Bulldogs v Tigers - snippets
Star Man: Matthew Boyd (Western Bulldogs) - Boyd not only helped keep Richmond's prime mover in Nathan Foley in check but ended up also being his side's most productive player. In a game in which there was not a stand-out player, Boyd's 29 possessions, three clearances and four inside 50's just got him the nod over a host of other contenders including Kane Johnson and Brett Deledio for Richmond and Jason Akermanis for the Bulldogs.
Classic Grab: Bulldogs' full-back Brian Lake normally spoils marks rather than take screamers but his memorable grab late in the final term will be long remembered by Dogs' fans. Lake took a huge pack mark which led to the goal that tied the scores in the final minute and it will be forever debated as to whether the Dogs' full-back would have converted had he taken the shot - rather than Will Minson - after he went over injured after taking his crucial grab.
What a Goal! Adam Cooney showed all the pace, poise and skill which has made him one of the AFL's most exciting young players with a magnificent goal late in the second term. The Dogs had just kicked one and from the resultant centre bounce, ruckman Minson toe-poked the ball forward into space. As quick as a flash Cooney seized the opportunity, ran onto the loose ball then gathered it and kicked a team-lifting goal on the run from 50 metres - all without breaking stride.
Turning Point: Richmond defender Jake King will think twice the next time he decides to rush an unnecessary behind late in the game. The Tigers looked home when they led by 19 points with just over three minutes remaining when King decided to rush a behind for no apparent reason. Suddenly the Bulldogs needed just three straight goals, rather than four, to force a result and they proceeded to kick them in the last three minutes to steal a draw and leave King red-faced.
Absolute Shocker: Some of the umpiring decisions in the first half of this game was bewildering to say the least. Not only did the umpires seem obsessed with paying 50 metre penalties for players creeping over the mark by just centimetres but they also seemed to have difficultly measuring the 50 metre penalties accurately. Both teams were gifted goals as a result but Lindsay Gilbee in particular seemed to benefit from about a 70 metre penalty when he goaled after one such penalty late in the first term.
Unsung Hero: Matt White (Richmond) - White has been far from a regular since making his debut in 2006 and Sunday's clash against the Bulldogs was just his 21st game in three seasons. But all that could soon be about to change as the little midfielder backed up his fine effort against Fremantle last week with another top performance on Sunday. White not only ended up with 14 possessions but gave the Tigers plenty of vibrancy with his non-stop running and tackling.