Rampant Bulldogs slay Giants in AFL finals warning
Aaron Naughton and Sam Darcy feasted on their engine room's dominance, combining for 10 goals in the Bulldogs' 19.18 (132) to 6.8 (44) victory at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night.
Luke Beveridge's men entered the contest with huge queries over their ability to compete with the best, winning just one of nine previous encounters with top-eight teams.
They provided some answers with a commanding performance - their second win over the Giants this season - that lifted them into eighth position ahead of the weekend's games.
The Bulldogs (12-8) kicked 11 of the first 12 goals on their way to a 67-point lead before halftime and were never challenged by a lacklustre opponent.
Key statistics told the tale; the Dogs dominated contested possession (137-86), clearances (41-24) and inside-50s (58-36).
Captain Bontempelli (27 disposals, nine clearances) was outstanding and ruck star English (20 touches, 11 marks, two goals) was everywhere as Tom Liberatore, Matt Kennedy and Ed Richards all got their hands dirty.
Key forwards Naughton and Darcy (five goals each) fired in attack with Lachlan McNeil (three).
GWS (13-7) lacked spark and were unable to overcome the loss of suspended skipper Toby Greene as they suffered their first defeat in almost two months.
Lachie Ash (36) and Lachie Whitfield (29) had plenty of touches but the Giants had few players who could hold their heads high in the heaviest loss of coach Adam Kingsley's three-season tenure.
Jake Stringer (eight touches, one goal) had a quiet night against one of his former clubs and was jeered by Bulldogs fans throughout.
Toby McMullin's ankle injury forced his substitution before halftime and added to the Giants' woes.
GWS produced a remarkable 79-point turnaround in their derby win over Sydney last round but never looked likely to pull off a comeback against the Bulldogs after another slow start.
"We played maybe our worst half in three years."Tom Green addresses the Giants' poor start against the Dogs.#AFLDogsGiants pic.twitter.com/gqY08P0bMU
— AFL (@AFL) July 31, 2025
Darcy kicked two early goals as the Dogs controlled territory - 20-5 inside-50s - and piled on 6.5 to 1.2 in the opening term.
The Giants' only goal in that time came through Jake Riccardi in unusual circumstances, when play was allowed to continue in the vicinity of a second ball that was thrown from the crowd onto the field.
Ever see two footballs on the field at the same time? 😯#AFLDogsGiants pic.twitter.com/16HFV98CLv
— AFL (@AFL) July 31, 2025
The landslide continued in the second quarter and a run of eight consecutive goals to the home side blew the contest wide open.
The Dogs led 12.9 to 3.2 at the main break and cruised to victory in the second half.
Riccardi and Aaron Cadman finished with two goals each for GWS.
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