SUMMARY
It has been eight months since last year's shock elimination final loss to the Western Bulldogs, but the pain of that 47-point thumping has been impossible for West Coast to forget. The Eagles could banish some of their demons this Friday night but, more importantly, notch a third-straight victory after answering critics of their interstate form with a gutsy road win over Port Adelaide. Contested possessions have become a major indicator of the Eagles' performances and will be a key focus after the Dogs smashed them around the ball during the elimination final. The Bulldogs, who will be without star forward Jake Stringer (knee), have yet to hit their straps in 2017 but banked their fifth win in a thriller against Richmond last Saturday night and will have no fears returning to West Coast's fortress for the match of the round.
WHERE AND WHEN: Domain Stadium, Friday, May 12, 6.10pm AWST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
2EF, 2016, Western Bulldogs 14.15 (99) d West Coast 7.10 (52) at Domain Stadium
R11, 2016, Western Bulldogs 12.11 (83) d West Coast 11.9 (75) at Etihad Stadium
R21, 2015, West Coast 25.12 (162) d Western Bulldogs 13.7 (85) at Domain Stadium
R1, 2015, Western Bulldogs 14.13 (97) d West Coast 14.3 (87) at Etihad Stadium
R1, 2014, West Coast 21.8 (134) d Western Bulldogs 11.3 (69) at Domain Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
The Bulldogs' midfield was the difference in last year's elimination final, controlling the disposal count 400-363, winning contested ball 162-139 and clearances 40-32. Caleb Daniel starred with 33 touches, eight inside 50s and four clearances
The Dogs' shock elimination final victory was a rare win in Perth - their only triumph from the last nine trips west. West Coast had won each of the previous four clashes at Domain Stadium by more than 10 goals.
Both teams are only middle of the road for scoring. The Eagles are ranked eighth, averaging 97 points, while the Dogs are 11th and average 92 points.
West Coast should have an advantage out of the centre. The Dogs are the lowest ranked centre clearance team so far this year, averaging 10.9 per game, and are ranked 17th for hit-outs. The Eagles are 10th in both categories.
Tackling remains a feature of the Dogs' game. They have laid more tackles than any team and Tom Liberatore leads the competition with 64 this season. West Coast is 12th for tackles and Matt Priddis is the Eagles' No.1 tackler with 48.
Marcus Bontempelli (fourth overall) will be the top-ranked player on the ground, according to the Schick AFL Player Ratings, but he is the only Bulldog inside the top 50, while West Coast boasts Matt Priddis (18), Luke Shuey (19), Josh Kennedy (24) and Sam Mitchell (28).
