SUMMARY
While Melbourne doesn’t have the best record at Etihad Stadium, the free-scoring Demons will like their chances against a young Bulldogs side that has had its problems kicking goals. The Dees have amassed 48 goals in the past two weeks, compared to the Dogs' paltry return of 11. After booting five majors against Adelaide last start, Jesse Hogan looms as a huge threat to an inexperienced Dogs defence, but the star spearhead has kicked just seven majors from three outings against them. The Dogs’ best chance of upsetting Simon Goodwin's men is by dominating the midfield battle, with in-form ball winners Jack Macrae and Toby McLean needing to lead the way. Dees tagger Bernie Vince is most likely to be assigned the task of stopping the prolific Macrae. Or the Dogs could hope the old Demons show up and lose a game they were expected to win.

WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, June 2, 1.45pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide

LAST FIVE MEETINGS
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
R15, 2014, Western Bulldogs 14.7 (91) d Melbourne 13.7 (85) at Etihad Stadium

THE SIX POINTS
1. Melbourne had the better of the Bulldogs in most categories when the sides last played: 429-412 disposals, 108-62 marks, 28-16 scoring shots, 54-49 inside 50s and 40-34 clearances. Michael Hibberd was best on ground with 27 disposals and 11 marks. 

2. In their last two games, the Bulldogs have been blown away in second halves kicking 1.11 to their opponents’ 14.15. In total, they have kicked a wayward 10.21 in the past two weeks.

3. Since 2015, it’s two wins each. Going back further, the Bulldogs have been the better side, winning five of eight contests since 2013. Melbourne hasn’t won consecutive clashes with the Bulldogs since 2005.

4. No team has struggled more in front of goals this season than the Bulldogs, with 39 per cent accuracy and so far this season have kicked 97.125. In contrast Melbourne has kicked 160.126.

5. Melbourne is ranked first for scoring, inside 50s, marks inside 50 and contested possessions. In 2017 it averaged 92 points per game; in 2018 it’s jumped to 108. It will be aiming for six straight wins for the first time since 2006.

6. Marcus Bontempelli is the highest-ranked Bulldog in the AFL Schick Player Ratings, with 529.3 ranking points in 11th spot. Max Gawn is the best-placed Demon in 19th position with 509.7 points.

IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …

Earning the superstar tag for his form over the past few seasons, Marcus Bontempelli hasn't been at his brilliant best so far in 2018. If the Dogs are to cause a boilover, the star playmaker needs to have a big afternoon. 

PREDICTION: Melbourne by 41 points