SUMMARY
The Western Bulldogs will be looking to rebound after an inadequate performance saw them dominated by Sydney last Thursday night. The Dogs have now lost three of their past four matches and barely sit inside the top eight. They will be eagerly awaiting a return to Etihad Stadium, where they haven't been defeated so far this season. Melbourne, on the other hand, will head into the clash full of confidence following a gutsy Queen's Birthday win over Collingwood. Christian Petracca, Nathan Jones and Jack Viney were brilliant in the victory and will need to again be at their best to get the Demons over the line this weekend. The Dees are now coming off two wins in a row and sit in sixth place on the ladder. Star ruckman Max Gawn is a chance to return for his first game since round three to boost an already prolific midfield.
Follow it LIVE: Bulldogs v Demons
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday, June 18, 3.20pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R8, 2016, Western Bulldogs 17.12 (114) d Melbourne 12.10 (82) at the MCG
R20, 2015, Western Bulldogs 24.9 (153) d Melbourne 8.7 (55) at Etihad Stadium
R8, 2015, Melbourne 15.13 (103) d Western Bulldogs 9.10 (64) at the MCG
R15, 2014, Western Bulldogs 14.7 (91) d Melbourne 13.7 (85) at Etihad Stadium
R8, 2014, Western Bulldogs 15.9 (99) d Melbourne 12.11 (83) at the MCG
Fans' verdict: Flag defence in Bulldogs' reach
THE SIX POINTS
1. When the teams last played the Bulldogs dominated the disposal count with 426-373, had 13 more inside 50s and won the clearances 39-35. Marcus Bontempelli starred with 33 disposals, six inside 50s and eight clearances.
2. The Bulldogs have struggled to score this season ranked 15th for points per game with 83, their final score of 6.6 (42) last week was their lowest under Luke Beveridge.
3. The Western Bulldogs have had the better of Melbourne in recent seasons winning five of the last six matches including a 98-point win in 2015 and since 2010 have won eight of 10 contests.
4. Both teams play high disposal football in 2017, the Demons are ranked second averaging 410.8 per game while the Bulldogs are fifth at an average of 402.
5. The two teams have played 15 times at Etihad Stadium, with the Bulldogs winning nine games to Melbourne's six, including the past five. Melbourne hasn't defeated the Dogs at Etihad since 2007.
6. Melbourne's youngsters are showing improvement with Christian Petracca (154th), Jayden Hunt (180th), James Harmes (233rd), and Clayton Oliver (249th) all moving into career-high standings in the Schick AFL Player Ratings after round 12.
Fans' verdict: Time for the Dees to ditch the brain fades
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Jason Johannisen
The Norm Smith medallist failed to handle the extra attention given to him during last week's clash with Sydney. He will need to stand tall against Melbourne in order give the Dogs their trademark rebound off half-back, and prove he's not an easy target for opposition taggers.
PREDICTION: Bulldogs by 11 points.
