Bulldogs v Bombers - snippets

TURNING POINT: The Dons had the lead midway through the second term and looked likely to cause an upset. But they turned the ball over and Nathan Eagleton was on hand to boot a goal on the run from 50m out to give the Dogs the momentum. After Eagleton'’s goal, the Dogs slammed on another five before half-time to open up a 28-point margin at the main break.

STAR MAN: Adam Cooney. Don't discount the South Australian from the Brownlow medal this season. He was at it again against the Bombers on Friday night with another best on ground performance. Cooney collected 28 disposals, eight marks and had four clearances.

ABSOLUTE SHOCKER: Adam McPhee has been one of Essendon's most consistent performers this season, but his game against the Dogs was not one of his better ones. He was beaten by Robert Murphy and Mitch Hahn down back and spent parts of the second half sitting on the bench.

WHAT A GOAL: Brent Stanton's goal in the third term is sure to make a few season ending highlight reels. Stanton was resting up forward and, cast in the role of a rover, was front and centre to the contest when the ball was delivered deep into the Bombers forward line. Stanton collected the ball and snapped the goal over his head in spectacular fashion. Shades of Peter Wilson in the 1992 grand final!

UNSUNG HERO: Will Minson. If the Dogs are going to go deep into the finals series, this guy needs to fire. He does plenty of bullocking work up forward and gives Ben Hudson a breather in the ruck at times. He may not get great stats, but he is one of the Doggies most important players.