Round three will see the yearly ‘Pride Game’ return as the Western Bulldogs host Carlton for at the Whitten Oval for the third straight year. With both teams coming off bad losses in round two, this looms as a massive contest to get back into top three contention within conference B.
We touched on the Bulldogs’ game against Melbourne over the weekend. To be honest, even with the conditions as bad as they were, I thought that it gave me a bit more of an understanding of where the team is at against the good sides of the competition. Last Friday night they were taught a football lesson by the Dees and by the end of it, I’d say the 20-point deficit was very flattering, considering how dominant and classy the Dees were in the conditions.
Having said that, I have no doubt that Nathan Burke and the team have assessed what has happened during the week and could eye themselves off a massive scalp in the form of last year’s Grand Finalists. Who themselves, have came off second best against their old rivals in Collingwood at their own home deck that is Ikon Park.
The Blues proved last year that they will be thereabouts again this season. But on Sunday, the Pies had their measure all game long and all over the ground, the important areas of the ground were won by Collingwood. It’s going to be interesting to see how they respond after a being touched up by a Pies side who have been one of a few surprise packets this season - having been one of a few sides to go two from two.
This year’s pride game is all about redemption after what was a poor weekend from both sides. I can’t wait to see how these sides bounce back.
The Teams
Western Bulldogs
IN: Izzy Huntington, Brooke Lochland OUT: Nicole Callinan, Amelia Van Oosterwijck (Both Omitted)
B: Angelica Gogos, Lauren Spark HB: Katy Herron, Ellyse Gamble, Naomi Ferres C: Bailey Hunt, Kirsty Lamb, Gemma Lagioia HF: Gabby Newton, Bonnie Toogood, Kirsten McLeod F: Elisabeth Georgostathis, Deanna Berry FOL: Kim Rennie, Ellie Blackburn, Aisling McCarthy INT: Eleanor Brown, Dani Marshall, Izzy Huntington, Hannah Scott, Brooke Lochland EMG: Nicole Callinan, Hannah Munyard
The Bulldogs with two big names coming into the side this weekend. Izzy Huntington comes back in after missing last week’s game with concussion and should slot right back in that key defender/intercept role. She’ll be massive, as she was important in the St. Kilda game. Likewise the next inclusion: Brooke Lochland, who had herself that blinder in the 2018 pride game, will play her first game of 2020 after missing the first couple of weeks with a hamstring strain, whether she plays forward or a role more up the ground, she’s an important in to have. Making way for the pair is first-gamer from last week Amelia Van Oosterwijck and veteran Nicole Callinan, which is a bit of a shock.
Carlton
IN: Jess Edwards OUT: Joanne Doonan (Omitted)
B: Gabby Pound, Charlotte Wilson HB: Kerryn Harrington, Vaomua Laloifi, Nicola Stevens C: Chloe Dalton, Katie Loynes, Sarah Hosking HF: Brooke Walker, Tayla Harris, Natalie Plane F: Alison Downie, Darcy Vescio FOL: Breann Moody, Grace Egan, Maddy Prespakis INT: Jess Hosking, Lucy McEvoy, Lauren Brazzale, Georgia Gee, Jess Edwards EMG: Brooke Vernon, Courtney Jones
Carlton have only made the one change following their loss to Collingwood. Irish recruit Joanne Doonan was dropped for the team to make way for defender Jess Edwards, who is playing her first game of 2020. Edwards played seven of nine games in 2019 and is a proven ball winner in defence and has shown plenty of run and carry across half-back.
The Big Question
Western Bulldogs - Can Brooke Lochland Help The Dogs’ Forward Struggles?
Last week, the Dogs were just simply horrible at moving the ball forward - that was when they did have the ball. Getting it forward of centre was a big issue and it often resolved in turnovers and a lack of scoring opportunity. Brooke Lochland is a proven goal-kicker - Carlton fans cast your mind back to 2018 - but she is also very capable of causing score assists. She’s no messiah by any means, but I think she will help the forwards out to a degree, she’s still got the pace and the skill to cause problems. She’ll be one to watch on Saturday.
Carlton - If Tayla Harris Is Shut Out Of The Game, Where Do The Goals Come From?
It’s interesting case to dissect here, as obviously teams will start working on methods to take her out of the game altogether, because it’s no secret that Tayla Harris is the go-to option up forward. Darcy Vescio was dangerous in round one, but was unsighted last week. So she needs to be up and about when Harris has her down performances. Chloe Dalton and Brooke Walker were dangerous presences last year and I’ve seen Nicola Stevens play up forward for a minimum return. It might just be the one thing that derails the Blues’ premiership aspirations.
Players To Watch
Western Bulldogs - Hannah Scott
I’ll be honest, I was very disappointed with Hannah Scott last weekend against the Demons, in conditions which she would’ve thrived on, being that kind of midfielder that loves to crash and bash the packs, she was hardly sighted. But, I’ll back her in to have a strong one. She has had some good games against the Blues in years gone by. I wouldn’t put it past her to have another strong performance on Saturday. They’re going to need her if the Bulldogs have any chance of pulling off an unlikely victory.
Carlton - Tayla Harris
Obviously, this is the big one. Harris had a great game in round one against Richmond, but last week, she was handed an absolute bath from key defender Stacey Livingstone. The big kicker of course was Livinstone’s comments post-match, saying if you take away her aerial game, then she is useless. A bit of a harsh way of putting it, but she’s got a point. Harris thrives on the air, but don’t give her any slack when the ball hits the deck, because she won’t hesitate to put you on your backside. I can sense a big game coming from her this week.
Final Verdict - Carlton By 8 Points
When I read the two teams, line by line, I think Carlton have the strongest list of the two. All the bases are covered on every line and whilst the Dogs have got a talented list in their own right, I think that last week kind of showed that experience-wise they might not be on the same level. Nonetheless, I’m excited to see how the Bulldogs shape up against last year’s Grand Finalists.
I can see them getting close in a similar fashion to last year - perhaps maybe with a goal or two before the final quarter this time round. But I think the overall experience in the Blues’ list and the fact that the bulk of the squad have been together since the inaugural season. I think that should help them prevail, but I will be looking forward to see how the Bulldogs respond from what was a poor showing last time out.