What loomed as the most intriguing game of the round quickly became a snoozefest as the Western Bulldogs belted St Kilda at Marvel Stadium.
The Dogs seven goals to one in the first term and had full control all night, with the sting going well out of the game early in the third quarter.
This made it a tricky game for our player grades, given how much junk time there was. We've therefore weighted the ratings – more value given to the first half.
For the Dogs, this outing is proof they can achieve anything in 2024. Bailey Dale and Jack Macrae proved the doubters wrong with excellent performances.
And for the Saints… they now sit 2-4 and with some serious soul-searching to do in the coming weeks.
St Kilda
Bradley Hill – A-
Was a workhorse all night. Ran hard, provided overlap, and did all he could to make things happen. Clearly their best player.
Marcus Windhager – B+
Had a strong first half when the game was on the line and has played his role on-ball well this season with the opportunities presented to him.
Jack Steele – B
The skipper worked hard on-ball and did a decent job quelling the impact of Marcus Bontempelli in the middle.
Sebastian Ross – B
Darcy Wilson – B-
Had a solid first half and ran hard all night. The Saints have certainly found a wingman who gives it his all and can cover the ground.
Ryan Byrnes – C+
Was a bright spot in a tough first quarter, but was relatively quiet from there.
Liam Stocker – C+
Hugo Garcia – C+
There's certainly something about this kid with persisting with. Saints fans should be excited about his future.
Tim Membrey – C+
Three goals in junk time to save his night.
Riley Bonner – C
Got a bit of the footy, but seemed hesitant at times to take the game on at speed when he really needed to.
Jack Higgins C
Given the Bulldogs dominance forward of the ball, it wasn't really the kind of night for Jack Higgins to impact.
Anthony Caminiti – C
Could have had a big night, but dropped a few marks in costly moments.
Cooper Sharman – C
Jack Sinclair – C
Feels like a shadow of the star he was in 2023 at this stage. Potentially still working through that early-season injury.
Josh Battle – C
Rowan Marshall – C
Comfortably beaten by English. Had his colours lowered after a strong start to the season.
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera – C
Been one of the breakout players of 2024 so far, but had a very quiet night. The Dogs limited his space and really went to work to limit his ability to get the ball in space.
Mitch Owens – C-
A very quiet night for Owens. Feel like Ross Lyon could have pushed him around the ball a bit more to get him involved.
Zak Jones – C-
Subbed out early in the third term. Looked frustrated on the bench, which summed up the night.
Mattaes Phillipou – D+
Another Saint who couldn't get near the footy on Thursday night.
Zaine Cordy – D
Callum Wilkie – D
No defender would survive up against the ball-use and clean entries the Bulldogs presented, but at the same time Wilkie was well beaten by Aaron Naughton tonight.
Dan Butler – N/A
Started as the sub, brought on late in the third term, and then pulled a hamstring in the fourth.
Western Bulldogs
Aaron Naughton – A+
Arguably Aaron Naughton's best game of his career. Slotted six goals on the 2023 All-Australian full back in Callum Wilkie and tore the game apart with three in the first term.
Adam Treloar – A
A classic Adam Treloar game, this. Lots of the ball, did all his work in the middle, dominated at stoppages. A fantastic effort.
Bailey Dale – A
Is Luke Beveridge a genius for making Bailey Dale the sub last week and firing him up … or was it silly to put him in the role when he's capable of playing like this? Chicken or the egg.
Jack Macrae – A
In Tom Liberatore's absence, Macrae stood up in tight and winning clearances without giving up his outside run and spread either. Bevo's not dropping him again… right?
Liam Jones – A
Still holds up as one of the game's best one-on-one defenders. Geez your heart is in your mouth when he bites off a difficult kick, though.
Tim English – A-
Bounced back nicely after a poor performance last week. Comfortably beat the in-form Rowan Marshall around the ground.
Jason Johannisen – A-
Spent the majority of the game in the middle of the ground as the Dogs looked to get more speed between the arcs. It certainly paid off early.
Buku Khamis – B+
Continues to seriously impress as an intercept marking key defender. Had another solid night. He's found his place at AFL level.
Cody Weightman– B+
Kicked three goals in the first quarter, ripped the heart out of St Kilda … and then didn't do a whole lot from there. But, damage done!
Ed Richards – B
Beveridge swung the magnets around and threw Ed Richards on-ball for much of the night. He provided some speed and looked at home in the role.
Marcus Bontempelli – B
Wasn't the skipper's night, generally. Dropped a few marks, missed a few kicks and was quiet around stoppages. And yet, ended up with three goals!
James Harmes – C+
Bailey Williams – C+
Ran hard across the wing all night, had 350 metres gained and spread well forward and back.
Taylor Duryea – C+
Rory Lobb – C+
The question will be whether Lobb or Darcy makes way for Jamarra Ugle-Hagan next week. You'd think they'd back Darcy.
Riley Garcia – C+
Certainly looks like the Dogs have found a player in Garcia. Was very lively early when the game was in the balance.
Harvey Gallagher – C
Rhylee West – C
Provided a target inside 50 at times, but the ball didn't come his way particularly often.
Lachlan Bramble – C
Sam Darcy – C
Always shows a few signs of the player he may one day become, but a quieter night for Darcy.
Laitham Vandermeer – C-
Subbed out in the third term after a collision.
James O'Donnell – D+
Still a raw key defender with a ton of upside, but needs to play within his limitations a bit more at this stage.
Ryley Sanders – N/A
Subbed on in the fourth term.
