Holding the Bulldogs in high regard for their pressure and defensive work, Leppitsch predicts a heated dual between the two sides from the first bounce.
“They are an ultimate score from stoppage team, everyone knows that and we are going to have to match them in that area,” Leppitsch said.
“That is going to be the game I think, if we can match the Bulldogs in contested ball that will go a long way for us winning the game.
“That’s going to be a big challenge for our players… we need to improve in that area and get the job done.”
Leppitsch said winning the contested ball was becoming a key variable in their own game plan and when they fade in that area, the opposition are increasingly hurting them on the scoreboard.
“When we lose contested ball the scoreboard goes away from us… the scoreboard and our contested ball tend to follow each other throughout the game,” he said.
“We know that’s a focus for us… it’s not just going in harder it’s winning those loose balls and run forward with aggression as well.”
Midfielder Jack Redden also hinted that a heated midfield battle was to ensue and said curbing the influence of Ryan Griffen and Tom Liberatore for the Bulldogs would be top of mind.
“Griffen is obviously a quality player and Liberatore is playing elite football at the moment, he is a great clearance player,” Redden said.
“If we can nut them around the stoppages and their influence on the game, it will go a long way.”
