Bulldogs have fight but lack class to compete with silky Dockers
FREMANTLE’S win over the Western Bulldogs was a weird game where the ground was wet even though the roof was shut.
The Dockers had less possessions, far less inside-50s, only picked up four free kicks and were also beaten in the clearances, but eventually had a regulation 38-point win over the Bulldogs on Sunday at Etihad Stadium.
Fremantle coach Ross Lyon was pleased with the 13.11 (89) to 6.15 (51) win, saying they knew it would be a dour scrap against the fiercely-competitive Bulldogs.
But Lyon was scratching his head over the use of the retractable stadium roof, saying it was open until the morning of the game despite persistent overnight rain.
"It just made it a difficult day," Lyon said.
"It's such a hard surface, it gets really greasy.
"At the end of the day, we still used the ball pretty well.
"It just made it a bit more 'scrimmagy' than it needed to be.
"If we keep applying that effort, play with a little more thought and belief at crucial times, we'll be pretty competitive and play some good football."
Bulldogs midfielder Matthew Boyd was a late withdrawal with a tight calf.
Dockers forward Hayden Ballantyne, who kicked three goals, will come under video scrutiny after appearing to trip Shaun Higgins by hand.
It was a good fight at Etihad on Sunday but the Bulldogs failed to take their chances. Picture: AFL Media
WESTERN BULLDOGS 1.4 2.8 5.12 6.15 (51)
FREMANTLE 4.2 8.3 9.6 13.11 (89)
GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Stevens 2, Williams, Crameri, Hrovat, Dahlhaus