Marcus Bontempelli has kept the Bulldogs finals hopes well and truly alive as the side bulldozed Fremantle by 67.
Coach Justin Longmuir‘s side’s defeat is set to be compounded by concerns for veteran Michael Walters, with the 33-year-old struggling off the field in the second quarter with a hamstring injury.
Bontempelli resumed his regular position, despite being in doubt during the build-up, recording 30 disposals with three majors – including a strong goal of the year contender.
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”Marcus Bontempelli has put his stamp on the game in the most emphatic fashion,” Fox Footy commentator Garry Lyon said.
In the second term, Bontempelli won a contest for the ball with Fremantle skipper Alex Pearce before spinning around three defenders to smash a goal.
“Surely not! The best of the best!” Fox Footy commentator Dwayne Russell said.
“It has to be in contention (for goal of the year) … he refused to concede,” Lyon added.
“Not only did he have three to beat … you needed a whole team there [to stop Bontempelli].”
“That goal was amazing. So good. That will bring the house down,” Ed Richards told Fox Footy at half-time.
Earlier, the Bulldogs sent a clear message to critics after a slow start to the season with Luke Beveridge’s side powering to a 28-point lead at halftime.
“The whole complexity of the game changed in that second quarter,” Lyon said.
“They established territory from that contest situation, it really dried up for Fremantle, their ability to move the ball.”
The Dockers powered back in the third term kicking six of seven goals from either side in both the third and fourth, but the side’s midfield was flooded by the Bulldogs who put an end to any hopes of a comeback.