The Western Bulldogs have dubbed tonight’s clash with Collingwood as “Mission Possible”. It’s time to find out if that’s true. We’ll have live scores and updates from 7.50pm AEST.
Both these sides sit outside of the top eight, the Dogs on just two wins and the Pies on three.
They’ll both be eager to build some momentum after wins last week.
The Pies won a thrilling Anzac Day game against Essendon by a solitary point. 42 possessions to Dane Swan was the standout individual performance.
Injuries have been a big story for the club this year, but after falling to Carlton by 60 points in Round 3, coach Nathan Buckley has been able to steady the ship somewhat.
Some big names come back into the squad this week with Heath Shaw and Ben Reid returning for Jarryd Blair and Paul Seedsman.
The Dogs last Saturday travelled to Manuka Oval to take on the GWS Giants and grinded out a 42-point win despite a goalless first quarter. Ryan Griffen and Shaun Higgins were among the best.
It was their second consecutive win after claiming the scalp of Melbourne the week before.
Neither the Giants nor the Dees are considered to be the toughest of opposition to put away, so games like tonight are where we see a truer gauge of where the team is at.
They will benefit from Daniel Giansiracusa and Ryan Hargrave coming back into the side.
Realistically, this is a game Collingwood should win.
They have an edge in each area of the ground, with the names they have back this week in defence, the extra class in the midfield and the Western Bulldogs having struggled in attack this year.
The Dogs say it’s possible. The truth would appear to be that it’s unlikely.
The Cattery
Roar Guru
True, Gia helped them stay in touch, but he really isn't a spearhead, definitley an area they need to address.
The Cattery
Roar Guru
Good call Michael, ended up being a much better game than we initially had anticipated.
GrantS
Guest
Definitely the best performance from the Western Bulldogs this year but they have some serious problems in that the loss of Barry Hall has left them without a power forward. When neither of your mainline forwards bother the scoreboard then it's going to be hard to win many games. Roughead and Jones were both soundly beaten as was Cooney. The doggies were lucky that Giansiracusa played so well or they would not have been in the hunt for so long. A good effort but they can't go far with the cattle they have.
Michael DiFabrizio
Expert
And I'm out, thanks for reading!
Michael DiFabrizio
Expert
Scott Pendlebury claims the medal for best afield. Collingwood win the Robert Rose Cup. DISPOSALS: Western Bulldogs: Griffen 33, Cross 31, Boyd 29, Sherman 24, Murphy 24, Hargrave 24 Collingwood: Pendlebury 34, Beams 33, Buckley 30, Swan 29, Sidebottom 29 GOALS: Western Bulldogs: Giansiracusa 3, Griffen 2, Higgins 2, Wood, Boyd, Hargrave, Lake Collingwood: Goldsack 2, Shaw 2, Sinclair 2, Cloke 2, Dawes, Reid, Sidebottom, Swan, Fasolo, O’Brien, Wellingham KEY STATS: Contested possessions: Collingwood +7 Clearances: Collingwood +6 Inside 50s: Collingwood +5 Tackles: Western Bulldogs +1 DREAM TEAM: Griffen 149, Beams 137, Cross 124, Pendlebury 133, Swan 115, Sidebottom 114, Shaw 112, Lake 101
The Cattery
Roar Guru
That was a key moment, so close to goal, decides to go 50m back! became a pies goal about 30 sec later
Michael DiFabrizio
Expert
FULL TIME Western Bulldogs 11.11 77 Collingwood 15.8 98 “Mission Possible” was the theme for the Dogs tonight and, in playing their best game of the year, they went close to living up to that. Ultimately, though, the Pies had too much class to let this one slip.
The Cattery
Roar Guru
Players tiring, heat was on, and dogs turned it over in the defensive 50 a bit too much that last quarter - can't win a close game against a good side if you're going to do that.
Michael DiFabrizio
Expert
Turnover leads to a Wellingham goal. It's over now. 38,155 the attendance. Probably could've been bigger considering Collingwood's involvement. Western Bulldogs 77 Collingwood 98 – 2min left 4th qtr
The Cattery
Roar Guru
Attendance tonight: 38,155
Michael DiFabrizio
Expert
Fasolo marks 45m out but his kick is wide. Western Bulldogs 77 Collingwood 92 – 4min left 4th qtr
Michael DiFabrizio
Expert
Ball's going back and forth but the clock is ticking for the Bulldogs. Western Bulldogs 77 Collingwood 91 – 4min left 4th qtr
The Cattery
Roar Guru
Harry finally nails one, dogs stuffed around up the other end, now find themselves 14 pts down, will take a huge effort by them to come back from this
Michael DiFabrizio
Expert
Harry O chops off Higgins' attempted rebound 50. Runs in and sends an arcing ball home. O'Brien's first goal since Rd 1 last year! Western Bulldogs 77 Collingwood 91 – 7min left 4th qtr
Michael DiFabrizio
Expert
Needed to go the boonana, Sherman.
Michael DiFabrizio
Expert
Cooney finds Gia on the 50m arc who finds the Sherminator in the pocket. For some reason he goes back to the 50m arc and Higgins, but the play doesn't work out. Now on the wing. Western Bulldogs 77 Collingwood 85 – 7min left 4th qtr
Michael DiFabrizio
Expert
Chance for a quick response with Sidebottom setting up Goldsack, but he puts too much on it and it's a behind. Western Bulldogs 77 Collingwood 85 – 9min left 4th qtr
Michael DiFabrizio
Expert
Oh boy! Brian Lake nails a brilliant goal... We got a hint he might go forward and bangs it from the 50m arc on the boundary. Direct hit! Western Bulldogs 77 Collingwood 84 – 9min left 4th qtr
The Cattery
Roar Guru
Great goal by Lake!
Michael DiFabrizio
Expert
This quarter, Collingwood are +8 in inside 50s, +11 in disposal efficiency, +10 in disposals. Not looking good right now for the Dogs. Western Bulldogs 71 Collingwood 84 – 10min left 4th qtr