Is it the win which kicks Western Bulldogs' season back into gear?
The Dogs recorded a gritty three-point win over Melbourne on Sunday to lift its record to 6-5 after winning just one of its last five games to throw away an excellent foundation to start the season.
Injuries have played a significant part in the form dip, but the Dogs' inconsistency within games has also plagued them, and their ability to seize big moments.
Against Melbourne, they took a clear step forward in that area.
Joel Freijah's match-winning goal was followed by three minutes of gritty defence, to hold a surging Melbourne off, with a lunging Rhylee West tackle on Jack Steele the trademark moment.
The last quarter was played with desperation, intensity and hunger which has become synonymous with Luke Beveridge's troops at their best, with a series of courageous efforts characterising the victory.
Marcus Bontempelli led from the front, while Ed Richards was at his classy best.
Aaron Naughton was also immense when it mattered.
If they lost, the Dogs would have fallen to 5-6 and it would have made the path to the top six exceedingly tricky.
The cathartic emotion, relief and cheer from a packed Marvel Stadium as the siren rung out indicated the fans knew as much and needed nourishment following a tough month.
For Melbourne, the loss is not devastating, with the Dees still sitting 7-4 and inside the top six.
But they will rue their inability to turn Max Gawn and Max Heath's dominance into clearances and territory, with Western Bulldogs able to repeatedly put pressure on Melbourne's backline.
A pair of games against fellow top 10 aspirants GWS and Collingwood awaits in the next fortnight which will have significant bearing on whether the Dees are genuine top six contenders or jostling for a spot in Wildcard Round.
