The Western Bulldogs will look to continue their winning ways when they meet Richmond at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.
MATCH INFO
Round 4 v Richmond
Saturday 8 April
MCG, 4.35pm AEST
Broadcast: Fox Footy, Kayo Sports
Admission: Tickets on sale here
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2022 SUMMARY
Western Bulldogs 8th 12-10 108.9%
Richmond 7th 13-8-1 121.6%
FUN FACTS
- Of the 40 meetings between the two sides at the MCG, the Bulldogs have only prevailed on 15 occasions – most recently a 19-point triumph in round 15, 2015
- Of their last 20 encounters (across all venues) however, the Dogs have beaten the Tigers 12 times and drawn once
- Aaron Naughton’s record number of marks (14) came against Richmond in round seven, 2019 and helped the Dogs to a 47-point victory at Marvel
- Bailey Smith’s great-grandfather, Leo Merrett, was a dual Richmond Best and Fairest winner (1942, 1944) and premiership player (1943)
- Of the 28 players to have featured for the Bulldogs this season, Adam Treloar has played the most career games against Richmond (14) and the most games at the MCG (71)
LAST TIME THEY MET
Richmond 15.9 (99) def. Western Bulldogs 7.19 (61)
The Bulldogs were left to rue their inaccuracy in front of goal in their last encounter against the Tigers, going down by 38 points. The defeat was in some way self-inflicted; the Dogs unable to capitalise on their first-half dominance. Although wasteful, the Bulldogs were clearly in control for majority of the opening term, before Richmond tightened the screws in the second quarter and jumped to a comfortable lead – which they held. Bailey Smith was one of the best, claiming 36 disposals in a consistent midfield display while Marcus Bontempelli (33 and a goal) was also important.
TALKING POINTS
- A chance to square the ledger
After a somewhat surprising start to the season, the Bulldogs will have the opportunity to square the ledger on Saturday night.
As it stands ahead of round four, the Dogs are one of nine teams with a 1-2 win-loss ratio – following their hard-fought victory over Brisbane on Thursday night.
The Tigers, on the other hand, enter the clash off a loss to Collingwood, win over Adelaide and draw with Carlton in the opening round.
- Battle of key forwards
It’ll be a battle of the big key forwards on Saturday afternoon.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Aaron Naughton and Rory Lobb going up against Tom Lynch and Jack Riewoldt.
Against Collingwood, Richmond used 206cm youngster Samson Ryan as a forward-ruck and sub Noah Cumberland as third mid-tall, but historically tend to go with two talls plus a small (Shai Bolton, Maurice Rioli etc.)
Regardless of how the two sides line-up, we’re hoping there’ll be a goal-fest.
- VFL Bulldogs to meet Tigers in double-header
The Footscray Bulldogs will meet Richmond from 1.05pm AEST at the Swinburne Centre (Punt Road Oval), ahead of the AFL match at 4.35pm.
Pending any changes to the AFL side, a number of senior-listed Bulldogs will feature in the VFL hit-out.
Gates will open at 12.30pm, with tickets available to purchase on entry (card only).
The ‘Scray are still searching for their first win of the season, after being overrun by Brisbane last Thursday afternoon.
