Where and when: Marvel Stadium, Sunday, July 14, 3.20pm AEST
Last time they met: MCG, round 17, 2018: Melbourne 18.11 (119) defeated Western Bulldogs 10.9 (69)
TV, radio and betting: Click here for broadcast guide
What it means for Western Bulldogs: After knocking off the Cats, Luke Beveridge’s men sit at 7-8 and are still in striking distance of a finals spot. All this team needs is a sniff.
What it means for Melbourne: A chance to regain some respect. Sitting in 16th place, the Demons have won two out of their last three games and have a real shot at four points this week.
The stat: Aaron Naughton sits level with Richmond's Tom Lynch in first place in the competition for contested marks. The young forward has taken 33 for the season so far.
The match-up: Clayton Oliver v Jack Macrae
The Official AFL Player Ratings have Oliver and Macrae sixth and 10th-ranked players in the competition this year. Could we see the two ball magnets go head-to-head at Marvel Stadium?
It’s a big week for: Christian Petracca
The young Demon has hit form, averaging 20 disposals and 1.5 goals per game across the last eight matches. With Tom McDonald set to miss the rest of the season, Petracca will have to produce more as marking target.
Big call: Patrick Lipinski to get off the chain with 30 disposals and a goal, with Melbourne's midfield putting a defensive focus on the bigger names.
Prediction: Bulldogs by 15 points.
