AFL grand final 2021 LIVE updates Bulldogs respond ferociously to early Demons onslaught
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After trailing by 21 points 16 minutes ago at quarter-time, the Bulldogs now find themselves in front for the first time by two points, 6.3.39 to 5.7.37.
Hunter is tackled high by Spargo and wins the free kick, before splitting the big sticks from 40m out directly in front.
This has been a sensational turnaround from Beveridge’s men, and they’ve kicked five goals to one in the second term and we’ve only gone halfway. The Bulldogs are up in contested possessions by 13.
Leading disposals: Daniel 19, Oliver 16, Dunkley 15, Petracca 14
Ben Brown steadies the ship for the Demons with a much-needed converted set shot, but it proves to be only a momentary respite as Bontempelli responds with a strong pack mark and converted set shot of his own down the other end to get back within four points of the Demons nearing the midway point of the second term, 5.3.33 to 5.7.37.
Ben Brown takes a mark.Credit:Getty Images
The Bulldogs desperately needed a spark after being largely outplayed in the first quarter, and their boom recruit Adam Treloar has answered the call.
The former Magpie kicks the first two goals of the second term and then Naughton joins the fightback with a snap shot from 25m out to cut the deficit to four points shortly after quarter-time, 4.2.26 to 4.6.30.
Adam Treloar tackles Jack Viney.Credit:Getty Images
Channel Seven commentator Daisy Pearce has again got fans praising her game analysis and special comments after an exceptional season.
The AFLW stalwart has made the commentary booth her own in recent years and her first term has Twitter roaring its support. She can’t win the Norm Smith Medal but if there was a commentary version she would win it comfortably.
Melbourne’s pressure has forced turnovers that have led to important early goals and a clear ascendancy after a few minutes of sparring.
Salem is such a composed footballer while Petracca’s ability to win contests has been a feature. The Demons have been the more physically aggressive side, evident in the heavy bumps dealt by May (Hannan) and Salem (Macrae).
The Dogs have been much less poised with the ball in hand. Another key difference has been composure and organisation behind the ball - Bailey Williams had an awful sequence he was smothered and then dropped a mark, both leading to two of the Dees’ four goals.
Melbourne 4.5 (29)
W.Bulldogs 1.2 (8)
GOALS
Melbourne: Fritsch 2, Petracca, Spargo
W.Bulldogs: R.Smith
DISPOSALS
Melbourne: Oliver 12, Petracca 10, Salem 9
W.Bulldogs: Daniel 12, Dunkley 12, Macrae 10
INTERCEPTS
Melbourne: Salem 4, Bowey 3, Hibberd 3
W.Bulldogs: Daniel 5, Liberatore 4, Dale 3
Melbourne’s pressure has seen them assume a commanding position early in this contest and they lead the disposals 112-105, tackles 12-9, marks 20-13, inside 50s 19-16, hitouts 9-7, scoring shots 9-2 and free kicks 7-3. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs have committed four more clangers 21-17.
Jack Viney.Credit:WA Today
The Demons have taken an early stranglehold on this contest with another couple of goals in a row putting them up by 19 points late in the first term.
In the first instance, Williams succumbed to Pickett’s pressure deep in the Dogs’ defence and kicked it straight to Jackson who dished it off to Spargo who kicked the easy goal from close range.
Then Fritsch capitalised on another Doggies skill error to straighten up, and slot a major from 25m out in front.
Melbourne are up 4.3.27 to 1.2.8 and the Bulldogs are seriously feeling the pinch.
Roarke Smith goes up against May, Hibberd and Langdon in a marking contest, but emerges with the crumbs! He turns around and runs into the open goal for the Dogs’ first major.
After 18 minutes, it’s the Demons by eight points, 2.3.15 to 1.1.7.
That was brilliant play by Smith.
Melbourne’s pressure has been sensational so far, just like it was in their preliminary final against Geelong.
After 15 minutes, they lead by 14 points, 2.3.15 to 0.1.1.
Leading disposals: Oliver 9, Daniel 8, Dunkley 6, Salem 6
Sparrow’s deep, centring kick to the goal square is centimetre perfect and Fritsch takes a lovely, contested mark agianst Wood on the goal line.
From point-blank range, Fritsch puts the Demons up by 13 points after 11 minutes, 2.2.14 to 0.1.1.
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