The AFL premiers are back.
Or they just might be, on the basis of Western Bulldogs’ 30-point run-and-gun win over Essendon on Sunday.
Luke Beveridge’s side stood up in the match they simply had to win to keep their flag defence alive.
Jason Johannisen roared with four goals and Marcus Bontempelli showed his class in the 19.13 (127) to 13.19 (97) success.
The Bulldogs broke open the contest in the third term, kicking seven goals to outgun the Bombers in an old-fashioned shootout.
In the high-scoring contest, Joe Daniher was the dominant forward, kicking six goals to take the lead in the race for the Coleman Medal.
But the Bulldogs had more routes to goal, beginning with Johannisen.
In front of a crowd of 48,754 — the biggest to attend the fixture this century — the Dogs grand final hero began as a forward and sparked his side.
Lukas Webb, Tory Dickson and Johannisen kicked two early goals each as the Bulldogs reeled in an early deficit and began their assault.
The Dogs were playing with the run and dare absent for much of their premiership defence.
Daniher was playing a lone hand in the Bombers attack but, as solo shows go, it was enough to keep Essendon in touch.
His four first-half goals kept the Bombers within a kick at halftime.
Two minutes after the break, he had a fifth as the Bulldogs failed to find a match-up to curb his influence.
Then, in the premiership quarter, the premiers re-emerged.
Seven different Bulldogs — including leaders Bob Murphy, Johannisen, Bontempelli and Jordan Roughead — kicked goals in the third term.
It was just as well they did as they didn’t kick another until Bontempelli finally closed out the contest late in the final quarter.
The floodgates were opened, with four late majors blowing out the margin.
After seeing the club record its first run of three straight wins since last year’s finals series, Beveridge said he was satisfied.
“There’s no doubt it was a manic game, a turnover-oriented game,” he said.
“I was really pleased and happy with the performance … we just managed to do enough.”
Essendon will rue an inaccurate day out, including six behinds and two out-of-bounds in the last term with the match on the line.
John Worsfold’s side drop out of the eight at the Bulldogs’ expense, but retain a pathway to September with an easier-than-average run home.
Worsfold said he was frustrated with skill errors in the “frenetic” game.
“Both teams were prepared to go really fast which means there was higher risk of turnovers,” he said.
“The contested ball and stoppage stuff, they won that area of the game.
“Our kicking was below what we would expect of each other.”
jutsie
Guest
I didnt get to watch the last quarter and a half as was catching a plane at that time but from the first 2.5 quarters I had a feeling the bombers would lose for the same reason who have stated. It looked like the doggies mids were always in control and it would only be a matter of time before they kicked away.
Paul W
Guest
So Bombres lost it with poor kicking. Do we just ignore the easy or gettable shots missed by Bont, Hunter, Dickson, McLean, Murphy and Roughhead ?? Dogs were the better side for most of the game.
Aransan
Guest
As a Bombers supporter I thought the Bulldogs largely controlled the game but their last 3 goals were kicked in junk time. Hooker needs to develop more composure in kicking for goal, it was almost as though he had stage fright.
mdso
Guest
The Bombers simply had too many passengers and the Doggies had more guts, grit and fire. BJ tried his hardest in the last to pull off something wondrous. Too many Bombers players with absolutely shocking hand and foot skills. No one plays hot potato footy better than the Doggies. Essendon let themselves down by inaccurate kicking in front of goal and almost a couldn't care less attitude. Essendon find a way to keep losing games they should win which is why they more than likely WILL NOT play finals.
Wilson
Roar Rookie
Dogs played much better than usual but still should've probably lost the game. Dons kicking woeful. Hooker's two sitters extremely costly, but there were others too. Both teams should be much better next year and be pushing for the top 4.
Richard
Guest
Only saw the last 2 minutes 50 seconds, but the Doggies excelled. Back to back premier contenders? Unfortunately, I wouldn't think so.
George
Guest
Enjoy victory but I would not go overboard with 'so young' statement. Kids term should be reserved specially for Lions, then Suns and Blues. This round Melbourne and St. Kilda also played significantly younger teams than Bulldogs.
Kurt
Guest
Lucky win by the dogs against a team that really looked better in general play but lost primarily due to poor kicking. It's been so disappointing this year watching their extremely poor premiership defence, I had hoped they'd go on to bigger and better things and start counter balancing their deeply mediocre history, with some modern day success. I guess we'll always just consider 2016 to be a fluke.
Craig
Guest
Disappointing kicking from Essendon. A bit better in front of goal and we win that game.
Mattyb
Guest
Rissole,I wouldn't be writing the bombers off yet.their run home is also more favourable than the dogs and some other sides. The margin today doesn't explain this game. Good luck to the mighty Bombers also,they've bounced back brilliantly from all the garbage they've been put through recently.
Rissole
Guest
Could do mate. Obviously being so young they have struggled with consistency and how to handle the extra planning that teams put into the reigning premier. I tipped them in this game because I believed their form and intensity would lift now that they have to keep winning. It's narrowed their focus and their best footy will follow. Shame it came at the expense of me seeing my Bombers in September. Good luck to the Dogs.
anon
Roar Pro
Didn't Brisbane run over Essendon at the same ground not long ago. This result is more about the inconsistency of Essendon than anything else.
Andrew Macdougall
Roar Pro
Best game I have seen from the team all season. Pressure was right up again, defensive setup behind the ball superb. Three wins in a row and hopefully keep it going.
Mattyb
Guest
Special mention to Goddard from Essendon,he's a character. Might want to save his bad temper stuff for the bowl of lollies in the rooms,he would have only needed to wait another two minutes. Also,thanks to Essendon for again participating for the EJ Whitten trophy. A nice time for football followers and especially Victorians to remember this great man of football. And we stuck it right up 'em. Go Doggies,back in the premiership race. Teddy would be so so proud of this group of kids.
Mattyb
Guest
Hold onto your hats people,surely we're not going to see another miracle from this young side. Great game,Essendons goal kicking let them down,the margin certainly flattered the dogs in the end. Brilliant game from Bontempelli and Cordy,JJ was excellent. Biggs was brilliant,he's a very underrated player. Best game from the dogs since the GWS game earlier in the season. The Doggies really are the feel good story in the league,nothing pretentious about them at all and best of all still so very very young. Dale continues to improve,while Webb and Williams were good today given more familiar roles. Plenty to like down at the kennel,and so young. Young was again good,wait until people get to see Lipinski. For the reserves followers,Footscray coped a hiding from Williamstown in conditions that can only be understood by those who have ever watched football down there. Not much to report as only six listed players took to the field due to our injuries. Roberts and Collins were both ok from those pushing senior selection. English got knocked out which wasn't good,from the vision he could also have a fractured cheekbone and even an eye socket type thing. It was pretty messy.