SUMMARY
While the game is being built up as a Grand Final rematch, both sides firmly have their attention on 2017. The Dogs will unfurl the premiership flag before the siren, but will aim to produce a more even performance than they did in the opening round win over Collingwood. Passages of brilliance were soured by heavy losses in contested footy and clearances – two areas the Dogs pride themselves in. The Swans, on the other hand, will be desperate to get their season on track after a shock home loss to Port Adelaide. While stars such as Josh Kennedy, Lance Franklin, Luke Parker and Kieren Jack were dominant as usual, coach John Longmire would have been disappointed with the output of the team's lesser lights. Can they bounce back against the Dogs on the fast deck at Etihad Stadium?
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Friday, March 31, 7.50pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
GF, 2016, Western Bulldogs 13.11 (89) d Sydney 10.7 (67) at the MCG
R15, 2016, Western Bulldogs 13.5 (83) d Sydney 11.13 (79) at the SCG
R5, 2015, Western Bulldogs 11.11 (77) d Sydney 10.13 (73) at the SCG
R22, 2014, Sydney 20.10 (130) d Western Bulldogs 9.13 (67) at Etihad Stadium
R19, 2013, Sydney 21.8 (134) d Western Bulldogs 15.9 (99) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Bulldogs won the disposal count and the contested possession count in the Grand Final. The Swans laid more tackles, but the Dogs took the ball inside 50 18 more times. Josh Kennedy was unlucky not be to best on ground for the losers with 34 disposals, three goals, six clearances and six inside 50s.
2. In round one the Bulldogs had fewer disposals than Collingwood, took fewer marks, had fewer hit-outs, fewer scoring shots and fewer inside 50s. They did win the tackling count 87-67.
3. In Sydney's favour is their history against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium winning all three previous matches. The Swans have won their last 10 at the venue and haven’t been defeated since early in 2012.
4. Sydney had more disposals, took more marks, laid more tackles and had more inside 50s in round one against Port Adelaide and still lost. The difference was the clearances losing them to the Power by 10 including the centre clearances 18-10.
5. This is the first time the Bulldogs and Swans will clash on a Friday night during the home and away season. The last time the Dogs unfurled a premiership flag was round two, 1955, hosting Richmond at the Western Oval.
6. Swan Josh Kennedy sits second in the Schick AFL Player Ratings with 640.9 points, while Bulldog Marcus Bontempelli is fourth overall with 615.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Dan Hannebery
As one of the game's most damaging midfielders, the three-time All Australian would have been disappointed with the 18-possession performance he served up against the Power. Expect the fiercely determined playmaker to bounce back against the Dogs.
PREDICTION: Western Bulldogs by 13 points
