1.10pm, Sunday, August 26, Simonds Stadium
Last time we met:Western Bulldogs 11.9.75 def by Geelong 14.11.95, Round 9 2012, Etihad Stadium
Possible Line-ups:
Western Bulldogs:
B: Roberts, Roughead, Hargrave
HB: Murphy, Lake, Wood
C: Griffen, Boyd, Picken
HF: Giansiracusa, Dickson, Addison
F: Johannisen, Cordy, Higgins
Foll: Minson, Wallis, Smith
I/C (from): Jong, Skinner, Howard, Cooney, Talia, Campbell, Grant, Djerrkura, Sherman, Jones, Panos
Sydney:
B:Scarlett, Longergan, Hunt
HB: Mackie, Taylor, Enright
C: Duncan, Johnson, Corey
HF: Chapman, Podsiadly, Motlop
F: Stokes, Hawkins, Bartel
Foll: West, Selwood, Kelly
I/C (from): Simpkin, Hunt, Walker, Murdoch, Wojcinski, Sheringham, Guthrie, Christensen, Smedts, Horlin-Smith
Bulldogs Preview: We head down the Princes Fwy to Geelong where we take on the reigning premiers who have really found some form coming into September. Yet again the Dogs fell away in the second half last week and will need to be switched on to avoid another big defeat.
At the Selector’s Table: Minson keeps his spot in the side after successfully contesting his tribunal charge. On the chopping block this week are Markovic, Djerrkura (both of whom looked lost against the Swans), whilst Skinner, Roberts, Cordy and Cooney may be looked at. Hargrave could return from suspension after announcing his retirement during the week. Howard has played at VFL level and might be in line for a recall, along with Talia, Campbell, Jones, Grant, Sherman and Panos who could all be considered. In: Hargrave, Howard Out: Markovic, Djerrkura
The Game: The Cats have troubled us in recent years, having won 8 of the past 9 including the past 3 in Geelong. After some doubts about their form, they have gone to another level over the past month as they look to secure a home final, whilst the Dogs have played well for stints but are unable to put together much more than a decent quarter at a time. We are unlikely to be coming up against Geelong’s first 22 this week as they will no doubt look to rest some big names against lower opposition. Steve Johnson is Geelong’s danger man at present in the midfield and should be tagged by Picken. Taylor Hunt will likely go to Griffen after his unbelievable game against the Swans, whilst Selwood and Boyd will go head to head. Minson should account for West in the ruck. The danger man up forward for the Cats is undoubtedly Hawkins, who kicked 6 last week. Whilst Lake would be the obvious choice for him, Roughead may get a chance after a solid few games at full back. Murphy should take Chapman who is still damaging despite his age. The Cat’s backline looks strong on paper and will set a task for us. Cordy will need the help of another big man, be that Lake, Jones or Campbell. Addison and Dickson have been great in recent weeks, but we need more contributors.
Players to watch:
Lin Jong: Has really impressed in his first two games with his courageous attack on the ball. After injuring himself backing into a pack last week, didn’t hesitate to do it again later on. Against the bigger Geelong bodies, he will again need to be fearless.
Tory Dickson: Has been arguably our most consistent forward this year. The Cats experienced defence will likely take care of our bigger men, so he will want to have an impact.
Prediction: The Bulldogs started strongly against the Swans before fading away and conceding 10 goals in the last quarter. If they can stay will the Cats to some extent over the first half, a good result would be to remain competitive towards the end of the game and not let the flood gates open. Geelong will not lose this match, but the Dogs can keep it respectable. Geelong by 35 points
