Western Bulldogs hang on to keep pressure on Carlton and Richmond
The Western Bulldogs have kept their slim finals hopes alive with a brave five-point win against a persistent Giants line-up that refused to give up as they attempted to end the season of their arch rivals early.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan kicked the only goal of the final quarter to put the Bulldogs in front and his teammates held on for the final 10 minutes to keep the pressure on Carlton and Richmond to win a game to qualify for finals.
Aaron Naughton looks to spoil Harry Perryman during the Bulldogs’ win over the Giants.Credit:Getty Images
It was not a performance that will give the Bulldogs any confidence they can do damage in the finals, but it was enough to push them to 11 wins, just behind the Blues and the Tigers.
The match was decided in an electrifying patch midway through the third quarter. The Bulldogs doubled their score with four goals in as many minutes as Tim English, Bailey Smith and the older Bailey, Williams, took control of the game.
They shared the goals and the ball with English, starting the avalanche that turned a nine-point deficit into a 15-point lead. The crowd was roaring as the Bulldogs’ blitzkrieg restored finals hopes.
Then Ed Richards tried a brave kick from the back pocket which was turned over and led to Nick Haynes kicking his first goal for the season and the Giants showed they weren’t in the mood to give up.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan enjoys the moment after kicking a goal.Credit:AFL Photos
Led superbly by Josh Kelly, who picked up 12 disposals for the quarter, they fought back through goals to Jesse Hogan and Lachie Keeffe to take a lead into the final quarter. At that point those in the ground hushed, as though the police had entered the party to shut down the music.
But they persisted despite a Giants’ game plan that saw more marks at the ground than a boys secondary school in the mid-80s, with the Giants finishing with a remarkable 165 marks for the game.
The first half was a dispiriting spectacle as the Giants went back and forth to each other sideways, recording 92 marks. Their switches did not suddenly explode into fast forays forward that put pressure on the Bulldogs.
The theory to pick holes in an unaccountable Bulldogs’ defence might have been sound but the players were overly compliant and risk averse.
It was sad to watch the talent on the park engage in such a contest, with the once feared Giant tsunami becoming the Giant whirlpool as they went around in circles and failed to worry the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs weren’t exactly spectacular but at least they tried to score, with Ugle-Hagan continuing to impress inside 50 as running defenders Bailey Dale and Caleb Daniel looked to find teammates forward of the ball.
With Aaron Naughton down on form, the Bulldogs struggled to make the Giants pay when they regained possession as Sam Taylor and Nick Haynes are excellent defenders and Callum Brown played with desperation and poise.
However, it wasn’t enough to upset the Bulldogs who managed to rebound out of a Giants attack that lacked smalls because of injury and was unable to defend.
The Bulldogs need to improve and may find Zaine Cordy in strife with the match review officer after an incident in the last quarter but they will learn plenty to draw on in 2023, while the Giants look ripe for a new coach with the talent undeniable.
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