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Where and When
Sunday 29 July
3.15pm
Etihad Stadium
Last time they met
Round 3 2012, St. Kilda by 63 points
Recent Form
St.Kilda LLWWL (edit)
Western Bulldogs LLLLL
Western Bulldogs
The major problem has been an ineffective attack with average points for being 71 to the Saints 105. Average possessions has seen us with 370 to St. Kilda's 350, indicating our ability to win the ball, whilst laying 63 tackles to the Saints 68, should make us competitive around the contest. Poor disposal and lack of penetration up forward, where the experiment of playing Cordy at full forward hasn't worked, suggests a lack of imagination by the MC. Similarly the decision to play Murphy in a back pocket has limited his value as an attacking half back.
St. Kilda
The Saints, whilst just short of the elite level, has been a very committed and competitive outfit as evidenced by their bold showing against ladder leaders the Sydney Swans at the weekend. The introduction of young talent in Saad, Simpkin, Siposs, Milera and Dunell has helped revitalise their line up.
A star studded midfield of Dal Santo, Hayes and Montagna ensures plenty of ball supply to the likes of Milne and Riewoldt.
With the prospect of making the final 8 this loops as a must win for them.
Key Match Ups
Picken v Milne
I have opted to play Picken on Milne because of his hardness and preparedness to put maximum pressure on Milne who will be chock full of confidence after his brilliant 5 goals against the Sydney Swans. My hope is that the MC doesn't fail again by playing Murphy in this role.
Williams v Riewoldt
There will be a temptation to continue with Williams in attack. Williams is our best CHB and will be required to quell the talented Riewoldt. Lake to hold Koschitzke and to provide some run off him.
Wallis v Dal Santo
After using Wallis in the tough role of blanketing the Hawks Sam Mitchell I can see Wallis being given a tagging role on Dal Santo who invariably plays well against the Bulldogs. This will be another steep learning curve for Mitch who has done well this year.
Murphy v Montagna
I have pitted Murph against Montagna out on the wing, where his pace and skill will ensure good supply into our forward line. Murphy did well when used in this position against Collingwood and the change should give him a new lease of life.
Jones v Fisher
Jones at CHF looms as the best prospect of matching the dangerous Fisher. It will be important for Liam to play a close checking role on Fisher who with Gilbert generate significant attack out of the Saints half back line.
Griffen v Jones
Griff's form has tapered off in recent weeks and he can again expect tough opposition from one of the best taggers in Jones. Earlier in the year Cooney was used to good effect in a blocking role for Griffen and this task could be given to Cross who would revel in this role in clearing a path for a resurgent Griffen.
Who will win and why?
This match could well be decided at the selection table. I would bring in Jones, Dickson (assuming he’s OK), Hargrave and Roughead at the expense of Cordy, DJ, Pearce and the injured Higgins. Grant, a good inclusion last week, could alternate with Dickson at half forward and full forward, with Roughead or Minson becoming the marking forward when resting.
Boyd's ability to match Hayes will be a key to the outcome.
I am expecting an improved showing after 5 losses by the Dogs with a more flexible attack and dare I say it, quicker ball movement with more precise disposal.
St. Kilda to win by 11 points, with the Bulldogs capable of an upset if they get their match ups right.
Sunday 29 July
3.15pm
Etihad Stadium
Last time they met
Round 3 2012, St. Kilda by 63 points
Recent Form
St.Kilda LLWWL (edit)
Western Bulldogs LLLLL
Western Bulldogs
The major problem has been an ineffective attack with average points for being 71 to the Saints 105. Average possessions has seen us with 370 to St. Kilda's 350, indicating our ability to win the ball, whilst laying 63 tackles to the Saints 68, should make us competitive around the contest. Poor disposal and lack of penetration up forward, where the experiment of playing Cordy at full forward hasn't worked, suggests a lack of imagination by the MC. Similarly the decision to play Murphy in a back pocket has limited his value as an attacking half back.
St. Kilda
The Saints, whilst just short of the elite level, has been a very committed and competitive outfit as evidenced by their bold showing against ladder leaders the Sydney Swans at the weekend. The introduction of young talent in Saad, Simpkin, Siposs, Milera and Dunell has helped revitalise their line up.
A star studded midfield of Dal Santo, Hayes and Montagna ensures plenty of ball supply to the likes of Milne and Riewoldt.
With the prospect of making the final 8 this loops as a must win for them.
Key Match Ups
Picken v Milne
I have opted to play Picken on Milne because of his hardness and preparedness to put maximum pressure on Milne who will be chock full of confidence after his brilliant 5 goals against the Sydney Swans. My hope is that the MC doesn't fail again by playing Murphy in this role.
Williams v Riewoldt
There will be a temptation to continue with Williams in attack. Williams is our best CHB and will be required to quell the talented Riewoldt. Lake to hold Koschitzke and to provide some run off him.
Wallis v Dal Santo
After using Wallis in the tough role of blanketing the Hawks Sam Mitchell I can see Wallis being given a tagging role on Dal Santo who invariably plays well against the Bulldogs. This will be another steep learning curve for Mitch who has done well this year.
Murphy v Montagna
I have pitted Murph against Montagna out on the wing, where his pace and skill will ensure good supply into our forward line. Murphy did well when used in this position against Collingwood and the change should give him a new lease of life.
Jones v Fisher
Jones at CHF looms as the best prospect of matching the dangerous Fisher. It will be important for Liam to play a close checking role on Fisher who with Gilbert generate significant attack out of the Saints half back line.
Griffen v Jones
Griff's form has tapered off in recent weeks and he can again expect tough opposition from one of the best taggers in Jones. Earlier in the year Cooney was used to good effect in a blocking role for Griffen and this task could be given to Cross who would revel in this role in clearing a path for a resurgent Griffen.
Who will win and why?
This match could well be decided at the selection table. I would bring in Jones, Dickson (assuming he’s OK), Hargrave and Roughead at the expense of Cordy, DJ, Pearce and the injured Higgins. Grant, a good inclusion last week, could alternate with Dickson at half forward and full forward, with Roughead or Minson becoming the marking forward when resting.
Boyd's ability to match Hayes will be a key to the outcome.
I am expecting an improved showing after 5 losses by the Dogs with a more flexible attack and dare I say it, quicker ball movement with more precise disposal.
St. Kilda to win by 11 points, with the Bulldogs capable of an upset if they get their match ups right.
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