It doesn’t get much better than this, as the Western Bulldogs look to keep their premiership defence alive against the Essendon Bombers in a proverbial eight-point game. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 1:10pm (AEST).
After a crushing 59-point loss against Adelaide two weeks ago, the Western Bulldogs premiership defence was teetering.
Yet, talk of a hangover was put on hold after a workman like 20-point victory over Carlton and a 54-point win over the struggling Gold Coast Suns, righted the ship – albeit temporarily.
Heading into Sunday’s clash, the Dogs are now just outside the top eight on percentage.
However, the men from Footscray are yet to rediscover their breathtaking form from their magical Final’s run of last year.
In fact, the defending champions are yet to string together good, consistent football, with their lengthiest winning streak only two games long.
Scoring continues to be an issue for the Dogs, who have only crossed the 100-point threshold twice since Round 6 – in Round 14 against the 17th ranked Kangaroos and against the 15th ranked Suns in Round 18.
Averaging just 82 points per game, the Bulldogs will need to find more avenues to score if they are to keep up with the high-octane offense of the Bombers (98 points per game).
Perhaps an indication of a more attacking brand of football from the Bulldogs, veteran defender Dale Morris and midfielder Mitch Honeychurch have been replaced by forward duo Travis Cloke and Tory Dickson.
Jack Redpath will also miss the crucial clash for the Dogs due to suspension, with utility Lukas Webb coming in for his third game of 2017.
In contrast to their opponent’s patchy form, the Bombers enter the match in fine touch having won three matches in a row and as such are unchanged from the team that defeated the Kangaroos by 27-points last week.
Prediction
Arguably the match of Round 19, the clash between the Dogs and Bombers could prove to be a virtual elimination final.
After limping into the finals last year, Luke Beveridge’s men showed they can flip the switch to play incredible football and thus should not be underestimated.
However, after four years in football hell, a rejuvenated Bomber team spearheaded by a multipronged and speedy attack may prove too much for an undermanned and inexperienced Dogs defence.
Expect a tight contest throughout, but the men in red and black may pull away late.
Bombers by 19 points
Tune into The Roar‘s live blog, and stay up to date with all the news and highlights from 1:10pm (AEST).
JR
Guest
This was the momentum killer. Thought the free was very soft. But then the doggies do get the soft frees.
Andrew Macdougall
Roar Pro
Great all round performance from the Dogs today.
Kishan Badrinath
Roar Guru
The reigning Premiers have a pulse! In a do or die clash against Essendon, the Bulldogs have provided the competition a timely reminder that they are still a threat to defend their title. Playing a brand of football reminiscent of last year’s free flowing style, the victory pushes the Dogs into the top eight – at least for the time being. Needing to find different avenues towards goal, Luke Bevredige’s move to switch All Australian defender Jason Johannisen to the forward line proved to be a masterstroke. Johannisen proved to be a match-up nightmare for the Bombers defence, using his speed and elite kicking to score four goals. Back in the line-up this week, Tory Dickson also proved to be an inspired selection with the sharp shooter chipping in with three goals. Billed as the game of the round, the 48,754 spectators weren’t let down, as the game was played at a frenetic pace from the opening bounce. Essendon looked set to continue their good form of the past three weeks, as Joe Daniher (6 goals and 11 marks) stamped his authority on the match early. Taking advantage of an undersized and inexperienced back-line Daniher proved unstoppable in the air and more than useful at ground level. Though slow to start, the Dogs settled midway through the opening quarter – closing the first term with the last four goals. With both teams attacking through the corridor, the goals came thick and fast as the Dogs and Bombers traded goals till half time. Along with Lachie Hunter (25 disposals, 9 marks), champion Marcus Bontempelli (23 disposals and 2 goals) started to lift in the third quarter allowing the Dogs to extend a 5-point half time margin to a handy 19-point buffer heading into the final quarter. As expected, the Bombers looked set for a fourth quarter charge. Led by midfield duo Darcy Parish (29 disposals, 1 goal) and David Zaharakis (32 disposals, 1 goal), Essendon controlled the bulk of the ball to start the term. However, poor accuracy in front of goal – two goals from eight shots – hampered their comeback efforts, as a clutch set shot from Bontempelli with three minutes remaining, all but sealed the match for the Dogs. Three late goals pushed the final margin to a flattering 30-point victory for the premiers, setting the Bulldogs up nicely for a charge towards September football.
Mattician6x6
Guest
Definetely AD :D hope we get a percentage boosting win, weather is sunny in perth today but has been wet so mightbe slippery
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Hopefully the Crow's performance today makes you feel better about West Coast's loss last week, Matti.
Mattician6x6
Guest
Just looked at col v adl score, if pies hold on then it's anyone's this season, there won't be a favourite for premiership at all.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Yeah, it certainly was a great game. Essendon's kicking lost them that, plain and simple. Still, the Doggies were brilliant. Great stuff. The margin isn't quite reflective of the game, but that tends to happen sometimes. Both side could definitely make finals, and I'd love to see them meet in a final. How good would that be?!
Joe
Guest
While I think we were the better side today we were very lucky the bombers have such a poor skill level.
Mattyb
Guest
30 points wowee,that certainly flatters the dogs,it was a far better game than that. Take away the junk time goals and consider Essendons kicking for goal and they could have easily won that. Essendons a very good side,this is great news after everything they've been through,a very strong football club indeed.
gameofmarks
Roar Guru
I backed the Doggies in my tipping comp, more in hope than on form. WCE now guaranteed a spot in the eight with 5 wins and will scrape in with 4 wins if ESS and WB go 3 and 1 at best from here.
Kishan Badrinath
Roar Guru
The Dogs have leapfrogged the Bombers on the ladder with that 30-point victory. Essendon cost themselves early in the fourth quarter with poor accuracy in front of goal, but take nothing away from the Dogs who out hunted the Bombers to claim their third victory in a row. FULL TIME Western Bulldogs 19.13 (127) Essendon Bombers 13.19 (97)
Mattician6x6
Guest
Unbelievable hey GoM, our year looked cooked but is now back on track. Well done dogs.
Mattyb
Guest
Great game,tho dogs are back in town and Essendon also look to have a bright future. Surely the dogs can't pull off another miracle premiership that tops last years miracle performance.
J.Roger
Guest
Phew!! Dogs peaking at right time it seems Good news is that it leaves the door open for Eagles, If they can earn it...?
Kishan Badrinath
Roar Guru
Silly from Goddard who loses his cool to give away 50 metres. And just like that McClean makes the margin 30 points! The Dogs are in the 8, and may stay there depending on the result of the Eagles vs. Lions GOAL DOGS Western Bulldogs 19.13 (127) Essendon Bombers 13.19 (97)
gameofmarks
Roar Guru
Yay Doggies. WCE back into the eight witha win over the BL and there should be four sides on 40 pts tonight - SYD, MELB, WCE, WB.
Kishan Badrinath
Roar Guru
A bit of icing on the cake for the Dogs, as another laser pass from the Bont finds Johannisen running into an open goal square. GOAL DOGS Western Bulldogs 18.13 (121) Essendon Bombers 13.19 (97)
Kishan Badrinath
Roar Guru
That is game! Caleb Daniel seals it for the Dogs with a snap around the corner 20 metres out from goal. Watch out, the Dogs are back! GOAL DOGS Western Bulldogs 17.13 (115) Essendon Bombers 13.19 (97)
Kishan Badrinath
Roar Guru
The Dogs are now unlikely to lose this match with just 2:07 remaining.
Rissole
Guest
5 free kicks to the dogs in 1 minute. A bit unnecessary.