Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs
Saturday 10 May 2014, 7:40pm
Venue: MCG
Head-to-head:
Round 23, 2013: Western Bulldogs 16. 11 (107) defeated Melbourne Demons 13. 9 (87), Etihad Stadium
Round 14, 2013: Melbourne Demons 15. 13 (103) defeated Western Bulldogs 15. 10 (100), MCG
Round 4, 2012: Melbourne Demons 9. 13 (67) defeated by Western Bulldogs 13. 10 (88), MCG
Round 15, 2011: Western Bulldogs 19. 13 (127) defeated Melbourne Demons 8. 15 (63), Etihad Stadium
Last time they met:
- The Western Bulldogs dominated in a number of key statistics including disposals (WB 404, Melb 295), hitouts (52,37), i50s (52, 37), contested possessions (148, 103) and clearances (47, 29)
- A standout second quarter cemented the Bulldogs win, kicking nine goals Melbourne’s two and establishing a lead of 43 points at half-time.
- The Brownlow votes were as follows: M Boyd 3, A Cooney 2, T Liberatore 1
- Robert Murphy was in fine form, collecting 29 disposals at 93% efficiency
- Melbourne’s Jack Watts took three marks inside 50 and finished with a game high four goals, Tory Dickson was the Bulldogs main goal scorer, slotting through three
Recent form:
Western Bulldogs
As the Bulldogs bye looms, the side will be eager to put in a good showing against Melbourne. The Bulldogs may have lost the past three games but they have been in striking distance well into the fourth quarter in each. A more consistent effort will be expected against Melbourne this week, as they search for their third win of the season.
Melbourne
Saturday night’s encounter will no doubt be tough physically, with both sides employing a defence-first style of play. Melbourne have won two games this season – against Carlton and Adelaide – and will be hoping for back-to-back victories this week. While a tribunal decision surrounding Jack Viney has been prominent news in AFL this week, he has been cleared to play against the Bulldogs after his appeal was upheld.
Key match ups and gamebreakers:
- The Bulldogs are beginning to take advantage of their strong contested ball winning stocks with Tom Liberatore, Matthew Boyd and Ryan Griffen working their way into form. Melbourne, however, are ranked 18th across the competition in average clearances and contested possessions.
- Chris Dawes has been a regular contributor to the scoreboard in his first four games this season, as the Demons main target up forward. Averaging two majors per game, he has already become Melbourne’s leading goal scorer this season. Jack Watts may not be in career best form so far this season but he also has a strong record against the Bulldogs, kicking four goals in each of their past two outings.
- A career-best 36 disposals last week to Shaun Higgins was a great sign for the utility as he reaches full fitness. Playing a predominantly new role running the ball out of the back half, Higgins’ inclusion this season has been a plus for the Bulldogs. Melbourne’s ability to shut down Higgins’ and Robert Murphy’s run out of the back line will be crucial to the outcome of the game.
