Jobaaj Stories
Bulldogs Smash Port Adelaide in 90-Point Rout
The Western Bulldogs delivered a stunning performance, crushing Port Adelaide by a resounding 90 points (20.11 (131) to 5.11 (41)) at Ballarat's Mars Stadium. This emphatic victory, fueled by a dominant midfield performance and a masterful display of handling challenging windy conditions, solidifies the Bulldogs as serious premiership contenders.
A Masterclass in Midfield Dominance
Tim English, in a standout performance against his former teammate Jordon Sweet, was the architect of the Bulldogs' success. His 27 possessions and three goals set the tone, while the entire midfield—including Ed Richards (30 disposals, five clearances), Matt Kennedy (26, 11 clearances), and the returning Adam Treloar (27 disposals, one goal)—overwhelmed Port Adelaide. Even with Marcus Bontempelli initially limited to just two disposals in the first quarter, the Bulldogs' midfield depth proved insurmountable. The Bulldogs' ability to win the contested ball, converting it into scores, proved to be the difference.
Key Players Shine
The victory was a collective effort, with Aaron Naughton contributing three goals and seven marks, and captain Bontempelli finishing with 23 touches and three goals himself. Ed Richards produced a highlight-reel goal, a spectacular checkside on the run, while other Bulldogs players like Rory Lobb (defensive brilliance), and Bailey Dale (31 disposals) also made significant contributions.
Port Adelaide's Struggles
For Port Adelaide, Zak Butters (24 disposals, six clearances) and Connor Rozee (29 disposals) fought valiantly, but their efforts were ultimately overshadowed by the Bulldogs' sheer dominance. The Power's struggles were evident in their inability to adapt to the windy conditions and the Bulldogs’ superior midfield pressure. Willie Rioli also faces scrutiny following an off-the-ball incident.
A Turning Point in the Season?
This resounding win is a significant boost for the Bulldogs, following a challenging start to the season marked by injuries to key players like Marcus Bontempelli and Sam Darcy. It also strengthens their claim for a top-eight finish and adds fuel to the calls for coach Luke Beveridge's contract renewal. The 90-point victory emphatically showcased the Bulldogs' potential, making them a serious threat in the race for the AFL Premiership. The question now is: can they maintain this momentum?
