SUMMARY
The premiers will head to Cairns with anything but a holiday on their minds, with a win over the struggling Suns a must if they’re to keep their faltering flag defence alive. Last week’s win over a gritty Carlton side wasn’t convincing, but the Dogs did produce a far more consistent performance than they have in previous weeks. If they are to make it back to September, they’ll need to start kicking bigger scores, with inefficiency up forward plaguing them this season. A Suns backline missing Steven May (hamstring) will make it easier to boost their poor percentage, but the Dogs will be missing forward Jake Stringer with a similar injury. The Suns on the other hand will be looking to record their first win over the Bulldogs in North Queensland, after losing all three matches between the sides at Cazaly’s Stadium.
WHERE AND WHEN: Cazaly’s Stadium, Saturday, July 22, 4.35pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R17, 2016, Western Bulldogs 15.17 (107) d Gold Coast 8.11 (59) at Cazaly's Stadium
R15, 2015, Western Bulldogs 14.11 (95) d Gold Coast 11.7 (73) at Cazaly's Stadium
R17, 2014, Western Bulldogs 13.16 (94) d Gold Coast 9.12 (66) at Cazaly's Stadium
R10, 2014, Gold Coast 18.11 (119) d Western Bulldogs 10.14 (74) at Metricon Stadium
R8, 2013, Gold Coast 13.15 (93) d Western Bulldogs 8.13 (61) at Metricon Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The contest was over by half-time when the teams met late in 2016 with the Magpies kicking 12 goals to one in the first half. Adam Treloar finished best on ground with 38 disposals, seven inside 50s and four clearances.
2. The Bulldogs remain the best tackling side in 2017 averaging 76.3 per game; this isn’t a strength of the Suns this season, ranked 17th with an average of 63.9.
3. The Western Bulldogs and Gold Coast meet for the ninth time and the Dogs hold a clear advantage, winning six games to two, including the last three.
4. The Bulldogs continue to be a high handballing side ranked first averaging 194.4 per game, but the Suns aren’t far behind and continue to be a high disposal team, ranked fourth for disposals.
5. The Bulldogs are so far undefeated at Cazaly's Stadium winning three home games; the Suns have played in Cairns six times for two wins.
6. Marcus Bontempelli is the highest ranked Bulldog in the Schick AFL Player Ratings, sitting eighth with 567.6 points. Jarryd Lyons is the best-placed Sun in 36th place with 474.9 points.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Jason Johannisen
After recently re-committing to the club for the next five seasons, the Norm Smith medallist must continue to build form after an indifferent season to date. Last week’s performance against Carlton was an encouraging sign for the defensive playmaker.
PREDICTION: Western Bulldogs by 35 points
