Western Bulldogs v Melbourne
Sunday 24 May, 2015
3:20pm, MCG
Melbourne fans have enjoyed an improved side in Paul Roos’ second year at the helm.
In wins in round one against Gold Coast and round four against Richmond, the Dees have showed attack on the contest and now sit third in the competition for contested marks.
Roos’ side will be hungry to avenge a heavy loss to Hawthorn last week, and post their third win of the season.
“After the game the easiest thing is to rip into them about effort and all those sorts of things, but you’ve got to give yourself time to really analyse the game and make sure you’re clear on what the reasons were for a performance like that,” said Roos following the Hawthorn loss.
Melbourne Key Stats
- #3 in league for contested marks (83)
- #3 in league for rebound 50s (292)
- #4 in league for tackles (505)
- #9 in league for contested possessions (946)
Players to Watch
Tom McDonald
The defender is in All-Australian form and currently sits eighth in AFLCA voting after a consistent start to the year. McDonald is fourth in the competition for marks and 11th for contested marks. Two weeks ago McDonald held Lance Franklin goalless, and will prove a difficult match up for the Bulldogs’ forwards.
Jesse Hogan
After not playing a game in his first year due to injury, Hogan has delighted Melbourne fans in 2015. His most dominant performance came against Richmond in round four, dominating in-form Richmond defender Alex Rance. Hogan is fourth in the competition for contested marks and has kicked 11 goal this season.
Head to Head
Western Bulldogs 74
Melbourne 84
Last time we met
Western Bulldogs 14.7 (91) defeated Melbourne 13.7 (85) at Etihad Stadium, round 15 2014.
Melbourne’s last three games
R7 2015 – Hawthorn 24.11 (155) defeated Melbourne 7.8 (50)
R6 2015 – Sydney 12.16 (88) defeated Melbourne 7.8 (50)
R5 2015 – Fremantle 18.10 (118) defeated Melbourne 6.14 (50)
