The good, the not so good, the exhilarating, the heartbreaking… we’ve taken a look at the Moments That Mattered during the AFL season. 

From now until the full playing group returns for the start of pre-season on November 25, westernbulldogs.com.au will count down 19 moments that had a big impact in 2019. 

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‘What are they wearing?’ 

The opening round of the AFL season was closing in, when the Western Bulldogs dropped a big announcement.

The traditional red, white and blue jumper would not be worn in round one.

Instead, a Thor-inspired guernsey had been designed, to celebrate the first AFL game at the re-branded ‘Marvel’ Stadium.

There was plenty of debate.

In some circles, it got… hammered. 

Others loved it.

And skipper Easton Wood, a renowned Marvel movie fan, was a big advocate. 

With red capes on their backs, the Bulldogs embraced it and delivered on game day against the Sydney Swans as Hollywood stars Chris Hemsworth and Matt Damon watched on. 

Led by Marcus Bontempelli (29 disposals), defender-turned-forward Aaron Naughton (three-goals) and the inspirational return of Tom Liberatore (28 disposals) from an ACL injury, the Bulldogs started 2019 with a 17-point triumph.

The Bulldogs jumped out to a 33-point half-time lead, which was cut to less than a kick in the final term. 

But they held on.

And who could forget Bevo’s press conference… he brought his own Thor hammer! 

“My younger brother made that for me when I was a young fella, so I was a bit jealous of the boys wearing the Thor jumper. I know there’s been a lot of talk about it. The strength and power in the Mjolnir … we were after a bit of that tonight and it went OK beating a good side in the Swans. We’re pretty happy. I wanted to get Chris (Hemsworth) to sign that for my younger brother, but he’s taken off, unfortunately, so we’ll have to track him down.” 

The perfect start to the year.