The Western Bulldogs overcame the ghastly conditions to secure an NAB Challenge pre-season AFL win over St Kilda on Wednesday evening.
What was a flooded oval pre-game dried out thanks to the Simonds Stadium drainage system, enabling the Bulldogs to pull out the 0.10.7 (67) to 1.7.5 (56) victory.
Despite a number of high-profile absentees, including Ryan Griffen, Jordan Roughead, Liam Jones and Robert Murphy, the Western Bulldogs raced out to an impressive start to score the opening 33 points of the match.
Led by solid performances from Luke Dahlhaus (three goals), Tom Liberatore (28 possessions), Jack Macrae (27) and Mitch Wallis (20), the Bulldogs scraped over the line despite giving up their big lead shortly before halftime.
Among the other standouts were a 27-touch, one-goal game from Matthew Boyd, 21 possessions (at 95% efficiency) from Koby Stevens and and a strong showing from 20-year-old Lin Jong, the ninth pick in the 2011 Rookie Draft who had 13 touches, 10 tackles and showed a lot of composure.
West Coast Belt Dockers In NAB Challenge
Star off-season recruit Stewart Crameri was held to just five possessions, but did kick a goal despite the rough conditions.
Some bad news for Dog Nathan Hrovat, who appeared to suffer a cheekbone injury and was forced from the ground.
Leigh Montana led the Saints with 21 disposals and a goal while Eli Templeton, the third pick in last year’s rookie draft, and Beau Maister both bagged two goals apiece.
Tom Hickey amassed 31 hitouts after averaging 12 in 12 games last season and seems in shape to land the Saints no.1 ruck spot.
St Kilda were without Nick Riewoldt, Lenny Hayes, Sam Gilbert, James Gwilt, Sam Fisher, Sean Dempster, Adam Schneider and Tom Lee.
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Photo: Michael Dodge/Getty Images
