As we approach the midway point of the 2019 season, the Western Bulldogs are staring at the barrel of another disappointing year. Sitting 13th with just four wins to their name, it doesn't get any easier for the Bulldogs before their mid-season bye, with a trip to Perth to take on the reigning premiers in West Coast at the very unhappy hunting ground that is Optus Stadium. I can't speak for every Bulldog supporter reading this, but I think you'd have to agree that they have been one of the more frustrating teams this year. Disappointing against another bottom four side last week in the form of a North Melbourne side that had practically sacked their coach just 24 hours prior. It comes after a promising three quarters against Geelong, as well as big wins over top-eight teams Richmond and Brisbane.
Their record at Optus Stadium currently stands at 0-3 and will most likely add another one to the loss column against an Eagles side that are just getting the wins on the board. Whilst not dominating as much as they were last year, the old adage that good sides find a way to win ring true with the Eagles. Last week's win against Adelaide was perhaps their best win of the season, when they were down by as much as 33 points early in the third quarter.
The Dogs' record in Perth will be well and truly in the favour of the Eagles, with the Bulldogs winning just once from their past 13 visits out West. Whilst it is fair to say that West Coast are the strong favourites here, don't discount on the Bulldogs to give them something here – they seem to play their best footy when their backs are against the wall, and after losses this year to Gold Coast, Carlton and now North Melbourne – You've got to sense that pressure is beginning to mount on him, if it hasn't already. The Teams
Western Bulldogs
IN: Billy Gowers, Lachie Young, Ryan Gardner
OUT: Ed Richards (Omitted), Mitch Wallis (Ankle), Hayden Crozier (Toe) B: Jason Johannisen, Jackson Trengove, Bailey Williams HB: Caleb Daniel, Zaine Cordy, Easton Wood C: Lachie Hunter, Tom Liberatore, Bailey Smith HF: Matthew Suckling, Ryan Gardner, Sam Lloyd
F: Marcus Bontempelli, Aaron Naughton, Billy Gowers
FOL: Tim English, Josh Dunkley, Jack Macrae
INT: Toby McLean, Patrick Lipinski, Bailey Dale, Lachie Young EMG: Josh Schache, Rhylee West, Tory Dickson, Roarke Smith
Three changes to the Bulldogs' team this week. Two of them forced with unfortunate injuries to Mitch Wallis and Hayden Crozier set to miss weeks with an ankle and toe injury respectively. Both of them bad blows as they have been playing some good footy this year. Ed Richards will also not make the trip up as he was axed from the side of 26 on Thursday night.
However, mid-season draftee Ryan Gardner will make his debut on Sunday after displaying solid form for Footscray in the VFL all throughout the year so far. Gardner was selected on Monday night by the Bulldogs after being delisted by Geelong at the end of 2018, playing a grand total of zero games in three seasons at the Cattery. By Tuesday night, he was handed his debut. His ability to play both forward and back will be vital to the Dogs' team going towards the back half of the year. They have also named in Billy Gowers and Lachie Young after they were both sent back to the VFL last week.
West Coast IN: Lewis Jetta OUT: Jackson Nelson (Omitted)
B: Shannon Hurn, Will Schofield, Liam Duggan HB: Brad Sheppard, Jeremy McGovern, Lewis Jetta
C: Jamie Cripps, Luke Shuey, Andrew Gaff
HF: Jack Petruccelle, Jack Darling, Dom Sheed
F: Liam Ryan, Josh Kennedy, Willie Rioli FOL: Nathan Vardy, Elliot Yeo, Jack Redden
INT: Jake Waterman, Oscar Allen, Tom Cole, Mark Hutchings
EMG: Jackson Nelson, Brayden Ainsworth, Brendon Ah Chee, Josh Smith
Just the one change for the Eagles, with Lewis Jetta coming back into the side after he missed last week's win against the Crows due to a suspension for a dangerous tackle the week previous. Whilst not the number one offensive defender in the side, Jetta still provides good run and carry down in defence, averaging 15.7 disposals, 3.7 rebound 50s and 4.3 marks per game in what I consider a solid return. The one that makes way for Jetta is Jackson Nelson, who only managed just four disposals in Adelaide last week. Recent History (Past 10 Matches)
Round 18, 2018 – Optus Stadium: West Coast 14.16.100 def Western Bulldogs 6.10.46
Round 2, 2018 - Etihad Stadium: Western Bulldogs 9.16.70 def by West Coast 18.13.121 Round 15, 2017 - Etihad Stadium: Western Bulldogs 11.14.80 def by West Coast 12.15.87 Round 8, 2017 - Subiaco: West Coast 9.15.69 def Western Bulldogs 8.13.61 Elimination Final, 2016 - Subiaco: West Coast 7.10.52 def by Western Bulldogs 14.15.99 Round 11, 2016 - Etihad Stadium: Western Bulldogs 12.11.83 def West Coast 11.9.75 Round 21, 2015 - Subiaco: West Coast 25.12.162 def Western Bulldogs 13.7.85 Round 1, 2015 - Etihad Stadium: Western Bulldogs 14.13.97 def West Coast 14.3.87 Round 1, 2014 - Subiaco: West Coast 21.8.134 def Western Bulldogs 11.3.69 Round 18, 2013 - Etihad Stadium: Western Bulldogs 16.15.111 def West Coast 13.11.89
Players To Watch
Western Bulldogs – Jack Macrae
A bit like the form guide of the Bulldogs so far, Jack Macrae's 2019 has been a bit hot and cold. Last week saw rack up 22 disposals, the lowest total since round 18 last year. In 2018, he hit 30 disposals or more in 16 of the 19 games he played last year. So far, he's done it in five games this year and he has played every game so far. Opposition teams are starting to work him out, but he was really disappointing last week in a game that the Bulldogs needed him. Has to bounce back this week against the Eagles, where he has a decent record against them.
West Coast – Andrew Gaff
Speaking of players that have a good record, Andrew Gaff's history against the Bulldogs has been ridiculous. Across his past four matches against the Bulldogs, he has averaged nearly 35 disposals and seven marks per game. Since returning to the Eagles line up this year, Gaff has averaged career-high numbers in disposals (averaging 32 per game), marks (7.1 per game), tackles (3.3 per game and clearances (3.6 per game). Any danger of putting someone on him to shadow him would be fantastic and much appreciated.
Final Verdict – West Coast By 35 Points
It'd take a brave man to back this mob in over in the West. Whilst I think they will respond to a degree, I think the Eagles are just starting to hit their stride, despite being 7-3 and just on the cusp of the top four. Some of the wins have been unconvincing to say the least, but the Eagles' big comeback win last week has them well set for the second half of their season. Another Dog that needs a big game is Tim English, who was towelled in the ruck by Todd Goldstein last week. Given that Nic Naitanui is still some weeks away from a return, he'll be up for the contest in his home state. West Coast's forward line is looking pretty ominous. Josh Kennedy seems to have a good game against the Dogs almost every time. Jack Darling was huge in their two games against the Bulldogs last year, and Liam Ryan, Jack Petruccelle and Willie Rioli are all dangerous players with speed and ability to get into good positions for goals. I have a feeling all the Bulldogs' back six will have their hands full if the West Coast midfielders have their way in the centre.