HEAD TO HEAD:

Played 156
Essendon 93
Western Bulldogs 61

LAST TIME WE MET:

We haven't come up against the hard running Bulldogs since Round 18 last year, and that wasn't a good day for us with the Bulldogs running out 87-point winners. Zach Merrett was arguably our best as he collected 30-disposals and kicked a goal. 

LAST FIVE TIMES
R18, 2015, Western Bulldogs 19.13 (127) d Essendon 5.10 (40) at Etihad Stadium
R18, 2014, Essendon 15.11 (101) d Western Bulldogs 14.10 (94) at Etihad Stadium
R7, 2014, Essendon 10.13 (73) d Western Bulldogs 9.11 (65) at Etihad Stadium
R16, 2013, Essendon 18.13 (121) d Western Bulldogs 14.6 (90) at Etihad Stadium
R14, 2012, Essendon 21.14 (140) d Western Bulldogs 8.8 (56) at Etihad Stadium

THIS TIME AROUND: 

Despite suffering from a number of injuries to key players, the Dogs are not limping towards the beginning of their finals campaign. Even with the omission of key forward Jake Stringer, the depth in the Dogs' list means that they have plenty of players who can fill the void. Our boys will be full of confidence as we come off a very important second win of the season. The game will also have an extra bit of emotion with Adam Cooney, Mathew Stokes and Marty Gleeson all celebrating milestone games. 

See the full teams for both sides here.

KEY PLAYERS:

The fast paced Bulldogs are a dangerous prospect for any opposition, with their transition from defence to attack a key part of their success so far this year. We'll be looking to the more agile members of our team in Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Orazio Fantasia and Jake Long to use their pace to help us catch the Dogs in transition.

There is no doubt that Marcus Bontempelli is one of the most influential players in the Dogs' team. His height, athleticism and strength around the contest can have a damaging impact wherever he plays on the ground. If he is to drift forward, he may be a good match for Patty Ambrose who has continually proven that he has the ability to match it with some of the best. Otherwise, around the ground, the boys will have to work together to ensure that he has to earn each possession.

Easton Wood  is one best players in the Dogs' outfit. The skillful defender plays well as a spare man in defence, reading the play well to intercept and rebound quickly. If allowed to play this role, the day will be siginificantly harder for the forwards. Mitch Brown could be a handy match-up forWood, potentially playing a role as a more defensive forward.

THE HIGHLIGHTS:

Adam Cooney will play in his 250th game against his old Club. It may also be his last game, with the veteran announcing his retirement earlier in the week.

Mathew Stokes will play in his 200th and final game of AFL football this week. Stokesy joined the Bombers in January and has been important in the development of our younger players on and off the field. 

Marty Gleeson will celebrate his 50th game of AFL football. Marty made his debut in round 1 2014.

Zach Merrett will once again captain the side. 

Don't miss a moment of the game! Get your tickets here. 

THE STATS: