AFL: BULLDOGS TO BITE BACK

LAST week it was Essendon who were under the blowtorch by the AFL media after their poor showing against Port Adelaide the week before.

In the lead-up to Round 6, it’s again the turn of the Western Bulldogs to be in the spotlight and have their club forensically analysed by everyone.

They play the first game of the round when they take on the consistent St Kilda at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night and you can be guaranteed they will be fired up to win to answer their critics.

Their coach has been shredded by the media.

The courage of their players has also come into question.

Although they will be without one of their stars Tony Liberatore they need to respond.

Last week Liberatore and Marcus Bontempelli were quietened by their opponents.

The loss of Liberatore will give another veteran Jack McRae a chance to have more time on the ball.

Could their effort in the last match be simply explained by the Bulldogs feeling tired from a busy schedule with three matches in 12 days?

Their coach Luke Beveridge will have his players fired up and ready to respond. It’s likely to be a tight match.

St Kilda is a $1.81 favourite with PlayUp with the Bulldogs at $2.00.

Their match will kick off Round 6 at 7.30pm.