Westernbulldogs.com.au looks at the key match ups and potential game breakers of Sunday's game at Simonds Stadium

Key Match Ups

Liam Picken vs Jimmy Bartel
Brownlow Medallist, dual All Australian, triple Premiership player, Norm Smith Medallist - there are not many accolades Bartel has not secured in his eleven year AFL career. Liam Picken will potentially be challenged with a run with role against the Geelong veteran. Bartel can be very dangerous driving the ball inside the Cats forward 50 while his tackling pressure is second to none. With Joel Selwood on the sidelines, Bartel will need to lift from last week in the midfield - but Picken’s form to date indicates he is very capable of restricting his influence.

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Easton Wood vs Stevie Johnson
Given the hard task of lining up on Sydney’s Adam Goodes last weekend, Wood will again focus his energy on one of the opposition’s big names in Johnson. The opportunity to play on one of Geelong’s key players should provide a good learning experience for Wood who has 40 career games under his belt and will be looking to solidify his spot in the starting 22 over the pre-season.

Tom Hawkins vs Brian Lake
One of the more obvious match ups will be in form Tom Hawkins on All Australian full back Brian Lake. Last time the two teams met Hawkins walked away with three goals but has upped the ante since and has kicked five or more goals on three occasions. If Bulldogs Senior Coach Brendan McCartney chooses to shift Lake forward as has happened in recent weeks, it will be defenders Lukas Markovic and Jordan Roughead left to hold down the fort.

Game Breakers

Dylan Addison
A revelation up forward in recent weeks the 25 year old is finding his attributes are well suited to playing a defensive role in the forward line. Kicking a career high four goals last week and averaging more than two goals a game in the past three rounds he is likely to continue playing in his new position. The tackling and defensive abilities of Addison and fellow medium forward Tory Dickson means the Bulldogs are not only kicking goals but also keeping the opposition’s rebounding defenders accountable.

Paul Chapman
Consistency is key in Chapman’s game. Regaining form ahead of the Geelong finals campaign the damaging forward / midfielder is particularly dangerous for the number of marks he takes inside the Cats forward 50. Averaging two and a half goals a game he has not been left scoreless since round 3 of this year. His experience and composure could prove the difference.

Adam Cooney
Coming on as a substitute last weekend against Sydney the explosive midfielder was given a taste of senior footy again and is raring for more. He has been building up his fitness on the training track in recent weeks and will be eager to play out a full game before the season comes to a close. Cooney can be a highly influential player when given the opportunity whether playing through the midfield or resting in the forward line.

Read Westernbulldogs.com.au's full Opposition Analysis on how to beat Geelong here.