Where and when: MCG, Friday September 12, 7:50pm
Head to head: Western Bulldogs 73 Sydney Swans 69 wins, one draw
Last time: Western Bulldogs 17.11 (113) def Sydney Swans 14.13 (97), round 18, 2008, at Manuka Oval
Last finals meeting: Western Bulldogs 18.11 (119) d Sydney Swans 12.12 (84), qualifying final, 1997, at the MCG

SUMMARY
Concerns over the Dogs' poor late season form intensified following last week's heavy loss to the Hawks in the opening game of the finals series. The fear of going out in straight sets has got to be some sort of factor after such strong form earlier in the year.

The Swans gave the Kangas a fairly decent head start at ANZ Stadium, but remained calm to reel in the side that had a mortgage on fourth spot a fortnight ago.

The Bulldogs can at least draw some confidence from their performances against the Swans this season which have seen them come away with two wins. 

The 'too old, too slow' Swans looked more battle-hardened than over the hill in their elimination final win, but the Dogs are undoubtedly a talented unit and just need to find a way back to playing the sort of footy that landed them in third spot to start with.

MEDICAL ROOM
Western Bulldogs
Robert Murphy (corked knee - expected to play)
Lindsay Gilbee (corked thigh - expected to play)
Brennan Stack (foot - to be assessed)
Malcolm Lynch (ongoing hamstring - out for remainder of 2008 season)
Tom Williams (shoulder - out for remainder of 2008 season)
Jarrad Grant (early signs of osteitis pubis - out for remainder of 2008 season)
Scott West (knee - has elected not to play for remainder of 2008 season)

Sydney Swans
Craig Bird (groin – test)
Heath Grundy (groin – test)
Luke Brennan (hamstring – test)
Michael O'Loughlin (ankle – TBA)
Henry Playfair (hamstring - 1-2 weeks)
Brendan Murphy (shoulder - 1-2 weeks)
Tim Schmidt (knee – season)
Matt Laidlaw (hamstring – season)
Kristin Thornton (knee ACL – season)
Daniel O'Keefe (groin – season)
Brett Meredith (shoulder – season)
Nick Davis (knee – season)

STRENGTHS
Western Bulldogs
The Dogs have been able to move the ball at pace under Rodney Eade, but the coach has managed to add a hard edge to his side's game this year. Adam Cooney, Daniel Cross, Matthew Boyd and Ryan Griffen form the nucleus of one of the best onball brigades in the league.

Sydney Swans
The Swans have earned the right to be regarded as hardened finalist specialists over the past few years. Their in-and-under style is perfectly suited to September and they have the ability to blunt the most potent of attacks.

WEAKNESSES
Western Bulldogs
The hard edge that served the Dogs so well earlier in the season has deserted them of late. With Tom Williams (shoulder) injured, the Bullies are short one big man in defence. With the losses mounting at the wrong end of the year questions have been asked about the mental strength of Eade's men.
 
Sydney Swans
The Swans' midfield isn't as deep as some and if one or two key players are down or kept quiet then there's not a lot of guys who are going to be able to step up. Despite kicking 17 goals last week, putting enough points on the board has been an issue for the Swans this year.

GAMEBREAKER
Western Bulldogs – Adam Cooney
The classy onballer has blossomed this season and can now be considered one of the elite midfielders in the competition, if he wasn’t already. His run and carry through the middle will be vital and he can really hurt sides with his ability to sneak forward and kick a goal.

Sydney Swans – Barry Hall
Hall's year has been forgettable – for a variety of reasons -- but he showed signs he was getting back on track last week against the Roos. He was physical, moved well and contributed three goals.

X-FACTOR
The major unknown going into this match is what's happening above the shoulders of the men in red, white and blue. Confidence is hard to gain, but can be lost in an instant and it will be interesting to see what sort of mindset the Dogs carry into the clash.