Western Bulldogs v Melbourne
Sunday 16 August 2015
3:20pm Etihad Stadium
There’s no denying the talent on Melbourne’s list, and on their day they’ve proven to the league they’re more than capable of challenging some of the best.
Though sitting 14th on the ladder, Melbourne have secured three of their six wins against top-eight sides – Geelong, Richmond and the Bulldogs.
The Demons have also taken the points against Collingwood, with a list that comprises a bevy of top-draft picks and experienced AFL campaigners.
After suffering a 39-point defeat at the hands of the Demons earlier in the year, the Bulldogs know better than most that Melbourne are not a team that you can take lightly.
Melbourne currently rank first in the league for contested marks, thanks largely to the work of Jesse Hogan and Max Gawn.
The Demons went down in round 19 to North Melbourne and Roos had this to say after the loss.
“To see the second and third quarter is what we’re really working towards on a more consistent basis and to do that against a high-quality team was good.
“We know we’ve improved and today was a really good test for us, but you get disappointed in some of the vision that we see and some of the stuff that led to the seven-goals-to-two (first quarter).”
Melbourne Key Stats
- #1 in league for contested marks (231)
- #2 in league for rebound 50s (744)
- #6 in league for tackles (1246)
- #8 in league for contested possessions (2462)
- #8 in league for hit outs (806)
Players to Watch
Bernie Vince
Vince has been a revelation for the Dees in 2015. He’s averaging 24.8 disposals per game and ten contested possessions per match. He’s also averaging five clearances and four tackles per game.
Jesse Hogan
Hogan’s named was used in this same section ahead of the round eight meeting between the two sides. So consistent has his second season been that he is one of the favourites for the NAB AFL Rising Star award. Hogan averages 13 disposals a match, while he’s kicked 36 goals for the season – 14th in the league.
Head to Head
Western Bulldogs 74
Melbourne 85
Last time we met
Melbourne 15.13 (103) defeated Western Bulldogs 9.10 (64) at the MCG in round eight 2015.
Melbourne’s last three games
R19 2015 – North Melbourne 19.13 (127) defeated Melbourne 14.8 (92)
R18 2015 – Melbourne 13.13 (91) defeated Collingwood 7.12 (54)
R17 2015 – St Kilda 12.11 (83) defeated Melbourne 6.10 (46)
