AFL 2019 Round 1: Western Bulldogs v Sydney, 7:25pm AEDT MS

[Gralin]

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Where and when: Marvel Stadium, Saturday March 23, 7:25pm

Melbourne Forecast

Partly cloudy. Medium (60%) chance of showers and the risk of a thunderstorm, most likely this morning and during the evening. Winds north to northeasterly 20 to 30 km/h increasing to 25 to 40 km/h in the morning then shifting south to southwesterly 20 to 30 km/h in the evening.

Last time they met: Marvel Stadium, round four, 2018: Western Bulldogs 11.13 (79) lost to Sydney 13.8 (86)
Oliver Florent announced himself with a daring run and goal under severe pressure to seal a thrilling win for the Swans. Lance Franklin was pivotal in a fiery match that started with a bang, as the Dogs targeted Dan Hannebery and Josh Kennedy pre-bounce.

What it means for the Western Bulldogs: An 82-point loss to GWS in the opening round last season demoralised the Dogs and another belting at the hands of West Coast a week later all but sapped any remaining hopes. They simply have to set the right tone in 2019.

What it means for Sydney: It's strange to say a club that has made finals nine seasons in a row has a point to prove, but many are predicting the demise of this group of Swans. Extra motivation?

How the Western Bulldogs win: Star midfielder Jack Macrae and co need to control proceedings from the stoppages. Winning the ball was a strength in 2018, ranking third for disposals.

How Sydney wins: A forward line with tall options facing an undersized backline could be too potent under the roof at Marvel Stadium. Callum Sinclair, Sam Reid, Will Hayward and Aliir Aliir all pose an aerial threat, not to mention Lance Franklin if fit.

The stat: Significant personnel from the 2016 Grand Final match-up will be missing on Saturday night. Jason Johannisen (ankle), Tom Boyd (back) and Liam Picken (concussion) all featured in Norm Smith voting and are unavailable. Josh Kennedy is the only vote-getter on the day who is expected to play.

The match-up: Tom Liberatore v Luke Parker
The Bulldogs' returning midfielder (280th overall in the Schick AFL Player Ratings) and Sydney star (15th overall), who were taken with consecutive picks in the 2010 National Draft, shape as defining factors. Both sides struggled to score last season and first use under the new rules appears to be as important as ever.

It's a big week for: Aaron Naughton
The Dogs' talented swingman could be asked to curtail a Swans tall in defence in the absence of Dale Morris or provide a desperately needed target forward. Either way, there is likely to be a lot of responsibility on his second-year shoulders.

A lot is expected of swingman Aaron Naughton. Picture: AFL Photos

Big call: Jack Macrae will give Tom Mitchell's 2018 round one disposal tally of 54 a nudge.

Prediction: Western Bulldogs by 18 points

Source: AFL Website

 

[Isaac Cumming No 1]

This is the one matchup of the year that makes me a wholehearted Swans supporter for the game.

I believe it goes something like "Buddy you beauty!" ?

Way too good an opportunity for the Swans to pass up surely.

 

[74561347]

sydney to wear rubber shoes to counter team thors electric t shirts.

 

[Xtreme]

Tipping a draw

 

[_Mike_]

Tipping a draw

one of those boring 0-0 draws

 

[Xtreme]

one of those boring 0-0 draws

99 - 99

Goal scoring clinic!

 

[Chief]

Chat room now live - https://www.bigfooty.com/forum/chat/room/western-bulldogs-vs-sydney-swans-rd-1.28/ - All chat messages stream to the Gameday thread at https://www.bigfooty.com/forum/thre...lldogs-v-sydney-7-25pm-aedt-ms.1214187/unread

 

[Power Raid]

love the dogs and love the swans

but swans by 21

 

[Lonerism]

If the Dogs get thrashed the knives will be sharpening for Bevo.

 

[flamethrower]

The game has been up for grabs entering time on in the last quarter 5 of the last 6 contests between these salty rivals. Expect another thriller.

 

[rdhopkins2]

Dogs may have slipped under the radar this preseason. A lot to like about Sydney though and I think the Swans will prevail by 6pts.

 

[RUNVS]

Longmire has really loaded the Swans forward line with talls, with Buddy, Ried, Sinclair and Blakey. The midfield is going to need to deliver the ball well and allow the Swans forwards to exploit the undersized defenders, but if the Swans midfield is off, or their delivery is poor then the ball could be coming out of the forward line fast and hard.

 

[GreekLunatic]

So danger is special comments awesome

 

[Chadwiko]

I love footy.
I love Marvel comics.
I hate these WBD Thor jerseys.

 

[SterlingArcher]

So danger is special comments awesome

In before "the jumperz are so cool because it's for the kids!!!"

 

[SterlingArcher]

I love footy.
I love Marvel comics.
I hate these WBD Thor jerseys.

Wait til the Doggies get the win and Darce says "THE JUMPERS GAVE THEM SUPERPOWERS xD"

$1.08 to happen (if the Dogs win)

 

[SterlingArcher]

Tipping the Dogs tonight. Feel like they shouldn't get monstered like other teams can do to them. But like both sides and what they are trying to do so reckon should be a reasonable match.

 

[windyhill]

Finally, sydney wear white shorts, been decades

 

[ItsGameTime]

I actually like the Dogs jumpers.

The red on the back is quite distracting though.

 

[legend166]

Why do the Dogs have Pokeballs on their gurnseys?

 

[windyhill]

Magnificent

 

[CotchNCo]

That Sydney kit with the white shorts looks fresh as hell.

 

[SterlingArcher]

Best thing about his marking is that he's confident enough to do it at full-back in a close match, but then at full-forward in round 1 too.

 

[Jeffers]

Mark of the year already Heeeeens!!!

 

[YippeeYiYeo]

Wow Heeneys first touch of the ball of the year will be Mark of the Year