WESTERN BULLDOGS: 2.4, 5.8, 11.14, 15.19 (109)
GWS: 4.0, 10.4, 12.6, 18.7 (115)
GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Stringer 4, Crameri 4, Giansiracusa 2, Bontempelli 2, Liberatore, Minson, Griffen
GWS: Hoskin-Elliott 5, Stewart 3, Palmer 2, Treloar 2, Williams, Boyd, Greene, McCarthy, Kelly, Smith
BEST
Western Bulldogs: Griffen, Stringer, Minson, Crameri,
GWS: Greene, Hoskin-Elliott, Shaw, Treloar, Williams, Shiel, Smith
INJURIES
Western Bulldogs: TBC
GWS: Williams (ankle)
What Happened
It was a game that meant nothing but also meant absolutely everything for both these sides.
And that’s exactly how it panned out as these two sides defied the fact there was nothing on the line in this last game of the season to play out an absolute belter in front of a disappointing crowd at Etihad Stadium.
In a seesawing encounter, the Giants dominated the first half with their running game as they opened up a 33-point lead just before half-time to take control.
But given one helluva rev by coach Brendan McCartney at the main break, the Bulldogs stormed back into the contest, kicking six goals to two in the third quarter as Marcus Bontempelli’s major just before three-quarter time gave them a two-point lead.
As the siren sounded a massive melee broke out setting the scene for one of the most thrilling final terms of the season. And, it didn’t disappoint.
When Stewart Crameri, instrumental in the comeback with four second-half goals, nailed his third five minutes into the term, the Dogs led by eight and the Giants’ challenge appeared dead and gone.
Enter Will Hoskin-Elliott, who booted two of his five goals in a spectacular burst that saw the Giants kick five of the next six goals. One of those majors also came from debutant Cam McCarthy, who with his first kick in AFL footy calmly took the ball on the boundary 50 metres out and nailed it.
Trailing by 14 points, it was the Dogs’ turn to return fire as Bontempelli booted his second before Crameri marked strongly and nailed his fourth to level the scores.
But in a desperate last minute of play for the season, the Bulldogs took the ball forward towards Jake Stringer who was poised to mark. But the impressive young Bulldog, who booted four goals as well on Sunday afternoon, could only look on in horror as the ball bounced off his chest with 30 seconds remaining.
Worse was to come, though as Toby Greene, took possession and the Giants swept the ball forward to Smith, who nailed an impressive goal on the run to seal the Giants' first win at this stadium.
Fallout
There should be plenty of fines dished out after an all-in melee at three-quarter time gave this match some real spice. Poor old Zac Williams also hurt his ankle 18 minutes into the final term.
Both clubs should also be applauded for the way they formed an honour guard for retiring veterans Daniel Giansiracusa and Josh Hunt. The two players walked through the guard and embraced at the end in a nice touch. But for Gia the result will be bittersweet as he missed two late shots in the final term that may have delivered the win.
Hope he's in my fantasy team
Ryan Griffen was simply inspirational as he tried to drag his side over the line by himself.