackling,but like last week he's got some sort of cardio problem. Slightly cross but he'll get better I'm sure,highly doubt he'll be promoted above some of the others,Hamilton won't be promoted. Roberts was excellent,rock solid with no errors,I'd personally promote. Cordy was good when the ball was near him,had an easy night though Collins,didn't make his usual one a game blunder or stab a foot while trying to kick. Was ok,wouldn't mind challenging him to a race to see if he's as slow as he looks,no chance of a promotion,should stay in the VFL side though which is a plus. Greene was ok returning from injury. I've liked what I've seen of him so far but not as much last night. Ignore this blokes stats in many ways each week,is very useful from limited opportunities,just not really nothing special this week. Tweedie I didn't really notice. All in all not much to report really except we were easy winners. The sides very tall though which is something to keep in mind if the seniors want to be taller,which I don't think they'd really won't to be.
mattyb
Guest
Thought this would be a cracker Jack game played at a million miles an hour but it proved to be a bit of a snore fest where the Dogs didn't need to get out of second gear. The Saints play much better when they run and gun but they played like a team who was afraid to lose possession,they were very disappointing. For the dogs Caleb Daniel,despite some of the criticism he has copped on here is a little beauty. In some really good form. Adams is a great defender and the Dogs need to sign him asap. Stringer getting back to some good form. If he hits his straps around September the Dogs will be even more unbeatable. Bailey Dale...great break out game,he was excellent and has a skill set that will make this side even greater. Showed the form he's been showing this year in the seconds. I was very impressed. The dogs haves so much depth it's unbelievable,back to back is a big chance but this young group will certainly win multiple premierships.