westernbulldogs.com.au takes a look at the four hot topics you must be a cross before the Bulldogs face the Giants in their Saturday afternoon elimination final.
1. The rivalry
It’s been building, that’s for sure.
There’s no love lost between the Sons of the West and the new kids on the block from Sydney’s west, at least not in their past couple of meetings.
There were plenty of tough battles at Giants Stadium a fortnight ago.
Bontempelli v de Boer. Lloyd v Shaw. Naughton v Davis.
Neither side will be willing to give an inch in this do-or-die final.
2. Franco Cozzo
If you haven’t watched our Franco Cozzo video yet, you should.
The man is a western suburbs ledge.
While we’re talking about people of the west, Sydney better be ready for another Bulldog invasion.
Last time we visited Giants Stadium for a final, we painted it red, white and blue.
The Bulldog army is turning out in force again. It’s going to be loud.
View this post on InstagramThe of Foot-a-scray is on board. Appreciate the support, Franco! #MightyWest
3. A trio of Giant forwards
The Giants will have a few more weapons at their disposal around goal this time around.
Coleman Medallist Jeremy Cameron comes back in, after missing the round 22 clash, as does Jeremy Finlayson, to complement Harry Himmelberg.
Stopping the tall trio looms as a tough task for the Dogs’ defenders.
Who takes who remains to be seen.
But Zaine Cordy, who has played every game this season – for the first time in his career – and the recently-returned Lewis Young will have key roles to play, as will skipper Easton Wood and Hayden Crozier with their intercept ability in the air.
4. Shades of 2016?
The comparisons have been bandied about frequently outside of VU Whitten Oval.
But there’s no denying this is a different team.
Only eight Bulldogs who played in that famous preliminary final win against the Giants feature in this week’s 22. The Giants are a different line-up too, with 10 players featuring from that match.
The Bulldogs will have 11 players making their AFL finals debut on Saturday afternoon.
Here’s hoping they settle quickly, and get the job done.
