WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday August 24, 3.20pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES?
R19, 2013, Sydney 21.8 (134) d Western Bulldogs 15.9 (99) at Etihad Stadium
R21, 2012, Sydney 26.11 (167) d Western Bulldogs 13.7 (85) at Etihad Stadium
R10, 2012, Sydney 20.12 (132) d Western Bulldogs 5.10 (40) at the SCG
R18, 2011, Sydney 16.18 (114) d Western Bulldogs 11.9 (75) at the SCG
R7, 2011, Sydney 10.13 (73) d Western Bulldogs 10.5 (65) at Manuka Oval
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THE SIX POINTS?
1. The Sydney Swans have taken the ball inside their attacking 50 more times than any other side this season, averaging 56.6 per game. The Western Bulldogs have struggled in this area, ranked 13th at 48.5 per game.
2. The Swans have a dominant record against the Bulldogs having won the past five encounters. The last time the Dogs were victorious against the Swans was in the 2010 semi-final at the MCG.
3. The Bulldogs and Swans have clashed only twice at Etihad Stadium, in 2012 and 2013 with the Swans winning both games.
4. The Swans remain the No.1 tackling side in 2014, averaging 72.8 per game. The Bulldogs have also excelled in this area, with the club ranked third for tackles, averaging 72 per game.
5. Despite losing to the Swans in their most recent contest, the Bulldogs matched it with them from start to finish having more disposals, tackles and inside-50s, while skipper Ryan Griffen was the best Bulldog on the ground with 41 possessions.
6. After his nine-goal performance last week against St Kilda, Lance Franklin jumped from 12th to eighth overall in the AFL's Official Player Ratings. Since round 12, the Swans spearhead has slowly climbed his way up the rankings into the top 10.
Prediction: Sydney Swans by 45 points
