The Western Bulldogs have run riot in Saturday afternoons clash against GWS, winning by 81 points against their modern-day rival in another statement victory.
The Dogs have now won nine of their last ten against the Giants as skipper Marcus Bontempelli led his charges, winning 21.8 (134) to 7.11 (53), starting the season undefeated.
Luke Beveridge’s offensive weapons again shone through as Bontempelli (three goals, 33 disposals, 11 score involvements) provided a best on ground display while delivering the ball delightfully to his two key pillars in Aaron Naughton (six goals) and Sam Darcy (four goals).
Whil the Dogs midfield brigade caused the damage, with Tom Liberatore (29 disposals) and Matt Kennedy (27 disposals), being as ferocious as ever, it was the connection and cleanliness of the Dogs backline that proved they are a team to beat in 2026.
Young Dog Lachie Jaques grew his stocks with a 29-disposal effort off half back thanks to the hard work from defensive duo Rory Lobb and Buku Khamis, who both looked comfortable in defence, providing a stable base to free up the Dogs running backmen.
Tim English again proved why the new ruck rules may help him to a second All Australian blazer in 2026 (22 disposals and 23 hit outs) as he outran and overworked Giants big man Kieren Briggs who struggled to contain the leap of English at centre bounce and his running capacity around the ground.
It was a scintillating Bulldog second quarter that set up an unassailable lead at half time as the Giants had no answer for the dominance at stoppage (45-26 clearances) as the Dogs piled on six goals putting on a brutal display of attacking footy.
The Giants failed to create chances in their possession style of play, which enabled the Dogs to flood back in numbers and avoid being exploited in transition as teams have exposed them in the past.
Lachie Ash (31 disposals) and captain Toby Greene (26 disposals) fought valiantly for their side in defeat however will be made to rue the constant turnovers from their teammates that allowed the dogs to pounce all afternoon.
The second half almost became a training run for the Dogs as clean ball use continued to breakdown the Giants system, leaving their undermanned defence all too overwhelmed with the constant supply to the bulldog’s potent forward line.
The Dogs dashing display may be overshadowed by the AFL’s concussion process after a sickening collision in the third term between debutant Will Lewis as well as Giants defenders Jayden Laverde and Harry Himmelberg left all three dazed on the ground for some time before all returning to the field shortly after.
The Giants will look to bounce back next week as they take on the Saints at home, whilst Bevo’s men stare down the barrel of one of footy’s toughest away trips in 2026 as they take on Adelaide in the City of Churches on Friday night.
WESTERN BULLDOGS 5.1 11.1 16.6 21.8 (134)
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY 2.3 4.5 6.8 7.11 (53)
GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Naughton 6, Darcy 4, Bontempelli 3, Baker 2, Davidson 2, Hynes, Liberatore, Kennedy, Bramble
Greater Western Sydney: Callaghan 2, Greene, Rowston, Riccardi, O’Halloran, Coniglio
BEST
Western Bulldogs: Bontempelli, Khamis, Naughton, English, Kennedy, Jaques
Greater Western Sydney: Greene, Fonti, Ash, Himmelberg
INJURIES
Western Bulldogs: Lewis (head)
Greater Western Sydney: Himmelberg (chin)
Crowd: 28,318 at Marvel Stadium
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About Kristian Cavallo
Third year university student, looking to explore my passion in writing particularly about AFL.
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Kristian
Good summation and pleased to see you observed how well Buku played which seemed to escape mainstream media. Keep up the good work.
Cheers
HK
Good observations Kristian.
I find myself glued to the centre ball ups under the new rule. As you note, Tim English has had a great start to 2026.
The Crows v Dogs game next week promises to be a beauty.