Giants, Bulldogs meet in crunch AFL clash
Aug 10, 2017 - 5:55 AM Some 11 months after contesting an epic AFL preliminary final, the Western Bulldogs and Greater Western Sydney meet in a match that will say plenty about their premiership credentials.Both sides have been underwhelming at times this year, struggling to hide the effects of a long injury list, but appear to have turned the corner.
The Bulldogs' premiership defence had seemingly been in tatters after a series of lopsided losses, but they've since banked four wins on the trot to clamber back into the top eight.
The Giants relinquished their mantle last month as premiership favourites but a last-start victory over Melbourne was among their most-clinical performances of the year.
They square-off on Friday night at Etihad Stadium, one of many crunch round-21 clashes that will shape the top eight and help separate the contenders and pretenders.
"Everyone has been waiting for us to click, probably ourselves included," GWS veteran Steve Johnson said on Thursday, when he confirmed he would retire at the end of the season.
"It was good we were able to play a brand of footy (against Melbourne) that will stack up, come finals.
"We really feel as though we can back that up again.
"But the proof will be in the pudding. If we can do that against another quality opposition, the boys will take a lot of confidence from it."
Bulldogs midfielder Mitch Wallis reported a mental freshness at Whitten Oval, driven by players such as Bob Murphy and himself who didn't play in last year's grand-final triumph.
"There's a big drive to want to achieve the ultimate again," Wallis said.
"I missed out last year (and), for Bob as well, for Jack Redpath who missed out last year, there's still plenty of motivation."
A genuine rivalry between the clubs has built in recent years, especially after the 2014 trade involving Ryan Griffen and Tom Boyd.
Johnson spoke on Thursday of few regrets but, missing last year's preliminary final against the Bulldogs because of suspension, was one of them.
"It wasn't great. I would have much rather been out there," he said.
"This is a new opportunity."
Source: AAP
No one has shouted yet.
Be the first!
Be the first!
Related News
- Another big AFL profit for Bulldogs Dec 5
- McCartney leaves Bulldogs for GWS in AFL Nov 28
- Wood handed Bulldogs AFL captaincy again Nov 19
- Dogs disappointed with Good Friday snub Oct 30
- Travis Cloke calls time on AFL career Oct 25
- Bulldogs poach new CEO from Saints in AFL Oct 22
- Bulldogs talk tough on Stringer AFL deal Oct 5
- Murphy critical of Stringer's work ethic Sep 19
- No blame game for Stringer on AFL exit Sep 18
- Beveridge confirms AFL move for Stringer Sep 13
- Stringer to weigh up AFL future with 'Dogs Sep 6
- AFL Bulldogs re-sign Morris, Redpath, Webb Sep 2