Player Ratings - Round 4

The Western Bulldogs suffered a 16-point loss over the weekend with a frustrating defeat against Fremantle in Perth.

Despite being in control for most of the game, a six-goal run in 13 second quarter minutes for the Dockers set the game up for the hosts, and despite winning the second half, the Bulldogs were unable to reel in Fremantle's 32-point half-time lead.

7. Rory Lobb

Rocking the new Lobster Look, he started really well and was the best defender on the day for the Bulldogs, with his four intercept marks and eight intercept possessions both team-highs, but was ultimately part of a defensive setup that was highly culpable on the day, with Fremantle regularly catching the Bulldogs out on the counter-attack, and the six-goal run late in the second term proved a decisive blow - 6

8. Matthew Kennedy

Another strong showing in the midfield, as he continues to prove his worth to the team early in the season. Fought hard to win 26 possessions, nine clearances and eight inside 50s, but his efficiency cost him, going at only 50% as he committed six clangers - 8

9. Ryley Sanders

Built on last week’s solid showing with another encouraging performance, as he is starting to find his feet at AFL level. Kicked two goals from his 20 disposals, taking his tally to five for the season, and was more damaging with his disposal this week, registering 11 kicks - 8

10. Sam Darcy

Outstanding doesn’t do his performance any justice at all. 21 disposals (career-high), 11 marks (career-high), and a season-high five-goal performance in what was one of the best individual performances of his career. Furthermore, he had 11 contested possessions and took six marks inside 50. Often it felt like it was a case of Sam Darcy v Fremantle, such was the Bulldogs’ reliance on him at times. Darcy’s efforts all around the ground were a large reason why the Bulldogs still had a chance going into the final term. Last week I gave him a seven, and felt in hindsight that it was a bit harsh, so I’m prepared to make it up to him this week; he deserves it - 10

Sam Darcy (R) receives the first '10' in this year's Salty Bulldog Player Ratings. Source: Getty Images

12. Harvey Gallagher

Started as the sub and was thrust into the action before half time after Laitham Vandermeer was taken off injured. Was ok in a role in the defensive half of the ground, with nine touches at 78% efficiency - 5

13. Oskar Baker

Found enough of the ball down back, picking up 20 disposals and gaining 440m, which was largely down to the fact that 17 of those touches were kicks. His  disposal use was a little low, going at just 65% by foot, and being part of that back half that was regularly caught out in transition also hurts his score. Will come under scrutiny for a head-high bump on Andrew Brayshaw - 5

14. Rhylee West

Got himself involved early with a lovely set shot finish from a tight angle, but didn’t kick on from there, often second to the ball whenever it was loose inside the Bulldogs attacking 50, but was guilty of fumbling it whenever he was in possession. Finished with 15 disposals, but used it at 46% - 4

18. James O’Donnell

For the second week running, O’Donnell was used up forward, with occasional stints in the ruck. He kicked an important goal in the third term to keep the Bulldogs in touch, but finished the match with just one mark from 10 disposals - 3

James O'Donnell (R) and Josh Dolan are still trying to find their feet in this Bulldogs forward line. Source: Getty Images

19. Liam Jones

Often the rock in the Bulldogs defensive setup, Jones was all at sea in defence, with Fremantle regularly walking the ball into goal through coast-to-coast transition, with Jones often unsighted in the backline. Also made a couple of crucial errors in the third term which directly led to Fremantle goals, just as the Bulldogs were working their way back into the match - 2

20. Ed Richards

Continues to fight hard as one of the Bulldogs’ better players in the absence of some star teammates. Picked up 23 disposals, six inside 50s and six score involvements, and gained 437m as well, but went at 65% efficiency. Is doing well, but could definitely do with the help of some more starpower - 7

21. Tom Liberatore

Lead from the front again with yet another excellent performance, picking up 30 disposals for the fourth game in a row - just the second time he’s managed that in his career. Along the way he picked up 12 contested possessions and won six clearances - 8

22. James Harmes

Had a couple of moments where he tried to do too much, but one moment he won’t need back came in the second term, where he sprinted forward to collect the ball, before finishing from an impossible angle. It’s an early contender for Goal of the Year, and it was the crowning moment in another fine display between wing and half-forward, where he gathered 24 disposals and laid seven tackles - 8

23. Laitham Vandermeer

Unable to build on a solid start to the season, failing to score from any of his five disposals, before being subbed out in the second term due to knee soreness - 1

24. Buku Khamis

After such an assured display last week, Khamis took a step backwards at the weekend, failing to take control in the air, with several mistakes also leading to Fremantle goals. His nine spoils were a team-high, but failed to take an intercept mark, and comitted four clangers - 3

26. Josh Dolan

Started this week after impressing as the sub against Carlton. For the fourth game in a row, he failed to kick a goal, but did record a career-high in disposals, even if it was only the eight touches. Still very much finding his feet at the level - 3

27. Joel Freijah

Another quiet showing from him with just 15 disposals and five clearances in a game where he once again spent more time behind the ball. The effort was definitely there, as his 20 pressure acts were ranked fourth among the team, but the product was lacking - 4

29. Lachlan Bramble

Was solid without being great, collecting 16 disposals and going at an efficiency of 70%, but defensively was often found wanting against Fremantle’s fleet of small forwards. It feels like he’s still trying to work his way into the season a bit - 5

30. Lachlan McNeil

Chipped in with his usual endeavour with 10 disposals, four tackles, and a late goal to give the Bulldogs a small chance at victory. Nothing more or less than what we’ve come to expect from him in this small forward role - 5

31. Bailey Dale

His drive out of defence again played a big role for the Bulldogs, with 518m gained from his 26 disposals. Only managed three rebounds, which speaks to how high up the ground he was often stationed, which led to him - like many of his teammates - being caught out on the break, but still did his best defensively with six intercepts - 8

33. Aaron Naughton

Struggled once again, with just one goal from nine disposals. His work rate was solid enough to get to a number of contests, but his once sticky hands have now deserted him, rarely winning the ball in the air and often being soundly beaten. Missed a greatchance in the third term that saw Fremantle run straight up the other end and goal that killed off crucial momentum for the Bulldogs - 2 

34. Bailey Williams

Had his colours lowered this week compared to last, picking up 16 disposals but with just two rebounds and two score involvements. There will be times where wingers don’t necessarily rock  up big numbers, but his impact wasn’t at the level we’ve come to expect - 5

42. Sam Davidson

On the other long, Davidson was slightly more effective, collecting 18 disposals, but playing a hand in six scores - a stat bettered only by Sam Darcy. Wasn’t always clean with the footy, going at just 61% efficiency, but has acclimatised to the level very well and very quickly - 7

44. Tim English

Had a better blend with his ruck work and ground work this week, with his 40 hitouts a game-high, and recorded six clearances from his 19 disposals. But with his direct opponent Luke Jackson off injured for almost the entire final term, the opportunity was there for Tim English to stamp his authority on proceedings to win the game for the Bulldogs, but he just didn’t take advantage of the situation - 7