1. Patrick Cripps
Carlton’s skipper was sensational in his side’s win against Brisbane on the weekend.
And last time the Blues and Dogs met, Cripps was dominant, with 37 disposals.
The gun midfielder is averaging almost 28 disposals and more than six disposals per game.
Restricting his influence around the contest will be critical for the Bulldogs.
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2. Must win
It’s very much a ‘must-win’ game if the Bulldogs are to keep their season alive.
The Dogs are two games outside the top eight, in 15th, but a win against the Blues would kick-start their run home after the bye.
When the sides met in round five this year, Carlton were far too good.
It should only serve as added motivation for the Dogs to square the ledger at 1-1 in 2019.
3. Road to goal
Since the round five loss to Carlton, the Bulldogs have been able to impact the scoreboard more regularly.
In the first five games, the Dogs averaged 75.4 points per game. In the six games following, that’s increased to 85.1 points per game.
The Bulldogs continue to rely on a spread of goal-kickers for a winning score.
Sharp-shooter Tory Dickson returns for the injured Billy Gowers, with Aaron Naughton and Sam Lloyd leading the Dogs’ goal-kicking tally with 17 majors each.
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4. Contested marking
Heading into the bye rounds, at the end of round 11, two young guns sat at the top of the contested marking table.
Carlton’s Harry McKay had 29 – now 30 after their match last week – to lead the competition, with Aaron Naughton sitting second with 26.
McKay had a big influence last time these sides met – clunking 11 marks and kicking four goals.
The Bulldogs will be out to limit his output this week, and hoping to bring Naughton into the game when they go forward.
