TAR Resolving the emptiness - Western Bulldogs

[Pie 4 Life]

February 2006

After just one year at the helm, Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade retired in a shock to everyone at the club. He cited personal issues as his reasoning, thanking the board and everyone for their help, but it was unforeseen circumstances. His replacement was a little known assistant Peter Williams who had been quietly working behind the scenes with Eade towards the Bulldogs second premiership. With not much success, Williams has stepped into the top job determined to bring the Bulldogs back into contention.

"Right now we have a lot of talented youngsters and a lot on the verge of retirement, it will be a challenge to balance that list, but I'm excited about that challenge," Williams said. "I'm sick of not filling the cabinet with premierships, and while we might be a little while off, we have to try and do everything in our power to win that elusive flag."

Williams has announced Luke Darcy will stay on as captain, with Brad Johnson, Scott West, Daniel Cross, Daniel Giansiracusa, Nathan Eagleton and Robert Murphy as others in the leadership group.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

2006 Western Bulldogs Senior Team List:

Addison, Dylan - 18yrs, 186cm, 77kg - OB 64/32... 0gm, 0gl
Baird, Travis - 19yrs, 193cm, 86kg - TF 67/9... 0gm, 0gl
Birss, Shane - 23yrs, 183cm, 80kg - OB 71/1... 48gm, 18gl
Boyd, Matthew - 23yrs, 184cm, 85kg - OB 73/1... 44 gm, 9gl
Cooney, Adam - 20yrs, 186cm, 85kg - OB 77/9... 41gm, 32gl
Cross, Daniel - 23yrs, 187cm, 82kg - OB 77/0... 46gm, 4gl
Darcy, Luke - 30yrs, 198cm, 100kg - R 78/0... 204gm, 165gl
Eagleton, Nathan - 27yrs, 180cm, 81kg - OB 77/0... 172gm, 148gl
Faulkner, Cameron - 21yrs, 179cm, 80kg - OB 69/12... 14gm, 8gl
Giansiracusa, Daniel - 25yrs, 182cm, 80kg - OB 78/0... 87gm, 83gl
Gilbeee, Linday - 24yrs, 180cm, 80kg - SB 77/0... 73gm, 43gl
Grant, Chris - 33yrs, 193cm, 99kg - TF 75/0... 312gm, 522gl
Griffen, Ryan - 19yrs, 187cm, 85kg - OB 73/20... 17gm, 7gl
Hahn, Mitch - 24yrs, 188cm, 96kg - SF 75/0... 91gm, 53gl
Hargrave, Ryan - 24yrs, 190cm, 87kg - TB 75/0... 73gm, 19gl
Harris, Brian - 24yrs, 194cm, 100kg - TB 76/0... 53gm, 8gl
Higgins, Shaun - 18yrs, 184cm, 80kg - OB 70/24... 0gm, 0gl
Johnson, Brad - 29yrs, 182cm, 80kg - SF 79/0... 254gm, 329gl
McCormack, Damien - 19yrs, 182cm, 74kg - OB 65/19... 0gm, 0gl
McGuinness, Kieran - 22yrs, 190cm, 88kg - TF 67/5... 23gm, 7gl
McMahon, Jordan - 23yrs, 186cm, 80kg - OB 76/1... 72gm, 30gl
Minson, Will - 21yrs, 199cm, 102kg - R 72/10... 22gm, 5gl
Montgomery, Brett - 32yrs, 180cm, 83kg - SB 75/0... 186gm, 105gl
Morgan, Adam - 24yrs, 195cm, 96kg - TF 68/0... 15gm, 4gl
Morris, Dale - 23yrs, 189cm, 86kg - OB 72/0... 17gm, 0gl
Murphy, Brad - 21yrs, 188cm, 85kg - OB 69/3... 7gm, 6gl
Murphy, Robert - 24yrs, 185cm, 82kg - SF 80/0... 101gm, 62gl
Power, Sam - 22yrs, 188cm, 85kg - SB 71/2... 51gm, 11gl
Ray, Farren - 20yrs, 186cm, 81kg - OB 73/11... 21gm, 8gl
Robbins, Matthew - 29yrs, 178cm, 83kg - SF 75/0... 113gm, 76gl
Skipper, Wayde - 23yrs, 193cm, 91kg - R 71/2... 26gm, 11gl
Smith, Rohan - 33yrs, 184cm, 82kg - SB 76/0... 276gm, 233gl
Street, Peter - 25yrs, 207cm, 104kg - R 71/0... 44gm, 9gl
Tiller, Stephen - 19yrs, 191cm, 82kg - TF 61/16... 0gm, 0gl
Walsh, Tim - 21yrs, 196cm, 92kg - TB 67/8... 1gm, 1gl
Wells, Jesse - 19yrs, 195cm, 95kg - TB 64/32... 0gm, 0gl
West, Michael - 19yrs, 195cm, 87kg - TF 63/26... 0gm, 0gl
West, Scott - 31yrs, 178cm, 80kg - OB 81/0... 276gm, 97gl
Wight, Cameron - 21yrs, 199cm, 93kg - R 68/6... 4gm, 0gl
Williams, Tom - 19yrs, 196cm, 94kg - TB 64/33... 0gm, 0gl

 

[Pie 4 Life]

NAB Cup - Week 1
Western Bulldogs vs West Coast at Etihad Stadium.

Dogs go down in tight contest
Four goals from forward Chris Grant was not enough to stop the Western Bulldogs going down to West Coast by five points in the first NAB Cup match of the year. Scott West showed he had not lost a bit of his grunt starting the year, racking up 32 disposals, five marks and a goal as the Dogs dominated contested possessions 88-62.

After trailing by two goals at quarter time, the Dogs scrapped back in a tight two goals to one second quarter to bring the margin back to six points. The third quarter was pretty even, with three goals each, before the Dogs again struck with a four goalsto three final quarter. Unfortunately, West Coast's scoring shots toppled the Bulldogs, booting 11.18 to 11.13 in a low scoring contest.

BULLDOGS 2.4---4.9---7.11---11.13 (79)
WEST COAST 4.4---5.9---8.13---11.18 (84)

B: Rohan Smith - Brian Harris - Jesse Wells
HB: Lindsay Gilbee - Ryan Hargrave - Jordan McMahon
C: Ryan Griffen - Nathan Eagleton - Daniel Cross
HF: Robert Murphy - Adam Morgan - Daniel Giansiracusa
F: Brad Johnson - Chris Grant - Mitch Hahn
R: Luke Darcy - Adam Cooney - Scott West
INT: Matthew Robbins - Will Minson - Matthew Boyd - Farren Ray

 

[Pie 4 Life]

Williams conceeds tough calls may need to be made at end of season
Western Bulldogs coach Peter Williams may not have even coached an official game, but has already put his side on notice. In what was a quick transition from Rodney Eade to Williams, the new coach has conceeded that the age profile of the list was skewed.

"We have a number of players that are winding down, while a number of players are just starting their careers," he said. "We need more players in that 24-27 bracket. Now there's two ways to do that, you trade for them, or wait for your players to develop. I think we'll do a bit of both."

When asked why he was addressing it so early, Williams was blunt. "A lot of coaches wait until there's a few weeks left to say "let's assess the list" and then players play above themselves for a contact," he said. "What I'm looking for is to say 'right, we've got 22 weeks to assess our list and our future direction' and from there we can work out where we want to go."

Asked what he would look for in particular, Williams said the club had to target talls. "I think we have a lot of talented smalls around the ground, but look up forward and you've got Chris Grant and a bunch of kids," he said. "We need a strong power forward who can guide them once Chris has given it away. Up the other end, we need that extra strong defender because we have a number of quick talls, but Brian Harris is the only strong one-on-one tall so that's another area to work out. Finally, we should be looking for backup in the ruck because once Luke Darcy's gone, big Will Minson is rucking solo and we need to have insurance. It will be an interesting season, that's for sure."

Williams indicated he would select his team on a "horses for courses" basis.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

Round 1
St Kilda vs Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.​

B: Rohan Smith - Brian Harris - Tom Williams
HB: Lindsay Gilbee - Ryan Hargrave - Jordan McMahon
C: Ryan Griffen - Nathan Eagleton - Daniel Cross
HF: Robert Murphy - Will Minson - Daniel Giansiracusa
F: Brad Johnson - Chris Grant - Mitch Hahn
R: Luke Darcy - Adam Cooney - Scott West
INT: Matthew Robbins - Dale Morris - Matthew Boyd - Farren Ray

Saints too much for Dogs
Western Bulldogs lack of firepower was on show against St Kilda, with the Dogs going down by 54 points in the opening match of the season. Adam Cooney (31 disposals, five marks and a goal) and Nathan Eagleton (28 disposals and six marks) were the top players for the losers.

The Saints controlled the game from start to finish, but a six goals to two second quarter, put them out to a 39-point lead at half-time, before an eight goals to five second half, in particular a five goals to two last term saw teh margin blow out.

Chris Grant was again the sole target up forward, booting three goals, while Will Minson booted two at centre half forward. A restructure of the forward line might be required because the small forawrds all kicked one goal between them.

BULLDOGS 2.1---4.3---7.7---9.10 (64)
ST KILDA 4.2---10.6---13.7---18.10 (118)

Goals: Grant (3), Minson (2), Giansiracusa, Harris, Cooney, West.

Disposals: Cooney (31), Eagleton (28), Murphy (22), Giansiracusa (21), Gilbee (20), West (20)

Injuries: Nil.

Reports: Nil.

BEST & FAIREST VOTES:
5 - Adam Cooney
4 - Daniel Giansiracusa
3 - Scott West
2 - Robert Murphy
1 - Brian Harris

 

[Pie 4 Life]

Round 2
Richmond vs Western Bulldogs at MCG.​

B: Rohan Smith - Brian Harris - Tom Williams
HB: Lindsay Gilbee - Ryan Hargrave - Jordan McMahon
C: Ryan Griffen - Nathan Eagleton - Daniel Cross
HF: Robert Murphy - Chris Grant - Daniel Giansiracusa
F: Brad Johnson - Stephen Tiller - Will Minson
R: Luke Darcy - Adam Cooney - Scott West
INT: Matthew Robbins - Dale Morris - Matthew Boyd - Farren Ray

IN: Stephen Tiller, Damien McCormack
OUT: Mitch Hahn, Matthew Boyd

Tigers punish inaccurate Dogs
AN inaccurate Western Bulldogs side has thrown away the chance of victory, going down to Richmond by three points at the MCG. After being level at quarter time, the Bulldogs booted 2.7 to 3.0 to miss the opportunity to put on a strong lead at the main break and instead lead by one point.

After half-time, a shocking third quarter saw the Bulldogs again wasteful in front of goal bootiung 5.8 to 4.2 to lead by 13 points going into the final quarter. The inaccuracy came back to bite them in the last, with a seven goals to five final term for the Tigers to overrun them by three points.

A sour note adding to the loss was Will Minson injuring his knee and would miss half the season with a knee reconstruction. One the plus side, Chris Grant and Daniel Giansiracusa were busy, yet inaccurate, booting 6.9 beween them from their 38 disposals and 19 marks. Scott West, Daniel Cross and Nathan Eagleton were also impressive in the loss.

15. BULLDOGS 3.5---5.12---10.20---15.22 (112)
14. RICHMOND 3.5---6.5---10.7---17.13 (115)

Goals: Grant (3), Giansiracusa (3), Johnson (2), Minson, Tiller, Eagleton, Hargrave, Williams, Darcy, Ray.

Disposals: West (29), Cross (28), Eagleton (25), Cooney (24), Griffen (21), Giansiracusa (20), Murphy (20)

Injuries: Will Minson - Knee Reconstruction (12)

Reports: Nil.

BEST & FAIREST VOTES:
5 - Chris Grant
4 - Daniel Cross
3 - Scott West
2 - Daniel Giansiracusa
1 - Ryan Griffen

 

[Pie 4 Life]

Round 3
Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs at MCG.​

B: Rohan Smith - Brian Harris - Jesse Wells
HB: Lindsay Gilbee - Ryan Hargrave - Jordan McMahon
C: Ryan Griffen - Nathan Eagleton - Daniel Cross
HF: Robert Murphy - Chris Grant - Daniel Giansiracusa
F: Brad Johnson - Adam Morgan - Stephen Tiller
R: Luke Darcy - Adam Cooney - Scott West
INT: Cameron Faulkner - Dale Morris - Matthew Boyd - Farren Ray

IN: Adam Morgan, Cameron Faulkner, Jesse Wells
OUT: Will Minson (Injured), Matthew Robbins, Tom Williams

Melbourne demonise Dogs
MELBOURNE has put Western Bulldogs to the sword with a commanding 44-point win at the MCG. An broken hand to Jordan McMahon and a report to Stephen Tiller made the result worse for the Bulldogs, who were blown away in the last quater.

An inaccurate start saw the Bulldogs kick 1.5 to Melbourne's 4.5, before trailing by 25 points at half-time. A third quarter spur saw the Bulldogs kick 5.0 to Melbourne's 3.2 to narrow the margin to 15 points. But an eight goals to three final term saw the Demons run away with an impressive win.

Adam Morgan was a strong inclusion, booting three goals, while Nathan Eagleton and Brad Johnson found plenty of the footy. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, Scott West and Chris Grant were well held on the day.

13. BULLDOGS 1.5---4.9---9.9---12.12 (84)
3. MELBOURNE 4.5---8.10---11.12---19.14 (128)

Goals: Morgan (3), Johnson (2), Tiller (2), West (2), Murphy, Grant, Hargrave.

Disposals: Johnson (23), Eagleton (22), Cooney (20)

Injuries: Jordan McMahon - Broken Hand (4)

Reports: Stephen Tiller - Elbowing (3)

BEST & FAIREST VOTES:
5 - Brad Johnson
4 - Nathan Eagleton
3 - Stephen Tiller
2 - Adam Cooney
1 - Ryan Hargrave

 

[Pie 4 Life]

Round 4
Western Bulldogs vs Brisbane at Etihad Stadium.​

B: Rohan Smith - Jesse Wells - Ryan Hargrave
HB: Lindsay Gilbee - Brian Harris - Dale Morris
C: Ryan Griffen - Nathan Eagleton - Daniel Cross
HF: Robert Murphy - Chris Grant - Daniel Giansiracusa
F: Brad Johnson - Adam Morgan - Travis Baird
R: Luke Darcy - Adam Cooney - Scott West
INT: Cameron Faulkner - Wayde Skipper - Matthew Boyd - Farren Ray

IN: Travis Baird, Wayde Skipper
OUT: Jordan McMahon (Injured), Stephen Tiller (Suspended)

Dogs finally have last bark
NEW Western Bulldogs coach Peter Williams celebrated his first win with an upset victory over Brisbane by seven points at Etihad Stadium. The Dogs led at quarter time by nine points, but a four goals to two second quarter saw the Lions regain a five-point half-time lead.

Brisbane extended that lead to what looked like a match winning four-goal margin, but a seven goals to two last quarter comeback saw the Western Bulldogs regain the lead late and and Adam Morgan goal sealed the win. Robert Murphy was impressive up forward with 22 disposals and seven marks, while Adam Morgan booted four goals but injured his quad.

Luke Darcy was dominant in the ruck, while Nathan Eagleton, Scott West and Adam Cooney were impressive around the ground in the win. It was the Dogs' first win from four attempts so far this season.

14. BULLDOGS 4.3---6.9---10.12---17.14 (116)
4. BRISBANE 3.0---7.8---14.12---16.13 (109)

Goals: Morgan (4), West (3), Johnson (2), Grant (2), Baird, Murphy, Cross, Eagleton, Cooney.

Disposals: Eagleton (29), West (28), Cooney (25), Murphy (22), Cross (20)

Injuries: Adam Morgan - Strained Quadricep (1)

Reports: Nil.

BEST & FAIREST VOTES:
5 - Scott West
4 - Nathan Eagleton
3 - Robert Murphy
2 - Adam Morgan
1 - Adam Cooney

 

[Pie 4 Life]

Round 5
Hawthorn vs Western Bulldogs at MCG.​

B: Sam Power - Brian Harris - Jesse Wells
HB: Lindsay Gilbee - Ryan Hargrave - Dale Morris
C: Ryan Griffen - Nathan Eagleton - Daniel Cross
HF: Robert Murphy - Chris Grant - Daniel Giansiracusa
F: Brad Johnson - Tim Walsh - Travis Baird
R: Luke Darcy - Adam Cooney - Scott West
INT: Cameron Faulkner - Wayde Skipper - Matthew Boyd - Farren Ray

IN: Tim Walsh, Sam Power
OUT: Adam Morgan (Injured), Rohan Smith

Hawks edge out Bulldogs
HAWTHORN has just managed to knock off Western Bulldogs in a tight seven-point encounter. Peter Williams's decision to start key defender Tim Walsh at full forward worked a treat, as he booted five goals on the day.

It was the first quarter that set the win up for Hawthorn, booting 5.3 to 0.4, before the Bulldogs booted five goals to two in the second to bring the margin back to eight points by half-time. A tight second half saw both sides kick nine goals, but Hawthorn were more accurate and it helped them colelct the four points.

Adam Cooney had 29 disposals, with Daniel Cross and Scott West finished with 24 each. Rob Murphy was again impressive with 21 disposals, five marks and two goals.

13. BULLDOGS 0.4---5.7---8.9---14.13 (97)
11. HAWTHORN 5.3---7.3---11.7---16.8 (104)

Goals: Walsh (5), Gilbee (3), Murphy (2), Johnson, Grant, Griffen, West.

Disposals: Cooney (29), Cross (24), West (24), Murphy (21)

Injuries: Nil.

Reports: Nil.

BEST & FAIREST VOTES:
5 - Adam Cooney
4 - Scott West
3 - Rob Murphy
2 - Tim Walsh
1 - Daniel Cross

 

[Pie 4 Life]

Round 6
Port Adelaide vs Western Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval.​

B: Sam Power - Jesse Wells - Rohan Smith
HB: Lindsay Gilbee - Brian Harris - Dale Morris
C: Ryan Griffen - Nathan Eagleton - Daniel Cross
HF: Robert Murphy - Chris Grant - Daniel Giansiracusa
F: Brad Johnson - Tim Walsh - Adam Morgan
R: Luke Darcy - Adam Cooney - Scott West
INT: Cameron Faulkner - Wayde Skipper - Shaun Higgins - Farren Ray

IN: Adam Morgan, Rohan Smith, Shaun Higgins
OUT: Travis Baird, Ryan Hargrave, Damien McCormack

Wounded Dogs fall to Power
WESTERN Bulldogs' disappointing start to the season has continued with a 37-point loss to Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval. A slow start which saw teh Dogs trail by 39 points by half-time was attributed to the loss, as both sides booted 10 goals after the main break, but the Dogs' defence was not as settled as usual, letting through 20 goals in the loss.

Adam Cooney collected 23 disposals in the loss, while Robert Murphy was the Dogs' best with 22 disposals, five marks and four goals. Chris Grant took 13 marks and booted two goals in an admirable performance, while Luke Darcy was strong in the ruck.

Brian Harris was reported for charging and will miss weeks, while Cameron Faulkner and Daniel Cross injured themselves in the clash.

14. BULLDOGS 3.0---4.4---11.7---14.11 (95)
15. PORT ADELAIDE 6.5---10.7---13.10---20.12 (132)

Goals: Murphy (4), Walsh (2), Giansiracusa (2), Grant (2), Johnson, Morgan, Eagleton, Smith.

Disposals: Cooney (23), Murphy (22), Griffen (21), Eagleton (21), Cross (20)

Injuries: Daniel Cross - Corked Thigh (0), Cameron Faulkner - Strained Groin (3)

Reports: Brian Harris - Charging (2)

BEST & FAIREST VOTES:
5 - Robert Murphy
4 - Chris Grant
3 - Adam Cooney
2 - Brian Harris
1 - Nathan Eagleton

 

[Pie 4 Life]

My Internet has been stuffing up and I accidentally edited the Round 4 clash with the Round 7 and I actually won by Round 4 one against Brisbane, but sit 1-6 now.

 

[Dannnnnnnnnn]

My Internet has been stuffing up and I accidentally edited the Round 4 clash with the Round 7 and I actually won by Round 4 one against Brisbane, but sit 1-6 now.

I can revert it to its pre-edit form if you'd like. Up to you.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

Round 7
Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood at Etihad Stadium.

B: Rohan Smith - Ryan Hargrave - Sam Power
HB: Lindsay Gilbee - Jesse Wells - Dale Morris
C: Ryan Griffen - Nathan Eagleton - Daniel Cross
HF: Robert Murphy - Chris Grant - Daniel Giansiracusa
F: Brad Johnson - Tim Walsh - Adam Morgan
R: Luke Darcy - Adam Cooney - Scott West
INT: Brad Murphy - Wayde Skipper - Shaun Higgins - Farren Ray

IN: Brad Murphy, Ryan Hargrave, Sam Power
OUT: Cameron Faulkner (Injured), Brian Harris (Suspended), Matthew Boyd

Magpies overrun Bulldogs
COLLINGWOOD has overrun a strong-starting Bulldogs line-up to record a comfortable 25-point win at Etihad Stadium. The Bulldogs were good early, booting 5.0 to 3.5 in the first term and held a six-point lead at half-time. After the main break however, the Magpies dominated, booting eight goals to three and ran away with the match.

Robert Murphy was best on ground with 29 disposals, 11 marks and a goal, while Luke Darcy and Dale Morris were also impressive. Too many key Dogs were kept quiet however as the Magpies dominated the clearances 34-20 despite the Dogs winning the contested possession count 89-77.

15. BULLDOGS 5.0---9.1---9.5---12.5 (77)
5. COLLINGWOOD 3.5---7.7---11.9---15.12 (102)

Goals: Walsh (2), Grant (2), Darcy (2), Morgan, Murphy, Giansiracusa, Cross, Power, Cooney.

Disposals: Murphy (29), Eagleton (20), Morris (20)

Injuries: Nil.

Reports: Nil.

BEST & FAIREST VOTES:
5 - Robert Murphy
4 - Luke Darcy
3 - Dale Morris
2 - Nathan Eagleton
1 - Scott West

 

[Pie 4 Life]

I can revert it to its pre-edit form if you'd like. Up to you.

Thanks that would be great. I've posted the Round 7 one again now so all good to revert. I don't know if its possible, but if at all the posts could be shuffled so Round 7 naturally goes between Round 6 and Round 8, that would be awesome. But if not, that's cool, no big deal

 

[Dannnnnnnnnn]

Thanks that would be great. I've posted the Round 7 one again now so all good to revert. I don't know if its possible, but if at all the posts could be shuffled so Round 7 naturally goes between Round 6 and Round 8, that would be awesome. But if not, that's cool, no big deal

Don't think I can do that, but you could always re-post 8 and 9 then delete the previous versions of 8 and 9. Would have the same effect.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

Round 8
Western Bulldogs vs Fremantle at Etihad Stadium.​

B: Rohan Smith - Ryan Hargrave - Tom Williams
HB: Matthew Boyd - Jesse Wells - Dale Morris
C: Ryan Griffen - Nathan Eagleton - Daniel Cross
HF: Robert Murphy - Chris Grant - Daniel Giansiracusa
F: Brad Johnson - Tim Walsh - Adam Morgan
R: Luke Darcy - Adam Cooney - Scott West
INT: Brad Murphy - Peter Street - Shaun Higgins - Farren Ray

IN: Peter Street, Matthew Boyd, Tom Williams
OUT: Wayde Skipper, Sam Power, Lindsay Gilbee

Bulldogs obliterate Dockers for second win
WESTERN Bulldogs gained some vital percentage back with a huge 81-point belting of Fremantle, to jump off the bottom and leap frog the Dockers. After booting five goals to one in the first quarter and four goals to two in the second, the Dogs opened up a very handy 38-point lead at half-time. After the main break they went on with the job, kicking eight goals to two in a dominant, yet slighly inaccurate display. Tim Walsh was the main culprit, booting 1.5, but Adam Morgan managed three goals with Daniel Giansiracusa, Nathan Eagleton and Scott West all kicking multiple goals.

Scott West was the star of the day, also collecting 28 disposals, while Robert Murphy and Daniel Cross were also busy and Luke Darcy was strong in the ruck. They were still well beaten in the clearances 32-20, which would raise some concerns for the Dogs coaching staff.

16. BULLDOGS 5.3---9.8---14.18---17.18 (120)
15. FREMANTLE 1.4---3.6---4.7---5.9 (39)

Goals: Morgan (3), Giansiracusa (2), Eagleton (2), West (2), Johnson, Walsh, Grant, Griffen, Wells, Cooney, Murphy, Ray.

Disposals: West (28), Eagleton (25), Murphy (23), Cross (23), Griffen (20)

Injuries: Nil.

Reports: Nil.

BEST & FAIREST VOTES:
5 - Scott West
4 - Nathan Eagleton
3 - Luke Darcy
2 - Daniel Cross
1 - Adam Morgan

 

[Pie 4 Life]

Round 9
West Coast vs Western Bulldogs at Subiaco.​

B: Rohan Smith - Brian Harris - Ryan Hargrave
HB: Matthew Boyd - Jesse Wells - Dale Morris
C: Ryan Griffen - Nathan Eagleton - Daniel Cross
HF: Robert Murphy - Chris Grant - Daniel Giansiracusa
F: Brad Johnson - Tim Walsh - Adam Morgan
R: Luke Darcy - Adam Cooney - Scott West
INT: Brad Murphy - Peter Street - Shaun Higgins - Dylan Addison

IN: Brian Harris, Dylan Addison
OUT: Tom Williams, Farren Ray

Bulldogs shock top-of-the-table Eagles
WESTERN Bulldogs have stunned the football world, pulling off one of the all-time great upsets, defeating top-of-the-table West Coast at Subiaco by 15 points. The Dogs themselves sat 15th and had seemingly barely given a yelp this season, but they stood up against the Eagles despite trailing early.

The Eagles led by eight points at quarter time and 13 points at half-time as it looked like they would edge away. But a five goals to two third term to the Bulldogs saw them hit the front at the last break by six points. They continued on in the last quarter, booting six goals to four to win in sensational style.

Chris Grant booted five goals, while Tim Walsh managed three in the win. Ryan Griffen played his best game of the year with 24 disposals and five marks, while Nathan Eagleton, Adam Cooney and Luke Darcy were superb again. The Dogs lost the clearances again but found it a lot more even, going down 34-42.

15. BULLDOGS 3.4---6.7---11.10---17.11 (113)
1. WEST COAST 5.0---8.8---10.10---14.14 (98)

Goals: Grant (5), Morgan (3), Wells (2), Johnson, Morgan, Cross, Smith, Harris, Cooney, West.

Disposals: Eagleton (25), Griffen (24), Cooney (24), West (22)

Injuries: Nil.

Reports: Nil.

BEST & FAIREST VOTES:
5 - Chris Grant
4 - Luke Darcy
3 - Adam Cooney
2 - Nathan Eagleton
1 - Ryan Griffen

 

[Pie 4 Life]

Round 10
Western Bulldogs vs North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.​

B: Rohan Smith - Brian Harris - Ryan Hargrave
HB: Matthew Boyd - Jesse Wells - Dale Morris
C: Ryan Griffen - Nathan Eagleton - Daniel Cross
HF: Robert Murphy - Chris Grant - Daniel Giansiracusa
F: Brad Johnson - Tim Walsh - Adam Morgan
R: Luke Darcy - Adam Cooney - Scott West
INT: Brad Murphy - Peter Street - Shane Birss - Dylan Addison

IN: Shane Birss, Brett Mongomery
OUT: Shaun Higgins, Rohan Smith

Kangaroos start secures win
NORTH Melbourne's seven goals to four first quarter helped set up an important 34-point victory over Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium. By half-time, the Kangaroos led by 35 points and it was always going to be tough for the Dogs from there. The Dogs booted three goals to two in the third to reduce the margin to 29 points, but a secure two goals to one final term saw the Roos run away victors.

Jesse Wells was instrumental at half back with 23 disposals and 14 marks, while Chris Grant was strong at centre half forward with 18 disposals, seven marks and two goals. Scott West and Daniel Cross were well held, with Ryan Griffen and Nathan Eagleton the strongest midfielders.

13. BULLDOGS 4.3---6.4---9.7---10.12 (72)
11. KANGAROOS 7.3---11.9---13.12---15.16 (106)

Goals: Morgan (2), Walsh (2), Johnson, Murphy, Eagleton, Boyd.

Disposals: Griffen (23), Wells (23), Eagleton (20)

Injuries: Nil.

Reports: Nil.

BEST & FAIREST VOTES:
5 - Jesse Wells
4 - Chris Grant
3 - Ryan Griffen
2 - Nathan Eagleton
1 - Luke Darcy

 

[Pie 4 Life]

Round 11
Adelaide vs Western Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval.​

B: Rohan Smith - Brian Harris - Ryan Hargrave
HB: Matthew Boyd - Jesse Wells - Dale Morris
C: Ryan Griffen - Nathan Eagleton - Daniel Cross
HF: Robert Murphy - Chris Grant - Daniel Giansiracusa
F: Brad Johnson - Tim Walsh - Travis Baird
R: Luke Darcy - Adam Cooney - Scott West
INT: Mitch Hahn - Peter Street - Shane Birss - Dylan Addison

IN: Mitch Hahn, Travis Baird
OUT: Brad Murphy, Adam Morgan

Crows too good despite Baird haul
ADELAIDE has secured an important 44-point win over the Western Bulldogs despite five goals from key forward inclusion Travis Baird. The Crows came back from 23 points down at half-time to kick 14 goals to three in the second half to run away with the win.

Travis Baird collected 23 disposals, five marks and kicked five goals in a dominating display, while Luke Darcy had 33 hitouts to go with his 18 disposals and nine marks and a goal. Scott West and Adam Cooney collected 24 and 22 disposals between them to be the top mids, while Chris Grant imposed himself on the contest with 10 marks from his 17 disposals.

15. BULLDOGS 4.0---10.4---10.5---13.8 (86)
11. ADELAIDE 4.3---6.5---11.8---20.10 (130)

Goals: Baird (5), Walsh (2), Johnson, Grant, Eagleton, Wells, Darcy, Cooney.

Disposals: West (24), Baird (23), Cooney (22)

Injuries: Nil.

Reports: Nil.

BEST & FAIREST VOTES:
5 - Travis Baird
4 - Luke Darcy
3 - Chris Grant
2 - Scott West
1 - Adam Cooney

 

[Pie 4 Life]

BEST & FAIREST UPDATE - 11 ROUNDS

Scott West 23
Chris Grant 21
Adam Cooney 20
Nathan Eagleton 19
Robert Murphy 18
Luke Darcy 16
Daniel Cross 7
Daniel Giansiracusa 6
Ryan Griffen 5
Brad Johnson 5
Jesse Wells 5
Travis Baird 5
Brian Harris 3
Stephen Tiller 3
Adam Morgan 3
Dale Morris 3
Tim Walsh 2
Ryan Hargrave 1​

 

[Pie 4 Life]

LADDER AFTER ROUND 11​

1 West Coast 9-2 119.91% 36
2 Collingwood 9-2 117.03% 36
3 St Kilda 7-4 110.06% 28
4 Essendon 6-5 113.40% 24
5 Melbourne 6-5 112.20% 24
6 Kangaroos 5-4-2 101.37% 24
7 Port Adelaide 5-5-1 112.10% 22
8 Sydney 5-5-1 103.20% 22
---
9 Carlton 5-5-1 90.11% 22
10 Brisbane 5-6 103.98% 20
11 Adelaide 5-6 93.31% 20
12 Richmond 5-6 84.48% 20
13 Geelong 4-6-1 94.23% 18
14 Hawthorn 4-7 87.21% 16
15 BULLDOGS 3-8 87.72% 12
16 Fremantle 2-9 80.63% 8

 

[Pie 4 Life]

Round 12
Geelong vs Western Bulldogs at Simonds Stadium.​

B: Lindsay Gilbee - Brian Harris - Ryan Hargrave
HB: Jordan McMahon - Jesse Wells - Dale Morris
C: Ryan Griffen - Nathan Eagleton - Daniel Cross
HF: Robert Murphy - Chris Grant - Matthew Robbins
F: Brad Johnson - Tim Walsh - Travis Baird
R: Luke Darcy - Adam Cooney - Scott West
INT: Mitch Hahn - Peter Street - Shane Birss - Dylan Addison

IN: Lindsay Gilbee, Jordan McMahon, Wayde Skipper, Matthew Robbins
OUT: Brett Montgomery, Matthew Boyd, Peter Street, Daniel Giansiracusa

Cats continue to pile on Bulldogs pain
GEELONG continued Western Bulldogs streak of losses, with a seven-goal victory at Simonds Stadium. The Cats led by 11 points at quarter time, before a four goals to two second quarter by the Bulldogs saw the away side hit the front by two points. A strong third quarter saw both sides go on the attack with six goals each, but the Cats led by a point into the final term. In the last quarter, Geelong smashed the Bulldogs with a seven goals to one final quarter to run away 42-point winners.

Western Bulldogs were smashed in the clearances once again 42-24, and beaten narrowly in the contested possession count. Scott West, Adam Cooney and Nathan Eagleton all found plenty of the football however, while Luke Darcy had 24 hitouts in the ruck. Tim Walsh top scoted with three goals, while Robert Murphy booted two goals from 20 disposals.

15. BULLDOGS 3.1---7.6---13.6---14.6 (90)
13. GEELONG 4.6---6.10---12.13---19.18 (132)

Goals: Walsh (3), Johnson (2), Murphy (2), Robbins (2), Grant (2), Gilbee (2), Eagleton.

Disposals: West (27), Cooney (25), Eagleton (24), Murphy (20)

Injuries: Nil.

Reports: Nil.

BEST & FAIREST VOTES:
5 - Scott West
4 - Adam Cooney
3 - Nathan Eagleton
2 - Robert Murphy
1 - Chris Grant

 

[Pie 4 Life]

Round 13
Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.​

B: Lindsay Gilbee - Jesse Wells - Ryan Hargrave
HB: Jordan McMahon - Brian Harris - Dale Morris
C: Ryan Griffen - Nathan Eagleton - Shaun Higgins
HF: Robert Murphy - Chris Grant - Matthew Robbins
F: Brad Johnson - Tim Walsh - Travis Baird
R: Luke Darcy - Adam Cooney - Scott West
INT: Mitch Hahn - Peter Street - Shane Birss - Dylan Addison

IN: Farren Ray, Shaun Higgins
OUT: Shane Birss, Daniel Cross

Bulldogs notch up fourth win in tight contest
WESTERN Bulldogs took home the four points on just the fourth occasion this season, defeating Carlton by eight points at Etihad Stadium. The Blues led by 10 points at quarter time and 12 points at half-time, but the third term belonged to the Dogs, who kicked five goals to two, to open up an eight-point lead. The last quarter was tight, with both teams kicking three goals and the Bulldogs held onto that eight-point margin to secure the four points.

Luke Darcy was imposing the ruck with 24 hitouts to go with his 17 disposals and 12 marks, while Scott West was impressive again with 25 disposals and three marks, but Nathan Eagleton was the star of the day with a season team-high of 36 disposals, three marks and a goal. Up forward, it was a team effort with 10 individual goal scorers for the game.

15. BULLDOGS 3.0---6.1---11.6---14.7 (91)
11. CARLTON 4.4---7.7---9.10---12.11 (83)

Goals: Walsh (2), Griffen (2), Morris (2), Cooney (2), Johnson, Murphy, Robbins, Grant, Eagleton, Hahn.

Disposals: Eagleton (36), West (25)

Injuries: Luke Darcy - Foot (2)

Reports: Nil.

BEST & FAIREST VOTES:
5 - Nathan Eagleton
4 - Luke Darcy
3 - Scott West
2 - Dale Morris
1 - Travis Baird

 

[Pie 4 Life]

Round 14
Western Bulldogs vs Essendon at Etihad Stadium.​

B: Lindsay Gilbee - Brian Harris - Ryan Hargrave
HB: Jordan McMahon - Jesse Wells - Dale Morris
C: Ryan Griffen - Nathan Eagleton - Shaun Higgins
HF: Robert Murphy - Chris Grant - Matthew Robbins
F: Brad Johnson - Adam Morgan - Travis Baird
R: Peter Street - Adam Cooney - Scott West
INT: Mitch Hahn - Wayde Skipper - Shane Birss - Dylan Addison

IN: Adam Morgan, Peter Street
OUT: Tim Walsh, Luke Darcy (Injured)

Heartbreak for Dogs as Bombers secure narrow win
WESTERN Bulldogs have fallen two points short as Essendon overran them in the final quarter. The Dogs booted five goals to two, leading by 16 points at the first change. A three goals to one second term reduced the deficit to one point for the Bombers before the Dogs opened up a four-point lead going into the last courtesy of a two goals apiece quarter. The Bombers managed an extra goal in the final term to win the quarter five goals to four and win by two points.

Dylan Addison tore a hamstring and will miss a month much to the disappointment of Doggies fans. Ryan Griffen booted two goals from 22 disposals and five marks, while Matthew Robbins collected 25 disposals, three marks and booted a goal. Ruck inclusion Peter Street was strong around the ground with 15 touches, 11 marks, 15 hitouts and a goal.

14. BULLDOGS 5.0---6.0---8.4---12.5 (77)
4. ESSENDON 2.2---5.5---7.6---12.7 (79)

Goals: Murphy (2), Grant (2), Griffen (2), Morgan, Robbins, McMahon, Harris, Street, Cooney.

Disposals: Robbins (25), Griffen (22), Morris (22), Cooney (22), McMahon (21)

Injuries: Dylan Addison - Torn Hamstring (4)

Reports: Nil.

BEST & FAIREST VOTES:
5 - Ryan Griffen
4 - Matthew Robbins
3 - Peter Street
2 - Robert Murphy
1 - Adam Cooney

 

[Pie 4 Life]

Round 15
Western Bulldogs vs Sydney at Etihad Stadium.​

B: Lindsay Gilbee - Brian Harris - Ryan Hargrave
HB: Jordan McMahon - Jesse Wells - Dale Morris
C: Ryan Griffen - Nathan Eagleton - Daniel Giansiracusa
HF: Robert Murphy - Chris Grant - Matthew Robbins
F: Brad Johnson - Adam Morgan - Travis Baird
R: Peter Street - Adam Cooney - Scott West
INT: Mitch Hahn - Wayde Skipper - Shane Birss - Shaun Higgins

IN: Daniel Giansiracusa
OUT: Dylan Addison (Injured)

Hall boots eight as Swans sink Dogs
BARRY Hall proved a handful for the Dogs defenders as he booted eight goals in Sydney's 20-point win over the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium. The Bulldogs had the early advantage, leading by a point at half-time then a six goals to two second quarter extended that margin to 24 points by the main break. A dominant second half by the Swans saw Sydney boot 12 goals to five and run away with teh match. Barry Hall's eight goals was accompanied by four from Adam Goodes.

For the Dogs, Nathan Eagleton collected 30 disposals, while Jordan McMahon managed 26. Peter Street was again dominant in the ruck with 23 hitouts, while Adam Morgan was the key target up forward, booting four goals.

15. BULLDOGS 2.2---8.7---11.10---13.11 (89)
7. SYDNEY 2.1---4.7---12.10---16.13 (109)

Goals: Morgan (4), Johnson (2), Robbins, Grant, Griffen, Morris, Street, Cooney, Ray.

Disposals: Eagleton (30), McMahon (26), Cooney (22)

Injuries: Nathan Eagleton - Twisted Ankle (0)

Reports: Nil.

BEST & FAIREST VOTES:
5 - Nathan Eagleton
4 - Jordan McMahon
3 - Peter Street
2 - Adam Cooney
1 - Jesse Wells