BULLDOGS REIGN SUPREME

THE Western Bulldogs’ blue chip midfield has proven it doesn’t need perfect conditions to flash its class after outgunning Essendon on a rain-soaked UTAS Stadium.

The Dogs staggered into the elimination final on the back of three consecutive defeats – blowing their top four hopes in the process – but bounced back to form to send the Bombers packing from the premiership race.

Essendon’s wait to end its finals drought, which stood at 6203 days without a win entering the clash, will extend into 2022 after the Dogs secured a 13.7 (85) to 4.12 (36) result – their first post-season victory since claiming the 2016 flag.