Bulldogs stay unbeaten

A spectacular display of accurate kicking has elevated the Western Bulldogs to an 18.4 (112) to 14.10 (94) win over Sydney at the SCG, its best performance in an unbeaten run that has now extended to seven matches.

The signs were ominous for the Bulldogs when the Swans eased to a 15 point lead at quarter time. Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade - who coached Sydney for seven years – delivered one of his trademark sprays at the break, stinging the Bulldogs into action.

The visitors laid on seven goals in a 21 minute burst that came without a behind or a single score from Sydney. The match winning lead was set up by straight kicking, however the Bulldogs efficiency all over the park was the key.

Adam Cooney and Brad Johnson were dynamic up front, kicking five and four majors respectively.

The damage had been done but Sydney kept chipping away, finally getting within reach late in the fourth quarter via back-to-back goals from Michael O’Loughlin. Trailing by two goals in time added on, there would be no heroics this time as Nathan Eagleton put the finishing touches on a supreme win.

Western Bulldogs scorers

Adam Cooney 5.0

Brad Johnson 4.1

Mitch Hahn 2.0

Robert Murphy 2.0

Stephen Tiller 2.0

Will Minson 1.0

Daniel Giansiracusa 0.1

Sydney scorers

Michael O’Loughlin 3.2

Jarrad McVeigh 2.1

Amon Buchanan 2.0