1. GIANTS hold firm despite being two men down
Being restricted to just two bench players for more than three quarters left the home side vulnerable late in quarters, given the reduced manpower. That was evident in the opening term when the visitors kicked the last three goals before the first break. However, the short-handed GIANTS controlled the tempo of the match and showed they had plenty of run in their legs for the final three quarters, so much so the Bulldogs did not have a goal in time-on in both the second and third terms, when the contest was decided.
2. Bulldogs fail to capitalise on depleted GWS defence
The GIANTS restricted the Bulldogs to their second-lowest score of the season despite the loss of defenders Tim Mohr (hamstring) and Matt Buntine (concussion). While the Bulldogs had 51 inside 50s compared with their opponents' 52 entries, they managed just 10.13 – including a couple of majors from the goal-square following 50m penalties – which was the team's lowest score since kicking 6.9 in a losing effort versus the Kangaroos in round six.
3. Cameron makes claim for Coleman
GIANTS spearhead Jeremy Cameron followed up seven goals last week with another big bag of five against the Bulldogs to have 21 for the year. While Cameron still trails Swans superstar Lance Franklin (37 goals) in the race for the Coleman Medal, based on current form it would be unwise to rule him out at this stage even though he missed the first four games of the season due to suspension.
4. Good call on goal review
Players and spectators thought the Bulldogs' Tom Campbell had snapped a goal eight minutes into the third term despite the GIANTS’ pleas for a review, arguing the footy had been touched off the boot. And just before the bounce to restart affairs, and in the absence of any formal review, the goal was cancelled and the football brought back to the goalsquare for the GIANTS to kick in. On closer inspection of the replay, it appeared the right decision was made.
5. Johnson keeps streak alive
In addition to the GIANTS stretching their winning run to a club-best six games, veteran Steve Johnson also extended a streak of his own against the Bulldogs. The mercurial forward's two goals – one a left foot snap from near the behind post and the other a right-foot shot from the right forward pocket after crumbing the footy from a marking contest - means Johnson has scored a goal in his first nine games with GWS.