Where and when: Marvel Stadium, Saturday July 6, 7:25pm AEST
TV, radio and online: Click here for broadcast guide
What it means for the Western Bulldogs: The Bulldogs continue to hang around the finals conversation through a 6-8 win-loss record, but there is no margin for error. They face first-placed Geelong on the back of a strong fortnight.
What it means for Geelong: Maintain breathing space at the top. The Cats have a two-game gap ahead of last season's Grand Finalists Collingwood and West Coast, and could be a couple of wins from being able to manage their run home without ladder pressure.
The stat: Geelong's dominance over the Western Bulldogs stretches back more than a decade, winning 16 of the past 18 games, including two finals.
The match-up: Josh Schache v Harry Taylor
An in-form Schache (ranked 463rd in the Official AFL Player Ratings) has returned to the Western Bulldogs senior side with gusto in the past fortnight, kicking six goals. The 21-year-old is likely to face experienced Geelong defender Harry Taylor (211th), a man who has rarely been beaten in a 251-game career.
The No.2 draft pick in 2015, Josh Schache may be finally finding his feet. Picture: AFL Photos
It’s a big week for: Aaron Naughton
The Bulldogs forward hasn't kicked a goal in the past two games and no more than one in a game since round eight. It's a tough position to play for a developing 19-year-old, but Naughton needs to find a way to impact the scoreboard against the best defence in the competition.
Big call: Tom Hawkins kicks five-plus goals for the first time in 2019
Prediction: Geelong by 12 points
