SUMMARY
In arguably the match of the round, an in-form Essendon will be out to enhance its finals credentials while putting a huge dent in the Bulldogs' premiership defence. With Bomber twin towers Joe Daniher and Cale Hooker looming large, the loss of All Australian defender Dale Morris to a broken arm couldn't have come at a worse time for the Dogs, and young backmen Zaine Cordy and Lewis Young will face the sternest tests of their short careers. The Dons midfield has really got going in recent weeks, with skipper Dyson Heppell, young gun Zach Merrett and veteran Jobe Watson set for showdown with the handball-happy Dogs' on-ball division lead by superstar Marcus Bontempelli. With the teams on nine wins apiece, this highly-anticipated encounter should reveal how well both sides are travelling just over a month out from September.
WB v Ess: Full match coverage and statistics
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday, July 30, 1.10pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R22, 2016, Western Bulldogs 14.9 (93) d Essendon 7.11 (53) at Etihad Stadium
R18, 2015, Western Bulldogs 19.13 (127) d Essendon 5.10 (40) at Etihad Stadium
R18, 2014, Essendon 15.11 (101) d Western Bulldogs 14.10 (94) at Etihad Stadium
RR7, 2014, Essendon 10.13 (73) d Western Bulldogs 9.11 (65) at Etihad Stadium
R16, 2013, Essendon 18.13 (121) d Western Bulldogs 14.6 (90) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. In round 22 in 2016 the Bulldogs led by 22 points at half-time before kicking five goals to two in the second half. Liam Picken had a best-on-ground 33 disposals while Zach Merrett had 35 for the Bombers.
2. The Bombers are one of the highest scoring teams this season, ranked fourth averaging 98 points per game and have kicked 100 points in 10 games; by contrast the Bulldogs are averaging 82 points and have kicked the century five times.
3. The Western Bulldogs have now won the past two clashes between the sides, ending Essendon's sequence of six consecutive wins in 2011-14.
4. The Bulldogs are the worst centre clearance team in 2017, averaging only 10.5 per game, compared to the Bombers (fourth with an average of 13.9).
5. This will be the 26th meeting between the sides at Etihad Stadium, with Essendon holding the advantage 14 wins to 10 and one draw. The Bulldogs are six wins from eight games at the venue in 2017.
6. Marcus Bontempelli is the highest-ranked Bulldog in the Schick AFL Player Ratings, sitting eighth with 559.9 points. Zac Merrett is the best-placed Bomber in 21st place with 498.2 points.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Zaine Cordy
With fellow tall defenders Dale Morris and Marcus Adams missing through injury, the third-year stopper will have his work cut out containing star Bombers Joe Daniher and Cale Hooker. The 20-year-old is improving every week, and a big performance could tip the scales in the Dogs' favour.
PREDICTION: Western Bulldogs by 12 points
