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Western Bulldogs vs Brisbane Lions, Saturday 14th June, MCG 2:10pm
(Yes, a day early however I may be busy tomorrow)
FORM THIS SEASON:
Bulldogs: 9 wins, 1 draw, 1 Loss (3rd)
Lions: 7 wins, 4 losses (6th)
The Bulldogs second win in 7 weeks against the Saints (a bogey team of recent times) proves the new-look Bulldogs outfit to be a genuine contender (despite what Grant Thomas thinks). Although the Saints did pretty up the scoreboard with a number of junk time goals, this was in part due to Eade's plan at 3 quarter time to play all the kids in different positions to offer some genuine gametime to the pups. All the more pleasing was reaching the 100 point margin for the 11th straight time this season, and doing so without (arguably) our real best mid-sized forward, Robert Murphy. Akermanis lifted in his absence, with 11 shots on goal (6.4, 1 not making the distance) which included some tight angle set shots that he duly iced. Boyd showed his late 2007 form was no fluke, with 34 touches in his 101st game, whilst Gia's 4 goals from limited gametime showed just how important he is as an impact player.
This was a win on the back of perhaps a season defining victory against ladder-leaders Hawthorn, who, despite injuries to a few key runners, looked out of sorts against a ferocious Bulldog outfit. The Bulldogs have lifted their intensity in the past two weeks, noticeably in their attack on the ball after a smarting loss to North Melbourne two weeks ago and appear to again be on the improve.
Meanwhile the Lions with 20 fit players cruised to 22 point victory against a Dockers side which has clearly lost it's mojo. Black continued his brilliant season with a BOG performance, whilst silky midfielder Travis Johnstone (3 goals) and the designated Brisbane quarterback Joel McDonald (30 touches) were influential. Big Jon Brown (15 marks, 22 possies) also kicked 3 for the Lions as the major focal point after Bradshaw left the field in the 3rd quarter with a hamstring injury. Brisbane have now put together 3 wins in a row and appear to be in some serious form heading into the clash with the mighty Doggies.
PLAYERS MISSING - TEAM SELECTION:
The Bulldogs will miss Shaun Higgins for a few more weeks at least, along with some bloke called Scott who is rumoured to have played a game or two. Lake hurt his knee against the Saints but played on after quarter time and is expected to play on Saturday. Murphy should be back after having a week's holiday due to Xavier Ellis head-butting his shoulder, although he would have missed the Saints clash anyway with gout.
The Lions have their own injury worries with Bradshaw carrying a hamstring (a common occurrence for players coming back from ACLs, as Bulldogs fans are sadly all too aware of). Scott Harding didn't play after 3 quarter time as well, although he continued to cycle and warm up on the sidelines.
Brown is carrying an injured knee however it seems even an amputation wouldn't be enough to stop him from playing these days. Nigel Lappin & Colm Begley are at least a fortnight away, whilst Ash McGrath, Jason Fishegg and Josh Drummond all a chance to return.
LAST MEETING:
Round 11 2007, Gabba (Night Match)
Apologies - no official match report available.
Bulldogs 6.8 7.12 13.15 13.17.95
Lions 2.3 2.7 7.8 10.12.72
Johnno bagged 4 (all in the first half)
Notting & Brennan both kicked 3 for the lions
Ash McGrath being a late withdrawal for the game, this match marked the return of Aker to the Gabba, and the locals let him know all about it, although an Aker mark & goal in the first quarter silenced the crowd somewhat. Johnno starred early with 4 first-half goals, whilst Hahn kicked a contender for goal of the week early in the 3rd. The Bulldogs stopped dead in the last quarter with injuries to Griffen (a season-ending owie with a bad knee) and Cross restricting our run on the night, and eventually our season as losing runners began to take it's toll on our 2007 fortunes. Jared Brennan (rated highly by Clayton) kicked a brilliant goal for the home team but at the end of the night the most enduring image was of Aker's handstand in the centre circle to the rousing boos of the Lions faithful.
KEY DUELS:
Backline:
HF: Johnstone, Brown, Selwood
HB: Addison, Lake, Gilbee
F: Hooper, Clark, Rischitelli
B: Shaggy, Williams, Morris
Jon Brown vs Brian Lake - The big one. Lake should come up with a knee whilst the pressure will be on Brown to lead the team as Bradshaw is likely to miss. Brown may try to lead up the ground to take Lake away from his goalrectangle (the natural habitat of Lakus Brawnus) and if he does so Tommygun may be switched onto him
Addison vs Johnstone - Johnstone has been sent forward as well as playing on the wing, DFA can run with a player in both positions.
Rhan Hooper vs Shaggy Hargrave - Hargrave has been playing on smalls this season, and after flogging both Mark Williams (the Hawthorn chocker, not the coach of the Port chockers) and Farmer in successive weeks, should be able to contain the only Lion with a first name as bad as Farren.
Mitch Clark vs Tom Williams - Young KPP prospects, Clark should play forward in the absence of Bradshaw as well. Williams would feel more comfortable at home in defence. Without Clark in the Lions forward line, Williams should look to go to a resting Leunburger
Selwood may try to play a negating role on Gilbee, Morris to take Rischitelli who has been in fine form. Should a Leunberger or Charman rest forward, Morris to go to Clark and Williams to go to the resting ruckman.
Midfield:
Sherman vs Cooney - The Sherminator has been handed some serious tagging jobs this year, and although he struggled against first year wonder Rhys Palmer last week, would be expecting a big week against (arguably) our best midfielder for 2008 in the Coondog.
Boyd vs Black - Both are in steller form, Black possibly leading the B&F at the Lions whilst Boyd is in career best form, racking up 34 touches whilst beating Dal Santo last week.
Charman vs Hudson - Huddo looks like he should be okay to play, will need to be on his game against the aggressive Charman. The Burger may be a little too mobile around the ground for our rucks however it is our power at the stoppages that would worry Lethal most. Interstingly the Burger is only 1 clearance behind Charman at this stage of the season.
Would expect Cross to go with Power whilst Griffen & Adcock to run together where rotations allow, although the spped of interchange rotations in teh mdifield these days makes direct match-ups hard to predict.
Forwards:
Tiller vs McDonald - Tiller may be asked to play a defensive forward role on the dangerous McDonald whose rebound has sparkled many a forward Lion thrust.
Brennan vs Murphy - Brennan has been playing in defence this year, and his mobility and overhead ability should make this a cracking contest.
Minson vs Merrett - The big ranga is a genuine top line FB, and is probably the only Lions big enough to go with Wilbur
Johnson vs Drummond/Roe - One of the Lions should return this week, leaving Patful for Aker. Both can play a taller role which means they can match Johnno overhead.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY:
Whilst only Hawthorn have the better 1 & 2 tall forward combo in the AFL, the loss of Bradshaw is massive for the Lions. The key will be in the midfield, where the Lions have a strong contested gameplan based on Lethal's team rules which reward hard efforts. The Bulldogs should be able to match them in this area, with Cooney, Griffen, Cross, Boyd, Eagle, Ray & Gia in the centre rotations comparing favourably with Power, Adcock, Black, Corrie, Notting and perhaps Rischitelli & Johnstone.
The Lions have had an (arguably) tough draw so far this year although the Bulldogs have played 4 of the 7 other teams in the 8, with away wins against the Hawks & Swans being highlights showing interstate travel isn't a huge problem for the pups.
The larger MCG should help the run of the Bulldogs who almost doubled the running bounce total of the Saints last week.
With an unpredictable forwardline, Cooney having a quiet game by his standards last week due to bounce back and Aker is sparkling form (and extra motivation against his old side), I'm predicting a 17 point win to the doggies.
(Yes, a day early however I may be busy tomorrow)
FORM THIS SEASON:
Bulldogs: 9 wins, 1 draw, 1 Loss (3rd)
Lions: 7 wins, 4 losses (6th)
The Bulldogs second win in 7 weeks against the Saints (a bogey team of recent times) proves the new-look Bulldogs outfit to be a genuine contender (despite what Grant Thomas thinks). Although the Saints did pretty up the scoreboard with a number of junk time goals, this was in part due to Eade's plan at 3 quarter time to play all the kids in different positions to offer some genuine gametime to the pups. All the more pleasing was reaching the 100 point margin for the 11th straight time this season, and doing so without (arguably) our real best mid-sized forward, Robert Murphy. Akermanis lifted in his absence, with 11 shots on goal (6.4, 1 not making the distance) which included some tight angle set shots that he duly iced. Boyd showed his late 2007 form was no fluke, with 34 touches in his 101st game, whilst Gia's 4 goals from limited gametime showed just how important he is as an impact player.
This was a win on the back of perhaps a season defining victory against ladder-leaders Hawthorn, who, despite injuries to a few key runners, looked out of sorts against a ferocious Bulldog outfit. The Bulldogs have lifted their intensity in the past two weeks, noticeably in their attack on the ball after a smarting loss to North Melbourne two weeks ago and appear to again be on the improve.
Meanwhile the Lions with 20 fit players cruised to 22 point victory against a Dockers side which has clearly lost it's mojo. Black continued his brilliant season with a BOG performance, whilst silky midfielder Travis Johnstone (3 goals) and the designated Brisbane quarterback Joel McDonald (30 touches) were influential. Big Jon Brown (15 marks, 22 possies) also kicked 3 for the Lions as the major focal point after Bradshaw left the field in the 3rd quarter with a hamstring injury. Brisbane have now put together 3 wins in a row and appear to be in some serious form heading into the clash with the mighty Doggies.
PLAYERS MISSING - TEAM SELECTION:
The Bulldogs will miss Shaun Higgins for a few more weeks at least, along with some bloke called Scott who is rumoured to have played a game or two. Lake hurt his knee against the Saints but played on after quarter time and is expected to play on Saturday. Murphy should be back after having a week's holiday due to Xavier Ellis head-butting his shoulder, although he would have missed the Saints clash anyway with gout.
The Lions have their own injury worries with Bradshaw carrying a hamstring (a common occurrence for players coming back from ACLs, as Bulldogs fans are sadly all too aware of). Scott Harding didn't play after 3 quarter time as well, although he continued to cycle and warm up on the sidelines.
Brown is carrying an injured knee however it seems even an amputation wouldn't be enough to stop him from playing these days. Nigel Lappin & Colm Begley are at least a fortnight away, whilst Ash McGrath, Jason Fishegg and Josh Drummond all a chance to return.
LAST MEETING:
Round 11 2007, Gabba (Night Match)
Apologies - no official match report available.
Bulldogs 6.8 7.12 13.15 13.17.95
Lions 2.3 2.7 7.8 10.12.72
Johnno bagged 4 (all in the first half)
Notting & Brennan both kicked 3 for the lions
Ash McGrath being a late withdrawal for the game, this match marked the return of Aker to the Gabba, and the locals let him know all about it, although an Aker mark & goal in the first quarter silenced the crowd somewhat. Johnno starred early with 4 first-half goals, whilst Hahn kicked a contender for goal of the week early in the 3rd. The Bulldogs stopped dead in the last quarter with injuries to Griffen (a season-ending owie with a bad knee) and Cross restricting our run on the night, and eventually our season as losing runners began to take it's toll on our 2007 fortunes. Jared Brennan (rated highly by Clayton) kicked a brilliant goal for the home team but at the end of the night the most enduring image was of Aker's handstand in the centre circle to the rousing boos of the Lions faithful.
KEY DUELS:
Backline:
HF: Johnstone, Brown, Selwood
HB: Addison, Lake, Gilbee
F: Hooper, Clark, Rischitelli
B: Shaggy, Williams, Morris
Jon Brown vs Brian Lake - The big one. Lake should come up with a knee whilst the pressure will be on Brown to lead the team as Bradshaw is likely to miss. Brown may try to lead up the ground to take Lake away from his goalrectangle (the natural habitat of Lakus Brawnus) and if he does so Tommygun may be switched onto him
Addison vs Johnstone - Johnstone has been sent forward as well as playing on the wing, DFA can run with a player in both positions.
Rhan Hooper vs Shaggy Hargrave - Hargrave has been playing on smalls this season, and after flogging both Mark Williams (the Hawthorn chocker, not the coach of the Port chockers) and Farmer in successive weeks, should be able to contain the only Lion with a first name as bad as Farren.
Mitch Clark vs Tom Williams - Young KPP prospects, Clark should play forward in the absence of Bradshaw as well. Williams would feel more comfortable at home in defence. Without Clark in the Lions forward line, Williams should look to go to a resting Leunburger
Selwood may try to play a negating role on Gilbee, Morris to take Rischitelli who has been in fine form. Should a Leunberger or Charman rest forward, Morris to go to Clark and Williams to go to the resting ruckman.
Midfield:
Sherman vs Cooney - The Sherminator has been handed some serious tagging jobs this year, and although he struggled against first year wonder Rhys Palmer last week, would be expecting a big week against (arguably) our best midfielder for 2008 in the Coondog.
Boyd vs Black - Both are in steller form, Black possibly leading the B&F at the Lions whilst Boyd is in career best form, racking up 34 touches whilst beating Dal Santo last week.
Charman vs Hudson - Huddo looks like he should be okay to play, will need to be on his game against the aggressive Charman. The Burger may be a little too mobile around the ground for our rucks however it is our power at the stoppages that would worry Lethal most. Interstingly the Burger is only 1 clearance behind Charman at this stage of the season.
Would expect Cross to go with Power whilst Griffen & Adcock to run together where rotations allow, although the spped of interchange rotations in teh mdifield these days makes direct match-ups hard to predict.
Forwards:
Tiller vs McDonald - Tiller may be asked to play a defensive forward role on the dangerous McDonald whose rebound has sparkled many a forward Lion thrust.
Brennan vs Murphy - Brennan has been playing in defence this year, and his mobility and overhead ability should make this a cracking contest.
Minson vs Merrett - The big ranga is a genuine top line FB, and is probably the only Lions big enough to go with Wilbur
Johnson vs Drummond/Roe - One of the Lions should return this week, leaving Patful for Aker. Both can play a taller role which means they can match Johnno overhead.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY:
Whilst only Hawthorn have the better 1 & 2 tall forward combo in the AFL, the loss of Bradshaw is massive for the Lions. The key will be in the midfield, where the Lions have a strong contested gameplan based on Lethal's team rules which reward hard efforts. The Bulldogs should be able to match them in this area, with Cooney, Griffen, Cross, Boyd, Eagle, Ray & Gia in the centre rotations comparing favourably with Power, Adcock, Black, Corrie, Notting and perhaps Rischitelli & Johnstone.
The Lions have had an (arguably) tough draw so far this year although the Bulldogs have played 4 of the 7 other teams in the 8, with away wins against the Hawks & Swans being highlights showing interstate travel isn't a huge problem for the pups.
The larger MCG should help the run of the Bulldogs who almost doubled the running bounce total of the Saints last week.
With an unpredictable forwardline, Cooney having a quiet game by his standards last week due to bounce back and Aker is sparkling form (and extra motivation against his old side), I'm predicting a 17 point win to the doggies.
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