SUMMARY
The Bulldogs are likely to start favourites against a Geelong side off the boil, but the visitors will need to snap a 10-game losing streak against the Cats since 2009 if they're to claim the four points. Another glaring stat is the Dogs haven't won at the Cattery since 2003. Whether playing for Adelaide or Geelong, Patrick Dangerfield has been a constant thorn in the Dogs' side, and limiting the Brownlow medallist's impact will be central in Luke Beveridge's planning. Something else that would be worrying the premiership coach is his side's ongoing inability to put a decent score on the board from an adequate amount of inside 50s. Chris Scott on the other hand, was furious with the Cats' paltry 13 first-half tackles in the loss to Essendon last week, so expect a fired up home side looking for redemption.
WHERE AND WHEN: Simonds Stadium, Friday, May 19, 7.50pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R19, 2016, Geelong 16.7 (103) d Western Bulldogs 11.12 (78) at Simonds Stadium
R13, 2016, Geelong 16.4 (100) d Western Bulldogs 5.13 (43) at Etihad Stadium
R16, 2015, Geelong 10.12 (72) d Western Bulldogs 9.10 (64) at Simonds Stadium
R16, 2014, Geelong 10.9 (69) d Western Bulldogs 7.14 (56) at Simonds Stadium
R5, 2013, Geelong 15.17 (107) d Western Bulldogs 13.8 (86) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Patrick Dangerfield starred when the sides last played, with 33 disposals, three goals, 10 Inside 50s and six clearances for the three Brownlow votes. Rhys Stanley enjoyed a career-best evening kicking five goals.
2. The Bulldogs remain the top tackling side in 2017 averaging 75 per game, a long way ahead of the Cats ranked 16th with an average of 63.8. The Dogs have three players in the top 20.
3. Geelong has dominated the Western Bulldogs over a long period of time, winning the last 10 matches, 11 of the last 12 and 13 of 14 since 2008. The Bulldogs last won in round 21, 2009.
4. The Bulldogs are the worst team after round eight for goalkicking with 98.120 at 40.8 per cent. In the last two weeks they’ve kicked 19.27. By contrast, Geelong is second for accuracy with 133.85.
5. Geelong plays its first game at Simonds Stadium in 2017 – in 2016 they won seven of eight matches at the venue. The Bulldogs have lost their last seven at Simonds Stadium and haven't won there since 2003.
6. Patrick Dangerfield sits atop the Schick AFL Player Ratings with 720.7 points. Marcus Bomtempelli is the highest ranked Bulldog in fourth place (611 points).
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Tom Liberatore
While he sits second in the AFL for tackles (68) this season, the star playmaker has only collected a lowly 29 possessions from his last three matches, including a season-low eight touches in the loss to West Coast last week.
PREDICTION: Western Bulldogs by 15 points
