Having finished third-last on the ladder in 2004, the Western Bulldogs had taken great strides under new coach Rodney Eade in 2005, rising up the ladder to just miss out on a place in the finals.
Looking to take the next step in 2006, the Dogs had started the season magnificently, backing up a 115-point thrashing of Richmond in Round 1 with a big second-round win over Melbourne.
Now Eade's men were looking to make it a 3-0 start to the year.
The Dogs' third opponent would be Essendon. While the Dons had been beaten by Brisbane in Round 2, they had kicked off the season with an impressive win over 2005 Grand Finalists Sydney, so they were not to be taken lightly.
A 3-0 start to the season looked a long way off halfway through the opening quarter. The Bulldogs' only score had been a behind to Lindsay Gilbee, while at the other end of the ground, Bomber forwards did as they liked.
After 17 minutes, Essendon was 27 points clear, 4.4 to 0.1. In the blink of an eye, the match looked over.
But things took a dramatic turn from that moment. As much as the Dons had dominated in the first 17 minutes, the Dogs did so over the next 10.
Matthew Robbins opened the Bulldogs' account at the 18-minute mark, sparking a burst that saw Bob Murphy, Mitch Hahn and Adam Cooney add majors to cut the margin to just two points. James Hird replied for the Dons, but the Bulldogs were now back in the match.
An even second term ended with the Dogs five points in arrears at the long break, setting up a mouth-watering second half. The game remained in the balance for the first 12 minutes of the third term, but the Bulldogs stamped their authority on the contest over rest of the 'premiership' quarter.
A rock-solid defence held Essendon scoreless for the rest of the term, while Brent Montgomery, Chris Grant and Nathan Eagleton kicked truly at the other end to set up a 17-point lead at the last change.
The Bombers kicked the first goal of the final term, but the Bulldogs held firm, and any doubt about the result was put to bed when Chris Grant snapped a magnificent left-foot goal early in time on.
When the final siren sounded, the Western Bulldogs were 11 points clear, and they had the 3-0 start to the season they were after.
Grant's final goal capped off a brilliant display from the 33-year-old, playing his 315th match. His two goals and 24 possessions earned him the full three Brownlow votes, while Daniel Giansiracusa, who also collected 24 touches, picked up two and the indomitable Scott West (25 disposals) received one.
The Bulldogs finished the weekend on top of the ladder, and they would go into their fourth-round clash against third-placed Geelong full of confidence.
