Player Ratings - Round 5

For the first time since 1946, the Western Bulldogs have started the season 5-0.

It came off the back of a blistering first half performance against the Gold Coast Suns, kicking 11 goals in a row, and although it was followed up with a scrappy third term, the Bulldogs coasted home to a 62-point victory.

1. Adam Treloar

It's been well documented that Collingwood had to let someone go, but with every passing week, it becomes more difficult to understand why Collingwood were so willing to cut ties specifically with Treloar. Was blistering in the first half, with his long-run and long-range goal perhaps the best in a catalogue of first-half goals. Finished the game with 2.1 from 26 disposals. Continues to provide that extra bit of class, while also allowing his fellow midfielders to play in their natural role - 8

2. Lewis Young

Weird sort of game, but more so because of the role he was deployed in, often being called upon to play as the backup ruckman, to the point where he finished the game with more hitouts than English (8-6). Had virtually nothing to do in the first half, and wasn't at fault too often with the goals conceded in the third term. Five spoils and five one-percenters - 6

4. Marcus Bontempelli

Going into this season, Bontempelli had never once had a match where he finished with 30+ disposals and 3+ goals. Now he's done it twice. Got the first-half onslaught started with two early goals, and settled things late in the third to thwart a Gold Coast comeback. Also laid six tackles. There are Brownlow votes in this one - 9

Marcus Bontempelli was at his blistering best in his 150th game. Source: Getty Images

5. Josh Dunkley

One of the main beneficiaries of the arrival's of both Treloar and Stefan Martin. He's now allowed to do as he pleases in the midfield, regularly burrowing in for the contested ball. Led allcomers with 38 disposals (17 contested), eight tackles and seven clearances. Topped off the performance with two opportunistic goals. Close to best on ground - 9

6. Bailey Smith

A good game, but not a brilliant one. Had 20 disposals and 10 score involvements, but didn't star in the midfield, and you could make a case that he tried to do a bit too much at times - 6

7. Lachie Hunter

Back to his ball-winning ways this week, with a 25-disposal return. Also had 10 score involvements for the game, and managed a crafty goal in the second term, although it did required quick evasion skills from Bontempelli - 7

9. Hayden Crozier

A timely inclusion, with Caleb Daniel's suspension and a potential long-term injury to Bailey Williams. Finished the game with 17 disposals and eight marks, but wasn't required to have a major impact across half back. Getting through the game was the big plus to take away from this outing - 6

10. Easton Wood

Looked really good early, and even ventured forward to kick the first goal of the game. Finished with seven marks (two intercepted) from his 10 disposals. A solid out, overall - 7

11. Jackson Macrae

Another great exhibition of accumulation and class to build a strong game. 35 disposals and three goal assists is an outrageous showing, but it's just a regular day at the office for Macrae - 9

15. Taylor Duryea

This was his best game for the year. Each of his 16 disposals hit a target, three of his ten marks were intercepted, and his defensive game was as strong as it's ever been; if he wasn't tackling opponents, he was getting a timely fist in the marking contest - 8

17. Josh Bruce

With Josh Schache breathing down the necks of the key forwards, Bruce and Naughton needed to have strong games. Bruce was fairly quiet for most of the match, but fought hard when the ball was nearby, and was rewarded in the second half with a couple of goals. You probably know the pass mark for key forwards by now: two goals = job done - 7

21. Tom Liberatore

Returned to his best this week, with 24 possessions (15 contested) and eight clearances as well. Continues to be just so crucial to the Bulldogs fortunes in the midfield, and scored a classy goal in the last term to cap off a great game - 8

25. Ben Cavarra

Certainly deserved his opportunity at AFL level after scoring 15 goals in his previous five VFL appearances, but was only given a quarter to impress after starting the game as the Medical Sub. Only managed the one disposal, although it did lead to a score, so we'll be fair and give him an extra mark - 2

27. Patrick Lipinski

Brought in late to replace Laitham Vandermeer. Was efficient, contributing to seven scores from his 15 disposals, but it wasn't the impact that he was hoping for. Has already been dropped twice this season, and has earned two reprieves, so his spot is certainly in question, but he continues to hang in there - 5

Patrick Lipinski (No.27) continues to hang around in the Best 22 setup. Source: Getty Images

28. Anthony Scott

Another who regularly contributed to positive moves on the occasions when he did win the ball, registering nine score involvements from his 13 disposals, which included a goal in the last quarter. Clearly a player who is playing an important role for the Bulldogs, albeit one that isn't necessary one for the cameras - 5

30. Lachlan McNeil

Yet another Bulldog who got in on the act in the first half, with a lovely running snap. His 13 disposals and three tackles were both career-bests - 6

31. Bailey Dale

Possibly his best game for the club, and certainly his best game since his move into defence. His 27 disposals at 92% efficiency was a career-high, and did his job defensively as well, registering six intercepts and six one-perceters. Also, with nine marks (three intercepted), nine rebounds and nine score involvements, I think I've got an idea as to what score we should give him - 9

33. Aaron Naughton

Was a threat to the Suns defence all day, with six marks in total, including three contested and three inside-50. Finished the game with 2.3, although two of his behinds hit the post. The upside with this guy is huge - 8

34. Bailey Williams

Wasn't his day, really. Didn't find much of the ball, finding just 14 disposals for the match, before being subbed out of the game with a shoulder injury. His absence will be determined in the coming days - 5

39. Jason Johannisen

Has definitely been moved out of his customary half back role, spending most of the game either on the wing or half forward. Set up the first goal of the game, but managed only six kicks for the match - 5

41. Jordon Sweet

Granted, the Suns went into the match without a recognised ruckman, but Sweet looked comfortable at the level. His 31 hitouts were the most in a game by any Bulldog since Jordan Roughead managed the same number in Round 22, 2017. Overall, a pretty handy debut - 7

42. Alex Keath

Thwarted just about any attack the Suns launched in the first half. Led the way in pretty much all the key defensive stats, including intercepts (12), intercept marks (4), one-percenters (8) and spoils (7). - 9

44. Tim English

His inaccuracy (1.2) prevented him from getting a great score, because he was a real threat going forward for most of the day, with three marks inside-50 and seven score involvements. Odd that he didn't ruck a whole heap on the occasions when Sweet was off the ground - 6