SUMMARY

The clash between two of the competition's rising powers looms as one of the best matches of the round. The Giants have been impressive during their three-game winning streak while the Bulldogs have been inconsistent throughout that period after their strong start to the season. Luke Beveridge's men will go into the game as underdogs and will be looking to atone for an abysmal performance against Melbourne. The Giants, like the Bulldogs, have struggled with favouritism this season and could be due for a downer.

WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, May 30, 4.40pm
 AEST

TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide

LAST FOUR TIMES

R23, 2014, GWS Giants 18.7 (115) d Western Bulldogs 15.19 (109) at Etihad Stadium
R4, 2014, Western Bulldogs 17.8 (110) d GWS Giants 12.11 (83) at StarTrack Oval
R15, 2013, Western Bulldogs 13.9 (87) d GWS Giants 12.11 (83) at StarTrack Oval
R5, 2012, Western Bulldogs 15.14 (104) d GWS Giants 9.8 (62) at StarTrack Oval 

THE SIX POINTS

1. Devon Smith was the difference the last time these teams played, kicking the match-winning goal for the Giants in the last 30 seconds. Will Hoskin-Elliott kicked five goals for the winners while Stewart Crameri and Jake Stringer kicked four each for the Bulldogs.
2. In the first five weeks of the season the Bulldogs average points for and against was 88 and 84; in the last three weeks it has changed to 79 and 99.
3. The Bulldogs and Giants meet for only the fifth time; the Giants have only one win but all games have been competitive so far with an average final margin of just 20 points.
4. GWS are the number one handballing side in 2015 ranked first averaging 182.6 per game while they rank 7th for kicks per game.
5. In the Giants' favour is their recent history at Etihad Stadium winning their last three games there including a 78-point win over Carlton in round seven, a club record over all teams.
6. The Giants are ranked second this season for uncontested possessions with 256.2 per game while the Bulldogs have struggled in this area, ranked 14th at 203.7 per game.

IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
 Tom Boyd
Subbed out with a solidary handball to his name against Melbourne while fellow potential star Jesse Hogan terrorised the Dogs' backline, it will be interesting to see how the big-money recruit responds. Luke Beveridge has indicated Boyd may need a rest, but you would hope the 19-year-old would be jumping out of his skin to redeem himself against his former club.

PREDICTION: Western Bulldogs by 20 points