After one of the all-time classic semi-finals, the Bulldogs have come out one-point victors and are through to the preliminary final, while Brisbane have suffered their second straight-sets exit in three seasons.
The match looked destined in the last quarter to be bound for extra time, but a late Laitham Vandermeer behind proved to be the difference as the Doggies claimed a famous win.
There’s plenty to discuss from tonight’s classic, here are the four talking points at the forefront of my mind.
The crucial last free kick was there
As has unfortunately been the case for Brisbane in home finals of recent years, umpiring decisions not going their way in a narrow loss has again become a big talking point.
But, unlike the blatant throw that led to Brent Daniels’ semi-final winner of 2019, the last-minute free kick that led to Vandermeer’s crucial behind was fair and square.
Oscar McInerney ran well past the flight of the ball (indicated by the red arrow) and blocked Tim English’s path. In the milliseconds prior to this screenshot, he had his eye firmly on the opposing ruckman too, not the ball.
Robert Findlay has no choice in that circumstance but to blow the whistle and he made the correct decision.
It was sad way for McInerney’s night to end because he’d otherwise been absolutely dominant and was a key factor in Brisbane’s midfield being able to go toe-to-toe with their vaunted opponents.
But the free kick that is no doubt being dissected at the Pineapple Hotel right now was well and truly there.
A win for the ages, but at what cost for the Bulldogs?
The Bulldogs have got that magic about them like they did in 2016.
In truth, both years they had been top four teams for the majority of the home-and-away season, so the fairytale aspect of their runs through September has a bit of mayo on it.
But this was an extraordinary win and, if 2021 ends like it did five years ago, there’s every chance this game ends up in the same part of Doggies’ fans hearts as the 2016 preliminary final against GWS.
However, the one-point triumph could have come at a massive cost, with Cody Weightman almost certain to miss next week’s Port Adelaide clash with concussion, while Marcus Bontempelli also came off in the fourth quarter after landing awkwardly on his knee.
Weightman came off second-best in a seemingly innocuous collision with Marcus Adams just before half time, but the fact he was subbed out during the main break means he must’ve failed his head injury assessment.
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The Dogs lacked spark in the third quarter without their go-to small forward and it took some of their midfield stars bobbing forward in the fourth quarter to get the scoreboard ticking again.
His absence against Port Adelaide could be a huge factor.
Bontempelli, on the other hand, was confident after the match that he’d be okay despite coming off in serious pain after appearing to injure his knee.
He was walking around freely without ice after the final siren, but if his preparation is at all hampered for the preliminary final, that could also be huge.
Magnificent Macrae leads the way
We always knew the ridiculous depth of the Bulldogs’ midfield would be impossible for opposing sides to deal with in 2021, but tonight it was on show perhaps more than it had ever been all season.
Adam Treloar had just seven disposals at half time, while Tom Liberatore only had six touches to go with his two early goals.
Normally, if a side had midfielders of that calibre stifled to that extent, it’d be game over.
Not the Doggies. Jack Macrae was absolutely everywhere, amassing 24 disposals, seven clearances and five score involvements in the first half alone.
His full time numbers were mouth-watering; 39 disposals, 19 contested possessions, 11 clearances, 11 inside 50s, nine score involvements and the first goal of the first quarter. Unbelievable.
Bailey Smith was massive, collecting 27 touches, three goals (two in the last quarter) and nine inside 50s, while Marcus Bontempelli was his usual self with 29 disposals and nine score invovelements.
The fact Treloar only finished with ten, while Liberatore and Josh Dunkley finished with 21 but still don’t get a big mention, is just terrifying.
Ken Hinkley can put every single waking hour into stopping Macrae next week – and he may just succeed. Luke Beveridge will just turn to another member of his assorted half-dozen to get the job done without a second thought.
Brisbane were very close, but just not close enough
The Lions were very much up for the fight across the first three quarters, putting in a superb effort in the engine room after last week’s poor display against the Demons.
They had 26 points from stoppages on the board at the main break, tracking extremely well against their season average of 39.3 per game – the competition’s best.
Jonathon Brown, in Fox Footy’s commentary, noted their improvement at half time.
“The Lions need to score from clearances. They’ve been able to do that.
“Last week, they were nowhere near that number against Melbourne.”
Even contributions from Lachie Neale, Hugh McCluggage, Dayne Zorko and Jarryd Lyons had the Lions in the hunt and the stats made for pleasant reading at both half time and three-quarter time.
Brisbane were dominating the hit-outs and had built up healthy advantages in clearances (+8), tackles (+13) and inside 50s (+13) as they led by ten at the final change.
In the fourth quarter, however, the Bulldogs got right on top. They monstered their opponents in the clearance count in the final quarter and put much more pressure on the ball carrier and the Lions just couldn’t go with them.
Defensively, they set up very well too – forcing Brisbane away from the corridor and not giving their forwards a chance to set up or find space.
In truth, the home side should have translated their efforts from their first three quarters into a bigger lead. Charlie Cameron barely saw the football after his electric three-goal first quarter, Joe Daniher had a night to forget with just six touches and two marks, while Lincoln McCarthy played his role without being spectacular.
Missing Eric Hipwood and Daniel McStay obviously wreaked havoc with their structure and noticeably forced them to play a more counter-attacking style of football to generate their scores, but my biggest takeaway for Brisbane is that they’re still probably short one more matchwinner inside forward 50.
Goalsonly
Roar Rookie
:silly: Are we haggling? A couple of free kicks a quarter should be enough.
RT
Roar Rookie
If you want to go back in time you'll find there were a lot more frees. I just selected 3 random games in 1980 and all had over 30 frees per team.
Goalsonly
Roar Rookie
Have to admire the way the umpires respond to numerous calls for less overall and unnecessary involvement in the round of finals. More free kicks than ever and mostly tiggy touchwood errors rather than a deliberate flaunting of the rules. Keeping the little boys on their best behavior and stopping the flow of the game at every opportunity is just what these elite athletes need. They are getting way ahead of themselves thinking they can just go out there and strut their stuff without their being severe repercussions when they roll a tackle but still actually press some sideways pressure somewhere near the back of an opponent. Who do these guys think they are? I know the umpires will do their best to maintain some semblance of order. Come on boys stop playing so rough or we'll be looking at 50 frees per game. If you would only slow down and consider your tackles and movements before you apply such crude we could possibly go back to two umpires and maybe 20 frees per game.
Pumping Dougie
Roar Guru
Classic example - Jim, another Swans supporter smarting from beng vanquished in 2016. :laughing: As Dwayne Russell and Gerard whately said on radio today, that raw statistic simply indicates the Doggies are first to the ball more often and more disciplined in not giving away frees. Raw statistic counts are irrelevant and a silly, simpleton argument.
Pumping Dougie
Roar Guru
Exactly Zorbacles. Cheers. Dwayne Russell on live radio is saying exactly the same and highlighted a number of calls that were wrong that favoured Brisbane. For me, there were many 50/50 calls that went both ways, but didn't effect the result. (Too many deluded, irrational supporters living in an alternative universe on this site.)
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
Bang on Dingo. If people are going to call out one decision that was incorrect, which the Dale one was, then they need to be objective enough to call out all of the incorrect decisions, not just those that went against their team. I'm staggered that anyone could argue that the Daniel decision was 50/50.
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
The Caleb Daniel deliberate was the same, it was clear cut. Brisbane got a goal from a holding ball against Tim English which, by the rules explained by Ray Chamberlain a couple of weeks ago, was play on - he had no prior, the ball was knocked out in the tackle, it was play on. We could go on and on all day, because its' swings and roundabouts. Looking someone to blame when you lose instead of accepting defeat is a sad indictment on our current social media driven culture.
Zorbacles
Guest
I watched most of the game. As a port supporter i didnt really see that it favoured either side. yes there were crap decisions and non decisions, but not for one team more than the other. (and small bias, i wouldve rathered had brisbane this week over dogs)
Jim
Guest
"Gee the umps gave Brisbane a good ride though." Amazing how delusional doggies fans really have become per say about the generous ride they get a large majority of the time. 9 finals in a row now comfortably on the right side of the free kick count. Nothing sus though..... :silly:
Aransan
Roar Rookie
English is not a natural ruckman, but don’t underestimate him as he is talented. I believe he could be competitive for an odd game, the trick is not to knock his confidence by doing it too often. Long term the Bulldogs do need a prime ruckman.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
He’s not aggressive enough on his attack on the ball IMO he’s a liability
Cloak
Roar Rookie
I think the issue with the umpiring is that a number of the free kicks that came late were the sort of things that happen regularly in matches but don't get called. The one to McInerney is in my view the best example. I'd be staggered if that sort of move from a ruckman doesn't happen a dozen times a match. Calling it with 90 seconds to go stands out, and likely was inconsistent with the rest of the match. Ditto the McCarthy downfield infringement - I'd guess that sort of thing happened multiple times without penalty, but they picked one late. The Bont mark wasn't a mark and Dale should have been penalised for HTB: those two decisions were errors that hurt. But then again, Bailey ran too far to kick Brisbane's last goal, and the Caleb Daniel kick should not have been paid deliberate out of bounds. Brisbane weren't helped by being one down on the bench in a hot last quarter, but ultimately they only have themselves to blame. +14 inside 50s, and two shots on goal in the fourth that were out of bounds on the full.
MG
Roar Rookie
Go and ask ten non Bulldogs and non Lions supporters who got the 'rub of the green'. Get back to me if 9 or 10 don't say Bulldogs.
asd
Guest
Chris Hemsworth off his chops on the gear He didnt notice the umpiring i bet
Jonboy
Roar Rookie
Breaking news in Perth……..Lachie Neale is requesting a trade back to Freo. Wife is homesick and pregnant and wants to raise the family at home.
Pumping Dougie
Roar Guru
Started with no fingernails and finished down to the bone, Mr Right. Exhilirating for the winners and shattering for the vanquished.
Aransan
Roar Rookie
English did well. Ordinarily I wouldn’t use him more than 30% of the time in the ruck, but where it really hits him is if he has to carry the load week after week. He would be capable of carrying the ruck in one game — the Grand Final?
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
Nice win last PD. How are your finger nails looking this morning?
Trevor
Guest
Yep, the Lions copped it good and hard from the umpires all night. At least a dozen dodgy calls all but one going the doggies way.
Kevo
Roar Rookie
I think you're right.