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The GWS Giants host the Western Bulldogs today for 2014’s first game at Canberra’s Star Track Oval. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 4.40pm (AEST).
Both teams enter the match-up coming off a win. The Giants are 2-1 and sitting in the top 8 after a hard-fought win against Melbourne at home last week.
Two late goals from number 2 draft pick Josh Kelly saw him claim a Rising Star nomination in only his second AFL game.
The Bulldogs had an impressive win over Richmond, bursting out of the blocks early and while the Tigers fought back hard, a late goal from veteran small forward Daniel Giansiracusa sealed the first win of the year for the Bulldogs.
The Giants have made two changes from the side that got the of better the Demons, one forced, one not.
Devon Smith is out for the week due to a suspension from striking Bernie Vince, while Dylan Addison has been dropped from what would’ve been his first match against his old side after having little impact against the Demons.
To fill the gaps the Giants have recalled Liam Sumner, and will debut former Swan Jed Lamb. Lamb, who joined the Giants expecting to walk into the best 22, has been left out of the team in the first three rounds and would’ve been disappointed to miss the Giants landslide Round 1 win over his former club. He has his chance now, it’ll be interesting to see what he makes of it.
The Bulldogs have made three changes, two forced. Jordan Roughead is expected to spend a significant amount of time on the sidelines with a shoulder injury, and Luke Dahlhaus will miss with a minor calf concern. Jason Johannisen has been dropped due to poor form. The Bulldogs are bringing back Jason Tutt, Tom Young, and Koby Stevens.
The midfield battle will be the key for these two sides with both boasting some of the competition’s best young talent. The Bulldogs – like any other side in the league – would find it hard to match the Giants in term of young guns, but they have an experienced core that may give them the advantage over the Giants.
If the midfield battle is relatively even, the game may come down to the potency of the forward lines, where the Giants have a significant advantage in the form of Jeremy Cameron and Jon Patton. Between them Cameron and Patton have kicked 12 goals this year, a significant advantage on the Dogs pair of Liam Jones and Jake Stringer, who have booted just 6 majors between them in the opening rounds.
Prediction
This promises to be an interesting match with both sides keen to get another win and both having a strong case to be the favourites.
Personally I think the absence of Jordan Roughead will give either Jeremy Cameron or Jon Patton a favourable match-up, giving the Giants an edge – but this one could go either way.
GWS Giants by 6 points.
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 4.40pm (AEST).