Summary
West Coast is coming off a heartbreaking three-point loss against the Dees last week and only sit inside the top eight on percentage. The Eagles are struggling to find form, with only one win from their past five games, and a poor record away from home casts doubt over their finals chances (2-4). The Bulldogs scraped in a one-point win over North Melbourne last week and are still searching for their best. In positive signs, the Dogs are set to regain skipper Bob Murphy, while Marcus Bontempelli and Jack Macrae were prolific last week. The last time these two teams met was only in round eight where the Eagles prevailed by eight points. West Coast sits just 5 per cent above the Dogs on the ladder, making this clash will be vital for the two teams finals chances.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, July 1, 1:45pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R8, 2017, West Coast 9.15 (69) d Western Bulldogs 8.13 (61) at Domain Stadium
2EF, 2016, Western Bulldogs 14.15 (99) d West Coast 7.10 (52) at Domain Stadium
R11, 2016, Western Bulldogs 12.11 (83) d West Coast 11.9 (75) at Etihad Stadium
R21, 2015, West Coast 25.12 (162) d Western Bulldogs 13.7 (85) at Domain Stadium
R1, 2015, Western Bulldogs 14.13 (97) d West Coast 14.3 (87) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
- It was low scoring in round eight, with the Eagles managing only one goal in the second half, but it was a high disposal game. West Coast had 413 disposals to the Bulldogs' 406, and Andrew Gaff had 35 disposals ahead of Sam Mitchell with 33.
- The Bulldogs have been impressive at home this season, winning five of six home games and averaging 94 points per game, 20 more than in away games. The Eagles are averaging only 85 points per away game.
- Not much separates the sides in recent seasons, with four wins each since 2013. Three games have been decided by more than 60 points, while two of the last three have been decided by single figures.
- The Western Bulldogs are the lowest ranked centre clearance team after 13 matches, averaging 10.5 per game, and the Eagles are only marginally better ranked, equal 14th with an average of 12.2.
- This is the 10th time these teams will play at Etihad Stadium, with West Coast winning five games to four. The Eagles have one win from two games in 2017 at the venue.
- West Coast utility Elliot Yeo continues to climb the Shick AFL Player Ratingswith a great run of form this year. Another impressive performance from Yeo last week (22 disposals and six tackles) saw him pick up a career high ranking of 112th, up from 159th at the start of the season.
