Round 18 – Western Bulldogs v West Coast: Limping Dogs claw to victory over lively Eagles.

Round 18

Western Bulldogs v West Coast
Sunday 13 July
Marvel Stadium

 

 

The Western Bulldogs have fought off a persistent West Coast outfit on Sunday afternoon at Marvel Stadium to secure their spot inside the AFL’s top 10 at the conclusion of round 18. The Dogs 16 point victory came with its challenges, however found a quick spark when it mattered winning 13.8 (86) to 9.16 (70).

 

A five goal haul from superstar forward Aaron Naughton was the difference in the game as his ferocious attack and command for the footy was deemed too powerful for a stubborn Eagles defense who couldn’t contain the Dogs high flyer in the last term.

 

Marcus Bontempelli and Ed Richards were workmen like in the midfield, and despite giving away the advantage in the ruck battle, the duo worked hard to fight for the scraps once the ball hit the ground. Bontempelli kicking two majors in the third term to go along with 25 disposals and 12 clearances as his best moments came at vital times for Luke Beveridges side.

 

Harley Reid led the way for the Eagles as he looked to break the game open midway through the third term, producing a stellar Sunday afternoon, finishing with 27 disposals, nine clearances and a goal whilst his partner in crime Willem Duursma was thrown into the middle of the ground and did more than hold his own against the Dogs stars, finishing with 20 disposals and a goal.

 

The Bulldogs seemingly looked to be in a scoring mood with four goals in quick succession in the first term as their eyes were set on a much needed percentage booster. From than however, it was the Eagles who controlled most of the game with a possessive style of play however with an ability to switch the footy and transition quickly. Albeit at times a bit messy from the boys out west, but nonetheless they had stamped authority into the contest.

 

The Dogs had no answers to exiting their defensive 50 throughout the afternoon with the Eagles setting up a brick wall it seemed at times. Brandon Starcevich was the rock to dealing with quick dump kicks from the Dogs defenders, and was in support with rebounding defenders such as Liam Baker and Tom McCarthy.

 

By the final term the game was into a complete arm wrestle as Reid goaled with a snap from an impossible angle that saw his Eagles take the lead at the beginning of the qaurter. The Dogs found the extra gear they were searching for late and was no doubt the shift Beveridge was after as they surged away kicking the next four majors.

 

Naughton again proving too strong in the air with two huge marks and a set shot from beyond the arc that sparked his side, as Arthur Jones popped up in between Naughton goals to put the margin out of reach for the gallant Eagles who will be disappointed to let the opportunity of claiming four points slip.

 

The Eagles have the tough task of taking on the reigning champions Brisbane next week whilst the Bulldogs will face a struggling Gold Coast Suns side in the sunny state next Sunday afternoon.

 

A Dogs Observation

 

Before pulling apart the game that was, a shoutout to Rylee West who responded after being omitted the week before. Playing predominantly as a midfielder West produced 23 disposals and was physical in the contest which is something the side has missed as well as showing his ability to show his speed and power through the middle, something to keep persisting with.

 

The Bulldogs simply were sluggish on Sunday with every factor of the game. Their pressure was down, intent for the footy not there, aside from a few and at times it was difficult to identify what the Dogs were trying to achieve with their ball movement.

 

The inside 50s again were down, sitting in the 40s which is simply not enough to put a score on the board against the top six teams, and the turnovers were a theme of the day, with the team producing almost 70 of them for the match.

 

The absence of Tim English again proved why he is the key to success in 2026, and even with Rory Lobb producing a brilliant performance ideally he needs to be playing full back to keep the oppositions best forward at bay.

 

Despite Sundays struggles, another four points was added to the bank and the top six in arms reach. We have put ourselves into a position that we haven’t in the past few seasons and if we can get back to the form that saw us beat Melbourne, Collingwood and Hawthorn there will no doubt be more confidence in the fan base. However for now, putting together four quarters of Bulldogs footy will be the key.

 

Malarkey Votes

 

3 VOTES – Marcus Bontempelli: Another stellar performance from the skipper who stood up with two massive goals in the third term when the game seemed to be falling apart for the Dogs. Without his efforts, it’s hard to see where the Dogs would have ended up on Sunday afternoon as the flashbacks from the 2023 loss still looming large in the minds of the fan base.

 

2 VOTES – Harley Reid: It wouldn’t be right not to give Harley any acknowledgement. From an outsiders point of view, his first few seasons looked to see him be frustrated and at times labeled immature with the way he played his footy. In 2026, he has simply taken the next step to become one of the league’s best midfielders. His attitude is top notch and his appetite to compete for his side would be considered elite. A brilliant display from Harley.

 

1 VOTE – Aaron Naughton: Aaron stepped up to the plate and delivered. He attacked the footy with a clear vigor and was ultimately the game winner in the final term, finishing with a handful for the day. A terrific performance.

 

WESTERN BULLDOGS           4.2     5.7     9.8       13.8 (86)

WEST COAST                         2.5     6.8     8.11     9.16 (70)

 

GOALS

Western Bulldogs: Naughton 5, Bontempelli 2, Jones, Croft, Williams, Richards, Lobb, Davidson

West Coast: Shanahan 2, Reid, Waterman, Williams, Cole, Graham, Murdock, Duursma

 

BEST

Western Bulldogs: Bontempelli, Naughton, Richards, Dale, West, Liberatore

West Coast: Duursma, Reid, McCarthy, Kelly, Starcevich

 

INJURIES

Western Bulldogs: Dale (TBC)

West Coast: Starcevich (eye, ankle)

 

Crowd: TBC at Marvel Stadium

 

Read other Round 18 match reports HERE

 

Read more from Kristian Cavallo 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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