Essendon v Western Bulldogs 
Friday 25 July | 7:20pm AEST
Marvel Stadium
Broadcast: Channel 7, Kayo/Foxtel

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LAST MEETING

Round 10, 2025
Western Bulldogs 18.19 (127) def. Essendon 5.6 (36)

The Western Bulldogs delivered one of their most commanding performances of the season in Round 10, cruising to a 91-point win over Essendon at Marvel Stadium. The tone was set early, with the Bombers held goalless in the opening term, as the Bulldogs asserted authority across all four quarters in a clinical display of pressure. 

Rhylee West spearheaded the forward line with four goals from 19 disposals, while Ed Richards and Marcus Bontempelli were dynamic - each contributing two goals and 20+ disposals in a well-rounded showing. 

Tom Liberatore (33 disposals, eight clearances) and Matt Kennedy (31 disposals, four clearances) dominated inside the contest, while Bailey Dale marshalled the backline with a game-high 49 disposals and more than 1,000 metres gained. 

08:13

AFL R10 | Match Highlights

The Bulldogs and Bombers clash in round 10 of the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season

THE LINE-UP

WHO TO WATCH

Marcus Bontempelli enters Friday night’s clash with Essendon off the back of a milestone week – one that began with his elevation as the second-greatest Bulldog of all time at the centenary gala, and was followed by a fresh four-year contract extension, locking him in at the Kennel until at least 2029.

The captain is building a formidable 2025 campaign, averaging 25.2 disposals, 13.2 kicks, 12 handballs and 5.8 tackles - all while being the most successful VFL/AFL skipper in Club history. In the Bulldogs’ earlier clash with the Bombers, Bontempelli proved the difference, racking up 24 disposals and two goals in a performance he’ll be eager to replicate to cap off a landmark week in style.

10:32

Marcus Bontempelli | "It was always the Bulldogs"

Marcus Bontempelli speaks to the media following the news of his four year extension with the club.

No. 1 ruck Tim English will also have reason to celebrate, bringing up his 150th career match in the red, white and blue. The Western Australian has delivered silver service to his midfielders this season, averaging 17.5 disposals, 30.7 hit-outs and 3.9 clearances.

04:50

150 Games | Tim English

Look back at some of the best moments from Tim English's career to date, as he prepares for game 150.

 WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY

Essendon (6-11) put on a brave face as it battled hard against Greater Western Sydney until gradually paying the price for a horror show in front of goal. The injury-ravaged Bombers had their chances early but went into the main break with 1.8 on the scoreboard and will need to be better in front of goal to stay in touch with a Bulldogs outfit that can put teams to the sword.

The Western Bulldogs (10-8) have fallen off the pace in the nine-team race for a finals place after back-to-back defeats to Adelaide and Brisbane. The Dogs can reignite their finals hopes by returning to the winners list and building on their supremacy over the Bombers, winning 10 of their past 12 clashes by an average 54 points.