Round 9

Port Adelaide v Western Bulldogs
Friday 8 May | 8:10pm AEST (7:40pm ACST)
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide • Kaurna
Broadcast: Kayo/Fox Footy (check your local broadcast guide)

Staying in Melbourne this weekend? Watch the Dogs take on the Power live from the Hop Nation Taproom in Footscray! Bookings open from 6pm ahead of an 8:10pm start – secure your spot now!

LAST MEETING

Round 8, 2025
Western Bulldogs 20.11 (131) def. Port Adelaide 5.11 (41)

The Western Bulldogs dominated Port Adelaide by 90 points in windy and cold conditions at Ballarat's Mars Stadium last year, mastering the swirly breeze far better than their interstate opponents.

Key forward Aaron Naughton stood tall with an equal game-high three goals and seven marks. Naughton was joined by Tim English, who pushed forward from the ruck to hit the scoreboard with three of his own and Bulldogs skipper Marcus Bontempelli (three goals, 23 disposals).

THE LINE-UP

Check back here Thursday 6:20pm AEST for the full lineups!

WHAT IT MEANS

The Western Bulldogs (4-4) showed that they can still keep pace with the frontrunners as they brushed aside a lingering injury crisis to push Fremantle all the way to the line. But the Dogs have no time to lick their wounds after a fourth straight loss to a side currently sitting in the top six as they look to get their campaign back on track against a Power outfit threatening to rise from the bottom half. 

GAME SHAPER

Matthew Kennedy has turned himself into one of the great survivors as the ball-winning midfielder continues to play a crucial role even in his second season with his third club. The former Giants and Blues onballer is now averaging career-highs for 26.8 disposals and 7.4 clearances as he helps guide the Dogs through an injury crisis while reaching 150 games.