_Mike_
Super Moderator
- Aug 10, 2009
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- #1
Where: Etihad Stadium, Sunday 2/8/15
Time: 3.20pm AEST
Form Guide
The 14th placed Bombers tale on the 6th placed Western Bulldogs at Etihad in a twilight game. The Dogs come into the game with an 18 pt victory over the Pies last weekend while the Dons showed some promise in a loss to Port. Recent history however has the Dons with the advantage and last time these teams met, Jake Carlisle had a field day taking 12 marks and kicking 8 goals.
Last time they met:
WESTERN BULLDOGS 3.3 8.6 12.8 14.10 (94)
ESSENDON 4.2 7.5 10.7 15.11 (101)
GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Stringer 5, Dahlhaus 2, Bontempelli 2, Hrovat, Macrae, Boyd, Redpath, Crameri
Essendon: Carlisle 8, Ryder 2, Ambrose, Colyer, Chapman, Dell'Olio, Winderlich
BEST
Western Bulldogs: Stringer, Macrae, Boyd, Wallis, Minson, Bontempelli, Murphy
Essendon: Carlisle, Hooker, Heppell, Ryder, Chapman, Hurley, Myers
Essendon came from behind to steal a thrilling seven-point win over the Dogs at Etihad with Carlisle continuing his remarkable form spike to kick a career-best 8 goals. After falling 20 points down early in the final term, the Bombers lifted to run down their opponents, booting five of the last six goals to win.
Team selections:
Western Bulldogs
Strengths:
Last weekend against the Pies the Dogs dominated with 60 inside 50's and 18 marks inside 50 with an overall disposal count of nearly 100 more than the Pies for the game. A handy display in front of goals from Dickson kicking 4 was a handy contribution to the Dogs who held out a fast finishing Pies unit by 18 points. The Dogs focus on a high possession game forcing many inside 50's and at one stage in the 3rd quarter dominated the count by a massive 78% for the quarter. If the dogs continue to generate as many inside 50's on Sunday the Dons defense will feel the pressure. The Dogs have are ranked fourth in averaging 54.1 entries a game while the Dons are ranked 14th at 48.7 per game.
Weaknesses:
While the Dogs inside 50 is ranked high in the league, conversion isnt the greatest. With an overall count of 60 against the Pies 47 the margin should have been bigger than 18 points. Also turnover pressure from the Pies last week forced goals at crucial times against the run of play keeping them in the game. With a very young side (a total of 1603 games experience last weekend) the Dogs rely on the old legs of Boyd, Murphy and Morris to settle the young pups down. Overall disposal efficiency of the Dogs can be poor at times putting team mates under pressure with poor kicking and hand passing.
Matchups
Hurley v Crameri
The last time Hurley and Crameri played against each other Hurley had a standout game keeping Crameri to a single goal and minimal influence. Hurley plays a vital part of Essendon's defensive unit and again may look to go to Crameri to keep any influence minimal. Stu Crameri is going to need to follow up on a good show against the Pies last week continuing his improved form. On the flip side Hurley may also find himself playing on Stringer who last time these game played Stinger kicked 5 goals for the game. Expect both Stringer and Crameri to be a handful for the Bomber defense.
Heppell v Picken
Important to the Dons ball movement Heppell has struggled with lack of support this season. The Dogs will need to hard tag Heppell and nullify his game impact cutting off supply and fw50 entries. Picken is having a stellar season in 2015 and last week was prominent in the Dogs midfield against the Pies.
Match Summary
Bevo's first season could to lead to a finals appearance after the Dogs defeated the Pies last weekend and a win against the Dons would further stregnthen the Dogs inside the 8. The Dons have played more younger players over the last few weeks to give them experience to which has been working well. The Dogs ability to run out games so far has been up and down at times but the team has settled as the year has progressed finding the mental fortitude to stave off the opposition at crucial times when playing in front.
Who will win and why ?:
It would be reasonable to predict the Dogs to win over the Dons based on the raw stats and numbers that the Dogs bring to the game. One of the top ranked inside 50 teams of the competition and quickest ball movers the Dogs cannot afford to be complacent. The Dons will come out hard and give it everything with nothing to lose. Expect a fiery contest at times however we tip the Dogs to win by a margin of 26 points.
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