3.15pm, Sunday, June 3, SCG, Sydney
Last time we met: Western Bulldogs 11.9.75 def by Sydney 16.18.114, Round 18 2011, SCG
Possible Line-ups:
Western Bulldogs:
B: Murphy, Lake, Hargrave
HB: Addison, Austin, Veszpremi
C: Cross, Boyd, Sherman
HF: Higgins, Jones, Giansiracusa
F: Dahlhaus, Cordy, Cooney
Foll: Minson, Griffen, Picken
IC (from): Wallis, Liberatore, Pearce, Grant, Roughead, Dickson, Skinner, Howard, Smith, Wood
Sydney:
B: Smith, Richards, Shaw
HB: Malceski, Grundy, Mattner
C: Jetta, Jack, McVeigh
HF: O'Keefe, Walsh, Hannebery
F: McGlynn, Reid, Roberts-Thomson
Foll: Mumford, Kennedy, Bolton
IC (from): Pyke, Bird, Dennis-Lane, Parker, Johnson, White, Everitt, Armstrong
Bulldogs Preview: After a close and respectable loss to Geelong on Friday night, the Bulldogs have an eight day break before heading to the SCG to take on the Swans. Sydney flew out of the blocks to begin the season, winning their first 5 games over teams including Hawthorn, North Melbourne and Fremantle, but have dropped off over the past month with some key injuries, winning just one of the past four. At home though, they are always formidable.
At the Selector's Table: A tough week for selection as the team suffered no real injuries on Friday night whilst a number of others are putting their name up for a game. Skinner appears to be most vulnerable after two matches as sub. Pearce played his first game and might be forced back to the VFL, although McCartney does not appear the type to drop players after single games. Names such as Sherman, Dickson and Veszpremi are not automatic selections in the 22 as yet, but would all be unlucky to miss. As has been the case all year, expect one or two from Friday’s team to be rested as the team continues to build its depth. Up for selection are Addison after a week’s suspension, as well as Grant and Cordy who were rested. Wood and Howard are back from injury but may both need a game in the VFL to find touch. Prediction: In: Addison, Grant, Cordy Out: Skinner, Dickson, Roughead (rested)
The Game: In recent years the Bulldogs have struggled against the Swans at the SCG, having won just once out of seven matches since 2003. However under McCartney, the Bulldog’s high possession and contested style will suit the smaller ground. Perhaps the biggest talking point will be whether Mumford returns for the Swans. Given a high number of stoppages are likely around the ground, this is a massive selection as Minson, who is is arguably career best form, should easily account for the backup ruckmen in Pyke and possibly Roberts-Thomson or White. Clearances will be vital, and as such should see Picken given to the strong bodied Kennedy who has taken on greater responsibility in the absence of Goodes. Jack or Bird will likely go to Boyd, as the outside run of Griffen will be limited in the tight spaces of the SCG and could go head to head with O’Keefe. The Swans have several players in the midfield with very high workrate, including McVeigh and Bolton, which will need to be matched by Cross, Liberatore and Wallis. The Bulldogs must be wary of the brilliant pace of Lewis Jetta who has the ability to burst away and collect the kick to advantage in front of goals. He is a difficult matchup and would probably be best suited to Murphy. Sam Reid is a player similar to Jones, capable of taking a strong grab but with consistency issues this year and an unreliable set shot. He looks the likely target for Lake, whilst Walsh, if selected, will be used as their second big forward to be taken by Austin. Given the likely cramped forwardline, the Bulldogs may be at an advantage inside 50 over previous weeks given their lesser reliance on tall men Jones, Roughead and Cordy. Richards will likely take Cordy if he plays, with Grundy to Jones. Look for plenty of goals from out of the middle this week.
Players to watch:
Matthew Boyd: As the number one clearance man, he has the potential to break the game open in the congested midfield.
Robert Murphy: A possible choice for Lewis Jetta, will have his hands full if he does and must work hard to keep up.
Justin Sherman: Has been ok since his return to the team, due for a big game.
Prediction: The Bulldogs are sitting 4-5 are the first 9 and have challenged at times in all but one game for the season. Yet to claim a big scalp, this week looks a great opportunity to surprise the out of form Swans who look to have lost their hunger in recent weeks. Bulldogs by 15 points.
