Sorry this is so late, had our hands full… for more information check this post
Western Bulldogs 11.10.76
St Kilda 14.20.104
The theory went like this: The Bulldogs having lost their last two games would go into this match with a point to prove against a St Kilda side who couldn’t muster the same intensity it had delivered every week thus far and sneak across the line in a close one. Indeed that was the theory, in fact looking up at the ContestedFooty (aka Docklands, Telstra Dome, Etihad Stadium etc.) scoreboard I was told that according to the TAB the Dogs were favorites, ‘amazing’ I thought to myself.
As so often happens in the world/scientific community a theory fell short in practice. Whilst the Western Bulldogs had in fact come to play, so too did St Kilda and with it they brought the intensity and discipline that started its season so well. Despite a good effort from the Dogs, they couldn’t find a way through St Kilda’s defense or a method to control their offensive thrusts; Nick Riewoldt proving particularly dangerous kicking 4 goals that could of easily been 10 but for his well renowned ‘yips’.
Turning Points of the Match
The last four minutes of the first half were decisive; a game that had been a real arm wrestle suddenly broke open for the Saints who put on 3 quick goals, the final of which was kicked after the siren. Riewoldt kicked the first and last of the 3, the first coming after a strong mark with little angle to speak of and the last one being a beautiful banana after the siren; poetically the play started in defense with a strong mark from ex Bulldog Farren Ray who had a fantastic game.
The start of the second half saw the game open up for both sides briefly in a mini shoot out. Both teams put 2 goals on the board in 3 minutes before St Kilda settled better and kicked the next two setting up what was a game defining lead.
Key Players for the Western Bulldogs
Jason Akermanis – Worked hard to impact the game, a fantastic chase on Jason Gram being a highlight. His final stats included: 5 tackles 20 possessions and 2 goals.
Josh Hill – Whilst he could of done more defensively he looked dangerous all day, he finished with 3 goals and could have had fantastic stats with a higher work rate.
Key Players for St Kilda
Nick Riewoldt – had in excess of 10 shots at goal, worked hard all day and looked dangerous. Should have reaped better results than 4 goals 5 behinds however he still finished with an impressive 14 marks as well.
Brendon Goddard – Stepped up at key moments, the Bulldogs let him get free and paid the price which was 33 quality possessions and a lovely goal.
Musings for the Match
• Riewoldt needs to stop spinning the ball in his hands when walks/runs up for a set shot.
• St Kilda dominated tackles yet again, finishing the game with an amazing 80 tackles.
• Farren Ray played very well against his old club. 31 possessions and 11 marks.
• Western Bulldogs have a lot to work on to be a serious contender, particularly up forward.
• St Kilda keeps proving themselves and if they win next week I’ll start to get excited.
• ‘it’s a marathon’
Supercoach
St Kilda players are worth their weight in gold with 8 of the players in last nights team averaging over 100 points.
Brendon Goddard is a gun and will rake in some huge scores this year. 174 points in this game.
Cooney is dropping in price nicely- the challenge being when to pick him up.
Watch for injuries to Riewoldt and Fisher who both looked proppy at times.
Tags: Brendon Goddard, Jason Akermanis, Josh Hill, Nick Riewoldt
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