Player Ratings - Round 3

In what was an extraordinarily heated encounter, the Western Bulldogs emerged triumphant for the first time in 2020, as they secured a 24-point victory over GWS. Off the back of immense pressure, the Bulldogs forced the Giants into submission, and edged further away from them over the course of the night. For the first time this season, Bulldogs fans can enjoy their weekend, as they revel in the performances of several players.

1. Matthew Suckling

A relatively underwhelming performance, but two ordinary third-quarter kicks - one costing us a goal and the other gifting the Giants a goal - stood out in particular. Those little "clip-kicks" of his have a habit of being either one of two extremes - 4

3. Mitch Wallis

Didn't dominate the stats sheet, but was one of many Bulldogs who joined the Pressure Party. Chased and harassed all night. His battle with Haynes was enthralling and kicked a critical goal just before half-time to set up a lead the Bulldogs play deserved - 6

4. Marcus Bontempelli

It was hardly surprising that the Giants targeted him, with Nick Haynes in particular attending the coin toss being no coincidence. He worked hard to sacrifice his role for the team, but also managed to impact the game off his own boot as well. An underrated captain's performance - 8

5. Josh Dunkley

Kicked the first goal of the night, but wasn't a real standout otherwise. Was still his usual industrious self, with six tackles, but has been more dominant in previous games - 6

6. Bailey Smith

There is a lot to love about this kid. Didn't seem to stop running all night, and there is great balance between his inside and outside game. Have to feel for those who think Sam Walsh is a better player - 7

9. Hayden Crozier

Wasn't his high-flying self, but did his job working with a defence that was heavily undersized. Also laid a bone-crunching tackle late in the third term - be honest, you loved it; we all did - 6

11. Jackson Macrae

The accumulator that we've grown to know and love was back, with a game-high 25 disposals and seven tackles. Probably close to best on ground - 9

12. Zaine Cordy

I think I just have to accept at this stage that my heart will always end up in my mouth whenever he goes to kick the ball, but was solid enough tonight, with six marks and three tackles. Did his job - 6

16. Toby McLean

We've questioned his place in the Bulldogs Best 22 (due to finding a role for him rather than his ability), but on tonight's evidence, we need to accommodate him somehow. His first half set the Bulldogs up, with constant pressure and intensity. A very encouraging performance - 7

Quiet after half time, but Toby McLean's first half was critical in setting up the Bulldogs' victory. Source: Getty Images

17. Josh Bruce

Not really sure what's going on, but things haven't clicked for him just yet. Another really quiet performance, that included a 35-metre set shot that didn't even make the distance - 2

20. Ed Richards

Thought he had more of an impact than that stats sheet suggests (nine disposals). Was given a gift of a goal from Heath Shaw, but provided a fair amount of zip along the wings - 5

21. Tom Liberatore

My only regret so far this season was not being there when he kicked that goal after the three-quarter time siren. But aside from that, his inclusion was a godsend, and his performance is further proof of his importance to the Bulldogs midfield - 8

22. Sam Lloyd

Still yet to kick a goal this year, but at least he didn't butch every kick this week. Regardless, another quiet game - 2

23. Laitham Vandermeer

Young Dutch wasn't as lively this week, but still did his bit. Also, how good was that sidestep? - 4

31. Bailey Dale

It'll probably take me a week or two to piece together such a puzzling performance. Applied himself well with his pressure, and kicked an important goal late in the third quarter, but was largely quiet otherwise. I'll also be advising him to save his left leg for balance only from now on - 3

33. Aaron Naughton

Loved his game. Marked well, attacked the ball with great intent, and broke the club record for the most ripped jumpers in one game (2). His head-high hit on Whitefield was incidental rather than intentional, and shouldn't be punished for going straight for the ball. His wayward set shots reared their ugly head again - 6

34. Bailey Williams

Looks to have found his place in that Bulldogs defence, and splits his game between defensive and offensive roles off half-back. Another solid game from him - 6

35. Caleb Daniel

Lamented his four-kick performance last week, but responded in kind with a classy 17-kick game. Created so much for the Bulldogs across half-back, and set up plenty of scoring opportunities - 8

39. Jason Johannisen

Like Daniel, also responded well from a poor showing last week, providing plenty of dare and run from defensive 50. Missed some good chances to goal in the opening term, which hurt his score - 7

42. Alex Keath

As the lone key tall, it was a mighty effort from him to ensure that Cameron, Finlayson and Himmelberg were kept under wraps; so much so that the latter had to be moved into defence. Also managed to kick his first goal for the club - a beauty from outside-50. Not often it takes the full-back to show the team where the big sticks are - 8

It was a big night from Alex Keath, and was deservingly one of the players of the match. Source: Getty Images

44. Tim English

Big response from the Pom. Seems to have found a niche as a floating interceptor down back, and his hands looked much better tonight, taking a team-high seven marks. Loses a point for some wayward kicking in front of goal, but this was a big step in the right direction - 7

46. Lin Jong

Slightly down this week compared to last, but never stopped trying. Not as essential as other players, but brings some unique traits - 4