Round 13
Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn Hawks
Friday, June 5th
MCG, Melbourne
The Western Bulldogs have produced a stunning second half comeback against Hawthorn at the MCG on Friday night, overturning a 29-point deficit to secure their third consecutive victory, winning 12.5 (77) to 9.17 (71).
The game was a tale of two halves as both sides enjoyed periods of dominance that left defenses under constant pressure throughout the game, with the Dogs ultimately holding their nerve in the crunch moments.
Ed Richards (28 disposals and seven clearances) was instrumental again for the Bulldogs midfield brigade, his drive through speed and his cleanliness with ball in hand allowed his side to exploit the Hawks in transition in the second half. Whilst Marcus Bontempelli (23 disposals, six clearances and two goals) produced a passionate display for his men as both sides came to blues on several occasions, kicking the go-ahead goal late in the final term as well as being key in transition through pinpoint ball use and breaking apart the stubborn Hawks defense.
Bailey Dale enjoyed an indifferent night (36 disposals, one goal and 702 meters gained), however had a few uncharacteristic turnovers late in the game, but nonetheless, was instrumental in starting the Bulldogs ball movement and was a key to adding drive from the backline all evening.
The Hawks, who seemingly looked to be running away with the game at half time, was ultimately led by their skipper Jai Newcombe, who continued his dominant form against the Bulldogs finishing with 37 disposals and 9 clearances, showing his brute force inside the stoppage to release his teammates into better positions.
Newcombe was joined by Jarman Impey (29 disposals and 407 meters gained) produced constant run and carry for the Hawks, linking up with his forwards through the night including winger Massimo D’Ambrosio (28 disposals and 628 meters gained) who was excellent in connecting with his forwards and backs.
The Hawks built their opening half lead on pressure, often forcing the Dogs into turnovers and shallow inside 50 entries where their transition game opened up Luke Beveridges side who had no answer for the five goals that was piled on them. The Dogs high defensive press played right into the Hawks hands, where speed on the ball looked like the recipe to run away with a sixth consecutive win.
The second half immediately saw a shift in intensity from the Bulldogs, who seemed to be more accountable at stoppage, as well as more focus to defend as a unit against the Hawks speed. The Pups kicked three unanswered goals to begin the term as they started to chip away at the Hawks lead as well as regaining momentum in the clearance battle that allowed them to spread from the contest to use their outside runners.
From then, the Dogs kicked eight of the last nine goals to run away with a classy performance, as Nick Coffield sealed the finishing touches on the four points with a match winning intercept as the Hawks were loading up for one last attack. His strong spoil sent the Dogs faithful into mayhem as they opened up their top four hopes again.
They will come off a short break to face the Adelaide Crows on Thursday night in search of completing the double over them in 2026, whilst Sam Mitchells Hawks will reset with the bye.
A Dogs Observation
Courageous Cody – Firstly, what an amazing achievement by Cody Weightman, following a year and a half out, countless surgeries, false starts and endless days in the unknown it was fantastic to have his energy back in the side, you could see the spark he brings to this group, and his influence in games will only continue after a positive return, which included time in the middle of the ground, potentially a point of difference heading into the back half of the season.
We all anticipated Connor Budarick to get the match up on Nick Watson who has caused us endless problems in the past, however it was Michael Sellwood who took up the responsibility. To see a guy play with a passion like his in the red, white and blue jumper for 120 minutes, it is hard to see why Sellwood can’t be a key figure in this backline for the next ten years. He balanced his game with aggression and smartness to ensure he did a diligent job on the Hawks best forward, however finding any opportunity to agitate, to which played to our advantage.
Again, Will Lewis took on the role of the antagonist, getting under the skin of Hawks captain James Sicily, and what a job he did. He managed to quell Sicily and his intercept game, he competed hard as always and provided much needed energy for his teammates, an underrated team first role from Will, he is winning over this fanbase.
Malarkey Votes
3 VOTES – Ed Richards
2 VOTES – Jai Newcombe
1 VOTE – Marcus Bontempelli
HAWTHORN 2.2 8.6 9.12 9.17 (71)
WESTERN BULLDOGS 2.0 4.3 9.4 12.5 (77)
GOALS
Hawthorn: Watson 3, Chol 3, C.Macdonald, Reeves, Day
Western Bulldogs: Croft 3, Bontempelli 2, Dale, Jones, West, Treloar, Lewis, English, Naughton
BEST
Hawthorn: Newcombe, Watson, Day, D’Ambrosio, Chol
Western Bulldogs: Richards, Bontempelli, English, Sanders, Dale, Croft
INJURIES
Hawthorn: Nil
Western Bulldogs: McNeil (concussion)
Crowd: 59,556 at the MCG
Read other round 13 match reports HERE
Read more from Kristian Cavallo HERE
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Third year university student, looking to explore my passion in writing particularly about AFL.
Thanks Kristian ,it was one of our best wins of recent times. The importance of English should never be underestimated and pleasingly Croft and Hines are starting to look like they belong along with Sanders who hasn’t played a bad game this year.
Keep up the good work.
Cheers