AFL Report | Dogs charge home to end Pies' unbeaten run

Match Report

The Western Bulldogs have handed Collingwood its first loss since round two, winning by 18 points on Friday night. 

Compounding last week's injury woes, the Dogs lost another two players to injury in the opening half, but fought on to run out 15.10 (100) to 12.10 (82) winners under the Marvel Stadium roof, soundtracked by a vocal Pies crowd.

Marcus Bontempelli's sheer will to keep his side motivated was enthralling, as the captain finished the game with 38 disposals, 10 clearances and two goals in an inspirational performance.

Meanwhile, Sam Darcy (three goals, five contested marks) was the star inside 50, dominating in the air in attack and doing the damage on the scoreboard.

Despite giving up four of the first five goals of the game, the Dogs kept the Pies within arm's reach for much of the game to be within striking distance late.

Their surge was also assisted by a lack of organisation in Collingwood's front half in the final term, with the Pies struggling to pick out options without the focal point of Brody Mihocek.

Both donning the bright orange boots, Nick Daicos and Jack Crisp started the game at a blistering pace, the pair combining for 15 disposals, 10 contested possessions, and two goals in the first quarter alone.

With those two leading the way, Collingwood looked like world beaters in that term. Exiting stoppages with ease, attacking directly, and neatly cutting through the Dogs' defence. But it couldn't put a gap on the scoreboard, converting only five goals from 12 scores.

As a result, the Dogs smelled blood in the water, and when they won control, they were deadly in front of goal. The Pies' kicking efficiency plummeted in the second term, and the Bulldogs capitalised on the turnover opportunities, enjoying a five-goal quarter of their own.

Adam Treloar (37 disposals, 11 clearances, one goal) continued to lead through action in the middle, and emerging Dog Riley Garcia (21 disposals, four tackles) offered a spark through the contest.

COLLINGWOOD                    5.7     8.8     12.9      12.10 (82)  
WESTERN BULLDOGS         3.2     8.5     10.9     15.10 (100)  

GOALS
Collingwood: Schultz 3, N.Daicos 2, J.Daicos 2, Maynard, Markov, Lipinski, Hill, Crisp
Western Bulldogs: Darcy 3, Ugle-Hagan 2, McNeil 2, Macrae 2, Bontempelli 2, West, Vandermeer, Treloar, Lobb

BEST
Collingwood: N.Daicos, Crisp, J.Daicos, Schultz, Sullivan
Western Bulldogs: Bontempelli, Treloar, Darcy, Garcia, Sanders

INJURIES
Collingwood: Nil
Western Bulldogs: Harmes (hamstring), Vandermeer (hamstring)

SUBSTITUTES
Collingwood: Wil Parker (replaced John Noble in the fourth quarter)
Western Bulldogs: Lachie McNeil (replaced James Harmes in the first quarter)

Crowd: 43,298 at Marvel Stadium