The 0-13 GWS Giants will get one of their best opportunities to claim four points this season when they host Western Bulldogs at Manuka Oval. We’ll have live scores from 1.45pm AEST.
Off their mid-season bye in Round 13, the Giants headed to Melbourne to face the Kangaroos last Sunday and were again soundly beaten, this time to the tune of 86 points.
With a defence that on average leaks 23.5 goals a game the Greater Western Sydney club clearly holds the worst defensive record in the AFL, with an attack that betters only Melbourne in scoring.
Coach Kevin Sheedy has made three changes to the side that lost to North Melbourne, and the three inclusions should give the Giants strength around the ground.
After missing last weekend with a virus, key forward Jeremy Cameron returns up forward, Rhys Palmer comes back into the middle after being sidelined with a foot injury, while Stephen Coniglio also comes back in.
Unfortunately for the Giants co-captain and key backman Phil Davis was unable to overcome a back injury in time for the trip to Canberra.
Their situation might not be as desire as the Giants, but at 3-10 it’s fair to say it hasn’t been a great 2013 for the Western Bulldogs either.
They’ve recalled Brett Goodes, Jason Tutt and Koby Stevens into the starting 22 but lost captain Matthew Boyd with a fractured cheekbone, while Lachie Hunter and Nick Lower have been omitted.
Since edging out Port in the Top End in Round 10, the Bulldogs have been well-beaten by Collingoowd and Richmond, and handed the Demons only their second win of the season at the MCG last night, losing by three points after coming back late in the fourth.
These sides have met just once in the AFL, with the Bulldogs cruising to a 42-point at Manuka Oval back in Round 5 last season.
Along with their home game against Melbourne in Round 19 and a trip to Metricon in Round 23 to meet Gold Coast, today represents one of the few remaining genuine chances the Giants have to record a win this season.
They should push the Bulldogs close today, but whether it is enough to win remains to be seen.
Connor
Roar Rookie
Not saying we're any better. Just thought that the Doggies might have done better considering lowly we beat them last week. Saw the game on TV and it was woeful.
Allan
Guest
That's funny I thought Canberra had gone crazy for the Giants ?
John Hamilton
Roar Pro
says he who supports Melbourne. I was at the game and nothing special. No atmosphere and a poor game. Paid a fortune for terrible seats. In good news for GWS supporters, we only conceded 4 goals in that final quarter, down from the 7 we have been averaging this year
Connor
Roar Rookie
Terrible standard of play. Doggies making dozens of errors and GWS are just as poor.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
My thoughts on the first half include the fact that the dogs forwards are really bad, players like Cordy, Dickson and Dahlhaus just don't do enough. Griffen has been well held in the midfield and Giles has actually dominated Minson. Will be an interesting 2nd half, if the dogs don't win then it will be interesting. If the Giants don't win then well there is a rather large elephant in the room!