Bulldogs out to determine own finals future against GWS

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Bulldogs out to determine own finals future against GWS

Western Bulldogs defender Bailey Dale doesn’t want to leave anything to chance on the decisive final day of the home-and-away season.

A win over Greater Western Sydney in Ballarat – or even a draw – would guarantee the Bulldogs a finals spot.

But a loss would leave Luke Beveridge’s side vulnerable to slipping out of the top eight and facing a stressful few hours on Sunday while hoping other results fall their way.

“There’s been years gone past where we’ve had to rely on teams to win or lose for us to make it,” Dale told AAP.

“But if we can just go out and get a win we’re going to be playing in September, so that’s going to be our focus and hopefully we can get it done.

“It’s basically a final. You don’t want to be relying on other results.”

GWS will be every bit as hungry as they ****** for a top-two spot that could mean they don’t leave home again until a possible grand final appearance.

After a rocky stretch mid-season, the Giants have won seven consecutive games to storm back into premiership contention.

Jesse Hogan has kicked 31 goals in that *******, taking his season tally to a career-best 67 as he closes in on the Coleman Medal.

All-*********** skipper Toby Greene adds further star power and a tough on-ball division led by Tom Green, Josh Kelly and former Bulldog Callan Ward poses a huge threat.

The midfield battle with Dogs guns Marcus Bontempelli, Adam Treloar and Tom Liberatore will be crucial.

“They’re in great form,” Dale said of the Giants.

“Their mids are getting it done and they’ve got Jesse Hogan in their forward-line, and their small forwards are in form as well.

“They’re going to be a challenge and they’re obviously up high on the table for a reason.

“Hopefully we can go in there and play like we did (in beating North Melbourne last week).”

Dale said the Bulldogs would take a collaborative approach to blunting dangerous duo Hogan and Greene.

The pair kicked three goals each when the Dogs beat GWS by 27 points in their most recent meeting, in round 11.

“We probably can’t stop them completely but you’ve just got to try to not let them have too much influence on the game,” Dale said.

“We’re going to have our plans and they’re a good team, so they’re going to get their chances, but we’ve just got to try our best to not give them too many.”

No.1 ruckman Tim English returns from an ankle injury to bolster the Bulldogs’ finals bid, with Arthur Jones set to play his first game of the season.

Rhylee West (broken jaw) and Buku Khamis (omitted) are out.

The Giants named Harvey Thomas to return as a replacement for defender Lachie Ash, who was handed a one-match suspension for rough conduct on Fremantle’s Hayden Young.

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