SUMMARY
Last year's grand finalists meet for the second time this season fresh off the bye, and while it's sixth versus 16th, this clash should be extremely close at the SCG. A loss for the Swans will end their already slim hopes of making the finals, while a win for the Bulldogs keeps them in touch with the top four, and in a solid position heading into the second half of the year. The Dogs have won their past two games against the Swans in Sydney, and showed in their win over St Kilda, before the week off, that they're finding some of their best form. Superstar forward Lance Franklin looms as a headache as usual for coach Luke Beveridge, as does Jake Stringer at the other end for John Longmire, and if one of those goalkickers can have a big impact, it might be enough to tip the result their team's way.
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WHERE AND WHEN: SCG, Thursday, June 8, 7.20pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R2, 2017, Western Bulldogs 16.14 (110) d Sydney 13.9 (87) at Etihad Stadium
GF, 2016, Western Bulldogs 13.11 (89) d Sydney 10.7 (67) at the MCG
R15, 2016, Western Bulldogs 13.5 (83) d Sydney 11.13 (79) at the SCG
R5, 2015, Western Bulldogs 11.11 (77) d Sydney 10.13 (73) at the SCG
R22, 2014, Sydney 20.10 (130) d Western Bulldogs 9.13 (67) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. In round two the Bulldogs had more disposals, inside 50s, clearances and contested possessions. Travis Cloke kicked three goals for his new team while Sam Reid booted a career-high six for the Swans.
2. The Western Bulldogs continue to be a strong handballing side; they're ranked first averaging 199.9 per game, while in contrast they’re 14th for kicks. The Swans are 12th for handballs.
3. The Bulldogs have now won the past four clashes between the sides and there have been some close finishes with two games separated by four points. Another win and it will be the first time they’ve defeated Sydney in five consecutives clashes since 2008-10.
4. No team lays more tackles more than the Western Bulldogs, they're ranked first averaging 76.7 per game, a long way ahead of the Swans, who are ranked 11th at an average of 67.5.
5. Sydney is experiencing one of its worst seasons at the SCG in a long time, having lost four of five games. They haven’t lost four or more at the SCG in a season since 2011 when they went four wins and four losses.
6. Superstar Lance Franklin is the top ranked key forward in the Schick AFL Player Ratings at No.11, and fellow West Aussie Marcus Adams, who is ranked 348th in the competition, is likely to get the job on the big Swan.
IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR … Dane Rampe
The star defender will get the task of stopping dynamic Bulldog Jake Stringer, who kicked five goals and was his team's most dangerous player against the Saints before the bye, and must dampen his influence inside 50.
PREDICTION: Western Bulldogs by 11 points
