Goal umpire Courtenay Lai was stretchered off the field after Bulldogs hardnut Liam Picken accidently fell across his leg.
Ryan Griffen was tagged by Ryan Crowley. Picture: Klein Michael Source: HWT Image Library
THE first 25 minutes at Etihad Stadium were always going to tell the story.
Ultimately it was 1500 seconds which summed up the whole game.
Last week the Western Bulldogs were able to do as they pleased against the Brisbane Lions. Brendan McCartney's men were ranked No.1 in the comp for effective kicks, marks and uncontested marks.
Goal umpire stretchered off
It took all of a minute for the Dogs to establish that they would not have things so easy against Fremantle.
The Dockers cleared from the middle and although they didn't score from their first foray forward, it took the Bulldogs an eternity to find an avenue out of defensive 50m.
Adam Cooney during the 3rd qtr of the Western Bulldogs vs Fremantle Dockers match at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne. April 6, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: HWT Image Library
They were not afforded the time and space they got against the Brisbane Lions last week, as Robert Murphy learnt in the early stages.
He got free 30m from goal but was forced in to a quick snap for the big sticks and as such missed a wide open Daniel Giansiracusa.
Live HQ: Western Bulldogs v Fremantle
His shot was marked on the goal line.
A short time later the Dockers sent a nothing ball inside 50m, but the harrying pressure of Matthew Pavlich and Michael Walters forced a couple of fumbles from Jordan Roughead and Adam Cooney, leading to a shot on goal from the Freo skipper.
Adam Cooney during the 3rd qtr of the Western Bulldogs vs Fremantle Dockers match at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne. April 6, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: HWT Image Library
The Bulldogs won nine of the first 12 clearances, but the effectiveness was just not there. The Dockers relentless pressure on the ball carrier was too much.
Last week the Dogs chalked up a kicking efficiency tally of 71 per cent.
By the 20-minute mark yesterday they were going at 48 per cent efficiency by foot, the Dockers were at 75 per cent.
Last week the Bulldogs kicked the first six goals. Yesterday they conceded the first five.
Game over.
But this, as the rest of the game would suggest, was not so much a reality check for the Bulldogs as it was a demonstration in just how good Fremantle are and will be for the rest of the season.
Coach McCartney should have walked from Docklands last night happy in the effort his side put in.
From quarter time the Dogs matched the Dockers on the scoreboard and probably shaded their opponents in endeavour.
Tom Liberatore (28 possessions) will be a gun and is already a clearance king.
Cooney might not be able to run out a full game in the midfield, but his dash off half back is going to be a lethal weapon for the Dogs this year.
Adam Cooney during the 3rd qtr of the Western Bulldogs vs Fremantle Dockers match at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne. April 6, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: HWT Image Library
Will Minson battled manfully against Fremantle ruckman Jonathon Griffin and Nick Lower took yet another scalp in the form of David Mundy.
Fremantle is going to be a force this year.
Ross Lyon has stamped his authority all over this team _ it is intense around the contest, suffocates its opponents in to submission and is nigh on impossible to score against.
Griffin is a more than able substitute for the injured Aaron Sandilands, the outside speed of Danyle Pearce and Stephen Hill is hard to combat while Michael Walters adds another exciting dynamic to a forward line already possessing lethal finishers in Pavlich and Chris Mayne.
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