The weekend had provided its share of unexpected results, and surprisingly close games of footy, but as soon as it was announced that Simon Goodwin was no longer going to lead the Melbourne Football Club, alarm bells had to start ringing for the Dogs.
So often, a change of leadership sees a renewed effort at a club, and this weekend proved to be no different, as the Dogs and Dees engaged in an absolute belter at the MCG.
The Dogs had everything to play for – they needed the win to remain in contention for a spot in the finals, and even then, they are reliant on a team above them falling over in the final two weeks of the season. A loss, and they were all but toast.
But what did the Dees have to play for? Pride? A new coach? Each other?
There has been so much written, and spoken, about the 2025 Demons that you have to wonder how much is smoke, and how much is fire. Irrespective of what’s gone on at that club, they brought the heat in this game, and they asked big questions of the Western Bulldogs.
The Dogs found the answers.
Wrestling momentum back a couple of times late in the game, the Bulldogs were able to slot home six goals in the final quarter, to overrun a gallant Melbourne, and remain in the hunt for a flag.
This was one of the games of the year, played at a frantic pace, and with the type of intensity you’d expect from two teams with something to prove.
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