Although the 48 point margin indicates the Bulldogs’ dominance on the day, it was far from that, as the Saints continually applied pressure from the start to completion of the match.

Mitch Swain at full forward lead the way with four majors, whilst coach Greg Piggott contributed three, and Scott Hardy, Jake Spackman and wingman Brent Hartley kicked two each.

The win ensures the Dogs secure a top two spot on the ladder, with only percentage keeping them in second spot behind the New England Nomads.

Piggott was delighted with the win, highlighting his side’s toughness in the contest and ability to maintain the lead for the entire match.

“It was a nice, hard physical game and a bit scrappy, but we stuck to our structures throughout which was pleasing,” Piggott said.

He was also quick to praise his midfield with Spackman and rover Ben Maher targeted throughout the match.

“They were obviously targeted but still used the ball cleanly and were very good again for us,” he said.

The Saints had early ball movement towards goal but the Dogs’ defence in the opening exchanges kept them at bay. Filling in, due to injuries, on the half backline, captain Andrew George had a significant contribution in guiding his side out of trouble.

Along with Shane Paul, he on numerous occasions, from defence, found the likes of Spackman and Maher in the midfield, resulting in opportunities at the other end of the ground.

Swain duly rewarded the lead up play, kicking two majors for the quarter.

Spackman, Hardy and Piggott also kicked one each to have the Dogs up 5.3-33 to 1.3-9 at quarter time.

The Saints though were relentless at the footy and came out firing in the second quarter, landing the first two goals to bridge the margin to just nine points.

But the Dogs scrapped in defence, and George from deep inside his own defensive 50 was hitting targets at will.

Whilst they missed a couple of those chances, they did boot three on the trot to head into the main break ahead by 34 points.

The start of the third quarter was much of the same, as the Saints rallied to try and fight their way back into the match. It was the Dogs though who showcased why they are positioned second on the ladder, going ‘coast to coast’ for three of their six goals for the quarter.

Hartley nailed one of his goals off his non dominant left, whilst Swain kicked two to help extend the lead to 50.

Although being outscored in the last quarter, the Bulldogs still strung together enough phases of possession to hold out a willing Saints outfit.

Best on ground was George, and coach Piggott was full of praise for his captain.

“He led from the front and played a different role for us.

“He and Shane were brilliant coming out of defence,” he said.