HEAD TO HEAD: West Coast 25 wins, Western Bulldogs 14 wins, one draw
LAST TIME: West Coast 9.5 (59) lost to Western Bulldogs 17.17 (119), round 13, 2010 at Patersons Stadium
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A full replay will be available on afl.com.au 12 hours after the completion of the match
FORM: West Coast: LBWLW Western Bulldogs: BLLLW
SUMMARY
Both clubs enter Sunday's clash on the back of significant round eight victories, with West Coast ending a four-year losing run against Fremantle and the Bulldogs saving their season with a much-needed win against Richmond.
The Eagles' 33-point win against their cross-town rival gave them a 4-3 start to the year, confirming their status as a top-eight challenger and the most improved side in the competition.
The team's forward press has earned high praise this season and it strangled Fremantle, with tall forwards Josh Kennedy, Quinten Lynch and Jack Darling all outstanding.
Andrew Embley (hamstring) and Daniel Kerr (adductor) were withdrawn pre-match and both need to pass fitness tests this week to face the Bulldogs.
Rodney Eade has given his Bulldogs permission to play less conservatively after kicking their highest score for the season against the Tigers: 23.15 (153).
The Bulldogs at their free-flowing best are suited to the long Patersons Stadium, having won three of their past four clashes at the ground.
They are likely to have full-forward Barry Hall (ankle), utility Shaun Higgins (ankle) and key defender Tom Williams (ankle) available after spells on the sidelines.
QUESTION MARKS
Can the Bulldogs work their way through West Coast's forward press? Renowned defensive outfits Collingwood (48 points) and Essendon (55) have handed them heavy losses, with the Eagles' defensive structures particularly suited to the narrow and long Patersons Stadium.
Is the Eagles' tall forward line here to stay? Kennedy, Lynch and Darling have stretched oppositions this year, booting 37 goals between them. Importantly, the side isn't losing defensive pressure with them all there, often alongside a resting ruckman.
PREDICTION
West Coast by 12 points
TOYOTA AFL DREAM TEAM WATCH
Midfielder Callan Ward ($279,700) scored a career-high 120 Dream Team points against Richmond last week and indications are he is ready to produce those scores more frequently. Ward, who has played 45 games, is free of the injuries that plagued him in 2010 and is benefiting from a full pre-season. The 21-year-old is averaging 82 Dream Team points this season.
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The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL
