This is shaping up to be an intriguing clash, judging by the ebbs and flows of the first term.
The Western Bulldogs loaded up inside attacking 50, but it wasn't the scoring prowess of Aaron Naughton, Sam Darcy and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan that got the job done early on. Instead, Naughton, returning from an MCL strain that sidelined him for three weeks, pounced on a loose ball about 20 yards from goal and really smashed home from a tight right-footed angle, before for Ugle-Hagan to have a moment Dustin Martin would have been proud. of
Marcus Bontempelli of the Bulldogs throws the ball.Credit: AFL photos via Getty Images
Marcus Bontempelli, cleared to play after a week with a back injury, had flicked the ball forward, which led to an awkward rebound for Luke McDonald at half-back.
Not only did the North Melbourne co-captain lose the ball, allowing Ugle-Hagan to take it, but the Bulldogs star defended McDonald with a typical Martin “Don't Argue” and added more salt to the wound successfully grabbing a goal from the left pocket.
It was a special moment.
An abundance of highs for the Bulldogs meant Rory Lobb was sent into defense over Brynn Teakle. Lobb, who saw time on defense against the Giants in round 20 last year, had a couple of good marks in the first quarter.
The former Docker, who has found himself in trade speculation this season, may have to get used to that role if he is to retain a spot on a team that has September aspirations.
The Bulldogs dominated the ball early and had a 7-2 lead inside the inside 50, the Kangaroos missing tough George Wardlaw, concussed at training this week.
Bulldogs veterans Adam Treloar, despite being followed by tagger Will Phillips, and Bontempelli continued their fine seasons, while Ed Phillips provided the runs.
The midfield matchups were curious, with Bontempelli often on his own, although Roo gun Luke Davies-Uniacke did look to go to him at times on set-pieces.
