AFL 2024 round 14 LIVE updates: Dusty boots opening goal in dream start to 300th; Dogs dine out on Dockers

WESTERN BULLDOGS 23.11 (149) d FREMANTLE 12.10 (82)

KEY POINTS

BULLDOGS WIN THE CONTEST
Both clubs needed a win and they went about it in different ways. The Dogs wanted to play to their strength and turn the game into a series of contests and force the ball to stay on their side of the ground, while the Dockers wanted to win the ball and then power away using their speed. That speed shone early, but when the game was there to be won, the Bulldogs made it a battle and worked over the visiting side. Marcus Bontempelli was typically classy – more on him later – and Tom Liberatore was immense around the contests, inspiring others to join the cause. Fans won’t like how the Dogs coughed up some of their 58-point lead, but they will love the play that led to it. They go into their first bye of 2024 on the edge of the top eight and deserve it. The small forwards shone as well, with Cody Weightman, Rhylee West and Harvey Gallagher kicked nine goals between them. The Dogs have something very solid, the question is how consistently they can show it. Rory Lobb’s three goals were the cherry on top of a big day out.

BONTEMPELLI’S GOAL OF THE YEAR CONTENDER
The talk before the game was all about Bontempelli battling a virus this week, but Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge noted pre-game that Bontempelli missed training the week before his best-on-ground display against Collingwood earlier in the season. Beveridge proved correct as his skipper was again brilliant, and he stood up while playing more time as a forward, including a contender for the goal of the year. He attempted a mark, chased the ball on the ground and beat three Dockers to grab the ball, get to his left boot and snap the goal. Liberatore or others might beat him to three votes, but his three goals, three goal assists and 30 disposals were immense.

DOCKERS FAIL BADLY
For all their promise, this was a test of Fremantle’s finals bona fides, and they missed the mark badly. They remain in top-eight contention, but a team filled with serious talent, speed and promise couldn’t stand up in a contested battle. Dockers coach Justin Longmuir had his head in his hands for much of the second half, knowing his side could have both pushed an opponent down the standings and boosted themselves. Instead, the questions will ring out, more so, when they played with such dare and desperation once they were down by 58 points. To make matters worse, skipper Alex Pearce limped off late. Hopefully, it was just cramp rather than an injury, while Michael Walters injured his hamstring and was subbed out. He will surely miss some time.

KEY STATS

The Tigers fans roared for Dusty early on but the young Hawks have battled back to take charge of the game going into the first break.

When the Hawks can move the ball quickly, they have looked dangerous but Richmond are not just here for the experience, they are chasing a win for their superstar’s big day.

Tim Taranto has been in good touch today and he kicked a cracking goal.

But in reply, Jai Newcombe from the Tigers has snapped one back after a quick clearance from the centre bounce.

Hawks 27, Tigers 14 with two mins to go in Q1.

It’s been all Hawthorn since Dustin Martin’s first goal.

The young Hawks do not look daunted one bit by the massive MCG crowd. The ball is living predominantly in their forward half.

Their small forwards look lively. Jack Ginnivan, Nick Watson, Dylan Moore have all had their moments.

Nothing is coming easily for the Tigers, who have been repeatedly outnumbered as they attempt to enter their forward 50.

Jack Scrimshaw has had a hot start on Noah Cumberland, who needs to at least create a contest.

Calshear Dear has marked on the lead and booted a cracking shot from outside 50m.

The Tigers defence hit it out of the goals but it had already crossed the goal line.

Hawks 20, Tigers 8 with five mins to go in Q1.

Scoring has been at a premium in the first term, it’s possible both sides are a bit overawed.

But Hawks young gun Nick Watson just put in an inch perfect kick to Dylan Moore who marked in the pocket and snapped the goal.

Hawks 14, Tigers 8 with six mins to go in Q1.

Mabior Chol has marked and kicked the opening goal for the Hawks.

Chol, a former Tigers forward, was very happy with that major and he will love the chance to show his stuff in front of a big MCG crowd.

Hawks 8, Tigers 7 with 10 mins to go in Q1.

Dustin Martin has kicked the first goal in his 300th game.

The MCG has gone off.

The Tigers fans rose en masse to cheer their hero.

If there was a roof, it would have been blown off by the Tiger roar. I’ve got goosebumps.

This is fantastic stuff. Great for football folklore. Martin received the ball across half-forward, streamed through the 50-metre line and hit it flush.

I feel like I’ve taken a trip in a time warp and gone back pre-COVID to 2019.

There’s a mammoth yellow and black contingent at the MCG for Dustin Martin’s 300th game.

Even at 3pm there were plenty of fans pouring out of Richmond train station in their Tigers scarves heading either to the ground or for a pre-game brew on Swan Street.

I reckon there’s about 80,000 here, the majority of the Richmond persuasion, to see the Tigers honour their beloved hero in No.4. Fittingly, he started the game in the goal square at the Punt Road end.