Player Ratings - Round 15

The Western Bulldogs made a real statement in their quest for a third Premiership last weekend, defeating West Coast at an empty Optus Stadium by 55 points in a commanding display.

Increasing their lead at every term, the Bulldogs were in control all game, with only inaccurate kicking preventing the final margin from being any greater.

3. Mitch Wallis

Named as the Medical Sub for the second week running. Only spent a quarter-and-a-half on-field and didn’t hit the scoreboard, although managed six score involvements from his six scores. A useful contribution - 7

4. Marcus Bontempelli

An unbelievable footballer, and another outrageous performance. Helped the Bulldogs get reward for effort with two first-half goals, and put his hand up for a Goal of the Year nomination with a ridiculous snap from the pocket to seal the victory. Typically clean and clinical, especially early in slippery conditions, his goal-scoring feats capped off a 29-disposal, 10-clearance, seven-tackle outing - 10

6. Bailey Smith

Started really well, and carried that impact through the rest of the match. Thrived on the vast expanses of Optus Stadium, and kicked a crucial pair of third-term goals. Easily his best game since Round 1, and a good chance to feature in the Brownlow votes - 9

7. Lachie Hunter

Wasn’t the ideal conditions for him early, but to his credit, he played his role when the rain fell, and continued to exert his influence beyond that, regularly working hard and providing an option for his teammates going forward. We’ve said it before, but he’s such an important part of this setup - 8

11. Jackson Macrae

Was very good in the first three quarters, but really put the foot down at the start of the last quarter, and it helped the Bulldogs put the game to bed as early as they did. The early wave was kick-started by a rare goal off the boot of Macrae. Maintained his 30+ disposal streak, and is now just 27 away from breaking into that top-10 spot - 9

With the game on the line at the start of the last quarter, Jackson Macrae (L) powered away from the Eagles. Source: AFL.com.au

12. Zaine Cordy

Tasked with the responsibility of taking down West Coast’s three-headed monster, and passed the test with flying colours. Wasn’t called upon too often to exert his influence, but with Kennedy, Darling and Allen combining for just three goals (after the trio kicked nine between them in the reverse fixture), it was a major victory for the Bulldogs defence - 7

15. Taylor Duryea

Loved his game; how this man didn’t start the season in the club’s first team plans I’ll never understand. Played the conditions really well, regularly crashing through opponents, laying six tackles and kicking the football 17 times out of the 21 occasions when he has ball in hand - 8

16. Toby McLean

Another player who was well-suited to the slippery conditions, using the ball at 84% efficiency with his 13 disposals. He laid five tackles and kicked an important goal just before half time. Still building his fitness, but it’s been an encouraging fortnight - 7

17. Josh Bruce

Had a presence in the forward line, particularly early, but went goalless for the first time this year, kicking 0.2. He took three marks inside 50 and has six score involvements, but conditions weren’t ideal for him - 5

19. Cody Weightman

It was more what he did when he didn’t have the ball. Set up the first goal of the game with a brilliant smother on Hurn, and spent the rest of the match pursuing Eagles in the forward line. He didn’t lay a tackle, but was involved in six scores from his 10 disposals, including kicking a goal of his own - 7

20. Ed Richards

Looked solid in his first game for the year. Certainly he had more involvement in this game than he did in any game I can recall from last year. Played in a more familiar role across half back, and despite a couple of scrappy moments, was generally good value for his 16 disposal, hitting a target with 14 of them - 7

21. Tom Liberatore

Was solid without being spectacular, which is a little odd given that he normally thrives when the conditions were as tough and as contested as they were. Finished with 20 disposals and eight clearances, which are decent numbers considering he didn’t record a stat in the third term - 7

28. Anthony Scott

Felt like he was a bit more involved than the stats show. Was industrious early with five disposals in the opening term, but had just three more for the rest of the match. Laid just the one tackle and failed to score himself, although he was involved in four scoring chains - 3

29. Mitch Hannan

Another quiet game, unfortunately, this time with just the seven disposals, including three kicks and no score. Admittedly, conditions weren’t great for the taller types, but this type of form is nothing new for Hannan in 2021. It’s a concern as far as his spot in the best 22 is concerned - 3

31. Bailey Dale

Provided great drive all game for the Bulldogs, with six rebounds, four inside 50s, and a team-high 630 metres gained. Directly set up two goals for teammates as well. A good, all-round game - 8

33. Aaron Naughton

Showcased not only his ability, but his importance to the Bulldogs fortunes this year. With McGovern and Barrass looming large in the Eagles defence, Naughton kept them honest all afternoon, finishing with nine marks - five of them contested, and six inside-50. Cashed in on his hard work in the first three quarters with three goals in the last term to finish with 4.2 for the game - 9

34. Bailey Williams

Was a touch on the quiet side, with just 11 disposals all up - his lowest tally of the season. The positive was that eight of them were kicks, so he at least understood the conditions. Probably required to play a bit more defensive to help out against the tall Eagles forward line - 5

35. Caleb Daniel

A typically assured, 24-disposal game from Caleb, who regularly hit targets both by hand and by foot, playing a major role in allowing the Bulldogs to retain possession at critical moments. Went at 83% efficiency and played a role in six scores - 8

38. Riley Garcia

Played with such great energy; it’s easy to see why the Bulldogs rate him so highly. Wasn’t afraid to shirk the contest and throw his light frame around. Only had the 13 disposals, but this was his first full game, and provided the feel-good moment of the match with his first career goals late in the game - 7

Riley Garcia (third from right) kicking his first career goal was the feelgood moment of the match. Source: AFL.com.au

39. Jason Johannisen

Very impressed with his endeavour, particularly early. The conditions weren’t conducive to his normal swashbuckling style of play, but he didn’t allow that to deter him. He made sure that he had a physical impact on contests, which has often been a flaw in his game. No goals, but eight score involvements and six inside-50s from 16 disposals is a good output - 8

42. Alex Keath

Spent almost the entire game on Kennedy, and kept him to 1.2. Pretty obvious who takes the points in that battle - 9

43. Ryan Gardner

Pracrically unsighted, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing for a key defender, but his day was ended early when he suffered another suspected AC joint injury, almost identical to the one he sustained back in Round 3. Had just the one handpass, but despite missing a quarter and a half, managed a game-high nine spoils and 11 one-percenters, including a last-ditch effort to thwart a certain goal to Dom Sheed, and helped Keath and Cordy keep the Eagles tall forwards under wraps - 7

44. Tim English

Was in the wars for most of the game, having to battle solo against Nic Naitanui either side of bleeding from his eye. Naitanui had moments of dominance, but English held his own in the ruck, with 23 hitouts, but also took seven marks from his 13 disposals. Physically, he’s definitely maturing - 7