WB FightBack30 V Melbourne R17 2019

Match preview: Western Bulldogs v Melbourne
Jourdan Canil
Jul 8, 2019 2:37PM

Where and when: Marvel Stadium, Sunday, July 14, 3.20pm AEST

Last time they met: MCG, round 17, 2018: Melbourne 18.11 (119) defeated Western Bulldogs 10.9 (69)

TV, radio and betting: Click here for broadcast guide

What it means for Western Bulldogs: After knocking off the Cats, Luke Beveridge’s men sit at 7-8 and are still in striking distance of a finals spot. All this team needs is a sniff.

What it means for Melbourne: A chance to regain some respect. Sitting in 16th place, the Demons have won two out of their last three games and have a real shot at four points this week.

The stat: Aaron Naughton sits level with Richmond's Tom Lynch in first place in the competition for contested marks. The young forward has taken 33 for the season so far.

The match-up: Clayton Oliver v Jack Macrae

The Official AFL Player Ratings have Oliver and Macrae sixth and 10th-ranked players in the competition this year. Could we see the two ball magnets go head-to-head at Marvel Stadium?

It’s a big week for: Christian Petracca

The young Demon has hit form, averaging 20 disposals and 1.5 goals per game across the last eight matches. With Tom McDonald set to miss the rest of the season, Petracca will have to produce more as marking target.

Big call: Patrick Lipinski to get off the chain with 30 disposals and a goal, with Melbourne's midfield putting a defensive focus on the bigger names.

Prediction: Bulldogs by 15 points.

Don't forget this is a double header with the VFL starting before the main game

I’ll get my predictions in once the teams for Sunday are announced.

I'm going this week and it's a game we're expected to win so I wouldn't get too confident. I haven't watched the Bulldogs win since the Carlton game in 2018. :(

Bulldogs by 11 points. Gawn helps them a lot but this is cancelled out by McDonald going out. Good ins Jetta and Lever hopefully still need to find touch.

First major Sam Lloyd
The Bont.

Dogs by 24
First Goal Schache
BOG: Bont

Preview:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIvYv_iDvl4

Our form suggests we should win but a win in this game is far from given as some might think. English up against both Gawn and Preuss. Lever May and Jetta form a formidable last line, big test for Naughton.

Dogs by 14, they don't have the Bont
First goal McLean
BOG Jack

I am impressed with Jetta and Lever has not had a chance to impress MFC yet so respect his threat. Their forward half is less threatening without MacDonald. I respect their midfield when they are on. We will have to to will our way to a win. As Bevo says we need everyone to be on their game for us to do the following:
DOGs by 38 pts
FIRST GOAL Macrae
BOG Macrae

Bulldogs by 61 points
First goal (out of the 7 he will kick for the game) Naughton
BOG the Bont, the Bont, the Bont!!!!!!!

Dogs by 28 pts
First goal Lloyd
BOG Macrae

Dogs by 19 points

First Goal: Josh Schache

Best On Ground: Jack Macrae along with the Bont have a huge influence

Dead set, we're entitled to be favourites and should account for them.

So of course we won't.

Them by a kick
First major : Johannisen
BOG : Dunkley

I hope Naughton turns May into a stepladder at some point.

This worked the last couple of weeks, so...

Dees by 5 points
First goal Lloyd
BOG AstroNaught

I agree we need to weary once again so I’m looking for a great professional Bulldog performance with a win after our last 2 great weeks.