Western Bulldogs members and fans will have the opportunity to secure their tickets for next weekend’s Dogs v Dons pre-season practice match from 10am Wednesday.  

The AFL Dogs will host Essendon from 2pm at Mission Whitten Oval on Saturday 15 February, while the VFL sides go head-to-head from 5pm, marking the first major event in the season-long celebration of Footscray Football Club’s entry into the Victorian Football League (VFL) in 1925. 

Essendon played a significant role in Footscray’s entry to the league, with the teams facing off in the ‘Championship of Victoria’ game in 1924, Footscray as VFA champions and Essendon as VFL champions. Footscray’s emphatic win helped ensure that the red, white and blue gained admission to the VFL the following season.

To be prepared for Wednesday's ticketing on-sale, please refer to the information below: 

2025 Bulldogs members 

On-sale: Wednesday 5 February, 10am AEDT

  • Cost: FREE  
  • Members will require their barcode to access a complimentary ticket 
  • Barcodes can be found in emails sent from the Club or via this link 
  • Only general admission seating is available

2025 non-members 

On-sale: Wednesday 5 February, 2pm AEDT 

  • Cost: $15 per ticket 
  • Only general admission seating is available

2025 Essendon members 

On-sale: Wednesday 5 February, 10am AEDT 

  • Cost: $10 per ticket 
  • Only general admission seating is available 

With demand expected to be high, signing up as a Bulldogs member is the best way to guarantee access to the historic clash and first viewing of the 2025 AFL squad in action at its spiritual home.  

Update: Corporate hospitality packages and tickets are now SOLD OUT.

The corporate hospitality experience includes: 

  • Gourmet canapes and continuous beverages
  • Expert game analysis from past players and key Club staff
  • Premium viewing from the new Western Grounds balcony on Level 2
  • Exclusive player appearances

If you can't make it to the game, you can watch it on Kayo. 

Don’t have Kayo? A great and affordable way to watch all of our games live while supporting the Western Bulldogs is via a Digital Membership, which includes a 12-month Kayo subscription. Learn more here.

Tickets for the AFL Community Series fixture against Hawthorn will also go on-sale tomorrow, Wednesday 5 February, with Club members able to scan into the venue for free general admission access.

2025 AFL pre-season fixture 

Western Bulldogs v Essendon 
Saturday 15 February, 2pm AEDT
Mission Whitten Oval 
Broadcast: Kayo 

2025 VFL practice match 
Footscray v Essendon 

Saturday 15 February, 5pm AEDT 
Mission Whitten Oval
Broadcast: N/A 

*All tickets will be valid for both the AFL and VFL games.