The Age

While not as spectacular as some of their football late last season, Liam Picken and Marcus Bontempelli both brought back memories of their finals heroics, giving hope that there is more to come for the Dogs this year, especially with the impending return of skipper Bob Murphy and Tom Boyd.

Best: Western Bulldogs: Bontempelli, Stringer, Picken, Campbell, Macrae, Hunter, Wood. 

- Daniel Cherny 

AFL Media

Jack Macrae (32 disposals, five clearances and 10 tackles) and Marcus Bontempelli (28 disposals, eight clearances and 10 tackles) were outstanding through the middle of the ground as the Bulldogs won the clearance count 40-35 and centre clearances 18-12, while Toby McLean (26 disposals and six clearances) was also a valuable contributor.

Liam Picken was dangerous in attack with three goals and three score assists, and was well supported by Jake Stringer (1.4 and two score assists), while Easton Wood (21 disposals, seven marks and one goal) was an influential playmaker across half-back

Best: Bontempelli, Macrae, Picken, Campbell, Wood, Dahlhaus 

- Nick Bowen

Herald Sun

There were signs of life that they will cling to at the kennel. Marcus Bontempelli (32 disposals) was back to his silky best, Liam Picken did those unfathomable Liam Picken things, Mitch Wallis continued what’s been an incredible comeback and Tom Campbell overwhelmed Todd Goldstein to stamp himself on the contest.

Best: Bontempelli, Campbell, Macrae, Picken, Wallis, Hunter, Stringer

Sam Edmund