Key forward Aaron Naughton says self-belief was crucial to the Western Bulldogs overrunning West Coast in the come-from-behind win on Sunday afternoon.
In a thrilling final term – which saw scores level twice and three lead changes in the last 10 minutes – goals from captain Marcus Bontempelli, Josh Bruce, Laith Vandermeer and Naughton himself helped will the Bulldogs over the line.
Naughton said the win is one the group will be able to reflect on later in the season.
“We knew we were always in it all day, and then to be able to fight back, nail our goals in the end and put us in front, (plus) some huge moments in defence to ice the game which is awesome,” Naughton told westernbulldogs.com.au post-match.
“It’s probably going to be a win that we can call back on throughout the year – it’s great maturity shown by the boys to fight back and in the end hold on for the victory.
“A lot of learnings (still), but it’s going to be an awesome win.”
Despite trailing by two straight kicks at the final break, the 21-year-old said the group knew what they needed to do to turn things around in the last.
“It was probably only the last 10 minutes of that third quarter that they sort of hit the front – so we knew (we had to) tidy things up inside at the centre bounces,” Naughton said.
“Our defenders were doing an awesome job and competing well forward of the footy so once we just tided those centre bounces up and got our stoppages right, we knew that we were going to be alright in the contest.”
Naughton was also full of praise for his captain, who finished the day with 30 disposals, seven inside-50s and three goals.
“It was a great captain’s game – obviously he is a freak player,” Naughton said.
“For him not only to win it inside but to then be damaging on the outside and also hit the scoreboard with three goals as well, is pretty amazing. It’s awesome to be teammates and be led by him.”
