The Ratings - Round 1
The Western Bulldogs Premiership defence took off in strong fashion last night, recording a 14-point win over Collingwood.
Despite losing out to the Magpies in several key statistics, the reigning Premiers (that phrase will never get tiring) still found a way to win, as good teams do, with a five-goal-to-two third quarter establishing what proved to be a match-winning lead, as the Bulldogs won their opening game of the season for the third successive year.
Shane Biggs - 6
Didn't star, but was typically solid in his role across half back. Had 17 disposals, but at 64% efficiency, was down on his usual distribution output
Marcus Bontempelli - 8
Had a fairly quiet start to the game as he is still building match fitness, but still managed to accrue 22 disposals and kick two very important goals to finish the night as one of the Bulldogs better players.
Tom Boyd - 4
Battled manfully as the solo ruck all night, but struggled against the tag-team of Brodie Grundy and Mason Cox. Can pinch-hit as a ruck, but can't be expected to carry the No.1 ruck role. Didn't score.
Matthew Boyd - 8
Starred in the opening term, and was rewarded by snagging a goal as the Bulldogs got away to a fast start. Channelling his inner-Caleb Daniel with the helmet, it was a typically assured performance across half-back.
Travis Cloke - 7
Produced the highlight of the night with a long-range bomb from outside 50 in the opening term to silence the chorus of raucous boos from the Collingwood supporters. Didn't add to his score, but provided a strong target, and did his job of bringing the ball to ground on multiple occasions.
Travis Cloke celebrates his goal against Collingwood. Source: Getty Images
Zaine Cordy - 6
Seven one-percenters was the third-highest tally on the ground, and had 14 disposals at 78.6% efficiency, which were similar numbers to his last JLT game against the Suns. Did his job, although looked nervous in defence at times.
Stewart Crameri - 5
Struggled in his first official game back in other 12 months, with 17 disposals and was gifted his only goal of the game. But the effort was definitely there, and his forward pressure will have pleased Luke Beveridge.
Luke Dahlhaus - 7
Wasn't as clean with the ball as he would've liked, but still had 24 disposals and seven tackles in a classic Dahlhaus display. Just the nine kicks.
Caleb Daniel - 6
Didn't stand out as much as normal considering that Matthew Boyd was also wearing a helmet, but still had an impact. Wasn't always as clean as we've come to expect, but pulled of some nifty moves in between his 22-disposal performance.
Lachie Hunter - 7
Career-high three goals set the tone for what should be another terrific season for him. Looked to spend more time forward than normal, but still managed 21 disposals and six marks. Linked up well.
Jason Johanissen - 8
The Norm Smith Medalist sure loves playing at the MCG. In a different role to what we're used to seeing from him, JJ racked up 30 disposals at 86% and kicked two goals as well. Very likely to find himself amongst the Brownlow votes.
Lin Jong - 6
Just 11 disposals at 81% efficiency, but his pressure in the midfield was immense. Had a game-high 14 tackles including 11 in the first half. Adds a different but necessary dimension to the midfield.
Tom Liberatore - 7
Wasn't a huge night for Libba, recording just the 16 disposals. But like Jong, he also registered 14 tackles, one of which saw him rewarded with a free kick and goal in the second term. Worked hard all night.
Jack Macrae - 7
25 disposals at 80% for Macrae - the type of unassuming performance that we've come to expect from him, but seven tackles also showed that he has that hardened edge to his game as well. Good start to the season.
Toby McLean - 5
Got himself a goal in the third term when the Dogs made their move, but it was a quiet game for McLean otherwise. Was down on his usual output both quality and quantity-wise. Not safe for next week despite it only being Round 1.
Dale Morris - 7
Some terrific defensive acts displayed throughout the game - only what we've come to expect from him over the years. 10 one-percenters was indicative of his team-frst mantra. Injured leg late in the game, but walked off the ground with a smile.
Robert Murphy - 7
The roar he received upon gaining his first touch would've been incredibly heartwarming for him, and was another one of the night's best moments. 22 disposals at 86% suggests that he hasn't lost any of his class. Changed the game in the third quarter with his pinpoint passing across half back and half forward.
Liam Picken - 7
Has become a very dangerous half-forward over the last two years, helping himself to 20 disposals and two goals. The bodywork to edge Pendlebury out of the marking contest in the last quarter for his second goal was all class.
Fletcher Roberts - 8
Only the 10 disposals, but his job on Darcy Moore was sublime, considering he had been monstered by Moore the last time the two clashed. Moore managed just the 10 disposals and a solitary behind. A great start to the season for Roberts.
Jake Stringer - 5
Not the start to the year we were hoping for from The Package - a nickname that won't be apt until he fixes his set shots. Seems to have real difficulties with it. Had two chances to put the game to bed in the last term, and was off with his disposal efficiency as well.
Matthew Suckling - 8
Certainly doesn't lack for confidence. Tried some very risky and expansive kicks off half-back, but they all paid off, going at 90% efficiency from his 19 disposals that included 17 kicks. five rebound-50's and five inside-50's underlined his drive.
Easton Wood - 7
Had some very nervy moments early in the game, dropping simple marks and opted to spoil under no pressure, but settled to finish the night with eight marks - only Suckling and Jeremy Howe (both 11) managed more.