SUMMARY
It's a special week for Geelong, with triple-premiership stars Jimmy Bartel and Corey Enright celebrating their respective milestones together. The selfless pair will soak up well-deserved adulation as they run out onto Simonds Stadium in a truly momentous night for the club. The Cats adapted quickly to the dewy conditions at home last week to end Adelaide's eight-game winning run, largely thanks to a disciplined defensive effort. Fellow top-four aspirant, the Western Bulldogs, were left rattled after their loss to St Kilda was compounded by long-term injuries to Mitch Wallis and Jack Redpath. The likely return of important duo Jake Stringer (shoulder) and Luke Dahlhaus (knee) will give the Bulldogs a much-needed boost and extra motivation to atone for their 57-point trouncing by Geelong just six weeks ago.
Jimmy Bartel and Corey Enright will celebrate a milestone game together. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: Simonds Stadium, Friday, July 29, 7.50pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R13, 2016, Geelong 16.4 (100) d Western Bulldogs 5.13 (43) at Etihad Stadium
R16, 2015, Geelong 10.12 (72) d Western Bulldogs 9.10 (64) at Simonds Stadium
R16, 2014, Geelong 10.9 (69) d Western Bulldogs 7.14 (56) at Simonds Stadium
R5, 2013, Geelong 15.17 (107) d Western Bulldogs 13.8 (86) at Etihad Stadium
R22, 2012, Geelong 16.11 (107) d Western Bulldogs 11.7 (73) at Simonds Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Patrick Dangerfield starred when the Cats thrashed the Bulldogs in round 13, finishing with 37 disposals, seven tackles and two goals. The Bulldogs kicked just one goal in the first half.
2. Geelong continue to dominate the Bulldogs, winning the past nine matches. The Dogs haven't beaten the Cats since round 21, 2009.
3. Moreover, Geelong has won the last six clashes between the sides at Simonds Stadium. The Dogs haven't won in Geelong since round 16, 2003.
4. The Bulldogs are ranked No.1 for total disposals this season with an average of 423.4 per game, while the Cats are seventh with 380.1 per match.
5. The Cats are ranked third in centre clearances this year with an average of 13.9 per game. The Bulldogs are 11th in this area at 12.7 per match.
6. Lachie Hunter has continued his upward trend in the Official AFL Player Ratings. The Bulldogs' midfielder has leapt 148 places, from No.344 to No.196 overall, since round three.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Jimmy Bartel and Corey Enright.
Bartel becomes just the fourth Cat to reach the 300-game milestone, while Enright notches his 326th match in Geelong colours, breaking the club's all-time games record set by the great Ian Nankervis. The adoring home crowd will be in full voice to celebrate their achievements in style.
PREDICTION: Geelong by 21 points.
