Opposition Analysis: Western Bulldogs vs Richmond (round three)Bulldogs website
April 4, 2014 6:45 PMWestern Bulldogs vs Richmond
Saturday 5 April 2014, 1:45pm
Venue: Etihad Stadium
Head-to-head:Round 13, 2013: Western Bulldogs 8. 13. (61) defeated by Richmond 17. 19. (121), Etihad Stadium
Round 3, 2013: Richmond 20. 15. (135) defeated Western Bulldogs 10. 8. (68), Etihad Stadium
Round 20, 2012: Richmond 22. 18. (150) defeated Western Bulldogs 12. 8. (80), MCG
Round 8, 2011: Western Bulldogs 23. 15. (153) defeated Richmond 18. 10. (118), Etihad Stadium
Round 2, 2010: Richmond 7. 6. (48) defeated by Western Bulldogs 17. 18. (120), MCG
Last time they met:•Between former captain Matthew Boyd and his protégé Ryan Griffen the duo accumulated 72 disposals, 17 marks, 12 clearances, 13 tackles and 14 inside 50s and were the engine room of the Bulldogs midfield
•Richmond had a much more even spread of experience across the side which was reflected across the stats card – including nine players with between 100 and 150 games under their belt, in comparison to the Bulldogs one.
•There was less than four goals between the two sides at the main change but a dominant third quarter by Richmond ultimately determined the final result. The Tigers kicked five goals while restricting the Bulldogs to two behinds for the term.
•All Australian Will Minson dominated in the ruck dual against Ivan Maric with 39 hitouts to the Tiger’s combined total of 33
Recent form:
Western BulldogsThe Bulldogs faced a tough initiation into season 2014, travelling to Perth to take on West Coast before a round two clash against a determined North Melbourne. A stronger showing against the Kangaroos bodes well for the Bulldogs as they gather steam. The Dogs are yet to produce their first win but a number of highly competitive games during the pre-season indicate they have the talent and personnel to challenge good sides.
RichmondRichmond are 1-1 heading into the round three clash with the Bulldogs and will want to build some momentum for the season. Key injuries to Brett Deledio, Ivan Maric and now Shaun Hampson will require the Tigers to draw on their depth through the middle. With firm aspirations towards finals this year, this will be a crucial test for the Tigers.
Game breakers and key match ups:•Ryan Griffen was eased into his first game last week (11 disposals, one goal) and is expected to spend more time through the midfield against Richmond. The captain’s influence will provide support to Adam Cooney, Matthew Boyd, Tom Liberatore and an in form Jack Macrae.
•Tyrone Vickery is the only Richmond player to kick multiple goals in both games this season, however Jack Riewoldt has had multiple shots on goal in both games and has a strong record against the Dogs kicking a total of 13 goals in their past three meetings.
•While the Bulldogs’ kick to handball ratio is fairly even, part of what makes Richmond so damaging with their ball movement is their preference to kick – of their 756 disposals this season 438 were kicks. Their ability to break a game open and rebound quickly from defence is testament to that
•The Bulldogs have not relied on just one or two goal sources this season, instead looking to a mix of players to contribute on the scoreboard. The diversity of goal kickers will put the young team in good stead going forward. The Dogs have had 12 individual goal kickers so far this season – led by Jack Macrae and Stewart Crameri with three apiece.
http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/2014-04-04/opp-analysis-wb-vs-rich
