The Western Bulldogs are set to take on the Gold Coast Suns and Port Adelaide Power in Ballarat during the 2018 AFL Premiership Season.

The Bulldogs will host the Suns in their first game at Mars Stadium in Round 7, and will return to the venue in Round 19 to face the Power.

The Club’s Ballarat home games stem from a five-year major partnership between the Club, the City of Ballarat and the State Government, aimed at bringing AFL football to the western region of Victoria.

Western Bulldogs CEO Gary Kent said the Club was excited to return to Ballarat next year.

“We’re looking forward to heading back to Ballarat in 2018 and beyond,” he said.

“The Ballarat community embraced our arrival last year and made Mars Stadium feel like a home away from home.

“Seeing the city covered in red, white and blue boosted the players’ and Club’s spirits leading into the match, and we’re really looking forward to experiencing that again.

“But it’s not all about playing games of football.  The Club already shares a great connection with the Ballarat community through the work of our Community Foundation, and our schools and leadership programs.

“We aim to build on that connection and build a sustained, long-term partnership with the region.”

The Bulldogs will also take on Hawthorn at Mars Stadium during the 2018 JLT Community Series, on Saturday March 3 at 2.05pm.