Lloyd’s Western Bulldogs physically dominated a GWS Giants side that had embarrassed them last September, recording a 24 point win in a fiery affair.
Final score, Western Bulldogs 8.9 (57) to GWS 4.9 (33).
It was a must-win game for the Dogs, who lost in embarrassing fashion the first two rounds of the season.
Despite the small scoreline the result never looked in doubt for the Bulldogs as they welcomed the physicality in a hard fought contest.
It was a relatively quiet game for Lloyd’s lofty standards, collecting seven disposals (four kicks, three handballs), going at 42.9 per cent disposal efficiency and not registering a score.
The former Deni Rams premiership player did manage four score involvements as well as working well defensively with five tackles.
The fierce rivalry between the Dogs and Giants was highlighted when a melee broke out after returning Bulldog Tom Liberatore was awarded a free kick for a high tackle, right before the three quarter time siren.
Following the push and shove, Liberatore kept his cool to hand his side a match-winning 27 point lead at the final break.
The melee saw a total of 15 charges laid, with Lloyd in amongst those sanctioned. Lloyd was offered a $500 sanction with an early plea for a first offence in ‘Engaging in a Melee’.
Lloyd will make the trip up to Sydney this week as the Bulldogs take on the Swans at the SCG at 7.40pm on Thursday night.
Fellow Deniliquin footballer Todd Marshall also scored a win on the weekend, with Port Adelaide defeating Fremantle by 29 points at Metricon Stadium on Sunday night.
The Power trailed at quarter-time, but a jaw-dropping second term steered them to victory and with Marshall’s side now sitting pretty on top of the ladder as the only team with three wins from three games.
As the heavens opened up in the second, it was raining goals for Port as they dominated the term with 5.4 to no score, along with having 22 inside 50s to Fremantle’s two for the quarter.
It was an even contest in the second half with both sides struggling to hit the scoreboard before the final siren sounded.
Final score, Port Adelaide 10.10 (70) to Fremantle 6.5 (41).
While it was a quieter week for Marshall, he managed to score 1.2 and had five score involvements despite playing in conditions not suited to a tall forward.
The former Rams junior clunked three marks (two contested), laid three tackles and collected 10 disposals (eight kicks, two handballs) going at 40 per cent disposal efficiency.
The Power will look to extend their winning streak to four when they ‘host’ the West Coast Eagles at Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast at 1.45pm on Saturday.