Bulldogs, GWS to renew heated AFL rivalry

Greene's absence due to suspension is a massive boost for the Bulldogs ahead of Thursday night's showdown at Marvel Stadium.

With four home-and-away games left, Beveridge's team is essentially two games outside of the top-eight.

The Bulldogs (11-8) may need to win all remaining matches to qualify for September.

GWS and the Bulldogs have faced off in some heated battles over the last decade, most famously in the 2016 preliminary final.

The Bulldogs, who won that final nine years ago on their way to a drought-breaking premiership, have owed the Giants since GWS monstered them in an elimination final in 2019.

The Bulldogs' only win against a top-eight opponent this season came against GWS in an impressive performance in Canberra in round seven.

"... some of the unbelievable games and the battles along the way, and there's been some spite in one or two of those games," said Beveridge on Wednesday when asked about the rivalry.

"But as the new generations come through, I think the combativeness of both teams just continues to evolve. 

"With Toby out this week, he's that kind of player. He's confrontational.

"Whether that means anyone in their team picks up that side of it a little bit more remains to be seen. 

"It's still there, which is healthy for the game."

GWS coach Adam Kingsley took some responsibility for Greene's behaviour in the spectacular derby comeback win against Sydney.

The firebrand captain received a one-match ban for elbowing Swans star Isaac Heeney, and also came under scrutiny for another incident, before ultimately being cleared of that.

"I wound him up a little bit during the week," Kingsley told reporters on Wednesday.

"I need to be better with how I articulate that to him and what I'm asking him to do, being more explicit around the actions that I require.

"It was an undisciplined act. 

"We need him to channel his aggression in a more productive action."

Joining Greene as outs from GWS' spectacular comeback win against the Swans is key defender Jack Buckley and star midfielder Josh Kelly.

After being subbed out of last Friday night's smashing of Essendon, veteran Bulldogs midfielder Tom Liberatore will face the Giants.

He will be desperately needed if the Bulldogs want to improve their record against the best teams, having gone 10-0 when playing current bottom-10 sides.

Beveridge is trying to get his team to stay present, rather than looking to finals.

"In history, you can clam up," he said.

"You can be stifled because of maybe the enormity of the task. 

"That's why it's important not to look too far ahead and also to reflect on what really has worked in your better performances."

Australian Associated Press