SUMMARY
Both teams are coming off a bye but went into the break in vastly different positions, despite their closeness on the ladder. The Swans belted Melbourne at home, while the Bulldogs were embarrassed by Geelong, so the visitors will be out to respond to prove they belong alongside the League's best. Led by captain Bob Murphy, Liam Picken and Marcus Bontempelli, the Dogs caused a stunning boilover at the SCG that was inspired by a five-goal first quarter, before the game was hit by torrential rain. The Swans are the top contested possession side in the League, with the Dogs third, so the midfield battle will be tough in close and fantastic to watch. The visitors will need to get first hands on the footy and put fanatical pressure on the Swans, if they don't, superstar forward Lance Franklin will be very hard to contain.
WHERE AND WHEN: SCG, Saturday, July 2, 4.35pm AEST
LAST FIVE TIMES
R5, 2015, Western Bulldogs 11.11 (77) d Sydney Swans 10.13 (73) at the SCG
R22, 2014, Sydney Swans 20.10 (130) d Western Bulldogs 9.13 (67) at Etihad Stadium
R19, 2013, Sydney Swans 21.8 (134) d Western Bulldogs 15.9 (99) at Etihad Stadium
R21, 2012, Sydney Swans 26.11 (167) d Western Bulldogs 13.7 (85) at Etihad Stadium
R10, 2012, Sydney Swans 20.12 (132) d Western Bulldogs 5.10 (40) at the SCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. The last time these teams met it was wet from start to finish, Liam Picken had 33 disposals as the Dogs sprung a massive upset, and Marcus Bontempelli starred with 23 touches and two goals. For the Swans, Dan Hannebery collected the three Brownlow votes with 37 disposals and 10 tackles.
2. The Bulldogs continue to be the number one handballing side in 2016, averaging 211.8 per game, the only side to average above 200 handballs each week. The Swans are ranked fourth in the League.
3. The Bulldogs' thrilling win in 2015 ended the Swans' run of dominance after they'd had won the previous six contests between the sides, including three by more than 60 points. The Dogs haven't defeated the Swans in consecutive matches since 2009-10.
4. It will be a contest between the two best defensive sides in 2016; the Swans are ranked first, conceding just 69 points per game, while the Bulldogs are just behind them, conceding just 73.
5. The teams have met 26 times previously at the SCG with home side winning 17 times, including seven of the last nine. From 2000-06, the Bulldogs played seven 'home' games at the SCG.
6. Two of the game's best contested ball winners could go head to head at the SCG, with Swan Josh Kennedy and Bulldog Marcus Bontempelli sure to lock horns at various stages. Bontempelli is ranked fifth in the Schick AFL player ratings, with Kennedy not far behind in ninth.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR…
Jake Stringer. The dynamic forward has managed just six goals from his past five matches, and needs to find some of his best form if his side are to cause an upset at the SCG for the second year running. If Stringer can inspire the Dogs and hit the scoreboard against the competition's best defence, it will give him great confidence in the second half of the season.
AFL.com.au PREDICTION: Sydney Swans by 20 points
