This should result in a convincing win to Carlton. After all, the Blues are on the rebound after a last-quarter fadeout against Fremantle that angered coach Mick Malthouse, and they desperately need to win to keep their finals hopes alive. However, this contest won’t be the one-sided affair that many would have anticipated a month ago, with the young Bulldogs displaying the kind of cohesion and form that suggests significant development under second-year coach Brendan McCartney. A Dogs win wouldn’t entirely be an upset, but it would certainly upset Blues fans, who were expecting bigger things when Malthouse was appointed last September.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday August 10, 4.40pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide and odds
LAST FIVE TIMES
R17, 2008, Carlton 18.18 (126) d Western Bulldogs 15.8 (98) at Etihad Stadium
R5, 2009, Carlton 21.7 (133) d Western Bulldogs 13.12 (90) at Etihad Stadium
R15, 2010, Western Bulldogs 20.6 (126) d Carlton 8.10 (58) at Etihad Stadium
R16, 2011, Western Bulldogs 14.12 (96) d Carlton 9.15 (69) at Etihad Stadium
R17, 2012, Carlton 16.6 (102) d Western Bulldogs 12.12 (84) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. In the most recent clash between the two clubs – in round 17 at Etihad Stadium last year – the Blues won by 18 points and the three Brownlow votes went to Brock McLean, who gathered 29 possessions. McLean is ranked No.169 in the Official AFL Player Ratings.
2. The Blues have won four of their past six games against the Bulldogs.
3. Little separates the sides at Etihad Stadium – their nine games have resulted in five Carlton wins and four to the Dogs.
4. The last time the Blues and Dogs met in round 20 was back in 1979 at Waverley Park, when the Blues won by 36 points.
5. The Bulldogs are second in the AFL in clearances; the Blues are equal-fifth.
6. Mick Malthouse has won 24 of 39 games against the Bulldogs.
