Jason Akermanis - 5
Quiet early against his old foe Jared Crouch. After going off with a cut head he went forward and booted a late goal in the final term.
Matthew Boyd - 8
Tireless workhorse in the Bulldog midfield. Always in the contest, won the most possessions on the field, and was clearly one of the best.
Tim Callan - 4
His most significant moment came when he gave away a free in a second-term interchange infringement that almost cost his side a goal. Possibly not one for the highlight reel.
Adam Cooney - 4
Took a while to get into the game and he was a fair way off his damaging best. One of his quietest games for the season. Will want to step up against the brilliant Cats' midfield next week.
Daniel Cross - 6
Worked hard at the stoppages and did a power of work around the ground as usual. Not a huge possession-winner, but did his bit for the winners. Will be a key in the preliminary final.
Nathan Eagleton - 6
Found his groove as the game wore on. Kicked the final two goals of the match including a trademark left-foot bomb on the run from outside 50.
Daniel Giansiracusa - 6
Once again was the steadying influence for the Bulldogs. Almost committed a crucial error in the third term with a turnover handball, but other than that it was the smooth effort we’ve come to expect.
Lindsay Gilbee - 8
Rebounded well from defence and created plenty of drive. His left boot is one of the deadliest weapons in modern football and he used it to great effect.
Ryan Griffen - 6
Provided the class and run from half-back. Chased hard when he had to as well, and was a key in the crucial second and third quarters.
Mitch Hahn - 5
Always looked dangerous around goals, even though he only finished with one major. That goal was a result of sheer strength and showed his importance to the under-sized Bulldogs attack.
Jarrod Harbrow - 2
The youngster didn’t do a great deal and might be one the Bulldogs will look at if they want to change the side for next week's preliminary final against Geelong.
Ryan Hargrave - 6
Played on the mobile Ryan O’Keefe and held him well. If he can do the same job on Steve Johnson next week the Dogs might be a chance. Might.
Shaun Higgins - 5
Played up forward but in a defensive role on Tadhg Kennelly. Copped some hard knocks but showed class when it counted and made his mark on the scoreboard.
Josh Hill - 6
Struggled in the finals atmosphere in the first half but came into it in the third term with two valuable goals to get the momentum rolling for the Bulldogs. Showed touches of real class in that term.
Ben Hudson - 6
Ran around like a man with a point to prove. Made life that little bit easier for the Bulldog midfielders with his solid tap work.
Brad Johnson - 6
Seemingly knocked out in a marking contest in the second quarter but returned minutes later. Pushed up to his old territory on the wing and came into the game in the third term. Kicked a terrific goal in the last quarter that settled the contest.
Brian Lake - 4
Had the big job on Barry Hall and struggled early, trailing the Swans spearhead to the ball. Lake's highlight came in the third term when he ran off Hall to boot a beautiful goal from just on 50m, redeeming himself in the eyes of many Bulldog fans.
Will Minson - 7
A couple of big runs down the wing had the Bulldog fans in raptures. Big Will was one of many Bulldogs to take it up a notch in the third term and at one stage he was the go-to man in the forward 50.
Dale Morris - 7
Had the job on Adam Goodes and completely shut out the dual Brownlow medalist. There is no challenge beyond this man, who must be a good chance for All-Australian selection on Monday night.
Robert Murphy - 8
Marked his 150th AFL game by putting in a superb performance. Led hard and marked strongly across half-forward. Showed great agility as well.
Stephen Tiller - 3
Lined up on Peter Everitt in the backline when the Swans tried to exploit the Bulldogs' lack of height in defence. Did enough to keep his spot for next week.
Scott Welsh - 4
Didn’t rack up a lot of touches but knows how to make his disposals count. Booted two goals at critical junctures of the match.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL
