Bulldogs send warning to premiership contenders after bouncing into top eight
by Matt BalmerThe Western Bulldogs have sent a warning to rival AFL clubs inside the top eight, after defeating Hawthorn by 36-points on Sunday afternoon.
The win results in the Bulldogs moving inside the top eight, with a match against Fremantle in the final round of the year.
Luke Beveridge’s team could still make finals even with a loss in the final round, if results go their way.
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It all started so well for the Bulldogs with Toby McLean booting a goal in the first 20 seconds.
However, the premiership gun was stretched off the field just minutes later after a sickening knee injury.
There are fears the 24-year-old might’ve ruptured his ACL with the Bulldogs to get scans on Monday.
The Hawks attempted a mini-fightback during the third term, but the Bulldogs immediately halted any chance of Alastair Clarkson’s men claiming the four points.
A highlight came with a big outside 50m goal from ruck Tim English late in the third term.
The Hawks again came late in the match, but the Bulldogs class was too much for a team that has performed well under expectation in 2020.
Caleb Daniel hardly missed a kick all day, while midfielders Jack Macrae, Tom Liberatore, Bailey Smith and Marcus Bontempelli will all battle for the 3-2-1 Brownlow votes.
Re-live Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs in our live blog below!