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2008 Results
Rd 15. Western Bulldogs (95) dftd Melbourne (64)
Rd 2. Melbourne (66) dftd by Western Bulldogs (161)
2009 Form
Melbourne 1 wins 6 losses
Western Bulldogs 4 wins 3 losses
Players under the Pump
Western Bulldogs – Andrejs Everitt, Ben Hudson,
Melbourne – Hard to judge as there isn’t any real pressure that comes with expectation.
Players under consideration
Western Bulldogs - Tim Callan, Callan Ward, Wayde Skipper
Melbourne – Michael Newton, Daniel Bell, Kyle Cheney
Summary – A chance for the Bulldogs to entrench themselves in the top 4 against an improving Melbourne.
Key Match-ups
Dale Morris vs Russel Robertson
Robertson is up and running after recovering from a horrific archilles tendon injury. Dale’s closing speed will help shut down Robertson on the lead, and he’ll take heart in the fact that he’s not having to punch above his weight like last week against St Nick. Robertson has troubled us at times but I’m confident Dale will do what he does best – make his opponent beg for mercy
Aaron Davey vs Jarrod Harbrow
Harbrow is a good match up for The Flash, as he is quick enough to stay with him and can follow him into the midfield. Davey will also have to respect Harbrow’s attacking instincts, as we all know he loves to move the ball forward by dodging and weaving. If Davey gets on top I’d stick Picken in his back pocket and see if he enjoys the attention. If I recall correctly, Callan did a number on Davey last year and he didn’t take it well at all.
Cale Morton vs Daniel Cross
Cale Morton is averaging 25 possessions, is tall and if he created a tag team with Ayce Cordy the combined weight would barely tip 100kg. He’s one of Melbourne’s prime movers and we need to curb his influence in linking up from the half back line/wing. Crossy played himself into some form last week, throwing himself into packs and taking some very nice overhead marks. Put him head to head with Morton and make the kid worry about stopping Crossy, rather than being a weapon himself.
Lynden Dunn vs Adam Cooney
Last time out, Dunn tagged Cooney in a big way and really curbed his influence. With Cooney showing some ripping form last week, I expect a tough day at the office for little Lynden. I also expect Griffen to have a big one as Melbourne will be forced to put in time and resources into stopping Coon, hopefully freeing up Griff.
Brad Miller vs Tom Williams
Someone mentioned that Miller is playing like a poor man’s Riewoldt – that’s almost like comparing Bill Gates to a bum living under a bridge – but I understand the analogy. After getting taught a lesson by Taylor Walker last week, I expect Williams to have a chance at redemption by getting an early crack at Miller at some stage. Miller is dangerous because he does work hard and is a good size, but he doesn’t have a lot of tricks. That’s what tends to worry Tommy – the forwards who are too clever and outsmart him. Bloody rugby background!
Who else do the Melbourne have to watch?
Aker only needs a dozen possessions to split open a game, Murphy is dancing and dazzling again and Josh Hill is like a ghost, floating in front of packs.
Also, dare I say it – Eagleton could be a game breaker if his kicking boot is on and he’s prepared to run hard into dangerous positions like last week.
The Verdict
Wins are like gold this year, with a log jammed ladder indicating how even it is this year.
If the Dogs are to be considered real contenders we should win this in a canter, playing tough and skilled football.
But – Melbourne are definitely not the rabble they were last year. With some decent youngsters coming through and an improved appetite for the contest, you would imagine Rocket will be drilling into the boys that a win should not be taken as a given.
Dogs by 45 points after breaking open the game after half time.
Rd 15. Western Bulldogs (95) dftd Melbourne (64)
Rd 2. Melbourne (66) dftd by Western Bulldogs (161)
2009 Form
Melbourne 1 wins 6 losses
Western Bulldogs 4 wins 3 losses
Players under the Pump
Western Bulldogs – Andrejs Everitt, Ben Hudson,
Melbourne – Hard to judge as there isn’t any real pressure that comes with expectation.
Players under consideration
Western Bulldogs - Tim Callan, Callan Ward, Wayde Skipper
Melbourne – Michael Newton, Daniel Bell, Kyle Cheney
Summary – A chance for the Bulldogs to entrench themselves in the top 4 against an improving Melbourne.
Key Match-ups
Dale Morris vs Russel Robertson
Robertson is up and running after recovering from a horrific archilles tendon injury. Dale’s closing speed will help shut down Robertson on the lead, and he’ll take heart in the fact that he’s not having to punch above his weight like last week against St Nick. Robertson has troubled us at times but I’m confident Dale will do what he does best – make his opponent beg for mercy
Aaron Davey vs Jarrod Harbrow
Harbrow is a good match up for The Flash, as he is quick enough to stay with him and can follow him into the midfield. Davey will also have to respect Harbrow’s attacking instincts, as we all know he loves to move the ball forward by dodging and weaving. If Davey gets on top I’d stick Picken in his back pocket and see if he enjoys the attention. If I recall correctly, Callan did a number on Davey last year and he didn’t take it well at all.
Cale Morton vs Daniel Cross
Cale Morton is averaging 25 possessions, is tall and if he created a tag team with Ayce Cordy the combined weight would barely tip 100kg. He’s one of Melbourne’s prime movers and we need to curb his influence in linking up from the half back line/wing. Crossy played himself into some form last week, throwing himself into packs and taking some very nice overhead marks. Put him head to head with Morton and make the kid worry about stopping Crossy, rather than being a weapon himself.
Lynden Dunn vs Adam Cooney
Last time out, Dunn tagged Cooney in a big way and really curbed his influence. With Cooney showing some ripping form last week, I expect a tough day at the office for little Lynden. I also expect Griffen to have a big one as Melbourne will be forced to put in time and resources into stopping Coon, hopefully freeing up Griff.
Brad Miller vs Tom Williams
Someone mentioned that Miller is playing like a poor man’s Riewoldt – that’s almost like comparing Bill Gates to a bum living under a bridge – but I understand the analogy. After getting taught a lesson by Taylor Walker last week, I expect Williams to have a chance at redemption by getting an early crack at Miller at some stage. Miller is dangerous because he does work hard and is a good size, but he doesn’t have a lot of tricks. That’s what tends to worry Tommy – the forwards who are too clever and outsmart him. Bloody rugby background!
Who else do the Melbourne have to watch?
Aker only needs a dozen possessions to split open a game, Murphy is dancing and dazzling again and Josh Hill is like a ghost, floating in front of packs.
Also, dare I say it – Eagleton could be a game breaker if his kicking boot is on and he’s prepared to run hard into dangerous positions like last week.
The Verdict
Wins are like gold this year, with a log jammed ladder indicating how even it is this year.
If the Dogs are to be considered real contenders we should win this in a canter, playing tough and skilled football.
But – Melbourne are definitely not the rabble they were last year. With some decent youngsters coming through and an improved appetite for the contest, you would imagine Rocket will be drilling into the boys that a win should not be taken as a given.
Dogs by 45 points after breaking open the game after half time.
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