Bulldogs record first win of 2018 over Stringer’s Bombers
TODAY’S LINE-UP: Matthew Richardson, Cameron Ling, Tim Lane, Tony Leonard, and Mick Warner
Photo: Julian Smith / AAP
=====
The Bulldogs took the extraordinary step of singing the song in the rooms twice.
Skipper Easton Wood told 3AW Football it was part of what makes Luke Beveridge a great coach.
“The wonderful thing about Bevo is he’s just off the cuff. He backs his feel,” Wood said.
Click PLAY to hear from Wood in the rooms
=====
FULL TIME
The Dogs are on the board, posting their first win of 2018 by 21 points.
The Bombers had a massive chance to draw within 10 points late in the piece when Joe Daniher marked 15m out, but he played on and scuffed the chance.
11-point turnaround as McLean nails one at the other end.
Lingy: “Joey will want that moment back.” #AFLDogsDons https://t.co/e0c3GDyh1S
— 3AW Football (@3AWisfootball) April 8, 2018
Matthew Richardson said the Bulldogs have put paid to speculation that there is unrest within the club.
“They played as a team today,” Richo said.
Click PLAY to hear the full-time wrap
=====
HALF TIME
The Bulldogs lead by 16 points at the main break.
Richo said the Dogs’ massive mark numbers – including 13 inside 50 – is evidence the Bombers aren’t putting enough pressure on.
Richo: “Alarm bells for Essendon – they’ve allowed 43 marks already. That tells me they’re not defending hard enough.” #AFLDogsDons
— 3AW Football (@3AWisfootball) April 8, 2018
Click PLAY for the half-time wrap
=====
LATE CHANGE
Essendon has made one change to their line-up.
Josh Begley comes into the 22 to replace Matt Dea.
The Bulldogs are unchanged.
=====
THE BUILD-UP
Two sides in desperate need of a win face off at the Docklands.
The Bulldogs have been beyond disappointing in their first two matches, while Essendon will be ruing their defeat at the hands of Fremantle in Round 2.
It’s hard not to be intrigued by the subplot involving Jake Stringer, the former Bulldog now wearing 25 for the Bombers.
But when the ball is bounced, all eyes will be on the four invaluable points on offer.
Follow every moment of this key clash with 3AW Football!
BELOW: Follow live commentary highlights throughout the weekend.