SUMMARY
From all reports, new Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has reinvigorated the playing group since his arrival at the Whitten Oval. Expect a new look side thanks to a pre-season focus on versatility. Veteran Matthew Boyd is set to join skipper Bob Murphy in defence this year, while highly-prized recruit Tom Boyd will be out to make an impression in his first official outing. The Eagles, on the other hand, are scrambling for defenders. The retirements of Darren Glass and Beau Waters, have been compounded by the loss of Eric Mackenzie for the season. If they are to do well this season, their midfield will need to stand up, with Brownlow medallist Matt Priddis crying out for support.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, April 4, 7.20pm AEDT
TV, RADIO AND BETTING: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R1, 2014, West Coast 21.8 (134) d Western Bulldogs 11.3 (69) at Domain Stadium
R18, 2013, Western Bulldogs 16.15 (111) d West Coast 13.11 (89) at Etihad Stadium
R6, 2013, West Coast 21.11 (137) d Western Bulldogs 10.7 (67) at Domain Stadium
R1, 2012, West Coast 21.10 (136) d Western Bulldogs 12.15 (87) at Etihad Stadium
R19, 2011, West Coast 15.13 (103) d Western Bulldogs 15.5 (95) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. West Coast has a dominant recent record over the Bulldogs, winning five of their past six encounters.
2. Despite Etihad Stadium being their home venue, the Bulldogs struggled there in 2014, losing 10 of their 14 games. In saying that, five of the defeats were single figure losses.
3. Small forward Mark LeCras starred for the Eagles in their last meeting with the Dogs. He gathered 27 possesions, 10 marks and kicked five goals in his side's 65-point win.
4. No team took less marks in 2014 than the Bulldogs. They averaged just 72 per game compared to West Coast, who averaged 89, ranking them ninth in the League.
5. The Bulldogs and Eagles have clashed 46 times in total. West Coast holds a clear advantage having won 30 of those encounters, with one draw.
6. He may have won a Brownlow Medal last year, but Matt Priddis wasn't ranked in the top 20 of the Official AFL Player Ratings last year. The Eagles midfielder ranked 23, the only player from his club in the top 40.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Luke Beveridge. It's his first official match as coach since being appointed as Brendan McCartney's replacement in November last year. He's had five months to tweak the Dogs' game plan and deal with the fallout from a tumultuous off-season, which saw skipper Ryan Griffen and Adam Cooney walk out on the club. The man charged with leading the revival at Whitten Oval will be keen to get his career off to a winning start in round one.
PREDICTION: Western Bulldogs by eight points.
