The Western Bulldogs will be looking to make it back-to-back wins when they meet Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Friday night.
MATCH DETAILS
Round 8 v Port Adelaide
When: Friday 6 May 2022
Where: Adelaide Oval
Game Starts: 7.30pm AEST (7pm ACST)
Admission: Buy tickets here
Membership: Sign up here
Broadcast: Channel 7.
2021 SUMMARY
Western Bulldogs 5th: 15-7 132.8%
Port Adelaide 2nd: 17-5 126.3%
LAST MEETING
Port Adelaide 6.9 (45) defeated by Western Bulldogs 17.14 (116)
The Bulldogs booked themselves a spot in the Grand Final with a thumping 71-point win over Port in last year’s preliminary final. Despite going into the clash with the odds stacked against them, the Dogs stunned the hosts on their home deck with a seven-goal opening quarter. Jack Macrae was superb, finishing with 36 disposals, 14 contested possessions, seven inside 50s and four clearances, while Bailey Smith continued his hot finals form with four goals from 23 disposals.
THE TALKING POINTS
In the air
Friday’s trip to South Australia will be the Bulldogs’ first interstate for the season. Including their finals campaign around the country, the Dogs came away with a handy 8-2 win-loss record from their matches away from Victoria in 2021. Looking ahead this season, they will play a further five games interstate – two in New South Wales, and one each in Queensland, Western Australia and Tasmania.
Adelaide Oval memories
Playing Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval should bring back some fond memories for Bulldogs’ fans. As mentioned, last year’s 71-point preliminary final triumph was one that should instil some confidence and belief in the group, but also head into the clash having won four of their last five at the venue.
Bullish back-six
The Bulldogs’ defence stacked up against Essendon last week, and will be tested again when they meet Port and the likes of proven goal-scorers Robbie Gray, Todd Marshall and Ollie Wines. Caleb Daniel and Bailey Dale have been instrumental in helping the Dogs move the ball out of defensive 50 quickly and effectively, combining for 34 rebounds in the last three weeks, while Ed Richards (20 disposals, nine marks, 630 metres gained) also impressed with his pace.
