Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has heaped praise on his midfield group whose pressure
The Dogs entered the game as the 14th rated pressure team against a Magpies outfit which base their game on pressure, with no team in the competition better in that aspect.
It was particularly hot early with the Dogs fierce at the coalface, and they were able to maintain it across four quarters.
"It hasn't been a hallmark of our game, the front half pressure game and we knew coming in tonight, if we didn't match Collingwood's pressure game...it's been an area (of improvement) all year with players acclimatising to the level," Beveridge said.
"The different configurations and trying to work through it tactically where we've needed growth in the pressure game and we did see some quite critical tackles and boys keeping the boys in our forward line to get forward 50 stoppages and we just need to keep improving on it.
"The stoppage situation was reasonably secure."
Matt Kennedy was arguably the Bulldogs best before missing the late stages due to concussion, while Ryley Sanders' ferocity, Joel Freijah's willingness and even Marcus Bontempelli, more noted for his offensive flair, all had key moments which showed critical defensive application.
"It was really encouraging for us. Now it's important we don't get too carried away. They left it all out there but we'll freshen up," Beveridge said.
The Dogs coach also confirmed, save for Kennedy, everyone else got through unscathed.
