Bulldogs defeat Bombers by 41 points to consolidate AFL top-eight spot

The Western Bulldogs have edged a step closer to securing a finals berth with a 41-point win over Essendon at Docklands.

Down by 11 points at the first break, the Bulldogs responded with a decisive 6.2 to 2.1 second term.

The Bulldogs withstood a gritty Bombers charge early in the final quarter when the margin was reduced to 14 points, before powering away with a 13.12 (90) to 7.7 (49) victory on Friday night.

The win was the Bulldogs’ ninth from their last 10 matches against Essendon.

The result lifts the Bulldogs (10-8) to fifth on the ladder, while Essendon could finish the round as low as 12th after coming into the clash placed eighth.

The Bulldogs’ leaders inspired the charge following the slow start, with captain Marcus Bontempelli (29 disposals, two goals) and Tom Liberatore (36 disposals) sparking the dramatic turnaround in the midfield.

They trailed 12-4 in the clearances at quarter-time, but the Bulldogs ended the match ahead 48-26.

Jamarra Ugle-Hagan slotted three goals to make it 10 from his last four matches in an exciting period for the 2020 number-one draft pick.

His goal tally was matched by teammate Cody Weightman.

Prominent Bulldogs midfielder Bailey Smith made an impressive return after a week on the sidelines due to illness, picking up 25 disposals.

Smith was used in a dual midfield-forward role but his performance would be pleasing to the Bulldogs faithful after being at the centre of trade speculation in recent weeks.

It has been an encouraging season for the Bombers under new coach Brad Scott but their win-loss record against top-eight teams this year is now 1-8.

In a further blow for the Bombers, key defender Jordan Ridley suffered a quad injury in the final quarter.

Reigning Essendon best-and-fairest winner Peter Wright was an imposing threat up forward, booting three goals and hitting the post with a set-shot in the final quarter.

AAP/ABC

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