A look at four key talking points – and perhaps some streaming recommendations for lockdown – ahead of a blockbuster clash between the Western Bulldogs and Melbourne at Marvel Stadium.
1. Groundhog Day
Right now, we’re all channelling a bit of Tom Hanks pounding the alarm clock.
It feels like only yesterday.
No crowds at the footy. It sucks.
However, the show must go on, and the Bulldogs and Demons will be determined to put on a show, particularly for those watching on in lockdown.
It’s a game with plenty riding on it. Both teams are 9-1 and a win would send them a game clear at the top of the table at the midway point of the season.
2. The Gawn Ultimatum
A couple of weeks ago, it was The Bont Identity.
This week, it’s The Gawn Ultimatum.
The Bulldogs simply must restrict the impact of superstar Melbourne ruckman Max Gawn if they’re to get the points in this one.
Gawn has been prolific in the Dees’ rise up the ladder in 2021.
The good news is Jordon Sweet won’t have to go it alone – he’ll have Tim English back in the team alongside him, with Gawn to be partnered by young gun.
3. The Longest Yard(s)
A couple of rebounding defenders who have had their names thrown up in All Australian conversations will go head-to-head this week.
For the Dees, it’s Christian Salem who generates that drive out of half-back.
The 25-year-old averages 27.4 disposals and 505 metres gained in 2021, which place him among the competition’s elite.
Forward-turned-defender Bailey Dale has become a similar weapon for the Bulldogs, complementing All Australian playmaker Caleb Daniel.
Dale is averaging 23.7 disposals and 474.3 metres gained per game – but he also remembers where the goals are, and has six already this year.
4. Marcus in the Middle
An oldie but a goodie – we’ve all been sucked into watching this classic Frankie Muniz sitcom from time to time.
Forget about Malcolm though, we’ve already seen 155 of episodes of Marcus in the Middle and this one looms as another goodie, fresh from inking a new four-year deal.
The likes of Bontempelli, Jack Macrae, Tom Liberatore and Bailey Smith on one side, and then Clayton Oliver, Christian Petracca, Angus Brayshaw and James Harmes on the other.
It promises to be a cracker of a match up.
And if one midfield can get an advantage over the other, it goes a long way to deciding this one.
