Round 17
Sydney v Western Bulldogs
Friday 3 July | 7:40pm AEST
SCG, Sydney • Gadigal
Broadcast: 7AFL/7Plus, Kayo/Fox Footy (check your local broadcast guide)
LAST TIME WE MET
Round 7, 2026
Western Bulldogs 9.6 (60) def. by Sydney Swans 18.18 (126)
It was tough night for the Bulldogs, with a nasty injury to forward Aaron Naughton mirrored by a big performance from Sydney key forward Charlie Curnow.
Curnow kicked seven goals in the Swans' 66-point win in the open air of Marvel Stadium, consolidating their then top of the table position.
Marcus Bontempelli (29 disposals, two goals) looked especially slick despite heavy strapping on his right knee, while debutant Lachie Smith, in tandem with third-gamer Louis Emmett, worked Brodie Grundy well in the first half.
THE LINE-UP
Check back on Thursday 6:20pm AEST for the team announcement!
WHAT IT MEANS
The Western Bulldogs (9-6) got their campaign back on track with five wins from seven matches before a bye, and now return with an opportunity to make a huge statement against a shaky Sydney side. The Dogs are one of few visiting teams with a strong recent record on the Swans' home turf after wins in the past two years, and have built on that away form with a 3-1 record outside Victoria this season.
GAME SHAPER
Marcus Bontempelli is enjoying another top-shelf season as the Bulldogs captain lifts the side into the finals race, whether dominating in the midfield or as a threat while resting forward. The 30-year-old is averaging just under his career-high with 27.4 disposals, while also taking his chances for an equal personal best of 1.33 goals a game with 20 majors and only five behinds this season.
