Western Bulldogs Tune Up for AFL Season with Commanding Victory Over Hawthorn
The Western Bulldogs have delivered a powerful statement ahead of the AFL Opening Round, overpowering Hawthorn in their final pre-season outing at Whitten Oval on Friday night. The Dogs secured a convincing 18.9 (117) to 11.7 (73) victory, showcasing their readiness for the upcoming campaign against the reigning premiers, the Brisbane Lions, at the Gabba on March 7.
Star Performances Light Up the Night
Hard-working ruckman Tim English was everywhere for the home side, tallying an impressive 23 disposals, six marks, four clearances, and two goals in an outstanding display. Emerging talent Ryley Sanders shone on a wing, contributing 26 disposals and pushing back to assist in defence, where Buku Khamis stood tall. In attack, Jordan Croft and Arthur Jones were lively, each booting three goals to bolster the scoreboard.
Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli starred early with 29 touches and six clearances, while fellow midfielders Matt Kennedy (28 disposals) and Tom Liberatore (23 disposals, two goals) were typically busy in a strong team performance. This came despite the absence of injured star forward Sam Darcy, who is in doubt to face the Lions due to back, hip, and groin soreness.
Freak Accident Mars Victory for Sanders
The night was soured late when the 21-year-old Sanders left the field after a freak accident. Hawthorn’s Harry Morrison kicked a bouncing ball in mid-air, which cannoned into the face of Sanders. The former No.6 draft pick hit the deck, looked uncomfortable, and left the field a little dazed. In a disappointing blow for the emerging star, he failed a concussion test and will now miss the start of the season proper.
Bulldogs development coach Jarryn Geary commented on the incident, stating, "He was unfortunate to get a little knock at the end of the game there, which he’s obviously getting assessed for, but he’s shown some good signs. He had a little bit of a hiccup at the back end of last year but he’s a young, developing player who wants to put his best foot forward. Tonight he showed the quality that he can be and we’re hopeful he’s going to have a real positive future for us."
Hawthorn Struggles and MRO Concerns
Hawthorn, who also feature in Opening Round against GWS at Engie Stadium on March 7, will be hopeful of producing a better performance when the real stuff starts. Nick Watson (13 disposals, two goals) was a shining light, and veteran forward Jack Gunston (three goals) played almost a lone hand in attack, where the Hawks failed to cash in on plentiful supply.
Wearing a glove to protect a broken finger, Jack Ginnivan returned to action with one goal from 12 touches, while Jai Newcombe (28 disposals), Josh Ward (22), and Connor Macdonald (22) were busy in the midfield. However, the Hawks will also be concerned about the Match Review Officer’s review, as Newcombe will come under scrutiny for a dangerous tackle on Ed Richards.
Newcombe drove Richards to the ground with an arm pinned, though Richards’ head was spared and he was uninjured. Commentator Garry Lyon noted that the tackle "ticks a lot of boxes for a suspension apart from the fact (that Richards) got up and played on." Hawks assistant coach Adrian Hickmott conceded his side didn’t make the most of its opportunities but wasn’t particularly worried about the overall performance, saying, "We’ve been training fantastic, so not at all. At times we didn’t work hard enough and they worked us over the ground, but we’re not concerned at all."
Efficient Bulldogs Control the Game
Bontempelli had 11 touches and five clearances—three out of the centre—in the first quarter alone, steering the Bulldogs to a nine-point lead at the break. Efficient in attack, the Bulldogs led 12.6 to 6.2 at halftime despite trailing the inside-50 tally 34-26. English took his game to a new level in the third term, exposing opponents Ned Reeves, Mabior Chol, and Josh Weddle around the ground.
Hawks wing Cam Mackenzie was passed a concussion test late in the match as the Bulldogs cruised to a comfortable win, setting a positive tone for their upcoming clash with the Lions.
