BRISBANE V WESTERN BULLDOGS
Gabba, Saturday, August 16, 7.10pm

Head to head Brisbane 11 Western Bulldogs 8 Drawn 0
Last time Western Bulldogs 19.17 (131) bt Brisbane 10.8 (68) R12 2008, MCG
Betting TABSportsbet Brisbane $1.95 Western Bulldogs $1.80 Centrebet Brisbane $2.10 Western Bulldogs $1.75

Brisbane
Backs: Macdonald Merrett Patfull
Half-backs: Sherman Roe McGrath
Centres: Dalziell Black Adcock
Half-forwards: Rischitelli Brown Brennan
Forwards: Hooper Bradshaw Proud
Followers: Charman Power Rover: Johnstone
Interchange: Begley Moody Hawksley Copeland
Emergencies: Henderson Corrie Notting
In: Macdonald Moody Copeland
Out: Drummond (quad) Notting Henderson

Western Bulldogs
Backs: Gilbee Lake Callan
Half-backs: Griffen Morris Hargrave
Centres: Eagleton Boyd Hill
Half-forwards: Murphy Hahn Johnson
Forwards: Akermanis Minson Welsh
Followers: Hudson Cross
Rover: Cooney
Interchange: Giansiracusa Harbrow Ray Ward
Emergencies: Everitt Reid Tiller
In: Hill Hudson
Out: Tiller Street

Summary The Gabba holds no fear for the Bulldogs, nor do the Lions themselves - they have beaten Brisbane the last five times the sides have played, including three encounters in Queensland. But the Dogs were again tripped up by their bogey side North Melbourne last week and will have to overcome that loss quickly. They also need an immediate lift from Jason Akermanis who was sparkling early in the season. Perhaps playing against his old side will rekindle some form. The fight in the centre between Brisbane duo Luke Power and Simon Black and Dogs Adam Cooney and Ryan Griffen could well be instrumental in the outcome. Brisbane's season is well and truly at the crossroads and will be over unless they can pull out something special.

Key The Bulldogs need to restrict big forward Jonathan Brown somehow - either by dominating the midfield or relying on Brian Lake for a stellar effort

Tip Western Bulldogs by 20 points