The equation is simple for the Western Bulldogs – beat Geelong on Saturday night and remain in the finals race.
But in reality, the task is much tougher as they’ll have to win at a venue where they haven’t tasted success in 20 years, and then hope GWS lose on Sunday night to stay alive in season 2023.
The Cats (10-11-1, 114.7%) will head into the contest depleted off the back of injuries to stars Jeremy Cameron, Tom Hawkins, and youngsters Brad Close, Esava Ratugolea and Tanner Bruhn. Mitch Duncan will also miss through suspension, forcing coach Chris Scott to make seven changes for the match.
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The Bulldogs (11-11, 107.6%) are also missing some of their key weapons in Jack Macrae and Bailey Smith, but do regain midfield spark Tom Liberatore from the concussion protocols.
The Dogs have put themselves in their do-or-die position after falling in last week’s horror loss to then-last placed West Coast.
But coach Luke Beveridge says his side is choosing to focus on what they can control.
“Our circumstance is that yeah we’re still a chance, but the first thing we need to do is beat Geelong and then see what happens on the Sunday,” he said.
“Ultimately, we’re still in there with a sniff which is important to recognise.”
This match gets underway at 7.25pm AEST from GMHBA Stadium.
Watch it live on Fox Footy (Channel 504) from 7.15pm AEST.
QUARTER-BY-QUARTER MATCH REPORT
There were no late changes for either side, with Ted Clohesy (Cats) and Lachie McNeil (Bulldogs) named the starting subs.
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