WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday July 20, 4.40pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R7, 2014, Essendon 10.13 (73) d Western Bulldogs 9.11 (65) at Etihad Stadium
R16, 2013, Essendon 18.13 (121) d Western Bulldogs 14.6 (90) at Etihad Stadium
R14, 2012, Essendon 21.14 (140) d Western Bulldogs 8.8 (56) at Etihad Stadium
R21, 2011, Essendon 23.12 (150) d Western Bulldogs 15.11 (101) at Etihad Stadium
R1, 2011, Essendon 16.17 (113) d Western Bulldogs 8.10 (58) at Etihad Stadium
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THE SIX POINTS
1. The round seven contest between the sides could have gone either way. The Bulldogs had more possessions, hit-outs and inside-50s, while the Bombers took more marks, laid more tackles and had more scoring shots.
2. The Western Bulldogs continue to be the No.1 handballing side in 2014 with an average of 172.9 per game. Young midfielder Tom Liberatore leads the way with 214 on his own.
3. Essendon will be going for its sixth consecutive win over the Bulldogs, something the club hasn't achieved since 1966-69.
4. This is the 156th contest between the sides with Essendon holding a clear advantage winning 93 games to 60 and two draws.
5. If the Bulldogs win this game it will be just the second time this season they have won consecutive matches. Meanwhile if the Bombers can win it will be the first time they have won three games in a row.
6. Bombers midfielder Dyson Heppell has been climbing through the ranks of the AFL's Official Player Ratings, brought to you by Gatorade, following another stellar season. He started the year ranked 88th and is now poised for a move into the top 50 with a ranking of 51.
Prediction: Essendon by 10 points
