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The Western Bulldogs host the Carlton Blues at Etihad Stadium this evening, with the winless Blues looking to post their first victory of the year. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 4:40pm AEST.
There’s a big contrast between the recent form of the two clubs. In the past two weeks the Bulldogs are 2-0, with a narrow win over Richmond in Round 3 followed by a hard-fought come from behind victory over GWS last week.
Carlton on the other hand are 0-4, and their last fortnight has been embarrassing. They got smashed by Essendon to the tune of 81 points in Round 3 before doing the unthinkable – dropping the ball against perennial cellar dwellers Melbourne last week.
As you’d expect, the Blues have come under a great deal of media scrutiny from all angles, with questions asked of the playing group, coach Mick Malthouse, and club president Stephen Kernahan.
While Carlton insist the club remains united, their on-field efforts indicate otherwise.
The Bulldogs have made only one confirmed change to their side. Full-back Dale Morris will miss this week due to a tripping suspension, but the Dogs have welcomed back live wire Luke Dahlhaus after missing last week’s match with a calf injury.
With the team still to be finalised, expect them to bring in Michael Talia or Tom Campbell to fill Morris’ position.
The Blues have made three changes to the side which lost to Melbourne. Two of them are forced, with defender Michael Jamison out due to a leg injury, and Troy Menzel sidelined by a hamstring concern. Nick Graham, who played as the sub last week, has been dropped.
Chris Judd and Jarrad Waite are the two confirmed returns, and both will go a long way to strengthening the Blues’ squad. Jeff Garlett is the most likely of those named on the extended bench to rejoin the side, though Matthew Watson, Tom Bell and Simon White are also in contention.
On form along the Dogs are undeniable favourites, but the Blues are better than they have shown over the past month. They will surely bounce back some time this year, but will it be this week?
Perhaps, but I’m tipping against them.
Bulldogs by 18 points