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Round three preview: Western Bulldogs v Richmond

Roar Guru
12th April, 2009
1

The Western Bulldogs backed up their 63-point demolition of Fremantle at Subiaco Oval in round one with a hard-fought 15-point victory over the Kangaroos in wet conditions at the MCG.

Richmond was thumped to the tune of 83 points by Carlton in round one before nearly upsetting Geelong at Skilled Stadium.

The Tigers led by one point heading into the final change after an eight-goal third quarter but the Cats steadied and prevailed by 20 points.

VENUE and TIME: Etihad Stadium, Monday 13 April, 2.10pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 142: Bulldogs 65, Richmond 75, Drawn 2

LAST TIME: Richmond 20.10 (130) drew with Western Bulldogs 19.16 (130), Round 5, 2008 at Etihad Stadium

RECENT HISTORY: Richmond had lost four in a row against the Western Bulldogs before last year’s draw in round five.

MEDICAL ROOM: The Bulldogs are nearly at full strength with classy forward Robert Murphy the only notable absentee. Murphy is expected to miss at least another week after undergoing knee surgery in the pre-season. The Tigers welcome back midfielder Richard Tambling from a hamstring injury but former Eagle Ben Cousins (hamstring) will miss at least another two weeks while Kane Johnson (knee), Trent Cotchin (Achilles) and defender Andrew Raines (knee) are sidelined indefinitely.

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KEY MATCH-UPS: Liam Picken vs. Brett Deledio

Deledio was among his side’s best in the loss to Geelong, finishing the match with 30 possessions, one goal and five inside 50’s.

The last time these two sides met in round five last year Deledio was influential, helping himself to 24 touches and two goals.

Deledio is damaging with his ability to break the lines and kick goals.

The Bulldogs will be keen to shut down his run and prevent him from pumping the football inside 50 to the likes of Matthew Richardson, Nathan Brown, Mitch Morton and Jack Riewoldt.

Picken delivered in his first game for the club after being elevated to the senior list, restricting North Melbourne skipper Brent Harvey to just 18 possessions and one inside 50.

Expect Picken to be given the task of tagging Deledio on Monday in what will be a pivotal duel.

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If the 22-year-old is able to contain Deledio it will go a long way towards securing the four points for the Bulldogs as the Tigers will struggle to match the Dogs in a shootout without his run and carry.

Dale Morris vs. Matthew Richardson

Richardson likes playing against the Bulldogs – he has booted 28 goals in his past seven matches against the Dogs.

The Dogs will need to quell his influence on the contest if they are going to continue their unbeaten start to the season.

Morris, who is often forced to fight out of his weight division, has the tank to run with Richardson and will most likely be given first crack at the 34-year-old.

For the likes of Richardson to have an impact the Tigers will need to be precise with their use of the football otherwise they will be punished on the rebound by arguably the most skilled side in the competition.

Daniel Jackson vs. Adam Cooney

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In the round five clash between these two sides last year Cooney racked up only 19 possessions, which is well down on the 25.5 disposals per game he averaged in 2008.

But he made his possessions count, booting one goal and pumping the football inside 50 on seven occasions.

Like Deledio, Cooney is a goal kicking midfielder that breaks the lines.

If the Tigers are going to be any chance of containing a Bulldogs outfit that was the second most attacking side in the competition last season they will need to negate the drive that Cooney provides.

Expect Jackson, who has tagged Carlton skipper Chris Judd and Geelong midfielder Joel Selwood this season, to be given the task of running with Cooney.

While it is vital that Jackson pays close attention to Cooney, he can’t be reactive.

The 22-year-old, who racked up 25 possessions in the loss to Geelong, still needs to win his own football and make Cooney accountable.

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Chris Newman vs. Brad Johnson

Johnson was instrumental in his side’s win over the Kangaroos, racking up 22 possessions and booting three goals.

The Bulldogs skipper is very creative and can hurt sides with his ability to not only kick goals but also set up scoring opportunities for his teammates – he was ranked 13th in the AFL for total goal assists last season.

Newman is good overhead for his side and looms as the obvious candidate to match-up on Johnson in what shapes as being a crucial contest.

The Tigers are ranked 11th in the AFL for tackles per game – they will need to lift their work rate on Monday and deny the Bulldogs the use of the corridor otherwise their midfield will cut them to shreds and provide Johnson and co. with silver service.

VERDICT: Richmond showed plenty of spirit in the loss to the Cats but honourables losses won’t help them secure a finals berth that so many fans are expecting in 2009. They need to start winning games if they are going to feature in September action for the first time since 2001 but their chances of opening their account on Monday appear to be slim with the Bulldogs simply having too much class and skill all over the ground for a Richmond side that tends to go missing for periods and turns the ball over at crucial times. Bulldogs by 27 points.

WESTERN BULLDOGS v RICHMOND

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WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Jarrod Harbrow, Brian Lake, Dale Morris
HB: Lindsay Gilbee, Tom Williams, Ryan Hargrave
C: Daniel Cross, Ryan Griffen, Nathan Eagleton
HF: Josh Hill, Mitch Hahn, Brad Johnson
F: Adam Cooney, Will Minson, Jason Akermanis
Foll: Ben Hudson, Matthew Boyd, Shaun Higgins
I/C (from): Dylan Addison, Daniel Giansiracusa, Liam Picken, Callan Ward

No Changes

RICHMOND
B: Chris Newman, Kelvin Moore, Jake King
HB: Joel Bowden, Luke McGuane, Dean Polo
C: Matt White, Shane Tuck, Daniel Jackson
HF: Nathan Brown, Matthew Richardson, Brett Deledio
F: Mitch Morton, Jack Riewoldt, Richard Tambling
Foll: Troy Simmonds, Tom Hislop, Nathan Foley
I/C (from): Alex Rance, Jay Schulz, Shane Edwards, Angus Graham

In: Richard Tambling
Out: Nahas

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