SUMMARY
Carlton has run into hot opposition in the past two rounds and it won't get any easier on Saturday night taking on the fourth-placed Western Bulldogs. The Dogs' agonising loss to Hawthorn last Sunday was compounded by the season-ending knee injury to captain Robert Murphy. Murphy will be sorely missed as he sets up play from defence with his sound decision-making and precision kicking. But the Bulldogs' slick ball movement and firepower in attack is likely to present big problems for the Blues. While NAB AFL Rising Star nomination Jacob Weitering, Charlie Curnow and Ciaran Byrne have shown plenty of promise, Carlton will be looking towards its first-choice midfielders such as skipper Marc Murphy, Patrick Cripps, Bryce Gibbs and Matthew Kreuzer to take it right up to the Dogs.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, April 16, 7.25pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
Jake Stringer will want a big game after struggling against the Hawks last week. Picture: AFL Media
PAST FIVE TIMES
R14, 2015, Western Bulldogs 9.10 (64) d Carlton 7.11 (53), Etihad Stadium
R5, 2014, Carlton 18.11 (119) d Western Bulldogs 13.13 (91), Etihad Stadium
R20, 2013, Western Bulldogs 16.21 (117) d Carlton 13.11 (89), Etihad Stadium
R17, 2012, Carlton 16.6 (102) d Western Bulldogs 12.12 (84), Etihad Stadium
R16, 2011, Western Bulldogs 14.12 (96) d Carlton 9.15 (69), Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1.Matthew Boyd was best on ground, earning three Brownlow votes with 31 disposals and 14 marks in the Western Bulldogs' win over the Blues in round 14 last season. Jake Stringer kicked three goals and Kade Simpson had 28 touches for Carlton.
2. The Bulldogs have kicked the ball more than any other team in the first three rounds, averaging 239.3 a game. They have also handballed more than any other team with 226.6 a match. Carlton is ranked 12th and 10th respectively for kicks and handballs.
3. Carlton and the Bulldogs will meet for the 143rd time. The Blues hold a clear advantage with 87 wins to 51. There have been four draws.
4. At Etihad Stadium the teams have played 12 times, with seven wins to five in the Bulldogs' favour. Since 2010 the Dogs have won four of six contests at the venue.
5. The Bulldogs have been a strong contested possession team in the first three rounds. They are ranked third, averaging 151.6 a game while the Blues have struggled, ranked 17th with 128 a match.
6. Dynamic Bulldogs forward Luke Dahlhaus climbed 12 positions from 59th to 47th in the Schick AFL Player Ratings after gathering 33 disposals and kicking two goals against Hawthorn last Sunday. He is two spots and 3.2 points ahead of teammate Jake Stringer.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Jake Stringer.The explosive forward was well held by Hawthorn's Ben Stratton last Sunday and had a couple of brain fades that proved costly in the finish. After copping criticism this week he will be determined to recapture the form from the opening two rounds.
PREDICTION: Western Bulldogs by 12 points.
