WESTERN BULLDOGS
Season to date
The Bulldogs are yet to hit the heights of their superb 2006 form but one suspects they are slowly getting back to their best. They have won four of their past five matches and only percentage separates them from third place on the AFL ladder. In a sight to warm all Doggies’ fans hearts, star recruit Jason Akermanis appears to be hitting his straps while young guns such as Adam Cooney and rising star Shaun Higgins continue to impress.
Recent form
Round 4 – Richmond 14.16 (100) lost to Western Bulldogs 20.12 (132)
Round 5 – Hawthorn 13.15 (93) lost to Western Bulldogs 16.14 (110)
Round 6 – West Coast 10.17 (77) def Western Bulldogs 9.8 (62)
Round 7 – Western Bulldogs 16.16 (112) def Melbourne 16.10 (106)
Round 8 – Western Bulldogs 20.15 (135) def Collingwood 14.18 (102)
Last time
Round 8, 2006 at the SCG – Sydney 17.14 (116) def Western Bulldogs 14.6 (90).The Swans jumped the Bulldogs in the two teams’ only clash last season, racing to a big lead early and holding off whatever the visitors threw at them. However, the teams – and the venue – will be vastly different to the 2006 versions.
The venue
This is a ‘home’ game for the Doggies but the Swans are likely to feel more comfortable than their Bulldogs opponents, having played at Canberra’s Manuka Oval twice during the pre-season, as well as a clash against the Kangaroos in 2006. These two sides did meet at Manuka earlier this year (the Bulldogs won) although the Swans fielded a very inexperienced team that day.
The coach
Rodney ‘Rocket’ Eade is widely regarded as one of the best match-day coaches going around. A real tactician, Eade has been able to get the best out of the young Bulldogs group since arriving at the Whitten Oval.
Strengths
Like Port Adelaide last week, the Swans face a line-up known for its love of quick ball movement and its ability to run. The Bulldogs do have a few key players under injury clouds and their availability will be crucial to the outcome. There’s no doubt the Bulldogs can play some exciting, attacking footy, so Paul Roos and the Swans will be hoping to keep a leash on the Dogs.
Missing in action
Speedy youngster Ryan Griffen (hamstring) looks certain to miss after breaking down at training this week, while experienced stars Brad Johnson and Luke Darcy are fighting respective ankle and hip problems. Cameron Wight is in doubt with a groin strain and running backman Jordan McMahon, who is nursing a corked thigh, also looks set to sit on the sidelines this weekend.
The key player
Brad Johnson: Johnson’s importance to the Bulldogs’ attack cannot be understated. Given this, and the significance of this game, one would think he’ll do everything he can to overcome his niggle and take the field on Sunday. When the teams met last year he got better as the match wore on and finished with five goals. One would think he’ll need a similar return on Sunday if the Doggies are to take the four points.
Pivotal match-ups
Jason Akermanis v Sean Dempster/Jared Crouch
Brad Johnson v Craig Bolton
Peter Street/Luke Darcy v Peter Everitt/Darren Jolly
The young gun
Shaun Higgins: Higgins booted four goals last week and was the round eight NAB AFL Rising Star nomination. He has silky skills on both sides of his body, and while not possessing the same blistering speed as Jason Akermanis, his dynamic skills off each foot are making rival coaches sit up and take note. Give the 19-year-old too much room and he can cut you to shreds.
The importance of the game
It might only be round nine, but a close look at the AFL ladder sees a logjam of teams on five wins. This is an eight-point game for the two clubs. The Bulldogs can keep pace with the league pacesetters with a win while going two games clear of the Swans. Roos’ men are looking to get on level terms with the Dogs, while getting their win-loss record into positive territory. It looks the match of the round on paper, but for both sides it’s their match of the year.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club.
