The Western Bulldogs have secured a dramatic two-point victory over Port Adelaide, propelling themselves into the AFL's top eight. In a tense contest at Adelaide Oval, the Bulldogs triumphed 10.14 (74) to 10.12 (72), with Harvey Gallagher scoring the go-ahead behind with just 24 seconds remaining.
Match Summary
The Bulldogs, now with five wins and four losses, claimed eighth spot ahead of the weekend's games. Port Adelaide, meanwhile, remain in 13th place with three wins and six defeats.
Key Performers
Ryley Sanders was outstanding for the Bulldogs with 31 disposals, while skipper Marcus Bontempelli contributed 30 disposals, one goal, and 10 tackles. Ed Richards also impressed with 27 touches and a goal. Forwards Aaron Naughton, Rhylee West, and Will Lewis each kicked two goals.
Port Adelaide's acting captain Zak Butters, who is heavily linked with a move to the Bulldogs, was prolific with 30 possessions. Mitch Georgiades booted 4.4, while Kane Farrell (27 touches) and Jase Burgoyne (21) were also influential.
First Half Action
The Bulldogs started strongly, kicking the first three goals to establish a 20-0 lead. Port Adelaide lost defender Miles Bergman to a toe injury early in the game. Field umpire Daniel Johanson also left the field after being accidentally struck by Ed Richards.
Georgiades kicked two goals from holding free kicks against Buku Khamis, helping the Power reduce the deficit to seven points. The Bulldogs extended their lead to 13 points at quarter-time, 6.2 to 4.1, after a late goal from Naughton.
In the second quarter, Port's Ewan MacKinlay kicked a spectacular goal, and Jack Whitlock converted from a tight angle to bring the Power within five points. However, the Bulldogs responded with two goals from Will Lewis to hold an 18-point advantage at halftime, 9.5 to 6.5, despite Port leading the inside-50 count 31-18. Bergman was ruled out at the break after attempting to return.
Second Half Drama
Port Adelaide continued to fight back in the third quarter, with Georgiades kicking his third goal and Logan Evans landing a 55-meter bomb to reduce the margin to six points. Commentator Dwayne Russell remarked, "They can smell some blood here, this could be one of the crimes of the century." However, after Evans' long-range effort, neither team scored a goal for the remainder of the term. The Bulldogs managed just one behind and led by five points at three-quarter time, 9.6 to 8.7.
Six minutes into the final quarter, West ran into an open goal to give the Bulldogs a 13-point buffer. Georgiades responded with his fourth goal about 10 minutes later, and Corey Durdin converted a set shot to leave the hosts trailing by one point with two minutes and 34 seconds remaining. The Power drew level with a rushed behind 30 seconds later, but the Bulldogs pressed forward in the dying stages. Gallagher's checkside behind put them ahead, and Lewis kicked another behind after the siren to seal the victory.
