The Marcus Bontempelli-inspired Western Bulldogs have survived an irresistible 15-minute onslaught from Richmond to hold on for a significant five-point win at a rain-drenched MCG.
After main by 29 factors early within the second quarter, the Bulldogs’ benefit vanished by halftime as Richmond piled on eight straight objectives in a burst of play equal to something they produced throughout their latest premiership golden period.
But the Tigers had been restricted to simply 2.5 within the second half because the Bulldogs settled in defence amid driving rain to prevail 12.17 (89) to 12.12 (84).
The Bulldogs reclaimed the lead by a Mitch Hannan snap early within the final quarter, however a Shai Bolton purpose with 30 seconds remaining gave Richmond an opportunity to pinch the sport.
But Bontempelli stormed out of the final centre clearance to steer the Bulldogs to security.
In an additional blow for Richmond, star ahead Tom Lynch is definite to come back underneath scrutiny from the match evaluation officer for an incident within the first quarter that left Bulldogs defender Alex Keath concussed.
Lynch was on hearth early, kicking Richmond’s solely two objectives of the primary time period, however was barely sighted for the remainder of the match.
After the primary half produced 18 objectives, the groups mixed for simply 5 within the final two quarters.
The gutsy win, the Bulldogs’ second straight after beginning the season 0-2, will delight coach Luke Beveridge.
As nicely as dropping Keath, the Bulldogs needed to do it with out fellow defender Hayden Crozier for a lot of the second-half after he injured his again in a friendly-fire collision with Josh Bruce.
Bontempelli set the tone early, having six clearances within the opening time period because the Bulldogs’ midfield ran riot.
The captain completed with 25 possessions and 11 clearances in a defining efficiency.
Bontempelli’s premiership midfielder Tom Liberatore was in every single place early and managed to kick two objectives within the first quarter as his aspect obliterated the shell-shocked Tigers out of the centre.
Former Richmond captain Trent Cotchin, who was “managed” for this contest, was subbed into the sport late within the second quarter after fellow Tigers midfielder Jack Graham broken a hamstring.
Richmond additionally opted to relaxation Cotchin’s triple premiership teammate Jack Riewoldt in a transfer that stunned Beveridge on Friday.
Richmond (1-1-2) will line-up towards the Sydney Swans on the Adelaide Oval in Gather Round, whereas the Bulldogs have Port Adelaide in entrance of a parochial house crowd.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
