The Demons match the Bulldogs all day, but lose at the death by a goal
MELBOURNE remains winless despite another heroic performance, with the Western Bulldogs holding on for a six-point win at Telstra Dome.The Demons again appeared on the verge of a breakthrough win in the final minutes of a thrilling encounter, but as with last week against Port Adelaide they could not find the killer punch.The final score of 16.16 (112) to 16.10 (106) exemplified a flowing game full of momentum shifts, in which the lead changed eight times in the final term.The Demons showed grit in surging at the Dogs during the last quarter, with two goals in the opening minutes bringing the margin back to three points. A see-sawing contest ensued. After Jason Akermanis goaled to give the Bulldogs some breathing space, a running goal to Travis Johnston and a snapped goal to Aaron Davey gave the Demons the lead for the first time since the second term.David Neitz shrugged off the disappointment of his quiet day to kick truly from a set shot just after Ryan Hargrave had goaled to restore the Dogs’ lead. Nathan Eagleton’s booming goal from outside 50 had the potential to be a morale booster for the Dogs, but Melbourne had other ideas. Colin Sylvia marked 20 metres out and goaled to give the Demons a one-point lead with just minutes to play. It wasn’t enough. Brad Johnson snatched the lead back when the ball went down the other end and the Bulldogs managed to hang on until the final siren. Early on, the day looked likely to have a happier ending, with the Demons beginning the match in control with Aaron Davey and Adem Yze dangerous up forward. The duo spilt the team’s first three goals between them, helping the Demons open up an 11-point lead. Daniel Giansiracusa kicked a settling goal for the Dogs from a free kick, and the quarter then went goal for goal until the Demons went up a gear in the final minutes, with goals to Brad Green and Colin Sylvia – the latter on the siren – pushing their lead to 12 points. Melbourne kept the Bulldogs defenders under pressure in continuing to push forward, but was disappointingly wayward in front of goal. The Dogs responded when Johnson goaled, only for the Demons to hit back immediately through Matthew Bate. From this point the Bulldogs went up a notch and began storming through the middle to kick five unanswered majors and lead by 17 points. But again the momentum changed. Melbourne came out on fire for the second half, with successive goals to Green, Daniel Bell and Yze cutting the Bulldogs’ lead to one point. The Demons could have snared a few more but were unable to make the most of their chances in front of goal, missing a set shot and an opportunity in the goal square when the ball spilled free. This, along with goals to Mitch Hahn and Adam Cooney, helped the Bulldogs restore their half-time lead going into the thrilling final term. Davey and Sylvia finished the day with three goals apiece, while Johnstone also impressed with his input in many of the Demons' attacking passages.Western Bulldogs 4.1 10.5 12.12 16.16 (112)Melbourne 6.1 7.6 10.9 16.10 (106)GOALSWestern Bulldogs: Johnson 4, Hahn 2, Higgins 2, Cross, Gilbee, Eagleton, Giansiracusa, Darcy, Cooney, Akermanis, Hargrave Melbourne: Sylvia 3, Davey 3, Yze 2, Green 2, Bate, Neitz, Dunn, Johnstone, Bell, WhiteBESTWestern Bulldogs: Johnson, Cross, Gilbee, Harris, Giansiracusa, Eagleton Melbourne: Davey, Johnstone, Sylvia, White, Bruce, Yze INJURIESWestern Bulldogs: Nil. Melbourne: Rivers (back) replaced in selected side by Holland, Miller (ankle), Carroll (concussion)Reports: NilUmpires: S McLaren D Sully M HeadOfficial Crowd: 24,584 at Telstra Dome
