SUMMARY
The Bulldogs look to have finally got their groove back against Greater Western Sydney last week despite going down by two points. Luke Beveridge would have been pleased his side's intensity around the ball was back to its ferocious best and ball movement from defence to attack is steadily improving. What would have frustrated him was the Dogs' ongoing wayward kicking in front of goal, but if the premiers fix up that problem, Richmond might encounter a 'perfect storm' for the second week running. The Tigers went into the clash with Adelaide last week high on confidence and undefeated, but left with a 76-point drubbing and plenty of questions over their finals aspirations. The Crows blew them away with exquisite ball movement on a lightning fast Adelaide Oval deck – something the Dogs are capable of in the benign conditions of Etihad Stadium.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, May 6, 7.25PM AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R16, 2016, Western Bulldogs 12.13 (85) d Richmond 11.9 (75) at Etihad Stadium
R2, 2015, Western Bulldogs 12.13 (85) d Richmond 9.12 (66) at the MCG
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
THE SIX POINTS
1. Richmond led by seven points at three-quarter time when the teams last played before the Bulldogs kicked six goals to three in the final quarter. Marcus Bontempelli was best on ground with 25 disposals, eight tackles and two goals.
2. The Bulldogs continue to be the best tackling side in 2017 averaging 76 per game just ahead of the Tigers ranked third at an average of 73.5. Tom Liberatore is the second ranked player for tackles with 57.
3. The Dogs have now won the past three clashes between the sides ending the Tigers run of three straight wins. Since 2012 its three wins each.
4. The Dogs are the worst centre clearance team in 2017, averaging 10.5 per game; the Tigers are only marginally better ranked with 12 per game.
5. Accuracy hasn't been a strong suit of the Dogs in 2017, ranked 17th with a disappointing 79.93 at 42.5%; Richmond is mid-table with 84.74 at 49.1%.
6. Bulldog Marcus Bontempelli sits fourth overall in the Schick AFL Player Ratings, with a score of 623.3. Dustin Martin is the Tigers' highest placed player at 19th overall with 515.2 points.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR… Tom Boyd.
The 21-year-old is yet to get anywhere near the form that saw him one of the Dogs' best in their premiership triumph. He's only kicked three goals and is averaging just two marks a game.
PREDICTION: Western Bulldogs by 31 points.
