SUMMARY
The Western Bulldogs survived a late comeback from Adelaide to notch their fifth win of the season and move into the top four. After a disappointing loss to St Kilda the previous week, Melbourne bounced back in a big way with a 73-point victory over Gold Coast to move to the cusp of the top eight. The Dogs continue to be the stingiest team in the competition, allowing just 64.6 points per game. The Demons, on the other hand, have improved the attacking aspect of their game out of sight and are ranked fourth in the AFL for points per game (109.3). We can expect a willing contest between two competitive teams as the Dogs play their first game of the season at the MCG.
Luke Dahlhaus was best on ground the last time these two teams met. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Sunday, May 15, 3.20pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R20, 2015, Western Bulldogs 24.9 (153) d Melbourne 8.7 (55) at Etihad Stadium
R8, 2015, Melbourne 15.13 (103) d Western Bulldogs 9.10 (64) at the MCG
R15, 2014, Western Bulldogs 14.7 (91) d Melbourne 13.7 (85) at Etihad Stadium
R8, 2014, Western Bulldogs 15.9 (99) d Melbourne 12.11 (83) at the MCG
R23, 2013, Western Bulldogs 16.11 (107) d Melbourne 13.9 (87) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. This contest will feature two of the best clearance teams in 2016. The Demons are No.1 in the AFL averaging 41.3 clearances per game. The Bulldogs are third with 39.9 clearances per contest.
2. The Bulldogs continue to be popular with the umpires, ranked first in the competition for free kicks for, an average of 23.9 per game. Melbourne is not too far behind, ranked third with 22.3 free kicks per game.
3. The Western Bulldogs will play their first MCG game in 2016 against the Demons. Their last game at the venue was their elimination final defeat to Adelaide in 2015. Since the start of 2014, the Dogs have played only four games at the ground.
4. The Bulldogs destroyed the Demons the last time the sides played, kicking 14 goals to two in the first half and led at half-time by 73 points. Jake Stringer kicked four goals and Luke Dahlhaus was best on ground with 32 disposals and one goal.
5. Another win for the Demons and it will be the first time since 2006 they will have had five wins after round eight of a season.
6. Newly re-signed Demon Jack Viney has been in hot form, moving up 55 places in the Schick AFL Player Ratings.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Tom McDonald.
The Melbourne defender's form has been up and down this season and he faces a tough challenge to contain Bulldogs star forward Jake Stringer. McDonald is strong enough and has the appropriate athleticism to stay with Stringer, but stopping him is easier said than done.
PREDICTION: Western Bulldogs by two points
