Western Bulldogs will be looking for their first victory since Round 1 when they meet St Kilda at Etihad Stadium this evening. We’ll have live scores from 4.40pm AEST.
Rewind three or four years and these two sides were consistent features in September football, but how things have changed.
Last Saturday’s 32-point loss to Gold Coast Suns at Metricon Stadium was indicative of just how far Brendan McCartney’s Bulldogs have fallen.
The loss means they’ve won just once in their past 19 matches across this season and last, and it could be awhile before things turn around for the men from Whitten Oval.
2013 hasn’t been much kinder to St Kilda, who come into this afternoon’s game with a 2-6 record after kicking just six goals in last Sunday’s 40-point loss to Adelaide.
Scott Watters’ side have struggled without their most influential midfielder Lenny Hayes, and his return from a three-game absence due to a calf injury this afternoon will give the Saints an edge in the middle.
The 33-year-old returns despite question marks over his fitness, but 197-game veteran Justin Koschitzke has not been named after completing his two-match suspension for a late hit on Collingwood’s Jamie Elliott.
If St Kilda can replicate the performance that saw them defeat Carlton in Round 7 they should win, and to be fair on the Saints all of their losses have come against sides expected to challenge for the top eight this season.
The Saints should do enough to get over the top of the Bulldogs this afternoon, but the reality is it’s 15th up against 16th and neither side can be relied upon enough to confidently tip them.
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Amid all the hysteria and gnashing of teeth that accompanies any team following a particular galling loss, it's worth remembering at all times that…
Round 5 of the AFL provided plenty of action, from big scorelines to upset wins and pressure starting to build on some clubs and coaches already.
Geelong has been crafty and creative in its list management and has quietly assembled a very exciting young group of midfielders and half-forwards.
Brisbane co-captain Lachie Neale will be looking to lead his team to a victory against Melbourne in what will be his 250th AFL game.
It’s high stakes with five teams having lost their first three games of season 2024, and in desperate need of a win.
It could be a weekend for contenders to emerge, teams to hopefully break droughts, o and overall footy to have a party.
