His injury-plagued career has been well documented, and when Bulldogs utility Tom Williams went off with a right calf injury in the second term it appeared he wouldn't be sighted for the rest of the night – a disastrous prospect given Tory Dickson had already been substituted out of the game with a left shoulder problem. However, the limping Dog re-emerged with heavy strapping to kick three goals, including two classy efforts and play a key role in a relieving win.

After a bright start to the season, Bulldogs key forward Liam Jones has battled for form in recent weeks, and his resultant frustration might cost him an enforced holiday. Midway through the third term, with only four possessions to his name, Jones tried to impose himself on the contest but was perhaps overzealous, heavily collecting Dean Terlich with a shoulder to the head. Terlich was motionless for some time before gingerly making his way off the field and taking no further part in the game. Jones, who was booed by Demons fans thereafter, set up Stewart Crameri for the game-icing goal with a well-directed kick to position.

 

Jack Viney said he wouldn't change his fierce approach and he didn't disappoint. In a tumultuous week for any AFL player, let alone one that turned 20 just weeks ago, Viney received a two–match suspension that was met with outrage before having the ban overturned on appeal in a decision that was roundly deemed a win for the game. Though he missed an early set shot that he would normally have devoured, the much talked-about youngster wasn't overawed by the attention, providing his usual desperation and grunt in the midfield, winning the hard ball, crashing packs and laying tackles. In fact, he played like someone who loves the limelight.

 

In his first game against the Bulldogs after making 210 appearances in the red, white and blue, Daniel Cross continued to belie the fact the Dogs last year delisted him to invest more time in their promising pups. Cross was adamant he had more to give at AFL level, and so far the 31-year-old has been true to his word. The veteran seemed to relish taking on his old mates, and his new teammates relish having him too, every one of them flocking to him after he nursed home a set shot in the second term.

 

Footy makes a difference to the lives of many, and this was highlighted yet again when the 10th annual 'Field of Women' event took centre stage pre-match. To amplify the growing number of people expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, about 15,000 people donned pink ponchos and 125 wore blue to form the iconic pink lady stretching the length of the playing surface. Simultaneously heartwarming and heartbreaking. Fittingly, two female goal umpires – Chelsea Roffey and Rose O'Dea – officiated together for the first time. The Demons playing uniform also substituted pink for their usual red. All proceeds from ticket sales will go to Breast Cancer Network Australia.