Dogs master the conditions in Ballarat to set up mouthwatering Elimination Final

The Western Bulldogs have booked their spot in the finals with their 98-61 win over GWS in Ballarat on Sunday.

With all to play for, the Dogs made the most of the blustery conditions at Mars Stadium kicking five goals to one in the final term when they had the wind behind their backs to run out 37-point victors.

While they made the most of the conditions when they had the breeze, AFL Nation commentator Scott Lucas thinks that the victory was mainly thanks to how well they played the conditions when they were kicking against it.

The Giants only outscored the Dogs by 17 points when they had the wind. When things were the other way around, the Bulldogs outscored the Giants by 54.

“It was really set up with their performance against the breeze,” Lucas told AFL Nation.

“That was critical for me, of course, they made the most of it when they had it, but they didn't let the Giants get away from them when they were going into the breeze.

“It was a really professional performance by the Dogs today, I thought they played not only the conditions well, which goes without saying but in particular their contest work was huge.

“They had an extra 13 contested possessions and an extra 15 clearances which gave them the opportunity to have an extra 24 inside 50s.

“It was down to really attitude and contest which gave them the upper hand in field position and they were able to make the most of it.”

The standout performers for the Dogs included Ed Richards (two goals, 29 disposals), Bailey Dale (one goal, 27 disposals) and Marcus Bontempelli (one goal, 22 disposals, 11 clearances).

For the Giants, Lachie Whitfield (42 disposals), Tom Green (one goal, 36 disposals) and Josh Kelly (one goal, 26 disposals) can hold their heads high.

The win sets up a mouthwatering Elimination Final at the MCG between the Bulldogs (sixth) and Hawthorn (seventh) at the MCG.

While they went down in Ballarat, the Giants will still finish inside the top four having sewn up the double chance last week.

They’re certain to finish fourth and face crosstown rivals Sydney - who are also the minor premiers - in the First Qualifying Final at the SCG.