Bulldogs kick highest first term in 12 years to thrash hapless Tigers

The Western Bulldogs effectively ended Richmond’s season at quarter-time in a record-breaking performance at Marvel Stadium.

Jamarra Ugle-Hagan in action during the round 21 AFL match between Western Bulldogs and Richmond Tigers at Marvel Stadium, on August 04, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Richmond can start planning for 2024 and might just hold fire on appointing their next head coach.

A masterclass from Marcus Bontempelli and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan allowed the Western Bulldogs to waltz to a 55-point victory over the Tigers that shores up their place in the top eight.

The Bulldogs kicked their highest opening term in 12 years to effectively decide the contest after one quarter and end Richmond’s finals hopes.

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The Dogs kicked nine first-quarter goals, their best start to a game since they kicked 10 against Port Adelaide way back in 2011.

Ugle-Hagan kicked four of his own in that first term, easily outscoring Richmond by himself, the Tigers managing just two goals and a behind by the first break.

Jamarra Ugle-Hagan celebrates during the Bulldogs’ dominant first quarter against Richmond at Marvel Stadium. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Richmond lost Jacob Hopper to concussion early on and Daniel Rioli also picked up an ankle injury to dent their hopes of picking up the four points.

But the Bulldogs were far too good from the opening bounce in a performance that might raise questions about caretaker coach Andrew McQualter.

Since replacing Damien Hardwick mid-season, McQualter has overseen a solid 6-3 win-loss record and kept the club on the fringes of the top eight.

But he won’t want to present Friday night’s effort in any upcoming job interviews after the one-sided 19.12 (126) to 10.11 (71) belting.

The Bailey Smith fan (left) had a good night, but it was an injury-blighted match for Daniel Rioli. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The Tigers opted to rest stalwarts Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin due to a five-day break following their defeat to Melbourne last Sunday.

In such a huge game, however, it was a decision that raised some eyebrows, particularly during that first quarter avalanche.

“I just wonder about the resting of Cotchin and Martin,” Brian Taylor said during commentary.

“I know the five-day break, the boys were giving that as one of the major reasons.

“But boy, they could do with a little bit of that experience right now.”

Deplorable effort with finals on the line. Substandard skills.

— Joan Pearson (@JoanPea04964232) August 4, 2023

Richmond supporter here, I know Nick daicos is $1.70 for the Brownlow...but it'll be criminal if the Bont doesn't win. He's just incredible when it really matters #afldogstigers

— Chessie (@Credit2theboiz) August 4, 2023

Bont and Jamarra, take a bow!#AFLDogsTigerspic.twitter.com/qTEMN8ucrX

— AFL (@AFL) August 4, 2023

Brownlow Medal fancy Bontempelli had another outstanding night for the Dogs, surviving a heavy collision in the third term to finish best-on-ground with 32 disposals and three goals.

Jack Riewoldt managed three goals for Richmond, but it was a sour night

“Deplorable effort with finals on the line,” wrote one fan on Twitter. “Substandard skills.”

The poor night for the Tigers was made worse by an incident in the crowd during the third quarter involving Richmond’s Marlion Pickett.

Pickett was close to the fence after a Bontempelli goal when a spectator reached out and touched him on the shoulder.

Pickett retaliated, knocking a drink off the fence before walking away, in a moment that will produce more talking points and potential punishment in the coming days.