Next opposition, the Western Bulldogs came out victorious after a nail-biting three-point victory in the inaugural Good Friday game at Etihad Stadium against North Melbourne.
The Bulldogs made a strong return from their 29-point deficit, coming back to edge out the Kangaroos by three points with a 12.17 (89) to 12.14 (86) victory.
Western Bulldog’s powerhouse, Luke Dahlhaus was influential to the team’s momentum within the final moments of the game. Dahllhaus racked up a total 32 possessions, six tackles, five clearances and two goals.
Midfielder Marcus Bontempelli also took control of the game, jumpstarting the team’s comeback with 10 third-quarter possessions at a time where North was threatening to run away with the game’s win.
Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge acknowledged the character and persistence his team showed throughout their comeback.
“Things weren’t on our terms most of the night and in that third quarter when you thought that maybe it was going south, once again our boys dug deep and found a way,” said Beveridge.
This Saturday the Bulldogs will look to host Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium.
Injury Watch
Western Bulldogs ruckman Tom Boyd came off midway through the first term of round five following an accidental head-clash causing delayed concussion. Boyd remains in the mix to face Brisbane but will be assessed later in the week before a final call is made on his availability.
Meanwhile, Travis Cloke copped a heavy knock to the chest resulting in two broken ribs during last week’s game. Cloke is expected to remain sidelined for the next four to six weeks.
Lions Health Centre: Injury List
Defender Dale Morris (leg) continues to undergo rehabilitation following an injury suffered in the round one match. Morris is expected to return within a month.
Jack Redpath (knee) and Jordan Roughead (hamstring) are expected to remain on the injury list for another four to five weeks. Whilst, Tory Dickson (abdominal) will return in three to four weeks and Mitch Wallis (leg) expected to return in two to three weeks.
Steward Crameri will miss at least two weeks of football after sustaining a hip flexor injury during round one VFL clash with Box Hill.
