Player Ratings - Round 6

The Western Bulldogs three-game winning streak came to a crashing end with a bitterly disappointing 52-point defeat at the hands of Carlton. The Bulldogs looked off the pace for much of the first three quarters, before being blown away in the last term. As always though, it's time to put the entire 22 under the microscope to see who stood out.

3. Mitch Wallis

Probably his quietest game since Round 1. His four tackles was solid, but he managed just seven disposals, including only the solitary kick. It did, however, result in his 6th goal of the season - 4

4. Marcus Bontempelli

Wore an Ed Curnow tag for most of the game, but unlike last week, managed to have a contribution on the game, with a well-rounded 22 disposals, six tackles and five clearances. Kicked what was an important captain's goal late in the third quarter a a time when the Dogs were in need of it, but the final quarter blowout meant it counted for very little - 7

6. Bailey Smith

Absolutely everywhere in the first half, managing 19 disposals and a goal by the main break. Was slightly subdued in the second half as the Blues moved Curnow onto him, but still managed to finish the game with 26 disposals and six tackles. At this stage, I'm predicting for him to finish top 2 in our best and fairest come season's end, but we'll get to the other contender later - 8

The best player of the 2018 Draft crop with Sam Walsh in pursuit. Source: Getty Images

7. Lachie Hunter

Looked particularly eager to make up for lost time, and was back to his customary ball-winning self, finishing the match with 27 disposals - the second-highest individual effort by a Bulldog this year. Also managed two goal assists - 7

10. Easton Wood

Was far less effective this week, managing just one intercept mark, although Carlton's swift ball movement combined with the conditions didn't really help his cause all that much - 4

11. Jackson Macrae

26 disposals and seven inside-50s next to his name this week, and he even managed two contested marks. Deserved a lot more based on the effort he put in - 8

12. Zaine Cordy

Fought hard all night, but was afforded no favours by those higher up the ground, as the midfield group engaged in a masterclass in turning the ball over at half forward, leaving Zaine completely isolated against forwards that were either much bigger, much faster, or both. Game-high three intercept marks - 6

13. Josh Schache

From my perspective, the fact that he spent just 57% of game time on the ground was a concession by the coaching staff that they made a mistake in fielding Schache; a young, slightly-built key forward was always going to struggle in difficult conditions. Perhaps the coaching staff will feel they should have pulled him out for someone smaller, but regardless, two disposals and zero marks was just not good enough by his standards - 1

14. Rhylee West

Not as damaging this week compared to last, but it's worth remembering that it was just his sixth game, so there's plenty of growth left and plenty of reasons for Bulldogs fans to be optimistic. Fortunately, there should also be plenty of opportunities for him to have a Happy Birthday, because his 20th certainly wasn't one of them - 4

16. Toby McLean

Seemed to be in the thick of the action quite a lot, but the numbers don't really suggest as much, with 13 disposals and 0.2 indicating a dirty old night for McLean - 6

17. Josh Bruce

See Schache, or at least to an extent. Unlike Schache, Bruce does have the body strength to have some degree of impact in these types of games, but wasn't much busier that his sharpshooting apprentice. Two kicks and no score - 3

18. Louis Butler

Looked badly off the pace, and was a great step back from his impressive debut. Seemed slow on the ball and lacked awareness of the situation at times, but he will learn, and as long as he keeps finding the ball (16 disposals), the confidence will grow - 3

20. Ed Richards

A very simple chance missed by Ed late in the third term pretty much summed up the night for him. He worked hard for his 14 disposals, but the night was called for players with a strong contested brand of style, and that's just not his go yet - 5

21. Tom Liberatore

Unlike Ed, however, these conditions were more than ideal for Libba. 22 disposals and eight clearances was just typical for him. His numbers have been very consistent since returning to the side - 8

23. Laitham Vandermeer

I'm yet to decide if declaring the half-back flanker in Dutch as our best forward on the weekend is a credit to Vandermeer, or a criticism of the actual forwards in the team. Either way, he's coming along nicely in a role not many would have given him, kicking 2.2 and taking three marks inside 50. Missing a gettable chance early in the final term may have been costly, but we'll never really know - 6

Laitham Vandermeer has surprised many with the success he has had up forward. Source: Getty Images

27. Patrick Lipinski

Sparked the Bulldogs to life in the second term, setting up a goal and kicking another himself within minutes. His second quarter was pretty good, actually, but struggled to impact the game otherwise - 6

31. Bailey Dale

Christ, he played? I mean, when I was looking at the player stats post-game, I had to take a second look because I completely forgot he was out there. He kicked a goal in the first term, but vanished afterwards - perhaps he took the bus back to the Hub at quarter time? - 2

34. Bailey Williams

Struggled. Although in fairness, I think to suggest that he struggled is a testament to just how much he has improved this season, but this game just wasn't his to succeed in - 5

35. Caleb Daniel

He didn't seem to do much wrong, but I didn't end up marveling his performance the same way I have on a few occasions this season - 6

39. Jason Johannisen

Another game when he really struggled to fire. Just seven kicks and only one defensive-50 rebound. Not sure if he's carrying some injury, but there's definitely something not right - 3

42. Alex Keath

I mentioned earlier that I predict Bailey Smith will finish in the top-2 in our best-and-fairest - I think this guy will join him. The margin was only 18-points at three-quarter time, and it was almost entirely thanks to this guy. Prevented several Carlton marks forward of centre, and directly prevented at least 3-4 goals that I can recall. Another great game from him - 9

44. Tim English

Despite his mobility, the conditions weren't ideal for someone of his stature, either. But he did make a pretty good fist of things, winning 17 disposals, and nearly broke even in the hitouts (lost 32-27 against Marc Pittonet). Found the going tough in one of his strongest areas, taking just three marks for the match - 6

LEADERBOARD:

1. Alex Keath - 44 votes

2. Jackson Macrae - 43 votes

3. Caleb Daniel - 38 votes

=4. Bailey Smith - 37 votes

=4. Bailey Williams - 37 votes