Western Bulldogs vs Port Adelaide
Saturday 1 June 2013, 7:40pm (EST)
Venue: TIO Stadium, Darwin

Head to head:
Round 12, 2012: Western Bulldogs 13. 17. (95) defeat Port Adelaide 8. 9. (57), Etihad Stadium
Round 22, 2011: Port Adelaide 15. 7. (97) defeated by Western Bulldogs 24. 13. (157), AAMI Stadium
Round 16, 2010: Western Bulldogs 12. 11. (83) defeat Port Adelaide 7. 5. (47), TIO Stadium
Round 12, 2009: Western Bulldogs 21. 11. (137) defeat Port Adelaide 7. 2. (44), Metricon Stadium

Last time they met:

  • The Bulldogs had 90 more possessions than Port Adelaide and 50 extra marks. They were also dominant up forward with 15 more inside 50s and 13 additional scoring shots.
  • Port Adelaide fielded the less experienced side in terms of averages, with almost 74 games per player in comparison to the Bulldogs having almost played 80
  • Robert Murphy had a field day with 32 touches at 93.7% efficiency, six marks, six rebound 50s, four tackles and a goal assist. Murphy also received the three Brownlow votes.

Recent form:

Western Bulldogs

A confidence boosting win against St Kilda confirms the Bulldogs are making progress in their development. Short lapses continue to feature in the young side, but their ability to counter the Saints’ momentum and regain the lead was a positive step forward. The Bulldogs will be focused on securing their second consecutive win of the season before the bye weekend in round 11. The loss of captain Matthew Boyd will give Mitch Wallis an opportunity to play in the middle, after his 36 disposal effort at Williamstown last week.

Port Adelaide

After exceeding expectations with five consecutive wins to open the season, Port Adelaide’s form has tapered in the past four weeks. Proving they can turn the game on its head when they are on song, the young side cannot be underestimated. Most impressive are their fitness gains over the pre-season, which has seen Port lose just one fourth quarter this year.

Key match ups and game breakers:

  • Jason Johannisen has been one of the Bulldogs’ big improvers this season and his game against St Kilda last weekend further emphasised his progress. Ranked second in average rebound 50s at the Bulldogs, JJ has provided some much needed pace and run in the Club’s back six. His 79.4% disposal efficiency further emphasises his worth.
  • Port Adelaide’s Ollie Wines is another emerging player to watch on Saturday. While he has only been in the AFL system for six months he is already in the top five at his club in disposals, marks, tackles, clearances and inside 50s this year. He adds grunt to the Port Adelaide midfield to compliment captain Travis Boak and their other more mature midfield stocks.
  • Jay Schultz is Port Adelaide’s leading goal kicker this season and has kicked multiple goals in all bar three games so far this year. Bulldog Jordan Roughead again looks set for the big task, while Dale Morris and Michael Talia provide flexibility as the game progresses.
  • After claiming a number of big name scalps this season, Nick Lower will be poised to line up against Port’s main ball-winner Travis Boak on Saturday night.
  • If the Bulldogs continue to win the contested ball, the next step will be to clear the ball from the area and get it in the hands of the Club’s increasing running stocks. While Ryan Griffen and Luke Dahlhaus have displayed pace and outside flair, there is a new generation looking to fill the void. Jack Macrae, Koby Stevens and last week’s debutant Nathan Hrovat have all displayed promise on the wing this season and their stocks will continue to rise with added experience.

What we said:

“Just because we won a game, doesn’t change anything for us – we are two wins, seven losses with a real challenging game this week. They’re first five weeks wasn’t a fluke they played some terrific footy and we know we have to go up there and play well and do the basics of the game very well to get a good result.”

Senior Coach Brendan McCartney

What they said:

"The Bulldogs' form has been really solid over the last few weeks and Macca (Western Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney) has done a really good job at developing a good contested style of football. They've probably been unlucky to not get a few more results. It'll be a hard and tough game with both sides desperate to get another win."

Senior Coach Ken Hinkley