The Western Bulldogs made light work of West Coast on Sunday afternoon, defeating the 18th placed Eagles by 94 points at Marvel Stadium.

Coming off a fighting effort against ladder leaders Adelaide, the Eagles couldn’t replicate the performance and were punished on the scoreboard by the clinical Dogs. 

The Bulldogs had 26 scoring shots from 51 inside 50s, compared to West Coast’s 12 from 40 entries, feeding their potent big men.

Sam Darcy and Aaron Naughton kicked three goals apiece as they continue to build on their impressive season together, as did Rhylee West, whose hard work up forward helped secure the big 19.12 (126) to 4.8 (32) win in front of a crowd of 21,207.

The win makes it four in a row for the Bulldogs and keeps their finals hopes alive with one round remaining in the home and away season.

The victory moves the Bulldogs to eighth place on the ladder, and they now need to defeat Fremantle next week to cement their place in this year’s finals.

The Bulldogs talls were joined by debutant Jordan Croft who impressed in his first game, kicking two goals and taking three big contested marks. The 201cm forward is the son of Matthew Croft who played 186 games for the club, predominantly in defence.

Midfielders Marcus Bontempelli (31 possessions, 10 clearances, 573m gained) and Ed Richards (25 disposals, seven score involvements) stood out as did winger Sam Davidson, who had an excellent return in his first game since round 19 to finish with 15 disposals and a career-high three goals.

Statistically the Eagles were competitive in clearances, with just two less than the Dogs at the final siren, but West Coast was unable to convert these into goals, the team’s inaccuracy costing them a more flattering scoreline.

Tom McCarthy, who joined the Eagles in the Mid-Season Rookie Draft, performed well again in his ninth match to finish with 25 disposals, making it the seventh time in his short career that he’s registered more than 20 disposals in a game.

Another bright spark for the Eagles was 19-year-old Jobe Shanahan who provided a strong presence up forward taking six marks, but his inaccuracy cost him, recording just three behinds.

Fellow 2024 draftee Hamish Davis had his best game so far with 18 disposals and four tackles.

Heart-and-soul defender Reuben Ginbey gave his all, as usual, while Campbell Chesser finished with a career-high 22 disposals. 

Stand-in skipper Liam Baker tried hard all day, finishing with 24 disposals from half-back. 

The Eagles have a quick turnaround for their final game of a difficult season against Sydney at Optus Stadium on Saturday night. 

WESTERN BULLDOGS   4.5    11.7   15.7   19.12 (126)
WEST COAST                0.1    2.5     3.8     4.8 (32)

GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Darcy 3, Davidson 3, Naughton 3, West 3, Bontempelli 2, Croft 2, Richards 2, Freijah
West Coast: Cripps, Flynn, Long, Owies

BEST
Western Bulldogs: Bontempelli, Richards, Dale, Davidson, West
West Coast: Ginbey, McCarthy, Baker, Graham

INJURIES
Western Bulldogs: Lachie McNeil (corked hip)
West Coast: Nil

SUBSTITUTES
Western Bulldogs: Ryley Sanders (replaced Lachie McNeil in the third quarter)
West Coast: Jacob Newton (replaced Tyler Brockman in the third quarter)

Crowd: 21,207 at Marvel Stadium