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The Western Bulldogs have been on an upward trajectory in the AFL. On Thursday, they will attempt to keep that going by beating the Sydney Swans at the Marvel Stadium in Round 11.
Two weeks ago, the Bulldogs were the target of heavy criticism from fans and analysts due to back-to-back losses against Fremantle and Hawthorn. This week, there’s increased optimism due to their improved form. Their victory against Richmond was expected, but it was their performance against their rivals, the GWS Giants, that really impressed fans.
The Bulldogs faced the ‘Orange Tsunami’ and were completely unfazed, conceding 43 points and winning by 27 points. Not only do they appear more confident and capable as a team, players like Adam Treloar, Ed Richards and Sam Darcy have stood out for their brilliant performances.
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This week, they have the opportunity to prove themselves against the No. 1 team in the league, the Sydney Swans. The Dogs will look to avenge their loss from their last meeting with Sydney and also make a statement to the rest of the league.
The Swans, meanwhile, have been busy adding wins to their streak. Their last game against Carlton was another brilliant showing. The Blues pressured early, scoring the first four goals, but Sydney quickly responded by scoring 13 goals, securing a 117-65 victory.
Expect this match to end with another comfortable win for Sydney.
Western Bulldogs vs Sydney Swans Head-to-Head
Western Bulldogs Form Guide: (WLLWW): The Bulldogs are ranked 11th on the AFL ladder.
Sydney Swans Form Guide: (WWWWW): The Sydney Swans are ranked first in the AFL ladder.
Western Bulldogs vs Sydney Swans Team News
Western Bulldogs
Injured: Nick Coffield (shoulder), Tom Liberatore (concussion), Bailey Smith (knee), Laitham Vandermeer (shin), Cody Weightman (elbow)
Suspended: none
Sydney Swans
Injured: Harry Arnold (back), Will Edwards (Leg), Lachlan McAndrew (concussion), Tom McCartin (concussion), Callum Mills (shoulder/calf), Sam Reid (foot), Angus Sheldrick (concussion), Corey Warner (ankle)
Suspended: none
Western Bulldogs vs Sydney Swans Predicted Lineup
Western Bulldogs
Lachlan Bramble, Liam Jones, James O’Donnell, Taylor Duryea, Alex Keath, Bailey Dale, Bailey Williams, Adam Treloar, James Harmes, Laitham Vandermeer, Aaron Naughton, Riley Garcia, Sam Darcy, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Rhylee West, Tim English, Marcus Bontempelli, Ed Richards, Caleb Daniel, Luke Cleary, Joel Freijah, Harvey Gallagher, Jack Macrae, Rory Lobb, Anthony Scott, Arthur Jones
Sydney Swans Lineup
T. Adams, J. Amartey, N. Blakey, B. Campbell, C. Cleary, H. Cunningham, O. Florent, R. Fox, A. Francis, B. Grundy, E. Gulden, J. Hamling, W. Hayward, I. Heeney, J. Jordan, J. Konstanty, P. Ladhams, J. Lloyd, T. McCartin, L. McDonald, J. McInerney, H. McLean, L. Melican, C. Mitchell, T. Papley, L. Parker, D. Rampe, M. Roberts, J. Rowbottom, A. Sheldrick, C. Warner, C. Warner, S. Wicks
Western Bulldogs vs Sydney Swans Prediction
Prediction: Sydney by 29 points
