Western Bulldogs vs Richmond Tigers Verdict
The Western Bulldogs are back for the victory but Richmond Tigers can be more competitive than the line suggests. Expect Marcus Bontempelli and Ryley Sanders to be heavily involved around the football, while Tim Taranto can continue his string of 25+ games for the Tigers.
- The Bulldogs' highest winning margin in their past seven wins has been just 22 points.
- Marcus Bontempelli has had 30+ disposals in his last six matches against Richmond.
- Ryley Sanders is averaging 25 disposals this season.
- Tim Taranto has had 25+ disposals in each of his past six matches against the Bulldogs.
Head to Head Stats
The Bulldogs have won the past four between the two sides and have won the past six at Marvel Stadium. The past three have gone the way of the Dogs by 55 points or more.
Western Bulldogs Form
The Bulldogs have produced an up-and-down campaign but remain firmly in the finals mix, sitting seventh on the ladder with an 11-7 win-loss record.
They have now won six of their past eight matches and come off a hard-fought nine-point victory over Gold Coast.
Interestingly, all six of those wins have been by 16 points or less, highlighting a shift away from the big-margin victories that were once commonplace.
Last week, Marcus Bontempelli again proved the difference, kicking three goals from 23 disposals in the low-scoring win.
Bailey Williams continued his outstanding season with 29 disposals across half-back, while Matt Kennedy played a crucial role inside forward 50 with three goals.
Richmond Tigers Form
Richmond has endured a difficult season, winning just two matches - against West Coast in Round 8 and Essendon in Round 11 - and enters Round 20 having lost seven consecutive games.
Last week they were beaten by 70 points by Hawthorn, although the final margin didn't fully reflect their competitiveness after half-time, with the Tigers winning the final quarter and showing encouraging fight late in the contest.
Despite winning the clearances 35-29 against the Hawks, Richmond managed just 1.6 (12) from stoppages, while Hawthorn converted the same source into 6.6 (42), including 3.0 (18) directly from centre clearances.
The Hawks also dominated possession, finishing +102 in disposals, +101 in uncontested possessions, +39 in uncontested marks and +62 in handball receives.
Western Bulldogs vs Richmond Team News
The Bulldogs receive a significant boost with Tom Liberatore returning to the side after missing last week's win. Luke McNeil is the only player to make way as Luke Beveridge sticks with a settled lineup.
The Tigers have been forced into four changes after injuries to Noah Balta and Steely Green. James Ross, Luke Trainor, Tyler Sonsie and Zac Peucker all come into the side, while James Trezise and Kane McAuliffe have been omitted.