Western Bulldogs vs Carlton
Sunday 20 April 2014, 4:40pm
Venue: Etihad Stadium

Head-to-head:

Round 20, 2013: Carlton 13. 11. (89) defeated by Western Bulldogs 16. 21. (117), Etihad Stadium
Round 17, 2012: Western Bulldogs 12. 12 (84) defeated by Carlton 16. 6 (102), Etihad Stadium
Round 16, 2011: Western Bulldogs 14. 12 (96) defeated Carlton 9.15 (69), Etihad Stadium
Round 15, 2010: Carlton 8. 10 (58) defeated by Western Bulldogs 20. 6 (126), Etihad Stadium
Round 5, 2009: Western Bulldogs 13. 12 (90) defeated by Carlton 21. 7 (133), Etihad Stadium

Last time they met:

  • The Bulldogs dominated with 70 inside 50s to 49 and 37 scoring shots to Carlton’s 24 – however inaccuracy in front of goals kept Carlton in striking distance until late in the game
  • Brownlow votes: 3 – Adam Cooney, 2 – Jarrad Grant, 1 – Ryan Griffen
  • Tom Campbell collided heavily with the goal post running back with the flight of the ball but the big man recovered to take his set shot on goal and kicked truly.
  • Robert Warnock had 48 hitouts for the match, in comparison to Will Minson’s 29. The Dogs ruckman however won at the clearances with nine to Warnock’s five.

Recent form:

Western Bulldogs
The Bulldogs have no doubt earned their first two wins of the season, fighting until the dying minutes of each game to consolidate their victory. When playing the game on their own terms the Bulldogs relentless pressure has stalled even the strongest of sides and the aim is to continue that form. The forward line has also looked more potent in recent weeks with the emergence of Stewart Crameri and Liam Jones as tall targets. The loss of Dale Morris and Jordan Roughead in defence will hurt, however it gives the Dogs’ emerging defensive stocks a chance to press their claim. 

Carlton
The Blues will approach round five without a win to their name, adding extra motivation to this weekend’s clash. Last year’s semi-finalists have not started the season the way they hoped, losing to Port Adelaide, Richmond, Essendon and Melbourne by an average of over 37 points. Mick Malthouse made a statement at the selection committee last week, omitting five players ahead of their clash against Melbourne, including Jarrad Waite, Mitch Robinson and Jeff Garlett who could all return to the fold against the Bulldogs. Former Captain Chris Judd could also be in the mix to bolster their midfield stocks, in his comeback from an Achilles injury.

Key matchups and game breakers:

  • Disposal efficiency around the ground will be a focus for the Blues who average almost 54 less effective disposals per game than their direct opponent, in comparison to the Bulldogs who are averaging almost 26 more effective disposals
  • Jack Macrae has gained attention this season for his rapid growth as a player, but fellow draftee Lachie Hunter is also making steady inroads in his development. Boasting 13 score involvements – matched by only Stewart Crameri – the 19-year-old has been influential in a number important passages of play where it counts
  • Carlton and the Bulldogs are both proficient in stoppages and Sunday will be a good test for both sides. Of the two teams, Carlton have been particularly competitive so far this season, averaging 12.5 more hitouts and 4.2 additional clearances than their direct opponent.