AFL Season 2008: Round 6 Match Preview - Bulldogs v Eagles

[Rocket Science]

Apologies but better late than never, been a rather long day.

Thanks for the nod, took a few liberties with the format but trust there's still plenty to dissect, disagree with and dismiss.

Enjoy.

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2008 AFL SEASON
ROUND 6 MATCH PREVIEW:

WESTERN BULLDOGS (3rd) versus WEST COAST EAGLES (15th)
Docklands, Saturday 26th April


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WHEN THEY LAST MET:

Round 17, 2007 Home and Away Season
Docklands, Friday 27th July

Eagles: 24.14.158
Bulldogs: 9.17.71

87 point Eagle victory was that club's greatest winning margin for season 2007 and was largely predicated upon a 7 goal to 2 2nd term to gain the ascendancy before a 9 goal to 3 final term to complete the blowout and hand the Dogs' their 2nd consecutive loss as part of an eventual 7 game winless streak to torpedo their season.

A relentless Eagles' squad employed their run and carry game to slashing effect as evidenced by their 202 handballs to the Dogs' 127...Lynch booted 5 majors for the victors with glass-jawed Staker potting a lazy four, while onballer Kerr took best afield honours on the back of a game-high 34-touch showing...Matt Boyd collected a team-high 32 possessions for the Bulldogs, while rookie Josh Hill chalked up his AFL debut, as did Eagle Will Schofield.

Brownlow Voting:
3 - Daniel Kerr (Eagles)
2 - Ben Cousins (Eagles)
1 - Quinten Lynch (Eagles)

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2008 LADDER POSITION:

Bulldogs (3rd)
Eagles (15th)

2008 FORMLINE:

BULLDOGS
WIN vs Crows
WIN vs Demons
WIN vs Saints
WIN vs Bombers
DRAW vs Tigers

EAGLES
WIN vs Lions
LOSS vs Crows
LOSS vs Dockers
LOSS vs Swans
LOSS vs Power

THEIR LAST OUTING: BULLDOGS

Round 5, 2008 Home and Away Season
Docklands, Sunday 20th April

Bulldogs: 19.16.130
Tigers: 20.10.130

Recap: The Bulldogs mailed in arguably their least convincing performance of 2008 and were most fortunate to escape with two points, clawing back from four goals down late in the last stanza during a final four minute flurry culminating in Will Minson's coolly executed but nonetheless dramatic equaliser with 17 seconds left on the clock, the feat made possible by a heavily contested Brian Lake mark in the dying stages after which the influential defender was forced to leave the field. While the Tigers typically ran hard in numbers, many of the Dogs' prime movers including Griffen, Gilbee and Eagleton were quelled for much of the afternoon and the club was wasteful in front of goal, the prime culprit being uncharacteristically errant forward Scott Welsh (5 behinds).

Bulldogs' Best: Boyd, Cross, Giansiracusa, Akermanis, Minson

THEIR LAST OUTING: EAGLES

Round 5, 2008 Home and Away Season
Subiaco, Sunday 20th April

Power: 19.14.128
Eagles: 16.8.104

Recap: West Coast recorded their highest score of season 2008 in spite of the loss on the back of a fast finish, outscoring the Power by a 7 goal to 2 margin in a resurgent final term. The Eagles welcomed back key cogs Wirrpanda and Embley from stints on the sidelines and both were among their club's more influential contributors. The biggest highlight for the losing side was the contribution of 3rd year forward Ben McKinley who snapped five goals, giving the mid-sized target a total of 12 majors for the season and earning him a Rising Star nomination. That aside, the Eagles played without the sort of purpose, flair or discipline they've unleashed on the rest of the league for much of the past 4-5 seasons, and seem a disorganised team bereft of confidence and answers at present.

Eagles' Best: Wirrpanda, Selwood, Embley, McKinley, Glass

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SELECTION TABLE:

BULLDOGS:
Brad Johnson has been visibly hampered by a succession of niggles in recent weeks which has affected his form to the extent the Dogs' may choose to rest their valiant skipper...Emerging trio Farren Ray, Andrejs Everitt, Tom Williams continue to work their way back from injury but appear at least a fortnight away from serious consideration, while the position of a number of fringe players may be re-examined due to spotty form including Harbrow, Wight, Callan and Addison. Minor injuries to Lake, Murphy and Akermanis versus the Tigers aren't expected to jeapordise their spots.

On the flipside of the ledger pivotal centreman Scott West is likely to be welcomed back with open arms after a fortnight on the sidelines thanks to minor knee surgery. In other news tall utility Wayde Skipper may be a smoky for his first game of season 2008 depending on team structure, while first year midfielder Callan Ward continues to edge closer to a possible debut in the bigs.

EAGLES:

Rangy forward Ash Hansen was a late withdrawal versus Port Adelaide thanks to hamstring soreness and will be hoping the week off puts him in good stead to resume this round. That aside, few injury concerns arose in the washup of their loss to the Power however another lacklustre showing purportedly has Eagles coach John Worsfold looking to wield the axe with Michael Braun and Chad Fletcher mooted to be amongst the potential selection victims.

As a result, should he be ready to resume after hamstring problems energetic midfielder Matt Priddis should be the subject of a long hard look and starry-eyed Brent Staker is slated to resume after a week off nursing a concussion, while off-season acquisition Josh Kennedy may debut for his new club after swapping his navy blue guernsey for blue and gold as part of the Judd blockbuster.

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2008 STATISTICAL COMPARISON:

Individual Statistical Leaders:

BULLDOGS
Possessions: Daniel Cross (133, 5th leaguewide)
Kicks: Robert Murphy (69)
Handballs: Daniel Cross (80)
Marks: Robert Murphy (43)
Goals: Brad Johnson, Scott Welsh (tied on 11)
Tackles: Daniel Cross (26)
Frees For: Daniel Cross (12)
Frees Against: Brad Johnson (8)

EAGLES
Possessions: Daniel Kerr (112, 34th leaguewide)
Kicks: Beau Waters (60)
Handballs: Daniel Kerr (64)
Marks: Brett Jones (37)
Goals: Ben McKinley (12)
Tackles Tyson Stenglein (25)
Frees For: Daniel Kerr (13)
Frees Against: Shannon Hurn (9)

Team Statistical Averages Per Round:

BULLDOGS:
Disposals: 368 (5th leaguewide)
Kicks: 218 (4th)
Handballs: 150 (9th)
Marks: 115 (3rd)
Goals: 20 (1st)
Tackles: 45 (13th)

EAGLES:
Disposals: 352 (7th leaguewide)
Kicks: 190 (13th)
Handballs: 161 (5th)
Marks: 94 (15th)
Goals: 10 (15th)
Tackles: 50 (8th)

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DID YOU KNOW?

- The Eagles have won their last three encounters with the Bulldogs by margins of 87, 15 and 54 points respectively.

- Five rounds into the 2008 home and away season, the Bulldogs currently own the leaguewide high-water mark for biggest single-round score to date (24.17.161 - Round 2 vs Demons), while the Eagles have the dubious distinction of being held to the lowest (5.15.45 - Round 4 vs Swans).

- The Eagles' current record of 1 win and 4 losses is their equal worst start to a season in the club's 21 year history, a feat they previously achieved in both 1989 and 1996.

- The Bulldogs and Eagles each have five players selected as part of the preliminary 40-man squads for this year's Hall of Fame Tribute match set to take place at the MCG on May 10th. (Bulldogs: Johnson, Morris, Cooney, Griffen, Murphy - Eagles: Cox, Glass, Kerr, Hunter, Wirrpanda)

- The Eagles have recorded wins in just 9 of 25 games played at Docklands since 2000, however their recent form is more flattering with victories in five of their past seven contests at the venue...The Bulldogs and Eagles have met on just two occasions at the Dome, with the visitors taking the points on both occasions by margins of 7 points (Round 1, 2004) and 87 points (Round 17, 2007).

- The Bulldogs' all-time head-to-head record versus the Eagles sees them with 12 wins and 1 draw from 36 clashes for a winning percentage of 34.72%. This represents the club's worst all-time success rate against any VFL/AFL foe barring the Magpies (28.93%) and Power (31.25%).

- Prolific onballer Scott West has averaged almost 32 touches a game in the previous five meetings between these two clubs, the most of any participant from either team during that span.

- The Bulldogs will be the Eagles first Victorian-based opponent for season 2008.

- If selected, Eagle duo Andrew Embley and Daniel Kerr will each record their 150th career AFL game.

[Rocket Science]

Two entries required!

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PLAYERS UNDER THE PUMP:

BULLDOGS:
The Dogs must seek a return to the aggressive pursuit of both man and ball which characterised their form from two rounds back. Runners Gilbee and Griffen must rebound from recent form loss, while Nathan Eagleton needs to demonstrate why he deserves to be considered an integral part of the Dogs' brigade of runners upon whose shoulders so much of the club's on field fortunes rest. Up forward, sharp-shooter Scott Welsh will be seeking to atone in front of the big sticks, while if pronounced healthy Brad Johnson's pride in club and self will see him striving to contribute more than in recent weeks. Additionally, Ben Hudson had his colours lowered versus Richmond and must steel himself for an even tougher task this week versus perennial All-Australian tapman Dean Cox, while and a number of youngsters will be implored to get back on track and pull their weight, with early sensation Josh Hill heading the list.

EAGLES:
Scant few Eagles can hold their heads high after the ROund 5 loss to the Power and many remain mired in extended slumps. As a result it's no overstatement to suggest the entire squad needs to lift in order to reduce the growing army of fingers being pointed accusingly in their direction as the club seeks to avoid its 5th straight defeat. Midfield stalwarts such as Stenglein, Braun, and Fletcher desperately need to blow off the cobwebs and set an example to their younger charges in an effort to help deflect the constant attention of opposing taggers to shining light Daniel Kerr. While man mountain Quinten Lynch must depart his wayward start to the season and begin to stand tall in front of goal for a squad aching for reliable target up front. Furthermore, despite an reasonably encouraging return last week key figure Andrew Embley must be prepared to extend himself beyond freewheeling on the flanks and exert his influence in and around the contests.

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MODUS OPERANDI:

BULLDOGS:
Aberation or Indication?...The Dogs' currently sit perched on a fulcrum of sorts. On one side, are their recent stumbles simply the result of a youthful, reborn team striving to find consistency in the face of injury and quality opposition (Melbourne aside), or tilting toward the opposite direction, is the early honeymoon coming to an end and reality about to set in? This week's bout versus the Eagles will go a long way towards shoring up the more likely scenario.

The Eagles may appear momentarily on the ropes, but a repeat of last Sunday's lackadaisical approach to a Richmond outfit many expected to wilt from the first bounce must be avoided as the Bulldogs seek to cultivate greater professionalism internally, and greater respect externally.

The foundation of recent wins over the Crows, Saints and for the most part the Bombers came about largely as a result of a newfound string in the Dogs' bow; an appetite for contested ball that was absent 12 months ago. That quality seemed to disappear as quickly as it materialised against lesser-lights Richmond, and without it the rest of the team's gameplan was hobbled as a result. It all starts with the basics and after Sunday's scare, let alone the final seven weeks of season 2007, the pitfalls of putting the cart before the horse need not be explained to the squad again.

Furthermore while the team must be accruing some degree of confidence by its recent ability to answer a challange and extract itself from a jam, it likewise should be learning the virtues of pressing home a hard earnt advantage where possible and not permitting an opponent scope to regroup. Whether this is achieved via better efficiency in front of goal, smarter use of the ball around the ground or sensing a change in the complexion of a contest and adjusting accordingly, it's an attribute good sides exhibit and one the Dogs need to master to progress.

Above all, the Dogs' three main tenets should be supporting eachother in numbers in defence, relentless run in both directions through the middle, and continued creativity and efficiency up forward. These qualities in equal measures are a must against an Eagles outfit looking to rebound hard.


EAGLES:
The preceding five rounds have demonstrated the recently-feared Eagles are nothing if not a team in deep transition...Much has been made of significance of their pair of off-season departures and the immediate results are there for all to see. To properly comprehend the impact of losing the likes of Judd and Cousins, Bulldog faithful might like to momentarily imagine the prospect of immediately tearing Cooney and Griffen out of our onball set-up, permanently, and that might go some small way toward rivalling the severity of the resultant wound. Consequently, what was once seen as a deep, multi-pronged and utterly ruthless outfit is suddenly struggling with not only an altered modus operandi but its very sense of identity.

No longer can Kerr, for all his brashness and ability, enjoy regular outings on the opposition's 3rd best tagger...No longer can the hard-nosed but one-paced brigade of Fletcher, Braun and Stenglein act as secondary foils to the slash and dash of the departed star duo...No longer can a suddenly make-shift Eagles forward set-up dine on a steady diet of delivery a la Judd and Cousins. The Eagles have still boast bona fide leaders in Cox and Glass but the chasm between its experienced campaigners, and its next generation appears wider by the week, and many of the former are slowly fading in a period when their club needs them to contribute even more so in an attempt to fill the breach.

The Eagles' trademark is run and carry, but it seems at times they're vainly attempting the same tricks without the benefit of the sizzling top gear that made the style so irrepressible and effective, and haven't yet instilled the versatility required to adjust to doing things differently as required. This is compounded by a lack of confidence which manifests itself in the sort of routine skill errors we're unused to seeing from this outfit.

Against the Power, save for the final 15 minutes during which the contest was done and dusted, the Eagles faults were many...habitually outrun through the middle, found wanting for pace to loose balls, outmuscled for hard balls, infuriatingly sloppy with possession by both hand and foot, confounding decision making when going forward, failing to support eachother in numbers, and all on their own dungheap to boot.

Things won't be any easier for a team betwixt and between away from home.

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KEY DUELS:

HUDSON versus COX
Not content with being the best tap ruckman in the comp, Cox functions as an effective midfielder who can go also forward and split the middle. Hudson will have his hands full just keeping Cox honest and may require assistance in the form of Wight or perhaps an inclusion such as Skipper to monitor Cox around the ground.

HARRIS versus LYNCH
Lynch is down on form but capable of healthy bags against an undersized backline if not respected. Harris must traverse the line between defensive stopper and attacking catalyst judiciously.

BOYD versus KERR
Boyd likely won't have sole responsibilty for negating the last of the three remaining West Coast midfield musketeers, but has the engine and the will to make life tough for Kerr.

COONEY versus STENGLEIN
It'll be no lazy day at the office for Cooney who'll surely become acquainted with Stenglein along with a number of his pals as the afternoon progresses. Expect the Bulldog star to find a yard and exert more influence as his more seasoned minders begin to fade.

MINSON versus GLASS
Glass can be expected to run off Minson at every opportunity as he assumes more responsibility for kick starting the Eagle attack than in recent seasons. Minson must bear this in mind when the ball hits the deck, along with half forward cohorts Hill, Hahn, Murphy and co.

GRIFFEN versus WIRRPANDA
Two creative and determined playmakers go head to head. Griffen needs to rebound with the footy but must also ensure Wirrpanda, who was a rare bright spot for his well-beaten team last round, isn't granted excess leeway to spark his squad.

HARGRAVE versus MCKINLEY
With 12 goals in 3 games this year, the AFL's newest rising star nominee must be respected. Hargrave needs to exercise some discipline and take the stoppers role seriously but should have the nouse to best his junior opponent over the long haul.

CROSS versus EMBLEY
The pair most likely to succumb to leather poisoning. It'll be interesting to see which coach holds their nerve if both are racking up the touches at will.

THE SMOKEY: Shannon Hurn is West Coast's answer to Lindsay Gilbee and must be attended to. A prodigious kick who can damage with the ball if given space, but one who can be flustered into errors if harrassed.

THE SMOKEY (2): If the Eagles swing Adam Hunter forward, Cameron Wight or Dale Morris must be on their game, and more likely both of them if Ash Hansen is recalled this week. It isn't beneath Worsfold to attempt the predictable if generally effective 'stretch them for talls' approach.

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THE VERDICT:

Expect the Bulldogs to consolidate their current ladder position and extract some measure of revenge for last season's humiliating Round 17 flogging.

Bulldogs by 23 points.

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[GVGjr]

First up, terrific post there RS. This has been a good 15 minute read and must have taken a while to put together so thanks very much.

The Eagles are in bad form and will be desperate to do well which is always a danger sign. One of the things that I noticed last season when we played them was their big bodies and thats something that we haven't always copped well with in the past. This should be a great test of the summer of weight gain and strength that the squad focussed on.

Games are normally won or lost in the midfield but I will put this one down to how our defence manages the challenges of the West Coast forward line. It might sound strange given they have been almost dysfunctional however, these are the type of attacks that generally slip under the radar.
Our defenders must be attacking to in turn put pressure on the West Coast midfield to be accountable.

Kerr seems to be getting a bit better each week and must be curbed. With that ion mind I would look at Boyd to have a run with role on him.

Other than that the greatest challenge is to curb Dean Cox. Hudson has been in good form and has made a difference but I doubt he and Minson can run with Cox and I wonder if Skipper might be included as additional support.

Dogs by 26 points.

[hujsh]

When i think of the Eagles i think of Judd and Lynch shrugging tackles far too easily. I will be very sad if it happens again

[Dry Rot]

Ripper match preview, RS. These are much better than afl.com or the Age or Herald online.

I always thought the Swans game would be a bellweather game for us, but our patchy efforts over the last two games may make it round 6 to see if we're really a top 4 team or just another April premier.

We've only really played two good teams so far, while the Eagles have arguably played 5 (I think Port is a better side than their ladder position and always tough at home).

I also think that the Eagles are a better team than their 1-4 results indicate and expect them to bounce back soon, hopefully not this weekend.

The stat about the Eagles winning 5 of their last 7 encounters at the Dome is interesting but how many were with Cousins and Judd playing?

[bornadog]

Great read RS and basically agree with everything you have written. The Eagles have had problems kicking goals over the years and this season is no exception. We need to once more produce a big score to win this one and that needs to happen out of the middle, so Hudson and his fellow midfielders need to be up and running from the first quarter. We can't afford to have Griffen on nil disposals in the first quarter like last week, or Gilbee and Eagleton with 10 for the game. For once, I think the Eagles need to think about quelling our midfield rather than the other way. Too many times in the past we have tried to stop a Judd or Cousins, now we only have Kerr to worry about.

This game will be won out of the middle, dogs by 20 - 28 points.

[LostDoggy]

Good analysis and nice to see betwixt and fulcrum taken out for a rare run on the paddock.

My top 5 wins against the Eagles:

1. 1995 - first win in Perth, ending a long stretch of defeat, ecstasy for the 5 or 6 dogs supporters at the ground
2. 2006 - beating the eventual premier in Perth. Smith and Johnno brilliant.
3. Last game at the Western Oval - Rain, sleet, biffo, beer, victory -- just as it should be.
4. 1998 - Qualifying Final - 70 point slaughter at the G. Malthouse glum.
5. 1992 - The Eagles kick 3 goals for the match.

Worst moments involving the Eagles:

1. 2006 final in Perth. A vision of hell. Like something H. Bosch painted.
2. Sumich Goes Mad at the WACA, 1991.
3. 2007 - horrifying, as discussed above.
4. 1987 - We welcome the Eagles to the comp by squandrering a 28 pt lead in the 3rd.

Our worst win-loss % against any club. Hard to accept the Eagles dragon might be slain.

I am looking for Q Lynch to be stopped this week. He is the one who troubles us. Cox will have a great day out, but won't get much support. Ours by 4 goals.

[LostDoggy]

Personally i just hope we can get over the line. dont care how it happens.. if we lose this game i think the bulldogs will start to come undone.. we have done well up to this stage but some bad signs have started to show up in the last 2 weeks.

If we can blow them away i think the bulldogs have gotten the wake up call they needed.. but the bulldogs need that wake up call far to often.

Bulldogs by 34.

[Go_Dogs]

Great preview RS.

It has become a really important game for the club as we haven't played football to the standards we need to, to be successful, over the last few weeks. The Eagles side are certainly no where near as bad as their ladder position indicates, (in fact, even without Judd and Cousins I still think thay have one of the most complete lists going around) however at the moment they are struggling to gel, and we should really be taking advantage of that while we can.

We've beaten full strength Eagles sides at TD - and this week should be slightly easier than some of those games have been - but we'll need to work to our most elite level. We can't continue to chose when we're going to come to play, we have to do it consistently, every week, every year. We have shown improvement in this area, but it is still not at an elite AFL level, and our pressure skills are something we should really look to address this week.

We need to find ways to create space for our good ball users and get the ball in their hands more often. A few more handpasses to create the space, blocking and shepparding of the runner and after the handball will be crucial too. We need to learn how to generate the space and time consistently, WC should be a good test of that as they still have a pretty hard working midfield - although not quite as good as it was.

Going to be a ripper (hopefully it's televised as I feel I may be to blame for the Richmond debacle - first game I haven't watched all year), I'll be tipping Dogs by 4 goals.

[LostDoggy]

Great review Rocket Science!

Seems to me that the Eagles rely on the same game plan they had with Judd, Cousins etc, but without the personnel to make it work. If they can be pressured whilst playing the handball game they like then we should be able to maximise opportunities from resulting turnovers. If the Eagles can use line breakers to run at our defence then we may be in strife- but I don't think it's a tactic they employ often. We have looked vulnerable when teams have run at us (Richmond, Essendon).

Their forward line has been makeshift for some time- only now they don't have the midfielders to top up the goalscorer's list. Also, their forward line aren't very skilled at ground level, and they don't apply a great deal of defensive pressure, so numbers at the contest and shepherding should set up the ability to rebound.

Like any other match you can only play your opposition on the day- I think the Dogs need to forget the form guide and bring a ferocious attitude, otherwise West Coast could do what Richmond did to Freo. They're not as bad as they look and they still have some class players.

I'll be coming over from Perth for this match and hoping that a Dogs victory and being surrounded by a sea of passionate red, white and blue supporters will convert the missus from her misguided loyalties!

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

What a fantastic read RS. Appeciate the time and effort you've taken to create this.
I'd add a comment on the game... but I think you've pretty much cornered the market!:D

[LostDoggy]

DID YOU KNOW?

- The Eagles have won their last three encounters with the Bulldogs by margins of 87, 15 and 54 points respectively.

- Five rounds into the 2008 home and away season, the Bulldogs currently own the leaguewide high-water mark for biggest single-round score to date (24.17.161 - Round 2 vs Demons), while the Eagles have the dubious distinction of being held to the lowest (5.15.45 - Round 4 vs Swans).

- The Eagles' current record of 1 win and 4 losses is their equal worst start to a season in the club's 21 year history, a feat they previously achieved in both 1989 and 1996.

- The Bulldogs and Eagles each have five players selected as part of the preliminary 40-man squads for this year's Hall of Fame Tribute match set to take place at the MCG on May 10th. (Bulldogs: Johnson, Morris, Cooney, Griffen, Murphy - Eagles: Cox, Glass, Kerr, Hunter, Wirrpanda)

- The Eagles have recorded wins in just 9 of 25 games played at Docklands since 2000, however their recent form is more flattering with victories in five of their past seven contests at the venue...The Bulldogs and Eagles have met on just two occasions at the Dome, with the visitors taking the points on both occasions by margins of 7 points (Round 1, 2004) and 87 points (Round 17, 2007).

- The Bulldogs' all-time head-to-head record versus the Eagles sees them with 12 wins and 1 draw from 36 clashes for a winning percentage of 34.72%. This represents the club's worst all-time success rate against any VFL/AFL foe barring the Magpies (28.93%) and Power (31.25%).

- Prolific onballer Scott West has averaged almost 32 touches a game in the previous five meetings between these two clubs, the most of any participant from either team during that span.

- The Bulldogs will be the Eagles first Victorian-based opponent for season 2008.

- If selected, Eagle duo Andrew Embley and Daniel Kerr will each record their 150th career AFL game.

Great analysis but this is the section that really gets the thoughts started.

I'll pose these questions to Rocket Science and anyone else.

Does the fact that the Eagles have had the wood on us for a long time really motivated them ? Sure we have snuck in a few wins here and there but they have generally outplayed us.

Are the Eagles more beatable at the Docklands than say they would be at the more spacious MCG? They were awesome against us at the Docklands last year but they did have Judd and Cousins firing.

Can we match it with them if we don't have the ball magnet West back in the line up?

Is there any advantage to be gained given it's the Eagles first venture to Melbourne?

[Mantis]

Can we match it with them if we don't have the ball magnet West back in the line up?



The big question is can they match it with us with there under-performing midfield?

[BulldogBelle]

RS, what a great analysis! You have done a fantastic job compiling all that info. Very impressive.

Even though the Eagles are on a downer at the moment - they still shouldn't be taken lightly. We have to be switched on from the onset and take a stranglehold on the game very early in the piece - crucial we kick off to a good start in the first Qtr.

[1eyedog]

Honestly the way we played the first three quarters against Essendon and the way we played last week against Richmond I think this is a 50/50 match. The Weagles are much better than their ladder position suggests and they may come out on Saturday and prove a point. Dogs by anything up to 7 points.

[Mantis]

RS, what a great analysis! You have done a fantastic job compiling all that info. Very impressive.

Even though the Eagles are on a downer at the moment - they still shouldn't be taken lightly. We have to be switched on from the onset and take a stranglehold on the game very early in the piece - crucial we kick off to a good start in the first Qtr.

We have had this opportunity in the past 2 games and fluffed it... What will change this week?

[firstdogonthemoon]

Rocket Science - this preview is mind bogglingly good. I was going to see it is the sort of stuff I would expect to see in one of the papers but.........

its much better than that!

I agree with everything everybody else said.

[lowedog]

Intersting stat. They havent played a victorian club yet. Will be interesting to see how we match up physically with no Judd/Cousins. Also with Hudson in the ruck contests, see how cox travels under some more pressure. I reckon we'll bounce back well, and run over them. I'm hoping that anyway!

[Topdog]

Fantastic review. This is a danger game for us and really I think we have to win if we want to finish top 4. The last of our 6 straight in Melbourne and its only going to get tougher after this.

[MrMahatma]

We should win this. If we're going to push for a top 4 spot, we need this win. It's all well and good looking at 4 1/2 wins from 5 matches, but this is one we should win regardless of the past few weeks, and must win to push for top 4.

I'll be gutted if we lose this one. I just hope the boys are 100% switched on and go back to the hassling and close checking we did in the early rounds.

[Bulldog Revolution]

KEY DUELS:

GRIFFEN versus WIRRPANDA
Two creative and determined playmakers go head to head. Griffen needs to rebound with the footy but must also ensure Wirrpanda, who was a rare bright spot for his well-beaten team last round, isn't granted excess leeway to spark his squad.

HARGRAVE versus MCKINLEY
With 12 goals in 3 games this year, the AFL's newest rising star nominee must be respected. Hargrave needs to exercise some discipline and take the stoppers role seriously but should have the nouse to best his junior opponent over the long haul.

CROSS versus EMBLEY
The pair most likely to succumb to leather poisoning. It'll be interesting to see which coach holds their nerve if both are racking up the touches at will.

THE SMOKEY (2): If the Eagles swing Adam Hunter forward, Cameron Wight or Dale Morris must be on their game, and more likely both of them if Ash Hansen is recalled this week. It isn't beneath Worsfold to attempt the predictable if generally effective 'stretch them for talls' approach.



Fine match preview Rocket

I wonder if:

Callan might get Wirrapanda given he has been playing forward

Hargrave to run with Embley on a wing - in some ways Embley perhaps plays the way we might use Hargrave

I am wondering who Waters will pick up, is he playing more midfield this season and might he spend time on former junior teammate ACooney?

Brett Jones is my eagles smokey - I think hes a very underrated player


We should win this. If we're going to push for a top 4 spot, we need this win. It's all well and good looking at 4 1/2 wins from 5 matches, but this is one we should win regardless of the past few weeks, and must win to push for top 4.


I think this will be a far more difficult game for us to win that people are expecting. We have never beaten the Eagles at the Dome and clearly they smashed us last year. They've been down but they have a lot of good footballers

[1eyedog]

What time is game time please? 7.10pm?

[craigsahibee]

Must always respect the eagles no matter where they are on the ladder. Mid field is the key again. We need 6 or 7 goals from those players rotating through the middle along with contributions from Aker, Welsh, Johnno and Will. Not confident. I'll say us by 15 points.

[Go_Dogs]

I'm going to be listening in online tonight as the game isn't being televised on FTA or Fox...

Starting to get a bit nervous about this. We're going to need to attack this match really hard, win contested ball, take them on and set up our fast running, space creating game.

[Sockeye Salmon]

I can't believe the odds for tonight's game.

We're $1.20 & WC are $4.20.

We deserve to be favorites but that's ridiculous.

[Rocket Science]

I'm going to be listening in online tonight as the game isn't being televised on FTA or Fox...

Hmmm...You sure? According to the TV guide CH 10's televising the game from 7:30pm

http://melbourne.citysearch.com.au/tvguide/0/18:30#tvGuideTable_1
"Watch all the action as Western Bulldogs take on West Coast in round six of the competition."

[1eyedog]

I can't believe the odds for tonight's game.

We're $1.20 & WC are $4.20.

We deserve to be favorites but that's ridiculous.

That's not based on our form it looks as if it is based on our ladder position 4-1-0. On the contrary $4.20 for the Eagles looks like it is both based on their form and their ladder position. They are crap and the money reflects it but are we that good? These are the ones we drop.

[1eyedog]

I'm going to be listening in online tonight as the game isn't being televised on FTA or Fox...

Starting to get a bit nervous about this. We're going to need to attack this match really hard, win contested ball, take them on and set up our fast running, space creating game.

Yep Channel 10 7.30pm

[Go_Dogs]

Adelaide viewer.

[Mofra]

Excellent work RS, could not have read any better from the experts.

McKinley is one I'm interested in - he's 186cm so the same size as Griff, I'm not sure Shaggy would be the best match up for him (to a wing on Embley might be his go, especially is Eagle is out of form). Perhaps this could be a Gilbee special, given there isn't too much height difference and being inexperienced he might sacrifice his attacking instincts if playing on a genuine playmaker. His WAFL reports tend to suggest he was getting one of the main opposition stoppers so a run-off type may worry him more than a Callan/Morris/Addison type.