MATCH INFO

Round 8 v GWS Giants
Saturday 6 May
Manuka Oval, Canberra 7.30pm AEST
Broadcast: Channel 7, Fox Footy, Kayo Sports
Admission: Tickets on sale here.

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2022 SUMMARY

Western Bulldogs 8th 12-10 108.9%
GWS 16th 6-16 84.6%

FUN FACTS

  • Aaron Naughton is the only currently listed Bulldog that made his debut against GWS at Manuka Oval - in Round 1, 2018
  • Ex-Giants Adam Treloar and Josh Bruce have never lost to GWS since joining the Bulldogs
  • Rory Lobb only lost to the Western Bulldogs once in his time at GWS – that game being the 2016 Preliminary Final
  • The Western Bulldogs have scored 100+ points against GWS on seven occasions, the second highest by any club against the Giants (Sydney scoring 100+ on 11 occasions)
  • The Giants have lost their past eight matches in Canberra, while the Dogs have won four of their past six there

LAST TIME THEY MET

Western Bulldogs 9.8 (62) def. GWS 8.9 (57)

The Western Bulldogs kept their 2022 season alive with a hard-fought five-point win over the Giants in round 22 last year. A see-sawing third term – which saw three lead changes – set up a thrilling final quarter, with the Dogs kicking away late to hold on to the narrow victory. Jack Macrae collected 31 disposals and five marks, while Caleb Daniel (29 disposals) and Bailey Smith (26 disposals, one goal) were impactful. Bailey Williams finished with two goals from 14 touches, while Bailey Dale (26 disposals, seven marks, one goal) was equally as influential.

06:37

Match Highlights | Bulldogs v GWS

Watch all the highlights from round 22 at Marvel

TALKING POINTS

1. Eyeing three on the bounce

For the first time this season, the Bulldogs could string together a three-game winning streak if all goes to plan in Canberra.

The Dogs should enter the clash full of confidence – claiming a 59-point win over Fremantle away before a 29-point victory against the Hawks at home – while also holding a four-game winning streak over the Giants.

As mentioned above, the hosts’ record at home in Manuka isn’t too favourable – having lost their past eight matches at the venue – while the Bulldogs have triumphed on four of their past six visits.

The match will also mark a homecoming of sorts for former Giants Adam Treloar and Rory Lobb – who represented GWS on 79 and 74 occasions respectively.

Canberra local Josh Bruce was also an inaugural Giant, but will miss the clash with a rib injury.

14:08

Luke Beveridge | 'We're on the right track'

Bevo speaks to the media ahead of round 8

2. Physicality expected

There’s no denying there’s history between the Dogs and Giants.

The red, white and blue faithful will fondly recall the 2016 Preliminary Final – which saw the Dogs record a six-point win to advance to their first Grand Final in 55 years.

But the Giants got one back in the 2017 Elimination Final, exacting revenge in a 58-point win to end the Bulldogs’ finals run.

Expect the heat to be brought to Canberra on Saturday night – which could end up being another classic between the two sides, if some of the last encounters are anything to go by.

3. Libba one of three tests

The Bulldogs could be boosted by the return of midfield bull Tom Liberatore this weekend, who missed round seven through concussion.

Liberatore will train on Thursday with the main group, putting himself in the frame to travel to Canberra later in the week.

“Tom still has some boxes to tick this week – we expect to make a call on his availability following our main training session this Thursday,” Head of Sports Medicine, Chris Bell said in this week’s Victoria University Medical Room report.

Hayden Crozier (ankle) and Jordon Sweet (bruised heel) were also unavailable for selection, but are on the improve and a chance to return too.