THE WESTERN Bulldogs are crying out for a key forward target. Brendan McCartney's side had 26 more inside-50s than Fremantle in its loss last Sunday but failed to capitalise, and will need to take their opportunities this week against an upbeat Lions outfit. The Dogs have won just one of their past six games, and will be desperate to notch up their fourth win of the season after a number of close losses. The Lions on the other hand will be brimming with confidence after narrowly clinching victory against Carlton in round 11. Their record at Etihad Stadium however is poor having only won two of their past 11 matches at the venue. The test for the Lions will be in the ruck, with Trent West the latest casualty to join Matthew Leuenberger on the sidelines. It won't be an easy task with either Stefan Martin or rookie Archie Smith to shoulder the ruck duties against Bulldog Will Minson.


WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday June 7, 7.40pm
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LAST FIVE TIMES
R22, 2013, Brisbane 15.10 (100) d Western Bulldogs 13.15 (93) at the Gabba
R1, 2013, Western Bulldogs 19.13 (127) d Brisbane 7.17 (59) at Etihad Stadium
R23, 2012, Brisbane 19.14 (128) d Western Bulldogs 9.7 (61) at the Gabba
R13, 2012, Brisbane 18.6 (114) d Western Bulldogs 7.14 (56) at Etihad Stadium
R2, 2011, Western Bulldogs 19.9 (123) d Brisbane 6.9 (45) at Etihad Stadium

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THE SIX POINTS?
1.  The Lions are the worst contested possession team in 2014 averaging just 122.8 per game, while the Bulldogs are 11th with 137.1.

2. Not much separates the sides at Etihad Stadium with five wins to four in the Bulldogs favour. But the last four between the sides at this venue haven’t exactly been close, decided by 65, 78, 58 and 68 points.

3 The Bulldogs average score per game has dropped from 87 last season to 79 in 2014, making them the 14th worst team for scoring this year.

4.The Bulldogs biggest win over the Lions was 91 points, recorded in round 16, 1990, while the Brisbane Lion's biggest win over the Dogs is 87 points in the opening round of 1996.

5. The Lions have taken the ball inside 50 less than any other team in 2014 with just 42.7 per game, while the Bulldogs are equal 13th at 47.6.

6. The Bulldogs have two players inside the Official AFL Player Ratings' top 20 with Ryan Griffen (seventh) and Tom Liberatore (18th), while the Lions don't have a single player inside the top 40. Midfielder Tom Rockliff is their best-ranked player at 41.

Prediction: Western Bulldogs by 14 points