Essendon v Western Bulldogs

Sunday 2 August, 2015

3:20pm, Etihad Stadium

Despite sitting 14th on the AFL ladder, the Bombers loom as a dangerous opponent in Sunday’s clash at Etihad Stadium, having won the last six encounters against the Bulldogs. 

Although going down to Port Adelaide last weekend by 13-points under the roof, James Hird’s side showed have regained their enthusiasm and effort around the contest, playing like a team with nothing to lose.

“Our young kids were exciting and our senior guys certainly encouraged the younger guys and played their role,” Hird said after the loss.

“The guys who have been around the club for a while are leading really well and that allows the younger players with their energy and enthusiasm to play exciting football.

“I’m not sure if it was our best football because defensively we got scored heavily against, but certainly it was exciting to see the way they played. They played free football and we scored quite heavily.”

For much of the game the Bombers quick ball movement was on show, which should make for an interesting battle with the Dogs in the fast-playing conditions that Etihad Stadium provides.

Essendon Key Stats

-          #4 in league for disposals (5980)

-          #4 in league for rebound 50 (635)

-          #5 in league for kicks (3320)

-          #5 in league for handballs (2660)

-          #5 in league for uncontested possessions (3782)

-          #5 in league for marks (1519)

Players to Watch

Dyson Heppell

The 23-year-old has played every match this year and is the Bombers’ stand-in skipper in the absence of Jobe Watson. Heppell is averaging 25 disposals, four marks and four tackles. The midfielder notched up his 100th game this season and has quickly become one of the most important players in the Bombers’ side.

Zach Merrett

Merrett has averaged 21 disposals a game in only his second season at AFL level, and has averaged 24 touches in the last seven rounds. The crafty 19-year-old has played every game for the Bombers this season and has impressed with his attack on the footy – notching up 12 tackles in last week’s loss to Port Adelaide.

Head to Head

Western Bulldogs 60

Essendon 94

Draw 2

Last time we met

Essendon 15.11 (101) defeated Western Bulldogs 14.10 (94) at Etihad Stadium, round 18 2014

Essendon’s last three games

R17 2015 – Port Adelaide 20.9 (129) defeated Essendon 17.14 (116)

R16 2015 – North Melbourne 14.9 (93) defeated Essendon 14.9 (93)

R15 2015 – Essendon 10.9 (69) defeated Melbourne 7.18 (60)