SUMMARY
After a year to forget, the Western Bulldogs appear to have found their mojo. Now, Luke Beveridge's side will be hoping for its third straight victory when it meets Carlton at Etihad Stadium. The Dogs have displayed plenty of character in their back-to-back wins, overturning significant deficits on both occasions. Marcus Bontempelli has played a key role in both victories and will renew acquaintances with Patrick Cripps on Sunday in a battle of the game's best young midfielders. However, with Lachie Hunter, Jack Macrae and Caleb Daniel all racking up more than 40 disposals each last week, expect Bontempelli to have more support around the ball than his Carlton counterpart. Josh Dunkley is improving with each match, Jason Johannisen is providing plenty of run from half-back and Josh Schache is starting to find his feet at AFL level. Their recent productivity should lead to a comfortable Dogs win.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday, August 19, 1.10pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R6, 2018: Western Bulldogs 11.14 (80) d Carlton 8.11 (59) at Etihad Stadium
R17, 2017: Western Bulldogs 12.10 (82) d Carlton 9.8 (62) at the MCG
R4, 2016: Western Bulldogs 13.7 (85) d Carlton 7.7 (49) at Etihad Stadium
R14, 2015: Western Bulldogs 9.10 (64) d Carlton 7.11 (53) at Etihad Stadium
R5, 2014: Carlton 18.11 (119) d Western Bulldogs 13.13 (91) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Bulldogs were too strong in almost every major category against the Blues earlier this season, winning the disposal count, tackles, marks, inside 50s and clearances.
2. The Bulldogs have dominated the Blues recently, winning seven of their last nine meetings. There have been some close finishes, with four games decided by fewer than four goals.
3. The two teams have played 14 times at Etihad Stadium, with the Bulldogs holding a clear 9-5 advantage. Carlton is 0-6 at Etihad Stadium this season.
4. In the last two weeks, the Bulldogs have dominated their opponents in the third quarter to kick a combined 16.8 (104) to 2.10 (22).
5. The Blues rank either last or second-last in scoring, disposals, uncontested possessions, inside 50s and marks inside 50 so far this season.
6. Dogs pair Jack Macrae (No.33) and Lachie Hunter (No.93) are having brilliant seasons and have both moved into career-best rankings, according to the Schick AFL Player Ratings.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR…
It's been a big couple of weeks for Marcus Bontempelli. After kicking four goals in a quarter to engineer a victory over St Kilda a fortnight ago, the classy midfielder won 35 disposals to go with another two goals against North Melbourne on Sunday. He'll go toe-to-toe with Patrick Cripps this weekend in what is set to be a pivotal individual battle.
PREDICTION: Western Bulldogs by 24 points
