SUMMARY
After an exhilarating start to the season, the Western Bulldogs are shooting for their first 2-0 start since 2009. The Dogs were one of the stories of round one with their attacking style under new coach Luke Beveridge. Their youngsters drove a 10-point win over West Coast, helping the club move on from a difficult off-season. The Tigers also made a perfect start, clicking into gear in the second quarter against Carlton to win by 27 points in the season opener at the MCG. Their defensive game will face a sterner test this week, given the Dogs' attacking mentality.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday, April 11, 1.45pm AEST
TV, RADIO AND BETTING: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R3, 2014, Western Bulldogs 15.10 (100) d Richmond 15.8 (98) at Etihad Stadium
R13, 2013, Richmond 17.19 (121) d Western Bulldogs 8.13 (61) at Etihad Stadium
R3, 2013, Richmond 20.15 (135) d Western Bulldogs 10.8 (68) at Etihad Stadium
R20, 2012, Richmond 22.18 (150) d Western Bulldogs 12.8 (80) at the MCG
R8, 2011, Western Bulldogs 23.15 (153) d Richmond 18.10 (118) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. When these teams last clashed, the Bulldogs led by 37 points at half-time before Richmond almost pulled off a late comeback win, falling short by two points. Jack Macrae was best on ground with 30 possessions and one goal.
2. Richmond was effective with the ball in round one with 79 per cent disposal efficiency. The Bulldogs were also impressive, operating at 73 per cent.
3. Before last year the Tigers had won the previous three match-ups against the Bulldogs by big margins. Before that the Dogs had won the previous four, and eight of nine between 2005-11.
4. No team used the interchange more in round one than the Bulldogs, who had 116 rotations. Richmond wasn’t far behind with 104 rotations.
5. This will be the 151st meeting between the sides and Richmond holds the advantage 78-70, with two draws.
6. One area the Tigers struggled with in round one was the clearances, losing the key indicator to Carlton 38-27. The Bulldogs smashed the Eagles in clearances 48-33.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Tom Boyd. The Tigers' backline is back to full strength if David Astbury returns and Boyd would likely face a match-up on All Australian Alex Rance. Boyd was well held by young Eagle Jeremy McGovern in round one and kicked one late goal. A bigger contribution would likely be required to help his team get past the Tigers.
PREDICTION: Richmond by 15 points
