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.
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 4:40 PM (AEST).
Sancho
Guest
Bombers are starting to do well. Time for asada, and the media to start throwing potshots rapid fire.
Leonardo
Roar Guru
Jake the BOG
Leonardo
Roar Guru
Great game Jake. Bombed em from anywhere.
Josh
Expert
Thank goodness I got a tip right! Let's get that streak going again, eh? How'd everyone do with their tipping in the first half of the week? I've got 3 so far.
Josh
Expert
Well a satisfying win for the Bombers in the end. They struggled at times and the Bulldogs were also very good in their patches but in the end the Bombers, headed up by an eight goal performance from Jake Carlisle, got across the line and have very much strengthened their top 8 credentials. Great game. Carlisle easily BOG.
Josh
Expert
FULL TIME BULLDOGS 14.10.94 ESSENDON 15.11.101
Josh
Expert
30 seconds. Bombers have it. BULLDOGS 14.10.94 ESSENDON 15.11.101
Josh
Expert
2 minutes. BULLDOGS 14.10.94 ESSENDON 15.11.101
Josh
Expert
3 minutes to play. BULLDOGS 14.10.94 ESSENDON 15.11.101
Josh
Expert
GOAL ESSENDON Jason Winderlich brings down a nice mark in the goalsquare and slams home a goal. The Bulldogs have some work to do - they're seven points behind with four minutes on the clock. BULLDOGS 14.10.94 ESSENDON 15.11.101
Josh
Expert
BEHIND ESSENDON Jake Carlisle has another set shot but it's a poor kick. Five minutes left and the Bombers lead by a lone point. BULLDOGS 14.10.94 ESSENDON 14.11.95
Josh
Expert
GOAL BULLDOGS All tied up again as big Bontempelli snags goal number two after taking an inspired mark in the goalsquare! Seven minutes left to play! BULLDOGS 14.10.94 ESSENDON 14.10.94
Radelaide
Guest
Just before the commentators mentioned it I was thinking this Dons comeback has coincided with Cooney coming on as the sub.
Josh
Expert
GOAL ESSENDON The Bombers are in front! Jake Carlisle snags a mark at close range and kicks a high-flying banana! It's a goal, and he has a bag of EIGHT! BULLDOGS 13.10.88 ESSENDON 14.10.94
Josh
Expert
BEHIND ESSENDON David Myers levels the scores by kicking a behind. BULLDOGS 13.10.88 ESSENDON 13.10.88
Josh
Expert
BEHIND BULLDOGS Lachie Hunter has a shot on goal and misses, putting the Dogs a point ahead. BULLDOGS 13.10.88 ESSENDON 13.9.87
Josh
Expert
GOAL ESSENDON Dell'Olio! Now that's how you shed the vest! He comes on and kicks the goal that evens the scoreline! It's all tied up with 12 minutes left on the clock! BULLDOGS 13.9.87 ESSENDON 13.9.87
Josh
Expert
GOAL ESSENDON Chapman gets a second chance with a set shot, and he slams it through! The Bombers are just a goal away. BULLDOGS 13.9.87 ESSENDON 12.9.81
Josh
Expert
BEHIND ESSENDON Paul Chapman takes what would be a miracle backwards over the shoulder snap, amazing, it's only slightly off line. It's an even two goal game. BULLDOGS 13.9.87 ESSENDON 11.9.75
Josh
Expert
BEHIND ESSENDON David Zaharakis misses a shot out of play. BULLDOGS 13.9.87 ESSENDON 11.8.74