Essendon vs Western Bulldogs
Saturday 3 May 2014, 7:40pm
Venue: Etihad Stadium
Head-to-head:
Round 16,2013: Western Bulldogs 14. 6. (90) defeated by Essendon 18. 13. (121), Etihad Stadium
Round 14, 2012: Essendon 21. 14. (140) defeat Western Bulldogs 8. 8. (56), Etihad Stadium
Round 21, 2011: Western Bulldogs 15. 11. (101) defeated by Essendon 23. 12. (15), Etihad Stadium
Round 1, 2011: Essendon 16. 17. (113) defeat Western Bulldogs 8. 10. (58), Etihad Stadium
Last time they met:
- Tom Liberatore was best on ground in a dominant display amassing 33 possessions, six tackles, six inside 50s, 11 clearances and a goal – and was awarded the three Brownlow points accordingly
- The Bulldogs had more disposals (+28), contested possessions (+28), clearances (+6) and inside 50s (+7) but Essendon capitalised when the ball was in their forward line more often (+11 scoring shots)
- Jason Winderlich (four goals) and Courtenay Dempsey (three) led on the scoreboard for Essendon while Luke Dahlhaus chipped in with three for the Bulldogs
Recent form:
Western Bulldogs
The Western Bulldogs will be looking to start the game with the same intensity they showed in the first quarter against Adelaide last week and maintain that form throughout the match. A win against Essendon would be a good confidence boost for the Dogs with just one more game remaining before the bye round. The Club’s midfield are working their way into form in recent weeks, while the expected return of Dale Morris in defence will be a boost.
Essendon
After being among the top tier of teams last year, Essendon will not be satisfied with their 2-4 start to the season. Consecutive losses in the past two rounds will also add motivation against the Bulldogs this weekend. The potential return of some key players will provide a lift, including midfield stars Heath Hocking and Brendon Goddard.
Key matchups and gamebreakers:
- Essendon play a high disposal brand of football and are ranked first in the league in both numbers and efficiency. Averaging almost 70 more touches than their direct opposition each week – almost all uncontested – the Bulldogs will need to make the Dons accountable when in possession, and play accountable football when they’re without it.
- Matthew Boyd’s strong vein of form this season has gone reasonably under the radar, but the former Bulldogs captain leads the Club in disposals (29.7 per game), contested possessions (13), clearances (6) and inside 50s (4.8). His hardened edge is complementing the Dogs midfield and providing relief for Tom Liberatore and Ryan Griffen around the stoppages.
- Both sides rely on a mix of goal kickers to produce a winning score, meaning it will be a team-wide effort to stop Essendon on Saturday night. Brent Stanton, Paul Chapman and Kyle Hardingham are their main goal contributors with nine apiece but Stanton is the only one to have hit the scoreboard in the past fortnight. The possible inclusion of Tom Bellchambers and the rising talent of their tall forwards, however, mean the Bulldogs need to be prepared.
