Match report: Dogs continue Etihad stranglehold
April 23, 2016 10:19 PM
THE WESTERN Bulldogs outclassed a gallant Brisbane Lions side by 53 points at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night, but the clash has come at a potentially hefty injury cost for both sides.
Exciting pup Jake Stringer booted three majors and Koby Stevens dominated as the Dogs kicked their highest score of the season and cruised to a 17.18 (120) to 10.7 (67) triumph, lifting them back into second spot on the ladder.
Full match coverage and stats
But fears about recruit Matt Suckling's sore right knee soured the victory, with Luke Beveridge's side still reeling from a season-ending knee injury to skipper Robert Murphy and a long-term hamstring suffered by Jason Johannisen.
Meanwhile, the Lions could also pay a heavy price, with Tom Cutler (dislocated elbow) and Allen Christensen (concussion) spending most of the match on the sidelines.
Suckling landed awkwardly after backing courageously into a marking contest against Josh Schache in the first quarter and couldn't put weight on his leg as he was helped down to the rooms.
Five talking points: Western Bulldogs v Brisbane Lions
It appeared the left-footer, who ruptured the ACL in his right knee during the 2013 pre-season while playing for Hawthorn, had escaped serious damage when he returned to the action in the second quarter.
But with the match in the bag with the Dogs leading by 34 points at half-time, Suckling didn't reappear for the second half, again raising concerns over the severity of his injury.
Read more ...
Western Bulldogs Vs Brisbane Lions - Match Centre - AFL.com.au
Keine Kommentare:
Kommentar veröffentlichen
Comments are moderated and will only be published after the approval by the admin.
Kommentare werden moderiert und sind erst nach der Freischaltung durch den Admin sichtbar.