Bont BOG as Treloar hurt again, Dogs devour Tigers
Marcus Bontempelli has quickly returned to his brilliant best, leading the Western Bulldogs to a 79-point AFL demolition of lowly Richmond.
The 21.9 (135) to 8.8 (56) cakewalk on Sunday at Marvel Stadium, coupled with GWS's win over Gold Coast, put the Bulldogs back in the top eight.
Their highest score this season also brought an important percentage boost in the jostle for top-eight berths, especially as it follows last week's 72-point win over St Kilda.
But the Bulldogs' day out was soured by another calf muscle problem for All-Australian midfielder Adam Treloar.
That's three for the Bont 🫡#AFLDogsTigers pic.twitter.com/zRHIksz9hx— AFL (@AFL) June 22, 2025
Ahead of his contract talks ramping up this week, and his 250th-game on Friday night against Sydney, Bontempelli was best afield against the Tigers.
The Bulldogs captain racked up 36 possessions - his highest for the season - and kicked three goals, after a hard tag from Marcus Windhager had restricted him to just 14 disposals last weekend against the Saints.
About the only thing Bontempelli did wrong all game was an ill-considered attempt at a high mark late in the final quarter.
In his third game since returning to the AFL, Treloar was subbed out before halftime. The Bulldogs cited calf tightness.
Treloar has managed only four matches this season due to persistent calf troubles.
Earlier this month, coach Luke Beveridge said the 32-year-old might only be available for three or four games at a time.
Fellow Bulldogs James O'Donnell and Lachie McNeil also finished the game sore and on the bench.
The Bulldogs led from the start and kept Richmond goalless from 20 minutes in the first quarter until six minute into the third.
A seven-goal second term for the Bulldogs, when key forward Sam Darcy looked ready to kick a bag, killed off the game after the Tigers had been competitive in the first quarter.
The Bulldogs kicked the opening goal of each quarter inside the first couple of minutes, setting the scene for their easy win.
While Richmond more than doubled their tally with five goals in the final term, the Bulldogs still outscored them for the quarter.
Darcy kicked five goals and at the other end, Richmond key forward Tom Lynch led his team's scoring with three.
Veteran Richmond defender Nick Vlastuin also impressed, with 28 possessions, while midfielders Ed Richards, Tom Liberatore and Matt Kennedy shone for the Bulldogs.
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