Two obvious errors at both finish of the bottom confirmed the hole the Western Bulldogs should bridge to problem high AFL sides like Collingwood.
The Bulldogs pushed the Magpies in Friday evening’s Marvel Stadium blockbuster, kicking the primary three objectives of the sport and main by 22 factors through the second time period.
But Collingwood kicked clear within the third quarter after which held off the Bulldogs’ late surge to win by 12 factors.
Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge was left to rue his staff’s lack of poise and famous two moments.
The first was when Collingwood ahead Ash Johnson took an uncontested mark on the purpose line, giving him the simplest of set pictures.
Then Magpies captain Darcy Moore was in a position to do the identical on the different finish when he stopped a Bulldogs shot at purpose.
“There’s some detail and some margins in there that matter in these games,” Beveridge mentioned.
“The boys obviously dug in and persevered – we came with a bit of a challenge in the last quarter.
“But even then, we squandered some nice alternatives.”
Still, the game showed Beveridge that the Bulldogs can be competitive against the best – provided they keep improving.
“In the reduce and thrust of the sport, they had been just a bit bit too good, slightly bit too sensible at instances,” he mentioned.
“We’ll go away with some positives, however we wish to make up these margins that we all know are there. We really feel like we’re not too far-off, however it could actually nonetheless be too far.”
Defender Ryan Gardiner hurt his ankle and Beveridge doubts he will play next weekend against Sydney.
Star midfielder Bailey Smith continues to struggle for form, with Beveridge saying he is still regaining full fitness.
Former Collingwood player Caleb Poulter had a bad start against his old side when he briefly ran the wrong way with the ball in the first term.
“At least he was trustworthy with that … it was simply the overwhelming nature of enjoying towards your outdated facet,” Beveridge mentioned.
“It’s arduous once you’re yelling at your individual participant … to run the opposite manner.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
