TonyK
CibbuanoDogs are a genuine contender, says Matthews
June 15th 2008 01:24
THE Western Bulldogs are a genuine contender for this year's flag following their 63-point demolition of the Brisbane Lions at the MCG on Saturday, according to Lions coach Leigh Matthews.
Matthews admitted that the Lions had been "blown away" by the best team Brisbane had played this season.
"They creamed us," he said. "They out-muscled us in close and out-ran us out wide. We were simply overwhelmed."
Matthews said the Bulldogs didn't allow the Lions to play their natural game.
"We came here pretty hopeful," he said. "But never has our midfield been overwhelmed like they were today.
"We didn't handle the pressure or the occasion. We weren't allowed to play or move with any freedom whatsoever. That's a credit to the Bulldogs, they made us look fairly second rate."
Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade rated the win as one of the club's best this season but said it was important for his side to remain focused ahead of a tough run.
"We have beaten four of the top eight this year," he said.
"We're in the middle of a tough period and have some tough ones ahead, too, before the Round 14 break. We can't afford to take our eye off the ball."
The Bulldogs have few injury concerns ahead of Sunday's blockbuster against Collingwood, but Matthews said full-forward Daniel Bradshaw was a doubtful starter against Adelaide at the Gabba on Saturday night.
Matthews admitted that the Lions had been "blown away" by the best team Brisbane had played this season.
"They creamed us," he said. "They out-muscled us in close and out-ran us out wide. We were simply overwhelmed."
Matthews said the Bulldogs didn't allow the Lions to play their natural game.
"We came here pretty hopeful," he said. "But never has our midfield been overwhelmed like they were today.
"We didn't handle the pressure or the occasion. We weren't allowed to play or move with any freedom whatsoever. That's a credit to the Bulldogs, they made us look fairly second rate."
Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade rated the win as one of the club's best this season but said it was important for his side to remain focused ahead of a tough run.
"We have beaten four of the top eight this year," he said.
"We're in the middle of a tough period and have some tough ones ahead, too, before the Round 14 break. We can't afford to take our eye off the ball."
The Bulldogs have few injury concerns ahead of Sunday's blockbuster against Collingwood, but Matthews said full-forward Daniel Bradshaw was a doubtful starter against Adelaide at the Gabba on Saturday night.
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