DOGS REACH FINALS
CRITICAL CAZALYS WIN:
THE equation was simple for the Western Bulldogs’ 48hour smash and grab job on Far North Queensland: win, and they play finals footy.
They completed the task against Fremantle in slippery conditions and now the going gets tougher if they want to advance their season.
Fremantle gave the Bulldogs plenty of issues for the first quarter and a bit, before they got the contest on their terms and they were able to move the ball freely, breaking the game open inside a five minute period.
Quick goals to Patrick Lipinski, Tim English and Aaron Naughton made the most of the Bulldogs’ midfielders racking up uncontested marks and possessions as they were able to get out, run and use the footy.
It was an arm-wrestle for the rest of the evening, with the five goal second term burst what the Bulldogs needed to book their finals ticket.
As Freo tired, the Bulldogs kicked away in the final term, 11.8 (74) – 6.8 (44).
They will now be sweating on the availability of emerging forward Aaron Naughton, who was taken to hospital for a precautionary scan following a bump from imposing Freo ruckman Sean Darcy late in the second term.
The West Australian product will be in some doubt for the Bulldogs’ first final.
Luke Beveridge’s side are peaking right as the business end of the season rolls around.
Last night’s finals clinching victory was their fifth triumph in their last six starts, with the only defeat coming against Geelong, in a game they had every chance to win.
Beltings at the hands of Collingwood and St Kilda all those months ago to open the campaign are long gone in their minds as they prepare for a finals assault.
And, after the club was embarrassed by the GWS Giants in last year’s post-season, the ‘Dogs have everything to play for over the next month.
They will face either St Kilda or West Coast Eagles in the first week of the finals, an opponent they’ll learn after tonight’s clash between Collingwood and Port Adelaide at the Gabba.