Bulldogs Snatch Victory Over melbourne in Thrilling Final Quarter Comeback
The Western Bulldogs kept their finals hopes alive with a nail-biting six-point victory over Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday,15.15 (105) to 15.9 (99). The win came after a week of turmoil for Melbourne,which saw the sacking of premiership coach Simon Goodwin,and a spirited performance from the Demons that ultimately fell short.
The Bulldogs entered the contest knowing a loss would effectively end their season, and the pressure was palpable as they faced a Melbourne side eager to prove themselves under interim coach Troy Chaplin. Despite a shaky start, Luke BeveridgeS team found a way to respond when it mattered most, kicking six crucial goals in the final quarter.
Naughton Leads the Charge, Coleman Medal Race Heats Up
Aaron Naughton continued his stellar late-season form, booting five goals – his fourth five-goal haul in six weeks – and moving to outright third in the Coleman Medal race. He was ably supported by Jamarra ugle-Hagan, who kicked three goals, and the emerging Sam Darcy, who proved to be a match-winner.
Demons Struggle Early, Respond After Coaching Change
Melbourne, missing key defenders Steven May and Jake Lever, initially struggled to contain the Bulldogs’ forward line, with Naughton and sam Darcy kicking the opening two goals. However, the Demons steadied as the game progressed, and after Goodwin’s departure, produced a spirited display.
The third quarter saw a remarkable turnaround for Melbourne, as they booted seven goals to put the Bulldogs’ season on the brink. Goals came from Bayley Fritsch, Kysaiah Pickett, Harrison Petty, and Jake Melksham, who finished with two goals. Despite the momentum shift, the Bulldogs refused to surrender.
Darcy’s heroic Effort Seals the Win
With the margin reduced to six points in the dying seconds thanks to a goal from Daniel Turner, the Bulldogs’ season hung in the balance. But in a moment reminiscent of a classic Nick Riewoldt mark at the SCG, Darcy ran back with the flight to take a courageous intercept mark, effectively sealing the victory. “That was an amazing effort,” one analyst noted. “A truly game-saving moment.”
Father-Son Connection Adds to the Drama
The final quarter also saw a special moment for the Bulldogs, as father-son duo Darcy and Rhylee West combined for a crucial goal. darcy’s assist to west put the Bulldogs back in front,adding another layer of emotion to the already intense contest.
SSP Recruit impresses for Melbourne
Despite the loss, Melbourne found a promising sign in Jai Culley, a pre-season supplemental selection period recruit who imposed himself early with four clearances. Culley, delisted by West Coast, demonstrated he has a future in the AFL.
The Western bulldogs’ victory keeps their finals hopes flickering, while Melbourne faces an uphill battle to salvage their season following the dramatic coaching change.The final score saw Melbourne with 3.4 (22), 4.6 (30), 11.9 (75), and 15.9 (99), while the Western Bulldogs finished with 3.6 (24), 5.10 (40), 9.11 (65), and 15.15 (105). The match was played in front of a crowd of 34,733 at the MCG.
INJURIES
melbourne: windsor (hamstring)
Western Bulldogs: Vandermeer (concussion)
SUBSTITUTES
Melbourne: Blake Howes (replaced tom Sparrow in the fourth quarter)
Western Bulldogs: riley Garcia (replaced Jedd Busslinger in the third quarter)
