Western Bulldogs vs Essendon
Sunday 14 July 2013, 3:20pm
Venue: Etihad Stadium
Head to head:
Round 14, 2012: Essendon 21. 14. (140) defeat Western Bulldogs 8. 8. (56), Etihad Stadium
Round 21, 2011: Western Bulldogs 15. 11. (101) defeated by Essendon 23. 12. (15), Etihad Stadium
Round 1, 2011: Essendon 16. 17. (113) defeat Western Bulldogs 8. 10. (58), Etihad Stadium
Round 22, 2010: Western Bulldogs 17. 5. (107) defeat Essendon 11. 12. (78), Etihad Stadium
Last time they met:
- Jobe Watson was the dominant force for Essendon with three goals and 30 possessions – the captain also received the three Brownlow votes
- Michael Hurley kicked five goals, while the Dons had seven multiple goal scorers on the day
- The Bulldogs were competitive in clearances (WB36,Ess37) and one percenters (WB40, Ess34)
Recent form:
Western Bulldogs
Having won three of their past six outings, the Western Bulldogs have put together a number of competitive showings so far in 2013. Last week’s four point defeat over GWS Giants will give the Bulldogs some confidence, particularly with their ability to come from behind late in the game.
Essendon
Essendon are one of the in-form teams of the competition, currently sitting in third on the ladder, with four consecutive wins heading into the round 16 clash. Their potency around goal, strong midfield and ability to score from rebound 50 situations, make them a well-rounded and formidable team. The Dogs will need to be at their best to challenge the red-hot Bombers.
Key match ups and gamebreakers:
- With Jobe Watson missing, the Essendon midfield will need cover his absence, particularly around the stoppages. Aside from their captain, no other Bombers player has averaged more than four clearances in a game, while the Bulldogs have four – including Tom Liberatore who currently leads the league in that statistical category. The Dogs rank second in clearances this season, compared to Essendon who are seventh.
- Brett Goodes’ strong performance against GWS should put him in good stead to provide plenty of rebound against Essendon. The mature aged recruit has been a solid contributor in his debut year, with his relentless tackling pressure and sound foot skills bolstering the young back six. Essendon’s reputation as one of the best offensive teams in the competition means Goodes will need to be on task on Sunday.
- Essendon’s leading goal kicker Stewart Crameri is poised to make his return against the Bulldogs on Sunday after missing last week with an ankle injury. The 24-year-old has kicked 2.3 goals per game this season, 3.1 inside 50s and almost one goal assist. The Dogs tall defenders in Dale Morris, Jordan Roughead and this week’s Rising Star Michael Talia will have their hands full against the Dons tall options – including the rotations of ruckmen Patrick Ryder and Tom Bellchambers who can also be potent in front of goals.
What we said:
"They are in good form, they play a real methodical brand of footy, they are good in all areas of the game. They’ve built a strong list with a lot of early picks, three years of constant refinement of how they want to play. They are well placed, they are a good team."
- Western Bulldogs Senior Coach Brendan McCartney
What they said:
“I think it is a huge blow without your captain but it also gives players some opportunity and we haven’t had much opportunity this year with our terrific injury list. We will require now some younger guys to come into the team, give some opportunities to guys who have been playing reserves and I think that is what you need in a team.”
- Essendon Senior Coach James Hird
