Where and when: MCG, Friday, May 7, 7.40pm
Head to head: Melbourne 83, Western Bulldogs 68, one draw
Last time: Western Bulldogs 15.14 (104) d Melbourne 15.7 (97), round 8, 2009 at MCG

MISSING IN ACTION
Melbourne
Rohan Bail (quad) - test
Max Gawn (knee) - indefinite
Liam Jurrah (shoulder) - 8  weeks
John Meesen (ankle) - 4-6 weeks
Cale Morton (knee) - test
Ricky Petterd (shoulder) - 16 weeks
Luke Tapscott (hip) - indefinite
Western Bulldogs
Tim Callan (knee) - 1 week
Ayce Cordy (shoulder) - TBA
Christian Howard (hip) - 1 week
Brad Johnson (groin) - TBA
Liam Picken (ankle) - 3-4 weeks
Shane Thorne (knee) - 11 weeks
Jason Tutt (ankle) - 1 week
Callan Ward (groin) - 4 weeks

FORM
Melbourne: LWWWL
Western Bulldogs: WWLWL

SUMMARY
After entering round six as the second most in-form team in the competition behind the Sydney Swans, Melbourne's three-match winning streak was halted by North Melbourne.

The Demons went down to the Roos by 26 points, after recording wins against Adelaide, Richmond and the Brisbane Lions. Melbourne's 50-point win over the then undefeated Lions was its finest win under coach Dean Bailey.

Despite last round's setback, the Demons enter this clash with a 3-3 win/loss record - a reasonable result considering they had won just seven matches in the past two seasons.

On the back of winning this year's NAB Cup, the Bulldogs have started the premiership season in up-and-down fashion - considering they are seen as one of the teams to beat this year.

Although they remain right in the hunt, the Dogs have won just one of their past three matches, going down to the Lions (round four) and St Kilda (round six).

PLAYER TO WATCH
Brad Green has been in fine form this season, despite suffering a heavy knock in the opening round against Hawthorn. Last round he booted four goals and notched up 21 touches. Green has now kicked 15 goals in six matches.

Jarrod Harbrow was in top form last round against the Saints, accumulating a career-best 36 disposals. Harbrow, who stepped up last season, has continued on with his efforts in 2010.

QUESTION MARKS
Melbourne was brought back to Earth last week against the Roos. Can the Demons bounce back and upset the vulnerable Dogs in their only Friday night match for the season?

Or will the Dogs flex their muscles, make their presence felt and show the Demons where they stand in the competition?

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY?
Although both sides are 3-3 and Melbourne will relish playing on the big stage, the Bulldogs should still come through with the goods, given their experience, depth and talent. Don't be surprised if the Demons have another genuine crack, but expect the Dogs to be barking in the end.

PREDICTION:
Western Bulldogs by 17 points.

Follow Mark Conway's inside view of Melbourne v Western Bulldogs at #afldemonsdogs on Twitter.com from 7.40pm Friday or @AFL_MarkConway#afldemonsdogs

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.