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Bulldogs roar: claim first premiership in 62 years

Bulldogs win second premiership in stunning fashion.

Bulldogs win second premiership in stunning fashion. Photo: AAP

The Western Bulldogs have won their second premiership, toppling the Sydney Swans in stunning fashion in the 2016 AFL Grand Final.

The Bulldogs’ relentless pressure had them believing they could beat the Swans given Sydney had not won a game in 2016 when they trailed at three-quarter time.

The Bulldogs went into the final break with an eight-point lead and won the match 13.11.89 to the Swans’ 10.7.67.

Huge for the Bulldogs in the final term were Liam Picken and Tom Boyd, the latter scoring three crucial goals in the game.

In the seconds after the final siren, Bulldog Dale Morris said, “I’m absolutely speechless.”

It’s a huge achievement for a club whose only previous premiership was in 1954.

It’s also significant because the club almost folded twice in the 1990s.

Final Score:

Western Bulldogs: 13.11.89

Sydney Swans: 10.7.67

A blistering effort from Sydney midfielder Josh Kennedy had ensured the 2016 AFL Grand Final was headed for a sensational second half.

While the Bulldogs had entered quarter time with a slender, four-point lead, Kennedy ripped the game back in Sydney’s favour in the second quarter.

Kennedy racked up 22 disposals in the first half, eclipsing the effort of midfield counterpart Marcus Bontempelli.

Franklin GF

Josh Kennedy at full stretch. Photo: AAP

The Bulldogs’ other big gun, Jake Stringer, was also quiet, failing to have any first-half impact.

Despite slow starts from some of their key players, the Bulldogs still managed to go into half-time just two points down.

Half time:

Western Bulldogs: 7.1.43

Sydney Swans: 7.3.45

The 2016 AFL Grand Final opened in fierce fashion, with the Western Bulldogs keeping the usually fast-scoring Sydney to a solitary goal in the first quarter.

Lance Franklin, considered a key to Sydney’s fortunes, sent a scare through the team’s camp in the opening minutes of the game.

Franklin hobbled from the ground and was directed to the medical room for treatment on what appeared to be an ankle injury sustained in a marking contest.

He returned soon after to score a behind.

A highlight of the opening term was a courageous mark from Sydney toughnut Kieren Jack, who didn’t flinch as he ran back into a massive pack to take a mark.

While Sydney is renowned for its ability to score hard in the first quarter of matches, the first major did not come until Luke Parker goaled for the Swans at the 10-minute mark.

Zaine Cordy and Tory Dickson responded with goals for the Bulldogs.

First Quarter

Sydney: 1.2.8

Western Bulldogs: 2.0.12

Before the opening bounce, Western Bulldog Bob Murphy said he was acutely aware he could be portrayed as the heartbreak story of the Grand Final.

A season-ending knee injury meant he couldn’t take the field, but Murphy, considered one of the great clubmen of the AFL, played a key support role in his team’s pursuit of premiership glory.

bob murphy

Murphy confesses he’s feeling the pain.

In the lead-up to the game, he shared his thoughts on ABC radio.

“I choose to walk on the sunny side of the street,” Murphy said.

“I’m not a sad man, I’m a proud man.

“Almost physically I feel like I’m getting ready to play. Maybe that’s just habit. Whatever happens it’s going to be a big day.

“There’s those little moments you have for yourself where you ache. It’s the only way I can describe it. You’re not where you should be.

“You’ve put so much into this part of your life and I won’t get to experience it. It’s slivers of sadness amid big chunks of pride.”

Swans’ $100,000 dilemma over Tom Mitchell

The AFL Grand Final could be Tom Mitchell’s last game for Sydney, with Hawthorn playing hard to snare the tough midfielder.

Mitchell is out of contract and has been linked with Hawthorn for much of the year.

There was speculation on Channel 7’s Grand Final coverage that he will have to take a pay cut in the vicinity of $100,000 if he’s to stay with the Swans.

buddy franklin

Mitchell seems set to join Hawthorn. Photo: Getty

The focus on Mitchell’s future has failed to impact the 23-year-old’s form, especially in the past fortnight when he’s been among the Swans’ best in knock-out finals wins over Adelaide and Geelong.

“It’s something I haven’t really thought about too much for the whole year,” Mitchell said.

“That stuff will take care of itself at the end of the season. It’s in the hands of the club and my manager so I’m sure they’ll sort through it.”

Mitchell, who spoke of his “love” for the Swans, is yet to set a deadline or consider a timeframe for his decision.

“I’m not sure when that time will come. I’m sure it will come soon but for now I’m just solely focused on the game,” he said.

Mitchell suggested there were no nerves ahead of his first AFL Grand Final – for now.

“I’m just treating it like every other game. The last three finals have been fairly intense as well,” he said.

If Swans coach John Longmire employs a hard tag on Western Bulldogs superstar Marcus Bontempelli then Mitchell is likely to be given the job.

Mitchell noted the Bulldogs had no shortage of weapons in their engine room.

“They’re a quality team and have a number of dangerous guys. They bat pretty deep,” he said.

Big squeeze: fans crammed to enter MCG

Fans who waited decades in the hope of seeing a Western Bulldogs premiership queued early this morning to be let into the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

It has been 62 years since the Bulldogs won a flag and anticipation was high as the side prepared to face the Swans in the Grand Final.

John Smart Bulldogs fan

John Smart and his nephew set up camp to get the best seats. Photo: ABC

The MCG opened its first gate at 8am to Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) members, who do not have allocated seating.

Julie Coldwell, who been a Bulldogs member for 40 years, waited in the drizzle this morning to get in.

“We’ve had memberships that have included guaranteed grand final seats that we’ve been paying for 20 years,” she said.

“So finally it came through.”

AFL grand final preview


Though the Sydney Swans and Western Bulldogs share an ambition, they will be out to achieve glory in contrasting ways.

Swans fan Faith Lucas ended a holiday early to fly home from Port Douglas to Melbourne for the decider.

“I wasn’t going to miss the Grand Final, even with a broken toe. I’m limping and in agony but I’ll be fine once I get in there,” she said.

“I’m barracking for the Swans but I’ll be absolutely ecstatic for the Bulldogs if they win.”

John Smart and his nine-year-old nephew Charlie Pereira set up camp in the front row at the MCC members’ entrance from lunchtime on Friday to grab the best seats on offer.

Like many around them, the pair were well prepared for the wait.

“Dad was born in Footscray so I was brainwashed and I’ve done the same to my nephew and my daughters and my wife,” Mr Smart said.

“I’m 38 and I can’t believe that we’re here, can’t believe it.”

With ABC and AAP

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