Shane Biggs – 4
Didn't have his best game. Found enough of the ball, but turned it over too often. Couldn't handle the defensive pressure of the Giants. 

Full match coverage and stats

Marcus Bontempelli – 7
The Bont had a quiet first half before having some key touches down the stretch when it mattered. Delivered a beautiful fend off to set up a goal for Zaine Cordy before kicking one himself in the last quarter.

A last quarter goal was crucial from Marcus Bontempelli. Picture: AFL Photos

Matthew Boyd – 7
It was another workmanlike performance from the Bulldogs veteran. Collected 24 possessions and used the ball at 83 per cent while also having 10 rebound 50s to get the Bulldogs moving out of defence. 

Tom Boyd – 6
Shouldered the ruck duties with Cordy when Roughhead was ruled out of the game in the second quarter with a head knock. Presented a strong target up forward, but his disposal efficiency was only 57 per cent. 

Zaine Cordy – 6
Kicked two goals, including a huge one in the last quarter. Only had the 10 touches, but performed his role and battled gamely in the ruck when having to fill in after the injury to Roughead. 

Dogs bring 'home' comforts

Luke Dahlhaus – 8
A huge game from the pint-sized midfielder racking up a game-high 32 possessions with 14 of those contested. Often found himself at the bottom of the packs and did the hard yards for the Dogs. 

Caleb Daniel – 5
Struggled with his disposal early and turned the ball over numerous times. Kicked a huge goal at the end of the third quarter to reduce the deficit to one point. 

Tory Dickson – 9
Outstanding. Was dangerous the entire game, kicking four goals, and hauled in a superb one-handed mark in the third quarter. The Giants backline will have nightmares during their end of season trip of Dickson performing remarkable feats. 

Josh Dunkley – 7
Amassed 24 possessions with the majority of those uncontested with his run on the outside, but won some crucial balls at stoppages in the last quarter when the game was up for grabs. 

Joel Hamling – 6
Started well, but had a kick smothered by Toby Greene that resulted in a Giants goal. Bounced back to limit the influence of Giants forward Jeremy Cameron, who didn't get his first kick until the last quarter. 

WATCH Top five plays from the preliminary final

Lachie Hunter – 6
Had a quiet first three quarters before working his way into the contest when the game was on the line. A solid performance. 

Jason Johannisen – 7
Dangerous as always rebounding off the half-back line, amassing 26 possessions. Disposal let him down at times, but delivered a brilliant play late in the game, streaking down field in the last quarter to find Bontemplelli to put the Bulldogs in front. 

Tom Liberatore – 5
Didn't have a huge impact with 15 possessions, but had a couple of key plays when the game was in the balance. Knows how to find the hard ball and not afraid to get down and dirty in the trenches. 

How the fans saw it: Giants v Bulldogs

Jack Macrae – 7
If for nothing else, Macrae will be remembered for holding his nerve and putting the Bulldogs up by a goal with three minutes on the clock. Had an impressive game before that with 26 possessions. 

Toby McLean – 6
Provided plenty of outside run and drive off the wing to rack up 20 possessions. Used the ball well, but was out-pointed by his Giants counterparts. 

Dale Morris – 8
The old stager did an outstanding job on Giants forward Jeremy Cameron, who didn't have an impact on the game. Marshals the Bulldogs defence superbly and makes sure everyone is accountable. 

Liam Picken – 6
Played further up the ground than in previous weeks. Didn't hit the scoreboard, but found plenty of the ball and did some solid work at the stoppages with six clearances. 

Fletcher Roberts – 5
Did a good job early on Giants spearhead Jonathon Patton before having his colours lowered by the former No.1 draft pick. A difficult assignment when Patton is on his game. 

WATCH The thrilling last two minutes

Jordan Roughhead – 1
Sustained a head knock and was ruled out of the game in the second quarter. The ruckman was busy in the opening quarter with eight hit-outs before having his night ended early. 

Clay Smith – 9
Had an outstanding first half kicking four of the Bulldogs' six goals. Was simply dynamic inside the forward 50, roving the packs and knowing exactly where the ball was going to be. Finishing was top class. 

GAME BREAKER Clay comes through in huge first half

Jake Stringer – 6
Failed to hit the scoreboard, but provided lots of defensive pressure in the forward line, racking up five tackles. A solid foil for Smith and Dickson without standing out himself. 

Easton Wood – 7
Took an absolute screamer in the first quarter to go with nine touches in the opening term. Slowed down to finish the game with 19 possessions. A solid presence in the backline and used the ball extremely well.