In a back and forth contest the Western Bulldogs have beaten the Brisbane Lions in their round eight contest at Mars Stadium in front of over 9000 supporters.
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The Lions got out to a hot start, leading by 11-points going into the first break. Former Greater Western Victoria Rebel Hugh McCluggage started the game in scintillating form, racking up 14 disposals in the opening term.
Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said after the game he wasn't particularly worried about McCluggage's and the Lions' start to the game.
"It didn't feel like we were doing a hell of a lot wrong," he said.
"McCluggage was obviously having an impact so we tightened up a bit on that."
The second half was much more even, with the Bulldogs ultimately taking a two-point lead at the end of the quarter thanks to an Aaron Naughton goal after the siren. Brisbane coach Chris Fagan was disappointing his team wasn't able to capitalise on their opportunities in the first half.
"In the second quarter they got on top of us but I didn't think it was unrealistic for us to be four goals up at half time - it's not like we missed hard shots," he said.
Our moment (was there) in the first half... we didn't take it and we paid the price."
- Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan
It was in the third quarter that the Bulldogs truly took control of the game, locking the ball in their half of the ground and outscoring the Lions by 19 points.
Fagan believes Brisbane's poor performance in the third quarter was ultimately the difference.
"It was contested possession. I thought they played a little bit harder and fiercer than us over that period of time and they were able to get the ball to their front half and we couldn't get it out."
Naughton came alive in the second half of the game for the Bulldogs. He registered 13 possessions and two goals in the half to help push his side towards the win.
Beveridge spoke about the importance of Naughton getting free and taking the game head-on.
"In the end, we just said to him 'Break the shackles, just play and set up a bit deeper at times'. He just started to get off the chain," Beveridge said.
"I think they were worried about him. He halved and won a few one-vs-twos that really helped us."
Brisbane showed some signs of life in the fourth quarter, getting the game back within three-goals but ultimately the Bulldogs were too good, winning 92-76.
Beveridge believes this win could be the beginning of some great consistent play for the Bulldogs.
"Even in our early wins, we probably didn't play a consistent four quarters. The last two weeks, we've been strong," he said.