SUMMARY
Luke Beveridge's first season at the helm of the Western Bulldogs looks likely to lead to a finals appearance after the Dogs accounted for Collingwood last weekend. A win against the Bombers would further consolidate their position inside the top eight, and they would fancy their chances of turning around a poor recent record against Essendon. The Bombers have looked to give more experience to their younger players in recent weeks and it is paying dividends, with some encouraging efforts in last week's loss to Port Adelaide. The Dogs have gone far this season thanks to a young and energetic team, and the Bombers look likely to beef up the game-time of their less experienced players to set themselves for a rise back up the ladder next year.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday, August 2, 3.20pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R18, 2014, Essendon 15.11 (101) d Western Bulldogs 14.10 (94) at Etihad Stadium
R7, 2014, Essendon 10.13 (73) d Western Bulldogs 9.11 (65) at Etihad Stadium
R16, 2013, Essendon 18.13 (121) d Western Bulldogs 14.6 (90) at Etihad Stadium
R14, 2012, Essendon 21.14 (140) d Western Bulldogs 8.8 (56) at Etihad Stadium
R21, 2011, Essendon 23.12 (150) d Western Bulldogs 15.11 (101) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Jake Carlisle was the difference between the sides the last time they met, pulling in 12 marks and kicking eight goals. Jake Stringer kicked five goals for the Bulldogs.
2. Despite losing in round 17 against Port Adelaide, the Bombers kicked their second highest score of the season, 17.14 (116). It was just the third time they have reached 100 points in a game in 2015.
3. Essendon has dominated the Western Bulldogs recently, winning the past six matches and seven of the last eight. But they haven't won seven in a row against the Dogs since 1965-69.
4. The Bombers are ranked last in both clearances and centre clearances this season. In contrast the Bulldogs are 11th and 10th in those respective stats.
5. The Western Bulldogs have been impressive taking the ball inside 50 this season, ranking fourth in averaging 54.1 entries a game. Essendon has struggled, ranked 14th at 48.7 per game.
6. Matthew Boyd's move to the backline has been a success according to the Official AFL Player Ratings. Boyd ended last season ranked the 106th best player in the competition, but the veteran Western Bulldog has risen to No.69 overall this season.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Stewart Crameri. The Bulldogs half-forward picked up some form last week against Collingwood and will be keen to replicate his performance against Essendon, his former team.
PREDICTION: Western Bulldogs by 22 points
