SUMMARY
Coming off a memorable win over the Swans, Luke Beveridge says his side will be guarding against a letdown against the lowly Tigers. With a top-four spot in reach, the Dogs shouldn't have any motivation dramas, as they need to build on their modest percentage. With nearly half the list out of contract at season's end, Damien Hardwick's men have plenty of incentive to do well too. Desperate to improve their efficiency problems up forward, will the Dogs lift Tom Boyd's club-imposed ban to help them kick more goals? If the 20-year-old is free to play, he'll face Alex Rance, who totally outplayed him and kept him goalless in round two last year. With teams heading in opposite directions on the ladder, the Dogs should run out easy winners on their beloved home deck.
Will the Bulldogs end Tom Boyd's exile to boost their forward firepower? Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, July 9, 7.25pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R2, 2015, Western Bulldogs 12.13 (85) d Richmond 9.12 (66) at the MCG
R3, 2014, Western Bulldogs 15.10 (100) d Richmond 15.8 (98) at Etihad Stadium
R13, 2013, Richmond 17.19 (121) d Western Bulldogs 8.13 (61) at Etihad Stadium
R3, 2013, Richmond 20.15 (135) d Western Bulldogs 10.8 (68) at Etihad Stadium
R20, 2012, Richmond 22.18 (150) d Western Bulldogs 12.8 (80) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Despite losing the most recent contest between the sides, Richmond won the disposals with 403-326, took more marks 113-83 and had six more inside 50s. Marcus Bontempelli was best on ground in round two with 27 touches and 10 tackles.
2. Defence has been the issues this season for the Tigers; in 2015 they conceded only 72 points per game but in 2016 that has blown out to 98 points per game.
3. The Bulldogs and Tigers meet for the 152nd time and Richmond holds a narrow advantage winning 78 games to 71 and there have been two draws. It’s been tight recently with three wins each since 2011.
4. Western Bulldogs continue to be the highest disposal team in 2016 with 425.9 per game, a long way ahead of the next best, the Giants with 389 per game.
5. At Etihad Stadium there have been 13 contests for six wins each and one draw. The Bulldogs have won six of nine games in 2016 at Etihad. This is only the fourth time Richmond has played at the venue in the last two seasons.
6. Marcus Bontempelli is the highest ranked Bulldog in the Schick AFL Player Ratings, with young star sitting fifth. Veteran playmaker Brett Deledio is the best of Tigers in 26th position.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … the Bulldogs' match committee
With Luke Beveridge unable to give an end date for Tom Boyd and Zaine Cordy's suspension, will the club's brains trust lift the ban to help the finals-bound side boost their forward firepower? Cordy wouldn't look out of place as a replacement for the injured Marcus Adams, either.
PREDICTION: Western Bulldogs by 36 points
