The Western Bulldogs will look to continue their winning ways against the Tigers at the MCG on Saturday night.
TEAMS
2021 SUMMARY
Western Bulldogs 5th: 15-7: 132.8%
Richmond 12th: 9-12: 97.9%
LAST MEETING
Western Bulldogs 7.13 (55) def by. Richmond 11.11 (77)
Having gone 5-0 to start the 2021 season, the bubble was burst by previous premiers Richmond in a Friday night classic. Despite leading at half time, the Bulldogs only kicked a single goal in the final two quarters to go down by 22 points.
Aaron Naughton led from the front with three goals, while skipper Marcus Bontempelli and Caleb Daniel racked up the disposals.
THE TALKING POINTS
Tall v Small
The Bulldogs will go into the contest without key defenders Zaine Cordy and Alex Keath due to injury with Tim O’Brien making his debut for the club. Ryan Gardner will take a key forward is his match up, while Bailey Williams will relish the opportunity coming back into the team. A core focus of the Dogs has been team defence and this will be required against the likes of Noah Balta and Jack Riewoldt.
O’Brien debut
Tim O’Brien comes in to represent the red, white and blue for the first time after crossing from Hawthorn in the off-season. The 27-year-old signed as an unrestricted free agent, having played 97 games and kicking 73 goals for Hawthorn across nine seasons.
O’Brien impressed during pre-season but had a delayed start to his Bulldogs’ career after suffering a hamstring injury on the eve of the campaign.
Expect his aerial prowess to be on display at the G on Saturday night.
