Sydney Blow Away Doggies
By Matt Janson June 16 2003
For the 3rd consecutive year, the Western Bulldogs made the decision to move a home game against the swans to the SCG. The previous 2 years saw easy victories for the club as they were chasing an elusive win.
By Matt Janson June 16 2003
For the 3rd consecutive year, the Western Bulldogs made the decision to move a home game against the swans to the SCG. The previous 2 years saw easy victories for the club as they were chasing an elusive win.
The night did start positively for the Bulldogs. The defence was holding firm, despite the obvious size and strength disadvantages that were presented. The midfield was clicking, but even more positive was that it was the 2nd tier players like Mitchell Hahn, Daniel Giansiracusa, the maligned Nathan Eagleton and to a lesser extent Ben Harrison showing the way. Needless to say the opportunities for the forward line were more than ample and most werre duly converted.
The first signs of trouble appeared in the second quarter. Unfortunately Steve Kretiuk got injured for about the 700th time in league football, again leaving the defence undermanned. Matthew Croft tried hard on Barry Hall, Ryan Hargrave battled on Michael O'Loughlin and Robert Murphy had to be employed on the resting ruckman. Even so, Giansiracusa scored a couple of 2nd quarter goals to ensure that the Bulldogs went into half time with a small, but important lead.
Bulldog fans who had travelled up from Melbourne were optimistic about a win against a finals contender. About an hour later, the hope and optimism turned into more pain and agony. Sydney started to dominate, so much so the the Bulldogs were only able to kick 1 goal in the 2nd half. Hall got on top of Croft and ended the game with 6 goals, whilst the big 3 for the Bulldogs were shut out of the game. Scott West was subdued, Nathan Brown barely got a touch after quarter time and Brad Johnson was very quiet.
Not too many positives could be taken out of the 2nd half, but at least some players could hold their head high. Nathan Eagleton performed valiently on Stuart Maxfield all night. Giansiracusa was busy but lacked support. The reliable Rohan Smith often help up counteless attacks.
The injury toll though was possibly worse than the result. Apart from Kretiuk, youngster Wayde Skipper copped a knee to the ribs during the 2nd quarter. The diagnosis is that he has a punctured lung and will not return to Melbourne for at least a couple more days. Mitchell Hahn also had a corked thigh to contend with, and spent most of the 2nd half on the bench.
For some teams, the break could not come at a better time. At least the club can now take stock of the injury list, and try to get as many players on the paddock as soon as possible. If the list continues to mount, then it is likely that a wooden spoon is coming our way.
SCORES:
SYDNEY 19.13.127
BULLDOGS 9.9.63
BULLDOG GOALS: Giansiracusa 3, Hahn 2, Harrison, Johnson, Brown, Garlick.
afl.com.au BEST: Giansiracusa, Smith, Hahn, Harrison
The first signs of trouble appeared in the second quarter. Unfortunately Steve Kretiuk got injured for about the 700th time in league football, again leaving the defence undermanned. Matthew Croft tried hard on Barry Hall, Ryan Hargrave battled on Michael O'Loughlin and Robert Murphy had to be employed on the resting ruckman. Even so, Giansiracusa scored a couple of 2nd quarter goals to ensure that the Bulldogs went into half time with a small, but important lead.
Bulldog fans who had travelled up from Melbourne were optimistic about a win against a finals contender. About an hour later, the hope and optimism turned into more pain and agony. Sydney started to dominate, so much so the the Bulldogs were only able to kick 1 goal in the 2nd half. Hall got on top of Croft and ended the game with 6 goals, whilst the big 3 for the Bulldogs were shut out of the game. Scott West was subdued, Nathan Brown barely got a touch after quarter time and Brad Johnson was very quiet.
Not too many positives could be taken out of the 2nd half, but at least some players could hold their head high. Nathan Eagleton performed valiently on Stuart Maxfield all night. Giansiracusa was busy but lacked support. The reliable Rohan Smith often help up counteless attacks.
The injury toll though was possibly worse than the result. Apart from Kretiuk, youngster Wayde Skipper copped a knee to the ribs during the 2nd quarter. The diagnosis is that he has a punctured lung and will not return to Melbourne for at least a couple more days. Mitchell Hahn also had a corked thigh to contend with, and spent most of the 2nd half on the bench.
For some teams, the break could not come at a better time. At least the club can now take stock of the injury list, and try to get as many players on the paddock as soon as possible. If the list continues to mount, then it is likely that a wooden spoon is coming our way.
SCORES:
SYDNEY 19.13.127
BULLDOGS 9.9.63
BULLDOG GOALS: Giansiracusa 3, Hahn 2, Harrison, Johnson, Brown, Garlick.
afl.com.au BEST: Giansiracusa, Smith, Hahn, Harrison
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