The Brisbane Lions held off a fierce Western Bulldogs comeback to hold on to a win of 12.14 (86) to 12.4 (76). Played in wet conditions at the Gabba, the game tested both sides’ finals credentials.
This was the Lions’ fourth straight victory, which keeps them well in the top four. The match between the Lions and Bulldogs, despite Brisbane being dominant at the start, was a close contest all through.
The difference was Ashcroft’s calm, Zorko’s grit, and some really forward entries. The end of the match saw the Western Bulldogs fighting until the last minute to shave down the margin to just four points.
Brisbane Lions vs Western Bulldogs
Can The Dogs Still Make Finals?
The loss finds Western Bulldogs sitting in ninth, just one game outside the top eight. They now sit at 1-8 against top-eight sides this season—an ominous trend.
Coach Luke Beveridge noted that they were unable to contain Brisbane’s spread and defensive pressure. Late in the match, the Bulldogs surged but could not get the needed score from limited forward entries.
Rhylee West kicked four goals, and Bontempelli was dominant around stoppages again. But defensive lapses and turnovers cost them in the critical moments.
The loss finds Western Bulldogs sitting ninth, one game shy of the top eight.
Will Ashcroft Delivers Under Pressure
With less than 30 seconds on the clock, Ashcroft marked a high ball in the forward pocket. After the siren, Ashcroft calmly kicked his third of the day to seal a 10-point margin.
With Ashcroft now establishing himself as one of Brisbane’s calmest young stars, he finished with 21 disposals, three goals, and five tackles. Coach Fagan admired his poise, calling him “a player who’s able to take the moment.”
His brother Levi also put in a useful performance, giving pace and spread.
How Did Zorko Impact The Game?
Dayne Zorko picked up a nasty foot injury early in the first quarter. A teammate accidentally stepped on his foot while in a contest, forcing the veteran to limp off.
The 36-year-old veteran returned strapped, providing leadership in the midfield and half-back. He racked up 25 disposals and was vital in slowing down the late surge of the Bulldogs.
Zorko’s toughness remains at the core of the lion’s game plan. He admitted afterwards that the foot still hurt, but he expects to be available for selection next week.
Dayne Zorko limps off after a teammate accidentally steps on his foot during a contest.
What Went Wrong For The Bulldogs?
The Bulldogs were remarkably efficient with the ball as they were scoring on 12.4 from 44 inside-50s but ultimately were quite stingy with their supply. Brisbane dominated territory with 64 entries and 34 more forward chains.
The Lions scored on better pressure acts and had easy movement in transition. Defenders of the Bulldogs would often lose their one-on-one contests inside 50.
Brisbane’s small forwards were active, Cameron, McCarthy, and Bailey putting together a five-goal haul. Midfielders did lose some shape in the important phases, mainly in the 2nd and 3rd terms.
Lions Growing In Confidence
That win sees Brisbane cement their way into the top four, with five rounds remaining. They now have four wins on the trot and are next up against Carlton and Adelaide.
The Lions are coming into form, with their younger players embracing responsibilities alongside the senior stars. Hugh McCluggage and Josh Dunkley came and starred, with a combined total of 55 disposals.
Their contested work and superior defensive zone coverage choked the Bulldogs’ ball movement. Chris Fagan admitted that his team still had to finish off games a bit more cleanly.
Also Read: Netflix’s ‘Untamed’ Explores Murder, Mystery and Survival in Yosemite’s Rugged Wilderness
What’s Next For Both Teams?
- Top-four momentum may be tested for Brisbane with the tougher fixtures coming up.
- Will the Bulldogs bounce back and win after losing again to a finals-bound opponent?
- Can Dayne Zorko body through to finals?
With the Brisbane vs Bulldogs result, the Lions keep themselves in the running for a home final. Meanwhile, the Dogs have to do it against Hawthorn next week and keep in touch. And it’s defining time for both clubs, with September fast approaching.
The Brisbane vs Bulldogs match was the ideal pre-finals test. It put a lens on the growth of the Lions and the continued inconsistency of the Bulldogs when up against top teams. With Ashcroft ascending and Zorko in recovery, Brisbane’s glory run is coming up at just the right time.
