SUMMARY
It's been eight years since the Western Bulldogs last beat Geelong, and Saturday night will give the Dogs a great chance to end that hoodoo and underline their top-four credentials. The task will be made more difficult for Luke Beveridge's men with star playmaker Luke Dahlhaus out with a knee injury and Geelong to be strengthened by the return of key forward Tom Hawkins from suspension. How the Bulldogs combat the genius of Patrick Dangerfield will be a fascinating sub plot after the brilliant midfielder's match-winning 48-possession performance against the Kangaroos. If the Dogs' renowned team defence can hold up, and they contain the Cats' aerial threats up forward, they should record a hard fought and drought-breaking win on a ground they play so well.
Tom Hawkins is back after a week's suspension to face the strong Dogs' defence
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, June 18, 7.25pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST SIX TIMES
R16, 2015, Geelong 10.12 (72) d Western Bulldogs 9.10 (64) at Simonds Stadium
R16, 2014, Geelong 10.9 (69) d Western Bulldogs 7.14 (56) at Simonds Stadium
R5, 2013, Geelong 15.17 (107) d Western Bulldogs 13.8 (86) at Etihad Stadium
R22, 2012, Geelong 16.11 (107) d Western Bulldogs 11.7 (73) at Simonds Stadium
R9, 2012, Geelong 14.11 (95) d Western Bulldogs 11.9 (75) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. It was only four goals to three at half-time the last time the sides played, in windy conditions. Tom Hawkins and Steven Motlop kicked six of the Cats' 10 goals. Josh Caddy had 37 disposals and seven tackles.
2. The Cats are the best centre clearance side in 2016, averaging 14.6 per game while the Bulldogs are middle of the road in this area, equal ninth at 13.2 per game.
3. Geelong has dominated the Bulldogs over a long period, winning the past eight matches and 12 of 14 contests since 2007. The Bulldogs haven't won since round 21, 2009.
4. The Cats continue to be the number one ranked side for contested marking and marks inside 50; the Bulldogs are eighth for contested marking and seventh for marks inside 50.
5. The Bulldogs are the number one ranked defence in 2016, conceding only 71 points per game, but they’ll be up against the third ranked offence. Geelong averages 104 points per game.
6. Cat Patrick Dangerfield sits atop of the Schick AFL Player Ratings with a score of 668.4, while Bulldog young gun Marcus Bontempelli sits in fifth on 608.6 points.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Tom Hawkins
After an undisciplined act cost him one-week suspension, the imposing Cats' forward should be looking repay his teammates with a big game against the Dogs. A match-up with first-year sensation Marcus Adams awaits.
PREDICTION: Western Bulldogs by 15 points
