Round 20 (Cultural Heritage Match)
Western Bulldogs v Richmond
Saturday 25 July | 7:40pm AEST
Marvel Stadium, Docklands • Wurundjeri
Broadcast: Kayo/Fox Footy (check your local broadcast guide)
LAST TIME WE MET
Round 15, 2025
Western Bulldogs 21.9 (135) def. Richmond 8.8 (56)
It was a masterclass from the Dogs' biggest names with in the emphatic 79-point victory over the Tigers at Marvel Stadium.
Marcus Bontempelli starred with 36 disposals and three goals to go with seven clearances, four goal assists, 11 inside-50s and 12 score involvements. Sam Darcy was unstoppable up forward, kicking five goals from 19 disposals and eight marks.
But, it wasn't just the Bont and Sam show. Bailey Williams (25 disposals, 15 marks) and Bailey Dale (23 disposals, seven marks) were prolific across half-back, while first-year winger Sam Davidson (27 disposals, one goal) enjoyed perhaps the most impressive performance of his young career to date.
THE LINE-UP
Check back here on Thursday at 6:20pm for the team announcement!
WHAT IT MEANS
The Western Bulldogs (11-7) keep getting the job done as they have added a pair of victories over West Coast and now Gold Coast to six wins by a goal or less earlier in the season. The Dogs might not be the most convincing of the top-six contenders but they can all but book a finals spot with a win over the Tigers especially with the Kangaroos and Blues still to come.
GAME SHAPER
Bailey Williams has made the most of his versatility across more than a decade with the Bulldogs but showed all of his value when playing more permanently in the back half against the Suns. The 28-year-old stepped up in the absence of Bailey Dale to add drive out of defence as he gathered 29 disposals and an equal career-high 11 rebounds in a role he remains well-suited to for the run home.
