1. English test
No, we’re not talking about a literacy exam, nor are we referring to the Ashes cricket series.
We’re looking at Tim English vs Nic Naitanui.
After taking on Geelong’s Mark Blicavs last week, with a number of other Bulldogs pinch-hitting around the ground, English finished the night with 29 hit-outs.
But Sunday might be his biggest solo test to date – with senior coach Luke Beveridge acknowledging his side “knows what they’re coming up against”.
With plans to gain an advantage in other areas of the ground while providing some ruck support for the 23-year-old, Beveridge’s Bulldogs will be up for the challenge, and ready for redemption after last week’s narrow loss.
2. Press red for Ed
He’s back.
After sustaining an ankle injury during a VFL pre-season practice match in March, Ed Richards will make his return to AFL footy.
It’s been a decent stint on the sidelines for the 21-year-old, whose last senior match was the elimination final against St Kilda last year.
In his return for the ‘Scray last weekend against Geelong, Richards registered 27 touches, five marks and six rebound-50s.
We just can’t wait to see his speed and explosiveness come Sunday.
3. Backline brotherhood
The Bulldogs back-six have formed some defence this season.
Headlined by key defenders Alex Keath, Ryan Gardner and Zaine Cordy, with Bailey Williams, Taylor Duryea and Caleb Daniel rolling through, it’s a pretty solid group.
This season, the Dogs have had just 873 points scored against them – just three points more than the ladder-leading Melbourne.
In their wins, they’ve also held their oppositions to under 60 points on five separate occasions, two of those being under 40 points (against North Melbourne and St Kilda).
But with the Eagles expected to regain some big names, in addition to twin towers Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling, the Bulldogs’ backline will have their hands full this weekend.
4. Round two retrospect
Believe it or not, it was only round two earlier this year that these two sides last met.
In front of a Bulldogs-heavy Marvel Stadium crowd – their first home crowd in nearly 600 days – the Dogs found themselves 12 points down with a quarter to play.
Enter: Marcus Bontempelli.
It was some individual brilliance from the captain which helped will his side over the line, registering 30 disposals, five clearances, seven inside-50s and three goals – one of which sealed the win.
We just hope this game on Sunday isn’t as nerve-wracking of a finish.
