Western Bulldogs vs Sydney Swans: Dogs snatch win from Sydney 82-65

Match result:

The Western Bulldogs nearly let it slip, but have come away with a 17-point win over the Sydney Swans at Marvel Stadium in Round 1.

Final score
Western Bulldogs 11.16.82
Sydney Swans 9.11.65

Match preview:

The first free-to-air Saturday night match of 2019 is a replay of the 2016 grand final, Western Bulldogs hosting the Sydney Swans at newly crowned Marvel Stadium’s first AFL match. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:25pm AEDT.

The Bulldogs didn’t exactly impress in their final matches before the opening round. Losing both games to sides that finished below them on the ladder last year in Gold Coast and St Kilda.

Jack Macrae returned to his accumulating best in the JLT Community Series, gathering 40 and 29 disposals in the respective losses.

Sam Lloyd and Aaron Naughton were exciting for Bulldogs in the final JLT match, with three goals each. The pair led the Dogs attacking 50 kicking half of their majors.

For the Swans, Isaac Heeney revealed he is ready to take the next step into the elite category of players, converting at least a goal in both matches and was dominant in Sydney’s loss to crosstown rivals GWS.

Heeney was sublime in the four-goal defeat, the 22-year-old was the Swan’s only multiple goalscorer with two majors to go along with his 24 disposals and five clearances.

Luke Parker also showed his glorious capabilities in a dominant display, collecting 25 disposals and three goals, including two on the verge of the arc.

The Bulldogs will be without reliable defender Dale Morris due to an ACL injury suffered at training in preparation for Round 1.

However, the Dogs first-round selection Bailey Smith will play his first game for the red, white and blue.

Callum Mills will return to the fold in 2019 after injury kept him on the sidelines for most of 2018.

Prediction
After some speculation, Lance Franklin will be playing for the Swans on Saturday night and his presence will most likely determine the result.

Buddy playing on Wood or Cordy in the goal square starting position sparks serious concerns for the Dogs.

Sydney by 31 points

Venue: Marvel Stadium
Time: 7:25pm AEDT
TV: Channel 7, Fox Footy
Last: Western Bulldogs 11.13.79 def by Sydney Swans 13.8.86

Western Bulldogs
B Taylor Duryea, Zaine Cordy, Hayden Crozier
HB Caleb Daniel, Easton Wood, Matthew Suckling
C Lachie Hunter, Tom Liberatore, Jack Macrae
HF Billy Gowers, Josh Schache, Josh Dunkley
F Toby McLean, Aaron Naughton, Sam Lloyd
FOL Tim English, Marcus Bontempelli, Mitch Wallis
I/C Bailey Smith, Ed Richards, Tory Dickson, Bailey Williams

Sydney Swans
B Callum Mills, Dane Rampe, Lewis Melican
HB Jarrad McVeigh, Heath Grundy, Jake Lloyd
C Ryan Clarke, Josh P. Kennedy, Oliver Florent
HF Luke Parker, Sam Reid, Tom Papley
F Callum Sinclair, Lance Franklin, Nick Blakey
FOL Aliir Aliir, George Hewett, Zak Jones
I/C Will Hayward, Isaac Heeney, Harry Cunningham, Jordan Dawson