Western Bulldogs v Essendon
Saturday 17 May | 7:35pm AEST
Marvel Stadium, Docklands • Wurundjeri
Broadcast: Kayo/Foxtel
Tickets: Purchase here
Don’t just witness history. Be part of it: Sign up as a Bulldogs member TODAY.
Already a member? After the game, look out for two member-exclusive pieces of content from the coaches. Stay across your email and the Club website to access.
Dogs fans are always welcome at Pirate Life’s venue in South Melbourne. Members receive 2-for-1 South Coast schooners every Bulldogs’ game day, as well as 10% off everything all day, every day. Just present your Bulldogs’ membership card to take advantage of this offer!
LAST MEETING
Round 5, 2024
Western Bulldogs 9.13 (67) def. by Essendon 15.6 (96)
The Western Bulldogs showed grit in a 29-point loss to Essendon at Marvel Stadium, staying competitive throughout the Round 5 clash last year. Adam Treloar led with 28 disposals, eight tackles and 412 metres gained, while Jack Macrae (25 disposals, two goal assists) made a strong impact. Sam Darcy impressed with a goal, eight marks and five tackles, while Tom Liberatore’s nine clearances highlighted the Bulldogs’ midfield fight. Aaron Naughton and Rhylee West each kicked two goals, with Ed Richards (22 disposals, seven marks) providing drive from defence.
THE LINE-UP
WHO TO WATCH
Ryley Sanders will run out for his 24th AFL match this Saturday evening, proudly representing his Palawa heritage in the 2025 First Nations guernsey. Since making his debut in 2024, the hard-working 20-year-old midfielder from Tasmania has impressed with a growing list of stats - racking up nine goals and an average of 20.6 kicks (ranked elite), and 3.7 tackles (elite) this season alone. Known for his versatility both inside and outside the contest, he'll be looking to build on last week's performance and bring even more momentum to the Dogs’ midfield.
WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY
- Martin Pegan, afl.com.au
The Western Bulldogs (5-4) lost few friends as they made a late charge against Gold Coast but the narrow defeat has still left it in the logjam of eight clubs on four to five wins. The Dogs must now be wary of how they bounce back after playing in steamy conditions in Darwin but should appreciate returning to home comforts after winning their past eight matches at the venue by an average 43 points.
Essendon (5-3) perhaps claimed the big scalp it needed when holding off Sydney though the reigning minor premiers are a shell of the side that they were last year. Either way, the Bombers are regularly beating the teams that are in front of them with four wins from their past five as they tighten up their defence to concede an average 73 points across that stretch and make a push for the top eight.
