Their third term was a sight to behold. At one point,the Tigers dominated the inside-50 count 12-0,their comeback sparked by a Jack Riewoldt lead and goal. Then came a pivotal play when Tom Lynch marked on the edge of the goal square. To that moment,the under-fire forward had managed 0.5. This time he converted,and the Tigers were on a roll. Jack Graham sharked a tap to snap their next and the Tigers had their first lead when Lynch again bested Zaine Cordy and converted from 25 metres.
The Tigers’ ferocity was stunning,coming at a time when several of the Dogs’ prime movers,including Jack Macrae and Adam Treloar,all but disappeared. And why the Bulldogs could not handle the pressure will surely be one of their review points on a night their six-game winning streak to start the season,their best since 1946,was snapped.
The Tigers’ ability to win the ball in close and then their run and carry stalled the Dogs’ bright start,this igniting when they faced a four-goal deficit in the second term.
Ruckman Toby Nankervis had the better of Stef Martin,while the off-contract Shai Bolton,with three goals,and Trent Cotchin - subbed off late in the final term wth a hamstring issue and declaring he would have scans - had a major impact after half-time. Bachar Houli,the No. 1 ranked player on the ground,was dominant across half-back and delivered the sealer when his 50-metre drop punt cleared the pack.
“We managed to hang in there ... showed more composure,” Cotchin said.
Aaron Naughton was dangerous all night but the Dogs needed more from Josh Bruce and Josh Schache,the latter back in the side only because ofTim English’s concussion.