SUMMARY
Melbourne won its sixth straight game when it toppled the Western Bulldogs by 49 points when the teams met in round 11. At that stage of the year, the Demons were being discussed as legitimate premiership contenders and things were going swimmingly. Despite a comfortable victory over the Dockers in Darwin last week, there are major question marks over Melbourne's finals credentials with Simon Goodwin's side dropping three of its past four games. The injury-depleted Bulldogs are a dangerous team on their day – as they showed when they defeated Geelong in round 15 – but the year is catching up with them and finals are almost certainly out of the question (although Luke Beveridge's side is still mathematically a chance to feature in September). Melbourne has everything to play for as it tries to lock down a spot in the top eight.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday, July 14, 4.35pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R11, 2018, Melbourne 15.10 (100) d Western Bulldogs 7.9 (51) at Etihad Stadium
R13, 2017, Melbourne 17.11 (113) d Western Bulldogs 8.8 (56) at Etihad Stadium
R8, 2016, Western Bulldogs 17.12 (114) d Melbourne 12.10 (82) at the MCG
R20, 2015, Western Bulldogs 24.9 (153) d Melbourne 8.7 (55) at Etihad Stadium
R8, 2015, Melbourne 15.13 (103) d Western Bulldogs 9.10 (64) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Demons are the highest-ranked team for contested possessions averaging 162.5 per game. They are a long way ahead of the Bulldogs, who are in 14th with an average of 140.7.
2. Melbourne has won its past two clashes between the sides, ending the Bulldogs' dominance of five wins from six games in 2013-16. The Demons haven't won three in a row over the Dogs since 2004-05.
3. The Demons are ranked first in the AFL for scoring, kicking an average score of 104 points. The Bulldogs are ranked 15th with an average score of 71 points.
4. This is the Bulldogs' first game at the MCG in 2018 with the team winning its past six games at the venue – a club record.
5. Jesse Hogan and Tom McDonald kicked nine goals between them when Melbourne defeated the Western Bulldogs by 49 points in round 11.
6. Melbourne co-captain Jack Viney averaged 18.3 Schick AFL Player Ratings points between rounds 13 and 16, ranked equal-fifth in competition.
IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Jeff Garlett. The Melbourne goal sneak will be looking to keep his spot in the side after making his return against the Dockers. Garlett, who had not played since round five, gathered 14 disposals, laid six tackles and kicked a goal against Fremantle. At his best, his forward pressure and ability to snag a major when needed is vitally important for the Demons.
PREDICTION: Melbourne by 17 points
