Expert
A match that might have looked unappealing last week is now an exciting prospect after both the Western Bulldogs and the Essendon Bombers played some of the best footy in Round 17. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 4:40 pm (AEST).
It’s often said in football you’re only as good as your last game, and if that’s the case then the Bulldogs are on fire.
An unexpected 28-point win over the Gold Coast Suns in Cairns was just what their season needed, and they’ve now won three of their last five.
The Bombers are also soaring if you judge them on their last week. They dismantled Collingwood last week, keeping the Magpies to their lowest score in 17 years, running out victors by 64 points. Essendon seem to have finally clicked under Mark Thompson – a scary prospect.
The Bombers comfortably have the wood over the Bulldogs at the moment, with five wins from their last five meetings, including an eight-point win in Round 7 this year. The Bulldogs’ last win over the Bombers was in Round 22, 2010.
Both teams are topped up with some of their best talent. The Bulldogs are bringing back experienced campaigners Ryan Griffen and Adam Cooney, dropping Sam Darley and Mitch Honeychurch, and the Bombers are welcoming back Brendon Goddard and Michael Hibberd, with Cory Dell’olio and Jake Melksham making way.
After demolishing Collingwood with his marking abilities last week, Jake Carlisle will attract some attention from the Bulldogs defence. They are a bit short down back and he could again run rampant. If he does, lock Essendon in for another easy win.
Prediction
While the Bulldogs have come along in leaps and bounds this year they are still a primarily youthful team and inconsistent. The Bombers’ experience should see them through comfortably.
Essendon by 24 points.
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