SUMMARY
Both sides will be well rested after a bye last round. After winning four of their opening five games of the season, the Bulldogs have fallen off the pace a little, adding just one win to their record in the last month, albeit an impressive one against the Giants. The Lions are 2-8 and will be keen to break a run of three consecutive losses. Justin Leppitsch's men face a tough month ahead with Adelaide, Fremantle and the Swans their opponents following this game.

WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, June 20, 7.20pm AEST

TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide

LAST FIVE TIMES

R12, 2014, Brisbane Lions 14.11 (95) d Western Bulldogs 13.9 (87) at Etihad Stadium
R22, 2013, Brisbane Lions 15.10 (100) d Western Bulldogs 13.15 (93) at the Gabba
R1, 2013, Western Bulldogs 19.13 (127) d Brisbane Lions 7.17 (59) at Etihad Stadium
R23, 2012, Brisbane Lions 19.14 (128) d Western Bulldogs 9.7 (61) at the Gabba
R13, 2012, Brisbane Lions 18.6 (114) d Western Bulldogs 7.14 (56) at Etihad Stadium

THE SIX POINTS

1. The Bulldogs have been a strong contested possession team in 2015 ranked third with 142.7 per game. In comparison, the Lions have struggled in this area, ranked 17th at 128.7 per game.
2. Tackling could be the difference in this clash - the Bulldogs are the No.1 tackling team in the competition, averaging 75.5 per game. The Lions are the second worst in the League with 57.9 per game.
3. The past two contests between these teams have gone down to the wire, with an aggregate 15-point margin for the Lions' two victories. The previous five games were all decided by more than 50 points.
4. The Lions average less kicks per game than any other side in 2015 with only 190.1 per game, while the Bulldogs are 13th with 195.6 per game.
5. The Lions have won four of their last five encounters against the Bulldogs, with two of those wins at Etihad Stadium.
6. Former Magpie Dayne Beams is the Lions' only player with a top 20 spot in the Official AFL Player Ratings. The midfielder began the year ranked 104th in the competition, and had working his way up to No.15 before the bye. 

IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Marcus Bontempelli.
After a white-hot start to the year, a couple of solid tagging jobs slowed the young Bulldog right down before an abductor tear sidelined him for a fortnight. In a game the Dogs should win, Bontempelli is expected to return and needs to lead his team from the front.

PREDICTION: Bulldogs by 17 points