Round 11 – Western Bulldogs v Narrm: Ignited Dogs shun the Demons flame in last gasp win

 

Round 11
Western Bulldogs v Narrm
Sunday 24 May 2026
Marvel Stadium

 

Joel Freijah’s goal with three minutes on the clock was the final say in the game, which was almost overshadowed after Harvey Langford dropped a golden opportunity to seal the four points for the Demons, however the Dogs snuck home, winning 14.9 (93) to 13.12 (90) in a courageous victory.

 

Marcus Bontempelli and Ed Richards were simply inspirational for their side. They wore the responsibility of the performance last Saturday evening against the Blues and used it as motivation to lead their side to a vital victory.

 

Bontempelli (29 disposals and two goals) and Richards (30 disposals and three goals) pushed their bruised and battered bodies to the limit, showing their class, particularly in the big moments.

 

For the Demons, Jake Bowey (27 disposals) and Kysaiah Pickett (25 disposals and nine tackles) were influential for their side in the loss, showing a plethora of speed and class, to which when the game presented a theme of scrappiness at times, they looked to be the circuit breaker for Steven King’s men.

 

The Dogs started the contest with a tenacity that had been missing since the injury crisis has hit the club, there was clear intent to pressure the Demons and then use the ball with speed to give their forwards the best chance Infront of the sticks.

 

The Dogs lead ballooned out to 33 points deep into the second term, as Rylee West, Aaron Naughton and Arthur Jones all cashed in on smooth ball movement, lighting up the Marvel Stadium crowd with superb individual efforts at times, all finishing with two apiece.

 

The Dees however clawed their way back into the game, as the pups lack in concentration and ability to defend a run on in goals cost them a precious lead, as the lead was quickly diminished, cutting the margin to eight points and having Luke Beveridge’s men looking tensely into the rear view mirror at the main break.

 

The second half threatened much of the same, every moment when the Dogs looked to be in full control, the Dees managed to keep them honest with goals to respond. It wasn’t until Harry Sharp slotted a major in the fourth term that put the Dees in front since the first quarter to which the game looked to be heading in Melbourne’s favor.

 

Four lead changes later, and a spirited Doggies outfit, they weren’t to be denied as Freijah turned hero to put the Dogs in front. As the Dees will be made to sit back and ponder a Sunday afternoon of squandered chances in front of goal, the Dogs will enjoy their second win since round four.

 

A Dogs Observation:

 

If you’re a Dogs fan, you probably found yourself pondering where was this effort last week as the boys came out with a clear intent on Sunday afternoon.

 

For me, some of our unsung heroes on the day included the efforts of Nick Coffield, who, at times in a red, white and blue jumper has struggled to find his feet, however since coming back into the side, he presents with more confidence and a reliable one on one defensive option, he finished with 17 disposals.

 

Will Lewis up forward seems to be dividing the fan base; however, his efforts have been phenomenal since coming into the side, he finished with one goal however amassed four shots for the afternoon. His ability to be a target up the ground and create separation between him and Naughton has been vital, he also doesn’t mind the odd free kick…

 

Arthur Jones has also found his way to become a regular, he has endured some injuries this season, and at times in previous years, struggled to be involved in matches, his efforts on Sunday and for the whole of season 2026 has been extremely positive. He looks confident to use his speed as well as showing his class Infront of goals, it has been an important run of form for Arty and his future at the Kennel beyond this season, which the whole fanbase is eager to continue to see him thriving.

 

 

This week provides another great challenge against the Pies, who we seem to match up well against in the past few seasons, it is a vital game for our season, and hopefully with the inclusion of Tim English, we can set our sights on the back half of the season with some consistency in game and on the injury front.

 

Malarkey Votes:

3 VOTES – Ed Richards

2 VOTES – Marcus Bontempelli

1 VOTE – Kysaiah Pickett

 

WESTERN BULLDOGS       3.1     8.3      12.6       14.9 (93)

NARRM                             1.3     6.7     11.10      13.12 (90)

 

GOALS

Western Bulldogs: Richards 3, West 2, Naughton 2, Jones 2, Bontempelli 2, Lewis, Freijah, Croft

Narrm: Sharp 2, Langford 2, Turner, Tholstrup, Rivers, Petty, Laurie, Langdon, Gawn, Cross, Chandler

 

BEST

Western Bulldogs: Richards, Bontempelli, Sanders, Dale, Naughton, Lobb, Freijah

Narrm: Pickett, Gawn, Petty, Turner, Chandler, Langdon, Steele

 

INJURIES

Western Bulldogs: Cleary (concussion)

Narrm: Lever (concussion)

Crowd: 29,708 at Marvel Stadium

 

 

Read more from Kristian Cavallo HERE

 

To read other Round 11 match reports click HERE.

 

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Our writers are independent contributors. The opinions expressed in their articles are their own. They are not the views, nor do they reflect the views, of Malarkey Publications.

 

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