Western Bulldogs vs Geelong Cats
Saturday 27 April 2013, 7:40pm
Venue: Etihad Stadium

Head-to-head:
Round 22, 2012: Geelong 16. 11. (107) defeated Western Bulldogs 11. 7. (73), Simonds Stadium
Round 9, 2012: Western Bulldogs 11. 9. (75) defeated by Geelong 14. 11. (95), Etihad Stadium
Round 11, 2011: Geelong 23. 10. (148) defeated Western Bulldogs 13. 9. (87), Simonds Stadium
Round 20, 2010: Western Bulldogs 9. 6. (60) defeated by Geelong 25. 11. (161), Etihad Stadium

Last time they met:

  • Matthew Boyd dominated the possession count, gathering 46 disposals on the day – nine more than Ryan Griffen who collected 37 and 17 more than Geelong’s major ball winner Corey Enright who found 29
  • Power forward Tom Hawkins led on the scorecard kicking a game high four majors, while super-sub Jarrad Grant impressed with three goals from 46% game time for the Bulldogs
  • The Bulldogs fielded 13 players with less than 50 games experience (ten of which had under 30 games experience) in comparison to Geelong’s seven players with less than 50 games under their belt.
  • The Brownlow votes were distributed as follows: Corey Enright 3, Matthew Boyd 2, Jimmy Bartel 1

Recent form:
Western Bulldogs

Mixed results in the opening four rounds have the Bulldogs more determined than ever to get a win this Saturday. The Club demonstrated their ability to compete and execute their game plan in the first two rounds but were unsuccessful in replicating their performances against Richmond and Adelaide. While the Dogs are continuing to win their own ball, the focus will return to setting the ground up to capitalise on their hard work in close - as well as maintaining their defensive pressure to curb their opposition’s attack.

Geelong Cats

Geelong’s undefeated start to the season cannot be faulted, as they look to register their fifth win for 2013. Their proven ability to drive the ball forward and capitalise within their attacking zone makes them a dangerous side to line up against. Despite taking home the four points on each of their outings this season, the Cats have only won eight quarters of football in total and will be searching for a more wholesome performance on Saturday. Geelong boast a mature and experienced team who will be striving to play finals football for the seventh consecutive year.

Key matchups and gamebreakers:

  • Joel Selwood is a damaging player at the best of the times, but the in-form captain has been particularly influential in recent weeks – including a 31 disposal and ten tackle performance against Sydney on the weekend. His game was further complimented by seven inside 50s, four goal assists and a goal off his own boot.
  • Geelong are currently ranked first in the league for inside 50s this season, so the Bulldogs midfield and running defenders will need to pile on the defensive pressure early to stifle their forward entries. Three of their players even rank in the top 20 of the AFL for total inside 50s: Steve Motlop (=2nd), Allen Christensen (=11th) and Joel Selwood (=16th)
  • Despite just 37 games to his name, Tom Liberatore has established himself as one of the Bulldogs leading midfielders this season. His work in close is quickly becoming elite while he ranks third across the league in total clearances, second in total tackles and fifth in contested possessions