When and where: Friday 7 June 7.40pm AEST, Marvel Stadium (Wurundjeri)
Broadcast: Channel 7, Fox Footy/Kayo
Head-to-head: Played 44 (won 23, lost 21) 
Last time we met: Round 3 2023, WB 10.7 (67) def.  Brisbane 7.11 (53)

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What it means

The Bulldogs will be keen to make it two from two against the 2023 Grand Finalists and continue their wining momentum. The Lions’ most recent loss to Hawthorn at Marvel should buoy the Dogs in front of a home crowd, but will also need to consider the visitors coming off a bye however might mean fresher legs and a different outlook.

Who to watch

First-year Bulldog Ryley Sanders might’ve found his way back into the team unconventionally – a late inclusion as the sub against Sydney – but his work against the reigning premiers last week was impressive for an eight-gamer. With footy nous beyond his experience, the 19-year-old collected 15 disposals, 11 tackles and four clearances from 74% time on ground. Averaging 16 disposals and 5.3 tackles (ranked elite), Sanders will be one to watch as he continues to develop at senior level.

Welcome back, Libba

As coach Luke Beveridge confirmed in his weekly press conference, Tom Liberatore will return to the action against the Lions. Whether or not he’ll successfully tweak his all-in approach to protect his head remains to be seen, but there’s no denying his grunt and competitiveness will be a welcome addition on Friday night. The Dogs will also need to figure out a replacement for ruck-forward Sam Darcy (suspension), with Aaron Naughton (leg) already sidelined.

VFL double-header

Prior to the AFL clash, the VFL Bulldogs will host Brisbane at Mission Whitten Oval from 3.05pm.  Footscray currently sit undefeated at the top of the ladder, while the Lions sit 8^h with five wins. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for concession holders. You can also support the ‘Scray with a VFL membership, giving you access to all Footscray home games at Mission Whitten Oval. 

Check before you travel

Avoid public transport and road disruptions this Friday night by checking before you travel.

Buses replace trains on sections of the Pakenham, Lilydale and Gippsland lines.

To plan your journey ahead of time, visit Victoria's Big Build website for more information.

The Western Bulldogs have gone down to the Brisbane Lions by 43 points at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.

Fresh off a bye, the Lions' ball movement was too slick for the Dogs, cruising to a 17.12 (114) to 10.11 (71) win. 

After a relatively even opening quarter, the Bulldogs struggled to stem Brisbane's momentum in the second, conceding six goals while adding just one of their own. 

This buffer ultimately proved too much in the end, despite the hosts' best efforts after half-time. 

Skipper Marcus Bontempelli broke-through a heavy tag for 19 disposals and three goals, while Adam Treloar collected 30, eight marks and a goal.

Bailey Dale (25, four tackles) found plenty of the footy, while Bailey Williams (24, 12 marks, four tackles) was equally as strong in defence. 

The return of vice-captain Tom Liberatore was welcomed, with the midfielder bringing plenty of grunt and physicality to the contest to finish with 23 touches, five tackles and seven clearances. 

The Bulldogs will now turn their attention to Fremantle next Saturday afternoon at Marvel Stadium, as they look to bounce back before heading into the Round 15 bye.

WESTERN BULLDOGS          4.0       5.4       8.7       10.11 (71)
BRISBANE                               4.3     10.7     13.9     17.12 (114) 

GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Bontempelli 3, Ugle-Hagan 2, O'Donnell 2, West, Treloar, Garcia
Brisbane: Hipwood 6, Neale 2, Daniher 2, Bailey 2, Rayner, Morris, Lohmann, Dunkley, Berry

BEST
Western Bulldogs: Bontempelli, Liberatore, Williams, Garcia, Treloar
Brisbane: Neale, Dunkley, Hipwood, Starcevich, Berry, McCluggage

INJURIES
Western Bulldogs: Nil
Brisbane: Nil

SUBSTITUTES
Western Bulldogs: Buku Khamis (replaced Rory Lobb in the fourth quarter)
Brisbane: Noah Answerth (replaced Conor McKenna in the fourth quarter)

Crowd: 31,042 at Marvel Stadium