SUMMARY: There aren't that many matchesremaining for Melbourne this year that shape as possible wins, but this mightbe one. A repeat of the endeavour they demonstrated for much of last Saturday'sclash with St Kilda should mean the Demons are in with a shot here. After beingflogged in the possession count for much of the year, Melbourne was much betteragainst the Saints - what let them down this time was their skill level anddecision-making going forward. Interim coach Neil Craig has had a week to workon that aspect, so expect further improvement. The Bulldogs' bigger midfieldbodies such as Ryan Griffen, Matthew Boyd and Adam Cooney will be importanthere, but the Dogs will want a better return in front of goal. They kicked justeight against the Tigers last week and have only twice kicked more than 100points this year.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday 7.40pm, AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide and odds
LAST FIVE TIMES
R4, 2012, Western Bulldogs 13.10 (88) dMelbourne 9.13 (67) at the MCG
R15, 2011, Western Bulldogs 19.13 (127) dMelbourne 8.15 (63) at Etihad Stadium
R7, 2010, Western Bulldogs 10.10 (70) dMelbourne 9.12 (66) at the MCG
R8, 2009, Western Bulldogs 15.14 (104) dMelbourne 15.7 (97) at the MCG
R15, 2008, Western Bulldogs 14.11 (95) dMelbourne 9.10 (64) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs lastmet in round 4, 2012 at the MCG, with the Bulldogs winning a tough contest by21 points. Adam Cooney picked up the three Brownlow votes with 26 possessionsand two goals.
2. The Bulldogs have dominated the Demonsrecently, winning the past six matches. Melbourne’s last win was in round 19,2007.
3. This will be the 156th clash between thesides and Melbourne holds the advantage winning 83 games to 71, with one draw.
4. There have been 69 previous MCG matches;Melbourne has won 43, the Bulldogs 26.
5.Melbourne defender Colin Garland had theequal-most disposals for the Demons last weekend and the second-most metresgained. He has now been Melbourne's highest-rated player in fourmatches. After starting the season at 170 overall in the Official AFLPlayer Rankings, brought to you by Vero, Garland is now rated the 114th-bestplayer in the competition and the 14th-best defender.
6. The Bulldogs are ranked 16th and theDemons 18th for inside 50s in 2013.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs
