Summary
On the day that Melbourne’s winning streak came to an end this was Western Bulldogs’ chance to make a statement and they did it emphatically, pulverising St Kilda by 111 points in a performance that should underline their claims to premiership favouritism.
It was one-way traffic after a fairly even opening term, with the Bulldogs dominating around the stoppages, winning clearance after clearance and cashing in on incessant entries into their forward 50. Aaron Naughton had a field day, kicking five goals, as did Marcus Bontempelli with four. But the grunt work was done up field, with Jack Macrae, Bailey Dale, Tom Liberatore and Bailey Smith winning plenty of ball. Adam Treloar would likely have joined in on the fun but for injuring his ankle in the second term and taking no further part.
Treloar’s injury was the only low point on a very high night for the Bulldogs, who have now won two games by more than 100 points in the same season for the first time in their history. And it is only round 10. With the Demons losing to Adelaide, the Bulldogs are now on top of the ladder thanks to this percentage-swelling victory.
The Dogs face Melbourne on Friday night at Marvel in what will be billed as match of the season. It will be big, but there should be no doubt which team are the overwhelming favourites. On today’s evidence, Western Bulldogs are the best team in the competition.
The 🔴⚪️🔵 faithful up and about.
— Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) May 22, 2021
We absolutely love it! pic.twitter.com/fBaIp2EGjL
FT: Western Bulldogs 21-18 (144) beat St Kilda 5-3 (33)
The Bulldogs rocket to the top of the ladder with a crushing win that sends a statement to the entire league. They are without doubt the team to beat.
On top of the ladder 🐶#AFLDogsSaints pic.twitter.com/F7Y0tQ7E6D
— AFL (@AFL) May 22, 2021
Updated
Q4: 1 min remaining: Western Bulldogs 21-18 (144) vs St Kilda 5-3 (33) Naughton again but he fluffed his chance to make it six for the night, missing to the right. Last rites now being read. This has been a bloodbath.
Q4: 2 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 21-17 (143) vs St Kilda 5-3 (33) Goal! A little something to ease the pain for St Kilda as Butler showcases his nous around goal to break a run of 11 straight from the Dogs.
Q4: 4 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 21-17 (143) vs St Kilda 4-3 (27) Weightman lays off to Sweet but the big man can’t finish the job from just inside 50.
Q4: 5 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 21-16 (142) vs St Kilda 4-3 (27) King (yes, he is out there) takes a mark just outside 50 but his shot fades to the right. Not a great night for the youngster but he is in good company.
Q4: 7 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 21-16 (142) vs St Kilda 4-2 (26) Delightfully acrobatic mark by The Bont but he (bizarrely) can’t convert with his set shot from right in front as he sends the footy crashing onto the left post. Still think he’s only part human.
Q4: 9 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 21-15 (141) vs St Kilda 4-2 (26) Goal! Five for Naughton. He’s been a menace inside 50 tonight and again he leads strongly, marks strongly and yet again kicks truly. The Saints are now outright uncompetitive.
Q4: 10 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 20-15 (135) vs St Kilda 4-2 (26) Goal! Well, maybe only part human. Bontempelli gets onto his preferred left foot and splits the bog sticks from a set shot to make it four for the night.
Q4: 11 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 19-15 (128) vs St Kilda 4-2 (26) Membrey has a chance to limit the embarrassment but not only is he off line, he falls short from what looked a kickable range. At the other end, The Bont kicks on the run and misses with his right boot. So he is human, eh?!
Q4: 13 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 19-14 (128) vs St Kilda 4-2 (26) Goal! Another one for the Dogs if you don’t mind. This time JJ fills his boots from range and though there’s deliberation over whether the ball was touched before it crossed the line, it wasn’t.
Q4: 14 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 18-13 (121) vs St Kilda 4-2 (26) Goal! The Saints scramble the ball inside 50 but the Dogs rebound with deadly intent, slingshotting to the other end to set up a long ball over the top to Bruce. So very easy.
Updated
Q4: 15 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 17-13 (115) vs St Kilda 4-2 (26) Goal! That’s seven straight for the Dogs as Hannan dribbles one through as easy as you like. Not stopping indeed. The Dogs can smell blood.
Q4: 16 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 16-13 (109) vs St Kilda 4-2 (26) Naughton is flying at everything and so nearly pulls down another mark. But the Saints defence does just enough to keep him at bay. The game might be over but the Dogs are not stopping.
Q4: 19 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 16-13 (109) vs St Kilda 4-2 (26) Goal! Naughton again. That’s four for the Dogs forward - and the past three of the entire game - after he presents nicely deep inside 50 and converts.
3QT: Western Bulldogs 15-13 (103) vs St Kilda 4-2 (26)
More of the same from the Bulldogs and this is now officially a procession. The only thing up for grabs now is a second 100-plus point win for the first time in Bulldogs history.
Marcus Bontempelli dobbing them from 50. You love to see it.#AFLDogsSaints pic.twitter.com/0TzUeMTTCp
— AFL (@AFL) May 22, 2021
Q3: 1 min remaining: Western Bulldogs 15-13 (103) vs St Kilda 4-2 (26) The Saints conjure a handpass chain but the release is snapped up by Duryea, who drops back into the hole and takes an uncontested chest mark. Not much by way of method any more from the Saints.
Q3: 2 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 15-13 (103) vs St Kilda 4-2 (26) Goal! Geary takes Hunter high in the middle of the ground and from there the Dogs are away, working the ball forward with speed as Naughton plays in front and wins the free kick for a jumper tug. Another six-pointer. Ho-hum. Shelling peas.
Q3: 6 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 14-13 (97) vs St Kilda 4-2 (26) Goal! They’re just handing it around here. Naughton finds a gaping leading lane, gets the pass flush on his chest, and it’s another major for the Dogs. Mercy rule?
Q3: 7 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 13-13 (91) vs St Kilda 4-2 (26) Goal! It’s on. Weightman is awarded a free for a push in the back and he lets Clark know about it. There’s some subsequent afters and Weightman really milks it, gaining a 50-metre penalty and kicking another goal for the runaway Dogs.
Q3: 8 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 12-13 (85) vs St Kilda 4-2 (26) Goal! Meanwhile, at the other end, class is on display as The Bont waits on the outside, receives and kicks truly on the run from just inside 50. Yep, pure class.
Q3: 10 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 11-12 (78) vs St Kilda 4-2 (26) McKernan looks like having a go with his set shot from close to the boundary but the Dogs are napping and he lays off to Geary, who alas can’t finish the job. A behind only.
Q3: 11 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 11-12 (78) vs St Kilda 4-1 (25) Duryea, Keath and Hunter fluff around with the ball deep in defence - for once, some indecision on the part of the Doggies - but the Saints can’t capitalise and it’s left to Bailey Smith (who is fast becoming one of my favourite players) to show some composure and work the ball out of defence.
Q3: 13 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 11-12 (78) vs St Kilda 4-1 (25) Duryea does the donkey work in what should be a goal, but Naughton can do no more with his set shot than cannon it into the post from close range. There have been some remarkably easy shots missed tonight. Young then gets involved for the Dogs. He’s on for Treloar, who is done for the night.
Q3: 16 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 11-10 (76) vs St Kilda 4-1 (25) Goal! Crisp entry inside-50 from Bailey Smith gives Naughton enough room to run onto the pass and the forward takes a smart mark on the lead before kicking truly in a quick response by the Dogs. They just won’t be denied. Such a hard team to beat.
Q3: 17 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 10-10 (70) vs St Kilda 4-1 (25) Goal! Fast play out of defence from the Saints and finally the Dogs are under some pressure. McKernan is lurking for the ball over the top and he gets it before opening his team’s account for the second half. Good start by the Saints. Now more of the same is needed.
Q3: 19 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 10-10 (70) vs St Kilda 3-1 (19) And we’re back. Let’s see what the Saints have got. The Doggies work the ball forward and Weightman attempts a ridiculously audacious mark in the goal square. Nothing doing, however.
HT: Western Bulldogs 10-10 (70) vs St Kilda 3-1 (19)
Class and dominance from the Bulldogs, who got in top in the contest in the second quarter and proceeded to put the Saints to the sword. The Dogs are now well on top in clearances and around stoppages and they are gaining due reward from repeat entries inside-50. Seven goals to one in the term was an accurate reflection of the state of play. It was ugly viewing from a St Kilda perspective. They have a mountain to climb.
Bailey Dale appreciation tweet.#AFLDogsSaints pic.twitter.com/DhpKTEEv6h
— AFL (@AFL) May 22, 2021
Updated
Q2: 1 min remaining: Western Bulldogs 10-10 (70) vs St Kilda 3-1 (19) And now Naughton has a chance to pile more misery on the Saints but his shot after the siren misses to the left.
Q2: 1 min remaining: Western Bulldogs 10-9 (69) vs St Kilda 3-1 (19) Goal! Pure class from The Bont, who reads the plays exquisitely over the pack to crumb the ball and dribble one through in the shadows of half-time.
Q2: 1 min remaining: Western Bulldogs 9-9 (63) vs St Kilda 3-1 (19) Goal! Good commitment to the contest from Membrey, who backs into the pack and wins a free kick. It’s a gross understatement to say the Saints need him to kick this one and he does just that. It’s a long road back but it’s got to start somewhere, I guess.
Q2: 3 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 9-8 (62) vs St Kilda 2-1 (13) Goal! Long bomb from Dale clears the outstretched fingers of Ryder on the last line and that’s another goal for the Doggies. Shelling peas. Seems like there’s only one team out there at the minute.
Q2: 5 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 8-8 (56) vs St Kilda 2-1 (13) Big chase-down tackle from JJ to clean up Butler in the centre of the ground, just as it looked like the Saints might be about to do something. That’s the quarter in a nutshell: the Dogs are too desperate, too classy. Frawley off the ground with what looks to be a shoulder complaint.
Q2: 7 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 8-8 (56) vs St Kilda 2-1 (13) Goal! Ripping forward pressure from the Dogs and this time Roarke Smith fills his boots, winning a free for HTB and piercing the uprights from close range. Big quarter for the Bulldogs.
Q2: 9 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 7-8 (50) vs St Kilda 2-1 (13) Smith is instrumental. Again. The Bont is instrumental. Again. Weightman finds space inside-50. Again. But Weightman misses his set shot. Again.
Q2: 11 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 7-6 (48) vs St Kilda 2-1 (13) The Dogs swarm the contest and Weightman again winds up on the end of an entry inside-50. But accuracy deserts him this time and the result is only a behind. Hearing that Treloar is off the ground, possibly injured.
Q2: 13 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 7-5 (47) vs St Kilda 2-1 (13) Goal! Bruce is gifted a free for an arm chop - was it there? Maybe - and he does with his second kick of the game what he did with his first - kick a goal.
Q2: 14 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 6-5 (41) vs St Kilda 2-1 (13) The Saints need something from somewhere and Steele leads from the front with some pure gut running to work the ball inside 50. Nothing doing, however, as Membrey spills a diving chest mark attempt.
Q2: 16 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 6-5 (41) vs St Kilda 2-0 (12) Goal! The hair gets most of the attention but boy can Smith play. The mulleted one finds Bruce on the lead with a classy pass before the latter, rather hirsute himself, shows his former club what they’re missing with a truly struck set shot. Getting a bit out of hand now.
Q2: 18 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 5-5 (35) vs St Kilda 2-0 (12) Goal! And again! Great hands in close quarters from Liberatore releases The Bont and then The Bont did what The Bont does: swings onto his left and splits the uprights with a beautiful kick from about 50 out. Great forward efficiency from the Dogs.
Q2: 19 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 4-5 (29) vs St Kilda 2-0 (12) Goal! Precisely the start the Dogs want as Weightman gets monstered in a marking contest inside-50 before showing good composure for a young man and kicking truly.
QT: Western Bulldogs 3-5 (23) vs St Kilda 2-0 (12)
A late goal for the Dogs, against the run of play, would be deflating for the Saints, who worked their way back into the contest after being outplayed in the early exchanges. But 11 points is nothing. Game on.
JB with a beauty!#AFLDogsSaints pic.twitter.com/vtBZ6teFRO
— AFL (@AFL) May 22, 2021
Q1: 1 min remaining: Western Bulldogs 3-5 (23) vs St Kilda 2-0 (12) Goal! Mass confusion. Is it as free up field? Is it a 50-metre penalty? Who wronged whom? Looks like a holding free on Battle against Bruce and then 50 metres is indeed paid. Regardless, Hunter waltzes in from directly in front to give the Dogs some breathing space right on the siren.
Q1: 1 min remaining: Western Bulldogs 2-5 (17) vs St Kilda 2-0 (12) Goal! The key is to not have to think about it and it’s left to Billings to dribble one through after a nice bit of forward pressure to force the turnover. It’s been a good few minutes for the Saints and they deserved some reward.
Q1: 3 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 2-5 (17) vs St Kilda 1-0 (6) The Saints work the ball forward by sheer force of will but the Bulldogs defend resolutely. A rushed kick out by Williams is intercepted, however, and Brynes marks smartly on the lead. It looks a simple set shot but his shank is right up there with McKernan’s. Oh boy.
Q1: 6 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 2-5 (17) vs St Kilda 1-0 (6) Manic tackling pressure by the Dogs on centre wing. No time or space for the Saints. And they’re clean out of defence. Daniel to Keath and in the matter of seconds the ball goes from deep in the Saints 50 to a throw-in 100 metres away.
Q1: 8 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 2-4 (16) vs St Kilda 1-0 (6) Goal! Yep, they have been much cleaner in the contest and more efficient going forward. In this exhibit, Smith clears nicely from the stoppage and a few handpasses later Dale finishes the job on the run from a slight angle. Rather too easy, that. Advantage Bulldogs.
Q1: 9 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 1-4 (10) vs St Kilda 1-0 (6) Goal! Jeepers, this accuracy is now catching on. Who would’ve thunk it? Membrey takes plenty of time with his set shot directly in front from about 25 metres out and he makes no mistake. Good early settler for the Saints. The Dogs have been on top here. Only marginally.
Q1: 11 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 1-4 (10) vs St Kilda 0-0 (0) Goal! That’s more like it. Liberatore shows them how it’s done, splitting the big sticks from a tightish angle just inside 50.
Q1: 12 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 0-4 (4) vs St Kilda 0-0 (0) And now Hunter misses a sitter after taking a very brave mark. This inaccuracy is catching on.
Q1: 14 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 0-3 (3) vs St Kilda 0-0 (0) St Kilda finally get some passing chains going, and crucially through the corridor, to find McKernan deep inside 50. He can’t miss, surely. Can he? Oh yes, he can. The former Crow, Bomber, wherever else he’s played absolutely shanks it rotten. Doesn’t even make the distance. His Auskick special ends up in the lap of a Dog.
Q1: 16 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 0-3 (3) vs St Kilda 0-0 (0) And now Naughton misses! No excuse this time. Set shot, kind angle, just flat-out misses.
Q1: 17 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 0-2 (2) vs St Kilda 0-0 (0) The Bulldogs make fairly easy inroads again but Geary flies high to take a timely intercept mark at the front of the goal square. The Saints can’t get it out of the Dogs’ forward 50, however, and JJ is the latest to have a crack but his snap misses to the left.
Q1: 19 mins remaining: Western Bulldogs 0-1 (1) vs St Kilda 0-0 (0) Early clearance for the Saints but the Dogs gain possession and work the ball forward with the Bont instrumental. Bruce had a fair chance at a loose ball but dirty hands let him down.
Not long now. Conditions are dry at Marvel. Ugh, ugh, ugh.
Not from the corner of one eye, JfP. Front and square with both peepers!
A quick whip around the grounds.
Carlton beat Hawthorn by 23 points ...
All in a day's work.#AFLBluesHawks pic.twitter.com/pJAbIHKdjU
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) May 22, 2021
Geelong beat Gold Coast by 34 points ...
The Closer seals it following a clever tap from Smith
— Geelong Cats (@GeelongCats) May 22, 2021
#AFLCatsSuns #GeelongStrong pic.twitter.com/xN3jhn8YWz
... and in so sort of upset at all, Adelaide beat Melbourne by 1 point.
TEX#AFLCrowsDees pic.twitter.com/0gxmDA9fXt
— AFL (@AFL) May 22, 2021
A little something from the Bulldogs camp...
Another big challenge for our boys 👊
— Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) May 22, 2021
Take a look at the Match Committee preview, thanks to Pedigree. pic.twitter.com/1pZUj196uP
And a little something from the Saints camp (my word has Brad Crouch been a good addition this season)...
"I see how hard we're working, so I'm pretty excited about this season"
— St Kilda FC (@stkildafc) May 19, 2021
Brad Crouch on life as a Saint and the opportunities ahead.
(via @RSN927) pic.twitter.com/Usm6CMcgXQ
Congrats to Josh Battle. Very few players who play one senior AFL match go on to feature in another 49. May there be many more to come.
"I've pretty much grown up here. St Kilda means a lot to me"
— St Kilda FC (@stkildafc) May 22, 2021
From making his AFL debut while still in high school, to his 50th game tonight, Josh Battle has always worn his heart on his sleeve.
No late team changes
Western Bulldogs
B: Lachie Hunter, Roarke Smith, Cody Weightman
HB: Jason Johannisen, Mitch Hannan, Lachlan McNeil
C: Anthony Scott, Tom Liberatore, Bailey Smith
HF: Alex Keath, Josh Bruce, Zaine Cordy
F: Bailey Dale, Marcus Bontempelli, Aaron Naughton
FOLL: Jordon Sweet, Jack Macrae, Adam Treloar
I/C: Taylor Duryea, Caleb Daniel, Bailey Williams, Hayden Crozier
Sub: Lewis Young
St Kilda
B: James Frawley, Callum Wilkie, Jarryn Geary
HB: Jimmy Webster, Dougal Howard, Jack Sinclair
C: Jack Billings, Brad Crouch, Bradley Hill
HF: Dan Butler, Josh Battle, Jack Higgins
F: Jack Lonie, Tim Membrey, Max King
FOLL: Paddy Ryder, Jack Steele, Sebastian Ross
I/C: Hunter Clark, Jack Bytel, Ryan Byrnes, Shaun McKernan
Sub: Tom Highmore
Someone’s happy with that back six for the Dogs.
Finally, Bevo's got the backline sorted. #AFLDogsSaints #MightyWest pic.twitter.com/tbw3XezPZh
— Gigs (@AndrewGigacz) May 20, 2021
Preamble
Good evening. This repeat of last year’s elimination final should be an excellent contest. Both teams are in good touch - the Bulldogs have lost just once in 2021; St Kilda’s only defeat in their past three was in a hard-fought contest against Geelong - and both teams do their best work at Marvel Stadium.
Betting markets might strongly favour the Dogs but the Saints have shown enough this year to suggest we might be in for something close to the three-point thriller these two put on at the Gabba last October. To defy the odds and make a game of it, St Kilda will need to bring their A-game against an opponent that has barely missed a beat in the present campaign.
Luke Beveridge’s men welcome back Lachie Hunter, a notable inclusion that is tempered by the loss of Easton Wood, while the Saints usher Jarryn Geary and Shaun McKernan back into their line-up.
Looking forward to this one and looking forward to your company. If you’d like to get involved, drop me an email or a tweet - @scott_heinrich.
Last time we met. pic.twitter.com/3IEZDhwO99
— St Kilda FC (@stkildafc) May 22, 2021
