Western Bulldogs ruckman Tim English has made an impressive comeback from injury and illness to lead his team to a convincing 101-point AFL victory over the unfortunate West Coast at Optus Stadium.
The Englishman had been sidelined since the fifth round after a hamstring injury was followed by a severe flu attack that required hospitalization.
But the 24-year-old showed no harmful effects from these ailments, with 25 dismissals, the highest of his career, with eight dismissals and 28 hits in the defeat of 25.11 (161) to 9.6 (60) against 31,838 fans.
Such was the dominance of the Bulldogs, they finished the game with 16 individual pitchers, a record equal to the history of VFL / AFL.
The West Coast was interested in attracting English to Perth, but the 207cm ruckman is ready to re-sign with the Bulldogs.
And according to evidence on Saturday night, the English star is set to burn intensely for years to come.
He dominated the air against the inexperienced West Coast ruck duo, and even acted as an additional midfielder at times with his outside career.
Star striker Aaron Naughton scored four goals and Josh Dunkley (25 eliminations, two goals) was also critical, as the Dogs gave their percentage a much-needed boost.
The Bulldogs ’third trotting victory improved their season record to 6-5 and lifted them into the top eight, while the West Coast (1-10) remains stuck at the bottom of the table.
The Eagles lost star defender Jeremy McGovern in the middle of the second quarter due to a back injury.
Camera Icon Aaron Naughton scored four goals in an even match. Credit: Daniel Wilkins / The West Australian
“I thought I could have done his quad, but it’s nerve-wracking,” Eagles coach Adam Simpson said.
“He’s got it down his leg, so I hope he’s okay.”
West Coast striker Jack Darling regained his form with four goals, his highest record of the season, while Tim Kelly (38 dismissals, 11 dismissals, one goal) was influential in midfield.
Darling joined the game after scoring nine goals in the final terms of this year.
But he had two-quarters of what was his best start to the game all season.
Darling kicked off the first of the night with a snapshot.
Camera Icon Brady Hough is tackled by Bulldog Lachlan McNeil. Credit: Daniel Wilkins / The West Australian
And he had his second in the 19th minute after a strong mark against Alex Keath.
Another strong mark was set by Andrew Gaff for a goal at the end of the season.
The only problem was that the West Coast were leaking goals at the other end, with Naughton and Dunkley scoring two to give the visitors a 21-point lead in the first half.
Even the Bulldogs advocates had fun in the second legislature, and the floodgates opened in the second half when things got ugly.