Aaron Naughton stars as Western Bulldogs hold off furious Sydney rally
The Western Bulldogs may have found the answer to its forward line problems after Aaron Naughton's dominant performance in the Round 1 win over Sydney.
On the back of Naughton's terrific three-goal effort, the Bulldogs got out to a 40-point second-half lead before the Swans used a four-goal spurt in the final quarter to trim the margin to four points with just minutes remaining.
However, late goals to Marcus Bontempelli and new recruit Sam Lloyd helped the Bulldogs steady in the nick of time to run out 11. 16. (82) to 9. 11. (65) winners at Marvel Stadium.
Naughton, who debuted last season in defence, provided a focal point for Luke Beveridge's side all night and finished with 15 disposals and six marks to go along with his three majors.
Naughton was outstanding all night for the Bulldogs and finished with three goals AAP
Bontempelli (29 disposals, seven tackles) and Jack Macrae (32 disposals) were outstanding all night for the Bulldogs, with fellow premiership player Lachie Hunter chipping in with 26 disposals and eight tackles.
Swans star Isaac Heeney had a superhero moment in the opening minute of the game when he took a contender for mark of the year, but the visitors managed just one goal for the half.
Heeney, last year's mark of the year winner, leapt onto the back of Bailey Williams and completed a spectacular grab and then booted his side's lone goal before the long break.
The rampant Dogs took control and stormed to a 33-point half-time lead before the almost-inevitable Sydney challenge came.
Bontempelli was at his classy best with 29 possessions and a goal on the night for the Bulldogs AAP
With Lance Franklin struggling to impose himself after groin surgery limited his preparation, Zak Jones (24 disposals) and Jake Lloyd (35) were the architects of the stirring fightback.
The hosts looked set for heartbreak as Sydney swooped with a run of four unanswered goals to open the last quarter.
But in a gutsy display that will thrill Beveridge, his players dug deep to score a famous win.
The Bulldogs have an injury concern, however, with Matt Suckling hurting his ankle after the oft-maligned turf at Marvel Stadium gave way under him.
- With AAP
