Western Bulldogs defender Rory Lobb says he is expecting a fiery start from the Giants this weekend.
While the rivalry has somewhat diffused in recent times, there’s no denying the tension between the two sides.
Lobb said the team will be ready for whatever is thrown at them on Saturday at Marvel Stadium.
“The last couple of (games) probably haven’t been as fiery as other times, but I feel like this build-up might have a little bit more in it considering we’ve beaten them the last few times,” Lobb told 3AW on Wednesday night.
“I’m definitely not taking them lightly – they obviously played really well (in Opening Round) so we’ll be ready for a hot start for sure.
“They were really impressive against Hawthorn. They’ve still got a lot of talent across the ground – guys like Jesse Hogan and Riccardi, and then Stringer even popping up for goals.
“Their backline’s still very solid with Connor Idun, Jack Buckley and those boys. The way they move the ball – they like to handball. I think it’s obviously really important these days to get pressure on the ball and be able to come forward and pressure as much as possible.
“I know they’re going to come out firing as we’ve had them the last few times. They’re a very proud organisation so it should be a good game.”
Despite a lapse in the third quarter, the Bulldogs’ team defence held up well against the reigning premier in Opening Round.
Lobb said it will be interesting to see how that might evolve as the season plays out.
“It’s going to be a little bit of a teething process with how teams are going to defend. We’re always trying to help each other but when there’s so much pace on the ball, sometimes you’re just going to have to be winning those 1v1s but that’s not really the modern game these days,” he said.
“It’s all about team defence. It’s how much pressure you can put on the ball, and I feel like our mids and forwards did a really good job of putting pressure on the ball at times and just forcing those dump kicks down the line.
“It will be interesting to see how it sort of goes for the next few weeks, but I’m sure teams will figure out how to defend that.”
Secure your tickets to the Bulldogs’ clash with GWS at Marvel Stadium by clicking here.
