1. Anything you can do, I can do better
You could have been excused for breaking out the popcorn as two of the League's brightest young stars went head-to-head in a see-sawing third quarter. Collingwood's Adam Treloar caught fire in the third term, racking up 12 disposals as he ignited the Magpies' charge. On the back of Treloar's work through the midfield, Collingwood opened up a game-high 18-point lead with the first three goals of the second half. Not to be outdone, Bulldogs young gun Marcus Bontempelli lifted as he also collected 12 disposals, as well as kicking a goal and dishing out a goal assist to revitalise his side. Bontempelli finished the game with 26 touches, 17 of which came after half-time, while Treloar had a game-high 34 touches in a thrilling footy match.
2. Lin Jong's audition
Lin Jong may have been getting a glimpse into what makes his teammates tick, and they may or may not be the players wearing black and white. The Bulldogs midfielder made headlines in July after he toured the Westpac Centre, meeting with coach Nathan Buckley and other Magpies officials. Jong is still undecided about his future but he did his market value no harm against his suitors on Friday night. The 23-year-old was one of the Bulldogs' best, racking up 18 disposals and kicking two goals in the third term when his team needed him to stand up. Jong's crash and bash style, and touches of polish, makes him an attractive proposition for opposition clubs.
3. Moore's mixed night
Returning from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for a week, Darcy Moore was in the thick of the action against the Bulldogs. Without Travis Cloke, who was dropped for the third time this season, Moore was the main man in the forward line. The young star nailed three goals and was dangerous all night long, but his night will be remembered for a nasty looking incident in the second quarter. Contesting against Bulldogs opponent Joel Hamling, Moore lost his balance in a marking contest and went careering, head-first, into the fence. Thankfully, nothing serious came of it and Moore escaped with little more than a cut above his right eye.
4. Pendles the Brave
Scott Pendlebury could barely walk after last Friday night's loss to Richmond and appeared almost certain to miss the clash against the Western Bulldogs with a sprained foot. In fact, the Magpies were fearful his season may have been over before he had a scan on Monday. But after a week of intensive rehab, the skipper managed to get himself up for the game and typically led his team with aplomb. In a nod to his professional approach, Pendlebury finished the game with 24 disposals against the Bulldogs. Pendlebury is renowned for his silkiness, but his ability to play through pain and adversity goes largely unnoticed. His toughness is certainly starting to receive attention.
5. Bulldogs keep top-four hopes alive
Despite an extensive injury list, the Bulldogs still have an opportunity to claim a double chance at the end of the year. The narrow win over Collingwood takes the Dogs to 56 points, drawing equal with the Sydney Swans, Adelaide, Greater Western Sydney and Geelong. However, those four teams still have a game in hand. With two matches to play (after this weekend), the Dogs will be hoping for a slip-up from any of those four teams and they will be ready to pounce if the opportunity arises.
