CODY Weightman was hugely influential in the Western Bulldogs\u2019 first win of season 2022.<\/p>\n
The Bulldogs livewire kicked a game-high three goals in Thursday\u2019s night\u2019s much-needed 11-point victory over Sydney at Marvel Stadium.<\/p>\n
The Dogs had been crying out for some support for spearhead Aaron Naughton and Weightman was able to step up at crucial times to help his side over the line.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey found an answer forward of centre, this is what we\u2019d been waiting for,\u201d David King told SEN Breakfast<\/em>.<\/p>\n \u201cNaughton had had no help, it had been Naughton or nought.<\/p>\n \u201cWeightman found a way to contribute, flying for marks, that was the Weightman we saw in 2021.\u201d<\/p>\n Kane Cornes added, \u201cWhen he had his opportunities, he went back and finished, which they couldn\u2019t do last week.\u201d<\/p>\n King also singled out praise for Dogs defender Ryan Gardner, saying he\u2019s never seen the 24-year-old play a better game at AFL level.<\/p>\n \u201cWe got a great text just a moment ago, it doesn\u2019t have a name attached which is unfortunate, \u2018Ryan Gardner played the game of his life\u2019,\u201d King said.<\/p>\n \u201cI agree with that, that\u2019s as good as I\u2019ve seen Ryan Gardner go last night. He looked solid.\u201d<\/p>\n Cornes was also impressed with Gardner, \u201cHe did the Phil Davis method of playing on [Lance] Franklin where you let him get his ball up the ground.<\/p>\n \u201cA couple of times that hurts you because Buddy\u2019s such a good kick but as soon as he reset himself inside 50, Gardner was really strong physically.\u201d<\/p>\n The Dogs next play Richmond at the MCG on Saturday night.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n