Shane Biggs
– 6
Started the game positively until a clanger of a kick gifted Josh Kennedy and
the Eagles the first goal of the match. Was unobtrusive but did his job.
Marcus
Bontempelli – 6
Tagged out of it by Mark Hutchings in the first half but got
away after half-time, particularly in the final term when he slammed the door shut
with a 10-disposal quarter and a 55m goal.
• Click here for full match coverage and stats
Matthew Boyd
– 8
Was everywhere in the opening half when the Dogs opened up their four-goal
half-time lead. You can't buy experience at the corner shop.
Tom Boyd – 8
A breakout game from the million-dollar man. Competed with vigour both in the
ruck and across half-forward, trying to limit Jeremy McGovern and Tom Barrass' influence
and providing a target. Had five tackles.
Zaine Cordy
– 6
The decoy centre half-forward who ensured McGovern and Barrass didn't have it all
their own way. Took a fine grab in the final term.
Luke
Dahlhaus – 9
On fire all night. Unstoppable around the stoppages, ran riot
between the arcs and added a handy goal in the second term. His relentless effort
elevated his reputation significantly. Nine tackles and 29 possessions.
Caleb Daniel
– 9
Fought out best-on-ground honours
with Dahlhaus – they were impossible to split. A fabulous effort from the NAB AFL Rising Star
runner-up who just kept going and going.
Tory Dickson
– 7
Dead-eye Dickson blew one early goal when he tried to pass from 35m but
overkicked it for a behind. However, his two first-half goals were priceless
when the Dogs make their break. Came off late with tightness in his upper
thigh.
Josh Dunkley
– 7
Ran around like a brumby in the first half but finished with a bang. His
two second-half goals were daggers through the Eagles' hearts. Was even asked
to do the centre-bounce ruckwork at one stage.
Lycett's turnover was costly as Daniel and Dunkley gave the haters something to think about. #AFLFinals https://t.co/D8Oouvjik1
— AFL (@AFL) September 8, 2016
Joel Hamling
– 8
Did a huge job on Coleman Medallist Josh Kennedy who had probably his worst
game since round 11 against the Dogs. Outstanding performance.
Lachie
Hunter – 8
Lit the fuse on this match
from the outer wing in the first term and kept running all night to end as one
of the best afield.
Jason Johannisen – 7
Had a crucial impact in the third
quarter when the Eagles just had to make a charge. Got on a run through the
middle and was cool with the ball in hand.
Lin Jong – 3
Broke his collarbone when crunched in a tackle by McGovern in the second quarter and was in tears when
consoled by club doctor Gary Zimmerman on the bench soon after.
Lin Jong was left in tears on the bench following this injury to his shoulder. #AFLFinals https://t.co/Wx6nQ3qm5V
— AFL (@AFL) September 8, 2016
• Tearful Jong's injury a dampener on Dogs' night of euphoria
Tom
Liberatore – 8
No wonder the Dogs wanted to bring him back from his ankle
injury. Went to Brownlow medallist Matt Priddis and limited his effectiveness
while providing plenty the other way, including a snapped goal in the first
term which had the Dogs barking.
Libbin' la vida finals #AFLFinals #ohwhatafeeling https://t.co/pMsgNiHgt3
— AFL (@AFL) September 8, 2016
Jack Macrae
– 7
Started brightly on his return from a hamstring injury. Used the ball well with
his left foot and underlined why he is a key member of this deep midfield. Ended with 24
possessions.
Dale Morris
– 7
The consummate professional got the job done on whichever Eagle came near him. Alongside
Matthew Boyd, provided the leadership to
make up for the loss of Bob Murphy.
Liam Picken
– 8
His tagging job on Andrew Gaff cut the Eagle's impact but it was Picken's attacking
forays which stood out. Contested marks and goals were the bonus. A heart and
soul player who went full bore from start to finish.
Jordan Roughead
– 7
Was half of a winning ruck combination, not so much in the hit-outs but
with his ferocity around the contest and second efforts around the ground. Also
moved forward to outmark McGovern and kick a 50m goal on the run in the third
term.
Clay Smith –
7
Hard not to love his game. A feisty competitor who smashed into any Eagles defender who
had the ball. Put a target on the back of Shannon Hurn in particular, which
proved to be another important factor in
the win. Not only kept them honest but did his share going the other way with a goal
and an assist.
Jake Stringer
– 5
The return of The Package was a little underwhelming and he was well beaten
by Will Schofield. Booted a goal late which had his teammates excited.
Matt
Suckling – 7
Domain Stadium is a terrific place to showcase Suckling's precise
kicking skills, and the Bulldogs ensured he got the ball in his hands regularly.
Excepting a few rushed torps, he was effective as the mop-up defender pushing
forward.
Easton Wood – 6
There were yelps in the
kennel when the skipper hobbled off with a sore ankle, but he returned to
provide a steady, calm hand across half-back.
• Five things we learned from West Coast v Western Bulldogs