WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday August 19, 3.15pm
LAST TIME: Sydney Swans 20.12 (132) d Western Bulldogs 5.10 (40), round 10, 2012 at the SCG
TV and RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
MATCH DAY INFORMATION: Click here for all Sunday's Match Day Information

The Sydney Swans' nine-match winning streak was broken by Collingwood last Saturday night but the Swans still hold top spot by percentage from Adelaide and the Magpies. With stars like Adam Goodes and Lewis Jetta desperate to atone for sub-par performances, they will be hellbent on bouncing back in style - and the Bulldogs look set to become their unfortunate victims. The 15th-placed Dogs have lost their past eight games by an average of 59 points and will continue to give opportunities to young players. Another blowout looms, with the Swans eyeing their fourth consecutive victory over the Dogs in the first clash between the two clubs at Etihad Stadium.

THE FOUR POINTS

SYDNEY SWANS

1. Adam Goodes has found himself under a little heat this week following a poor display against Collingwood. The champion co-captain was undoubtedly well below his best. But he is a proud footballer and it wouldn't surprise to see him bounce back very strongly against the Bulldogs.

2. It's not just a fired-up Goodes who should have the Dogs on guard. Having spent the past six weeks atop the ladder, the Swans are one loss away from a slide down an incredibly tight table. Finishing the season with tough games against the Hawks and Cats only emphasises their situation. So the Swans will have their eyes on a percentage and confidence-boosting trip to Melbourne this week.

3. The Swans had been receiving an even contribution during its nine-game winning streak, but that was not the case against the Pies. The likes of Dan Hannebery, Lewis Jetta, Goodes, Ben McGlynn and Jarrad McVeigh were all below their best. All will be intent on rebounding from that strongly against an inexperienced Dogs line-up.

4. Sam Reid is tipped to return from a knee injury this week and his comeback would be ideal for the Swans. Without him, the team's structure isn't as sound. Lewis Roberts-Thomson has been putting in as a forward, but Goodes has struggled and some of the other goalkickers, such as Jetta, Kieren Jack and Ryan O'Keefe, haven't had the same impact in front of the big sticks.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

1. It's a bit like Groundhog Day, but worth reinforcing nonetheless. The Dogs' have been deplorable after half-time in their past eight games (all losses), being outscored by 56 goals (81.48 to just 26.42). Last week against Richmond they appeared to have cured their affliction when they kicked five quick goals in the third term to get back within six points. Then they conceded 11 of the last 12 goals.

2. The main interest for Dogs fans in recent weeks has been the efforts of their youngsters, with the club blooding four players over the past fortnight. Another potential debutant is 21-year-old key forward Matthew Panos, who received a tick of approval from assistant coach Steven King at a press conference on Tuesday.

3. Brian Lake is a brilliant fullback and a potentially match-winning forward, as he showed when he kicked two goals against the Tigers after starting in attack. Dylan Addison has also gone forward, exposing the Dogs' defence but giving great experience to developing youngsters like Jordan Roughead, Michael Talia, Fletcher Roberts and Jason Johannisen.

4. Jarrad Grant showed some positive signs last week with 17 touches, eight marks and two goal assists in a predominantly defensive role against the Tigers. Maligned for his lack of intensity, he took a courageous contested mark and linked up better with handball. Needs to finish the season with momentum to rebuild his self-belief.

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL