Western Bulldogs v Sydney Swans at SCG, Sunday 4 May, 1.10pm
FORECAST
Mostly cloudy. Max: 21
BETTING
Sydney Swans - $1.48, Western Bulldogs - $2.55
LAST TIME THEY MET
Sydney Swans 15.10 (100) d Western Bulldogs 8.9 (57), Round 9, 2007 at Manuka Oval
FORM GUIDE
The Bulldogs are unbeaten after six rounds but will head into their next match – against a team with just over a 50-50 record – as underdogs. Recent poor form in Sydney is undoubtedly a contributor to their unfavoured stance, but the Dogs are playing as well as they have played in recent times.
With pre-season predictions of doom and gloom hanging over the Swans, they’ve confounded most of their critics by winning three-and-a-half games after six matches. And they look poised to improve as the season progresses, although they’d be disappointed at not being able to run over North Melbourne last week when the four points was there for the taking.
MEDICAL ROOM
The Bulldogs will continue to assess Scott West’s knee soreness during the week after a scan on Tuesday. The only other injury concern is Shaun Higgins, who is still expected to be out of action for 12-14 weeks.
The Swans’ Luke Ablett will have a test on his calf, while Heath Grundy (foot) and Daniel Currie (ankle) will both miss. Other Swans players missing for the Bulldogs clash will be Matthew Laidlaw (hamstring), Nick Malceski (knee), Brett Meredith (shoulder), Barry Hall (wrist) and Kristin Thornton (knee).
RANDOM FACTS
The Dogs are winning plenty of the footy in 2008, averaging 379.3 touches per week – comfortably outstripping the Swans, who average 337.2 possessions.
These two sides haven’t clashed in Victoria since 1998, with the Bulldogs ‘selling’ a home game to the Swans each year until last year, where the two sides played off in Canberra.
After winning three in a row at the SCG from 2000 to 2002, the Bulldogs haven’t beaten the Swans since.
KEY MATCH UPS
Scott Welsh v Craig Bolton
After a tremendous start to 2008, things have cooled just a touch for Scott Welsh in the past fortnight, kicking 2.7 – including 0.5 against Richmond in a draw a fortnight ago. With the Dogs’ winning streak set to come under intense scrutiny this week, Welsh must stand up and deliver. That’s easier said than done, however, with Craig Bolton sure to keep a tight leash.
Ryan Griffen v Brett Kirk
Ryan Griffen has burst out of his shell so far this season, playing some game-breaking football and looking as capable as any of the Bulldogs’ running brigade of having a profound influence on any match. But with Brett Kirk likely to sit on his tail – and perhaps feeling a little wounded after his premature celebration last week – it might not be so easy for the ‘Griff’ this week.
Ben Hudson v Darren Jolly
When he’s not involved in scandal and controversy, Darren Jolly is an excellent ruckman capable of matching it with the best in competition. Likewise, Ben Hudson is showing why the Bulldogs’ picked him up so eagerly during trade week last season. Whoever can get the better of this ruck duel with have a huge say on the all-important midfield and clearance battle.
WHAT THE CLUBS SAY
Western Bulldogs
"In the first six weeks, we made a block of six because we were playing in Melbourne for six weeks. Our next six weeks is pretty tough; we're on the road and against good teams. The fact that we've got a pretty tough run in the next six weeks meant we had to have these in the bank, and I think the next six weeks will be a good test for us. There are no easy games, but the fact we're interstate a bit and we've got some top sides as well will be a test but I don't know if it will indicate where we are or what we need to win.” – Rodney Eade, senior coach.
Sydney Swans
“There are different scenarios but I'd definitely like to see the video review in because it's the matter of winning an extra two points that could cost us in August or September. We were talking about extra time as well. I'd prefer to have five minutes either way.” – Tadhg Kennelly, Sydney Swans defender on last week’s draw.
