Libba back at the crease
After three games in the VFL, Tom Liberatore is back to face the Demons, and we should all be happy about that.
Well, except Melbourne fans. Some of Libba’s statement games have been against the grand old flag - think his career-high 36 disposal performance at the MCG in Round 14 2013, and his record equalling 19-tackle performance in May last season.
Much has been said about why he’s been playing for Footscray the last couple of weeks, so there’s no need for us to add to that chorus here, but if you’re only as good as your last game, then we say he’ll be bringing some serious form into Sunday’s game.
Last week’s second half stats: 13 touches, five clearances, seven tackles and 104 ranking points according to Champion Data.
Welcome back, Libba.
The Exorcist
It’s no secret that the Dogs are not hitting the scoreboard as often as they would like this season, and last week’s 6.6.42 was our lowest score since Luke Beveridge took the keys back in November 2014.
On top of that, our 83 points per game average places us 15th in the competition for scoring.
The good news is, Jake Stringer tends to save his higher games against Melbourne. Three of his last four returns against the Dees have been four-goal plus games, including a bag of five last May at the MCG.
Yes, he was well held against Sydney last week, but was good for five against the Saints before the bye.
We know he loves it under the roof, our man, so fingers crossed for a big one from Jakey.
Iron Man
When westernbulldogs.com.au spoke to Head Physio Chris Bell early in the week, there was some doubt that Dale Morris would play this weekend on the back of injuring his ankle sindemosis.
To quote Belly: “These injuries can notoriously take a little bit longer to settle than a normal ankle injury.” Which is true, google it if you have to. Unless of course you’re Dale Morris, who may or may not be human.
This is a man who played most of last season’s finals series with the kind back related ailment that would have most of us on our backs watching Neftlix for weeks.
So obviously he’ll play and just get on with doing Dale Morris type things.
There’s no place like home
The Bulldogs will be keen to atone for last Thursday night’s performance against the Swans and there’s no better place to do it than back at home under the roof at Etihad Stadium.
It's going on 11 months since the Dogs last dropped a game at home while the Dees haven’t beaten the Bulldogs at the the Docklands since 2007.
If fact, Melbourne lost 22 straight at the ground between 2008 and 2015, and are 3-3 since – all good signs for Beveridge’s boys.
But, the Dees are in good form and will be no doubt hungry for a scalp wherever it was to be played.
Is it Sunday yet?
