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GWS Giants vs Western Bulldogs highlights: Giants win by 25

22nd May, 2016
First bounce: 3:20pm
Venue: Spotless Stadium
TV: Live, 7Mate (NSW), Channel 7, Fox Sports
Last meeting: Bulldogs 16.17 (113) vs 11.2 (68) Giants (Rd 9, 2015)
Last five: Giants WWWWW, Bulldogs WWLWW
Betting: Giants $1.35, Bulldogs $3.25
Is this the most mouth-watering match of the year? (AAP Image/Joe Castro)
Roar Guru
22nd May, 2016
89
2481 Reads

Match result:

The GWS Giants are firmly inside the AFL’s top four after recording a 25-point win at home over the Western Bulldogs on Sunday.

REPORT: GIANTS CONFIRM TOP 4 STANDING WITH WIN OVER DOGS

Final score
GWS 15.8.98
Western Bulldogs 10.13.73

Match preview:

The GWS Giants and Western Bulldogs will be motivated to cement a spot in the top four of the premiership ladder when they do battle at Spotless Stadium this afternoon. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 3:20pm (AEST).

The in-form Giants are placed third on the ladder having managed to win their past five games in convincing fashion, including dominant victories against the Hawks and Suns. The Bulldogs are not far behind them, sitting fifth on the table coming off compelling victories against Melbourne and the Adelaide Crows.

Both teams have a win/loss record of 6-2 in season 2016 and both have top four aspirations.

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The Bulldogs have a strong record over the Giants in their short history, winning four of the past five encounters. However this will be the first meeting at Spotless Stadium between the two sides, where the Giants have won five of their last six on their home turf.

The away game means the Bulldogs will be facing the challenge of travelling interstate for the first time this season, having played their first eight matches in Victoria.

A suspension to club leader Matthew Boyd has compounded a long injury list for the Bulldogs. Marcus Adams, who underwent recent finger surgery, is also out, as are defensive options Robert Murphy, Jason Johannsen and Matt Suckling.

For the Giants, Heath Shaw will provide plenty of run off half-back while Tim Mohr, who returned last week after a long absence from senior football, will play for a permanent position in the GWS back six.

The Giants are in relatively good shape as their young midfield will be looking to dominate again. Former Bulldog and current Giants captain Callan Ward will be in action alongside Dylan Shiel, Steven Coniglio and Josh Kelly.

Opposing them are key Bulldogs midfielder Tom Liberatore, who made 19 tackles last week, and Marcus Bontempelli, who is coming off a career-high 33 disposals.

Expect a shootout up front. Jeremy Cameron, who slotted seven goals against the Suns last week, will be the Giants’ main man up front, while Jake Stringer will be the main target up forward for the Bulldogs who booted five straight against the Demons.

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Dogs’ ruckman Robert Campbell more than held his own against Max Gawn last week, and will be looking to compete well against another quality big man in Shane Mumford this week.

Many will be intrigued to see how the last week’s Rising Star nominee, Jacob Hopper, will fair in his second game. Hopper, who debuted last week, racked up an impressive 32 disposals and nine clearances.

Prediction
This match should provide an intense midfield battle between two young sides eager to prove their premiership credentials. The Bulldogs’ lack of running defenders will hurt the away side, and the home ground advantage will be enough to give GWS the win.

Giants by 14

Will the Western Bulldogs be able to overcome their key outs and win their fist interstate trip of the season? Or will the Giants be too strong at home?

Join The Roar this afternoon at 3:20pm (AEST) for live score updates and debate in our live blog.

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