The Western Bulldogs and the Sydney Swans meet in a vital Round 4 clash at Etihad Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 4:35pm (AEDT).
Following a desperate victory against the wayward Bombers last week, the Bulldogs come to Etihad looking to topple one of the expected competition benchmarchs for 2018.
After the most appalling start to the season where their effort and application were seriously questioned, the club showed fighting spirit against Essendon, something that had been missing since their 2016 Premiership victory.
The key question for the Bulldogs this week will be whether the Dons were just that bad and a long way off the pace or whether they made significant improvements in their own game.
The Swans come off the back of a win against baby brother, GWS and will set their sights on a win here to launch their season, with only the loss to Port Adelaide in round two as a blip on the radar.
The loss of Sam Reid will place extra pressure on Buddy Franklin up fornt and the Bulldogs will need to have answers when the star of the competition attempts to impress himself on the game.
Prediction
The Bulldogs may have improved last week yet not enough to outscore the Swans who will romp home with a huge win.
Western Bulldogs 63, Sydney Swans 108
Catch all the action on The Roar live coverage from 4:35pm (AEDT).
Ross
Guest
And if the out on the full off Buddies thigh was called correctly swans would be pressing deep fwd 50.
O'Really
Guest
If Heeney was over the line,and he was,then there's a throw-in and no amazing Florent run and goal. Shame the umps didn't whistle it .English was a chance at 50/50.It's in the Dogs' half. 45 seconds to go.
Ross
Roar Rookie
Your being sarcastic right..... 29 - 16 to the dogs. Pretty much a replica of 2016 GF.
berrlins
Roar Pro
I can't wait for the Freo game, despite the dogs losing tonight I think they'll take it right up to Freo. Will be close.
Sachit Dassanayake
Roar Rookie
True, but they did have the momentum, as if they kicked that goal, it would've been their third in a row, and would've put them 9 points within the Dogs with 5 minutes remaining
jonboy
Guest
Wrapped in this kid English ,he might not out tap Sandilands next week but the Old slow bloke will need a motorbike to go with him around the ground. Huge talent.
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
Possibly, although the Bombers were still two or three kicks down if Daniher had kicked the goal.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
What a cracking clash at Etihad as the Swans hold out the Bulldogs and keep their impressive start to the season going. There wasn't much between the teams tonight yet Sydney did appear to play the big moments slightly better than the home side and the Dogs' game plan did seem to go out the window at times. There will be much to reflect on for both sides with the Bulldogs starting to feel like they are working their way back into form, despite sitting quite low on the ladder. The Swans will be pleased but also feeling that they should be able to put teams like the Bulldogs away more easily if they are any chance of threatening the big guns for the AFL title. A cracking game to commentate and a terrific performance from both teams. If the Bulldogs had kicked straight things might have been different; we will never know. Final Score Western Bulldogs 79 Sydney Swans 86
Connolly
Guest
Good to see the Swans get some soft umpiring decisions. After we were crucified in the fairy tale GF. Sweet justice.
Sachit Dassanayake
Roar Rookie
You could probably say the same for Daniher last week :p Great game to watch from both teams though. Throughly enjoyed it.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
0:25 - Buddy with a long bomb that falls short and the game is over. Wow.
Western Bulldogs: 11.13 (79) Sydney Swans: 13.8 (86)
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Goal 0:25 - Sydney break at the other end and Florent converts with a long kick.
Western Bulldogs: 11.13 (79) Sydney Swans: 13.8 (86)
Stuart Thomas
Expert
1:18 - A point in it.
Western Bulldogs: 11.13 (79) Sydney Swans: 12.8 (80)
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Goal 1:18 - The Dogs won't give up and Dalhaus kicks true. What a game.
Western Bulldogs: 11.13 (79) Sydney Swans: 12.8 (80)
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
Not often you can say a single player blew a game, but you could definitely say that about Dunkley if the Dogs lose.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
2:20 - That was the moment for the Dogs and the Swans capitalise with a point at the other end.
Western Bulldogs: 10.13 (73) Sydney Swans: 12.8 (80)
Stuart Thomas
Expert
3:40 - The Dogs have dropped the easiest mark you could see in the goal square and that was the moment. Josh Dunkley?
Western Bulldogs: 10.13 (73) Sydney Swans: 12.7 (79)
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Behind 4:53 - Thirteenth behind for the Dogs.........mmmmmm.....an issue I think.
Western Bulldogs: 10.13 (73) Sydney Swans: 12.7 (79)
Stuart Thomas
Expert
5:25 - Dunkley marks in the pocket. A chance.
Western Bulldogs: 10.12 (72) Sydney Swans: 12.7 (79)
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Goal 6:22 - Finally the Dogs get a goal with the diminutive Caleb Daniel. A great snap.
Western Bulldogs: 10.12 (72) Sydney Swans: 12.6 (78)