THE WESTERN Bulldogs will be keen to send off stalwart Daniel Giansiracusa on a high, as his 14-year career draws to a close on Sunday. The game will be the veteran's 265th appearance in the red, white and blue, with coach Brendan McCartney confirming Giansiracusa won't don the green vest. After a disappointing loss to the Swans last Sunday, the Bulldogs will be eager to finish the season off strongly. Meanwhile the Giants are yet to beat the Bulldogs in their short history but if they do it will give them six wins for the season, five more than in season 2013.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday August 31, 4.40pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide
LAST THREE TIMES
R4, 2014, Western Bulldogs 17.8 (110) d GWS 12.11 (83) at StarTrack Oval
R15, 2013, Western Bulldogs 13.9 (87) d GWS 12.11 (83) at StarTrack Oval
R5, 2012, Western Bulldogs 15.14 (104) d GWS 9.8 (62) at StarTrack Oval
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THE SIX POINTS
1. This will be the first meeting in Melbourne between the Bulldogs and Giants. The Giants are yet to break their drought at Etihad Stadium with the club winless from six matches with an average losing margin of 70 points.
2. In the Bulldogs' win over the Giants in round four, Matthew Boyd starred with 39 possessions, Jack Macrae had 30 touches and Shaun Higgins 29. Stewart Crameri kicked four goals while Heath Shaw was the Giants’ best player with 27 possessions.
3. GWS has given away more free kicks than any other side in 2014 with a total of 385, compared to the Bulldogs, who are ranked fifth with 365.
4. When it comes to clangers, the Bulldogs have had the equal least amount in 2014, averaging 41.7 a game. The Giants have had the equal sixth most with 45.5 a game.
5. Both teams will be hoping to finish the season strongly, a win to the Giants and they finish five wins ahead of their 2013 tally. If the Bulldogs snatch the four points then they equal last year's result of eight wins for the season.
6. Bulldogs midfielder Tom Liberatore has been on the rise all season. He started the year ranked No.32 in the competition in the Official AFL Player Ratings, and is set to finish the season just outside the top 10 at No.13. After a stellar season, the son of a gun, is set to be the club's best performer at the Brownlow Medal count this year.
Prediction: Western Bulldogs by 15 points
