Western Bulldogs v Fremantle 
Sunday 24 August | 3:15pm AEST
Marvel Stadium, Wurundjeri
Broadcast: Channel 7, Kayo/Foxtel

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LAST MEETING

Round 4, 2025
Fremantle 15.7 (97) def. Western Bulldogs 12.9 (81)

The Western Bulldogs fell just short against Fremantle in a hard-fought contest earlier this season. Despite a fast finish, the Dogs were left to rue a second-quarter lapse that saw the hosts boot six unanswered goals in 13 minutes.

Sam Darcy emerged as a clear standout, producing a breakout display with five goals, 21 disposals and 11 marks, while Aaron Naughton worked tirelessly in support. In the midfield, Matthew Kennedy was a strong influence with 26 disposals and a team-high nine clearances, while Tom Liberatore added 30 disposals and six clearances. 

08:04

AFL R4 | Match Highlights

The Dockers and Bulldogs clash in round four of the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

THE LINE-UP

WHO TO WATCH

Bailey Dale enters this week after signing a fresh contract extension, taking him through to at least the end of the 2029 season. A consistent threat inside defensive-50, the 29-year-old is averaging 27.2 disposals per game and over 500 metres gained to be one of the Bulldogs’ most reliable performers this campaign.

His Round 4 performance against Fremantle earlier this year was a reminder of his influence, collecting 26 disposals – including a team-high 18 kicks – and 518 metres gained. With momentum on his side and form that continues to trend upward, Dale shapes as a pivotal figure once again on Sunday.

02:11

Bailey Dale | "There's so much growth here"

Bailey Dale discusses his contract extension which keeps him at the club until 2029.

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY

The Western Bulldogs (14-8) have climbed into the top eight for the first time since Round 17 after thumping West Coast to make it four wins on the trot and Gold Coast slipped up last week. But the Dogs need one more win to secure a finals spot with a crunch clash against the Dockers widely expected to decide which of the two sides misses out. 

Fremantle (15-7) put itself right in the finals mix and even into premiership contention with 11 wins from 12 matches through an impressive second half of the season. But the Dockers' worst performance in months and a defeat to the Lions could cost them a top-eight spot as recent history weighs heavy and the clash with the Dogs has turned into a winner-takes-all encounter.