The Western Bulldogs' hopes and dreams of September action are still alive, for now and only just.
It seemed as straightforward as it could possibly come on Saturday; the Bulldogs simply had to beat the GIANTS to stay in the hunt for finals.
And while they were made to scratch and claw for each of the four points gained, they did complete the all-important first part of the equation, the other being a win over Hawthorn next week.
The Bulldogs were tested at every turn by a GIANTS side determined to play spoiler against their rivals. After falling behind by four points at three-quarter time, Luke Beveridge's charges needed to respond and they did just enough in the final quarter to secure a season-saving five-point win.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan had a cool head when it mattered, kicking the solitary goal of the final term to secure the 9.8 (62) to 8.9 (57) win and send the Bulldogs into ninth on the ladder, while adding another enthralling chapter to one of the game's burgeoning modern rivalries.
In an emotionally-charged final quarter, wastefulness (1.6) and ill-discipline almost threatened to derail the Bulldogs' fightback as they squandered a number of golden opportunities and gave away two free kicks that resulted in shots on goal for the GIANTS - but the visitors failed to capitalise.
Now the fate of the Dogs rests in the hands of both Melbourne and Hawthorn; a win from either against Carlton or Richmond this weekend will ensure the Bulldogs will still be in the hunt come the final round of the season, where they will take on the Hawks in Tasmania in another 'must-win and hope' game.
Jack Macrae led the Bulldogs' possession getters with 31, while Bailey Dale (26 disposals, seven marks, seven score involvements) and Caleb Daniel (29 disposals, 527 metres gained) led the push from half-back. Bailey Smith was particularly important, too, ending the afternoon with 26 disposals and a big goal at a crucial stage of the third quarter.
The undermanned GIANTS, on the other hand, will lose no admirers for their effort. Mark McVeigh's side came out with a plan to frustrate and dominate possession, but ultimately were unable to close out the win after a particularly impressive third quarter where they booted five of their eight goals.
Stephen Coniglio (31 disposals, eight marks) and Josh Kelly (35 disposals, 12 marks, 600 metres gained) stood out for the GIANTS, while Harry Himmelberg's sensational move to defence continued with a 30-disposal, 12-mark outing.
The GIANTS' intent was apparent from the off as they looked to essentially play keepings off (105-82 disposals and 48-23 marks at quarter-time). However, they were unable to turn their possession dominance into scores against the Bulldogs' well-oiled defensive unit, who hit the GIANTS on the break and made them pay up the other end to open up an 11-point quarter time lead.
The second term was nothing to write home about, either, with much of the play stuck between the arcs and scores, as a result, being at the premium. The GIANTS, however, managed to eek ahead momentarily off the back of a lovely goal from Jake Riccardi but a much-needed major from Tom Liberatore gave the Bulldogs back the advantage by four points at the major break.
From that point on, it was a game of momentum swings as the contest finally roared to life in an enthralling third quarter. The GIANTS hit first, booting the first two goals of the quarter to take the lead, before the Bulldogs finally found their rhythm and hit back with four straight majors, headlined by a quickfire double from Bailey Williams to open up a game-high 15-point lead.
It seemed as though the Bulldogs might run away with it, but the GIANTS responded with three quick goals - including an incredible outside-of-the-foot banana from Lachie Keeffe - to take back the lead and hold a slender advantage heading into the final term.
In the end, the Bulldogs shone when the pressure was at fever pitch as Ugle-Hagan slotted the all-important winner to keep their hopes of a fourth-straight finals appearance alive.
ALEER SHINES
If it wasn't apparent already, Leek Aleer has a very bright future. In only his third senior game, the GIANTS rookie was brilliant in the defensive half up against a myriad of different opponents - tall and small - and performing those roles with aplomb in an eye-catching performance. The No.15 pick in last year's NAB AFL Draft complemented impressive performances from Sam Taylor, Harry Himmelberg, Nick Haynes and Callum Brown, with his aerial prowess a highlight. He also did some equally solid work when the ball hit the deck, including a huge tackle on Aaron Naughton at a crucial stage of the third term that yielded a free-kick.
WESTERN BULLDOGS 3.0 4.1 8.2 9.8 (62)
GIANTS 1.1 3.3 8.6 8.9 (57)
GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Williams 2, Naughton, English, Weightman, Dale, Liberatore, Smith, Ugle-Hagan
GIANTS: Riccardi 2, Hogan, Ward, Stein, Haynes, Hogan, Keeffe
BEST
Western Bulldogs: Dale, Macrae, Smith, Dunkley, English, Daniel, Bontempelli, Richards
GIANTS: Kelly, Coniglio, Himmelberg, Green, Ward, Whitfield, Haynes, Taylor, Perryman
INJURIES
Western Bulldogs: Liberatore (head)
GIANTS: Keeffe (groin)
MEDICAL SUBS
Western Bulldogs: Roarke Smith
Greater Western Sydney: Xavier O’Halloran replaced Lachlan Keeffe in fourth quarter
CROWD
18,301 at Marvel Stadium
