AFL Media's Ryan Davidson previews Carlton's clash with the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Friday night:
SUMMARY
With the Bulldogs and Blues both struggling to score and floundering near the bottom of the ladder, the clash doesn't fit the description for a Friday night marquee match. However, with both teams trying to employ an attacking brand of footy, the fast deck of Etihad Stadium may produce an entertaining shootout. While their possession game plan fell apart against Fremantle last week due to poor skills, the Dogs proved in the narrow Round 4 loss to Sydney they can match it with the top teams. Winless and sitting bottom of the ladder, Carlton gave league leader West Coast a fright last week in a much-improved performance. Harry McKay had a day out with four goals and the young key forward will get the chance to replicate that performance against an inexperienced Bulldog defence. With so much uncertainty surrounding the combatants, the clash looms as one of the harder games to tip in Round 6.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Friday, April 27, 7.50pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R17, 2017, Western Bulldogs 12.10 (82) d Carlton 9.8 (62) at the MCG
R4, 2016, Western Bulldogs 13.7 (85) d Carlton 7.7 (49) at Etihad Stadium
R14, 2015, Western Bulldogs 9.10 (64) d Carlton 7.11 (53) at Etihad Stadium
R5, 2014, Carlton 18.11 (119) d Western Bulldogs 13.13 (91) at Etihad Stadium
R20, 2013, Western Bulldogs 16.21 (117) d Carlton 13.11 (89) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Marcus Bontempelli was the difference between the sides in their only meeting in 2017, finishing with 30 disposals, two goals, six inside 50s and five clearances. The Bulldogs had 68 more disposals and 10 more inside 50s.
2. Both sides have struggled to score this season, with the Bulldogs averaging 71 points per game and the Blues just 67. They've failed to kick 100 points in their last 38 games.
3. The Western Bulldogs have had the better of Carlton recently, winning the last three matches and six of eight contests since 2010. The Blues are yet to defeat the Bulldogs under Brendon Bolton.
4. The Bulldogs continue to be the worst tackling side this season, laying just 263 tackles at an average of 52.6 per game. Blues are marginally better, having laid 306 tackles at an average of 61.2.
5. At Etihad Stadium, the teams have met 13 times with the Bulldogs winning eight games to five. Carlton has struggled at Etihad recently, losing five of its past seven games.
6. Marcus Bontempelli is the highest ranked Bulldog in the Schick AFL Player Ratings, sitting 15th with 530.9 points. Patrick Cripps is the best-placed Blue in 29th position (484.4).
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
After being completely outplayed in the midfield last week by fellow superstar Nat Fyfe, Marcus Bontempelli needs a big performance if a young Bulldog side is to notch their second win of the season.
