Round 21
Fremantle v Western Bulldogs
Friday 31 July | 8:10pm AEST
Optus Stadium, Perth • Whadjuk
Broadcast: 7AFL/7Plus, Kayo/Fox Footy (check your local broadcast guide)
LAST TIME WE MET
Round 8, 2025
Western Bulldogs 15.12 (102) def. by Fremantle 17.12 (114)
The Bulldogs did all they could in the early stages of the game and looked like pulling off a win with a number of star players sitting in the stands, but it was the Dockers' determination that left its stamp on the contest.
The first quarter belonged to the Bulldogs as they opened a sizeable gap made all the more inspirational by a pair of goals from contested marks by Aaron Naughton; However, it was late in the third term that the Dockers truly clicked, kicking seven unanswered goals either side of three-quarter time to take the lead and open up a 28-point break of their own.
An inspirational performance from Marcus Bontempelli (33 disposals, two goals) threatened to drag the Dogs back over the line, despite being clearly hampered, but the Dockers stood strong.
THE LINE-UP
Check back on Thursday at 6:20pm for the team announcement!
WHAT IT MEANS
The Western Bulldogs (12-7) kept pace with the top six as they crushed Richmond on Saturday night to make it three wins on the bounce and seven of their past nine. The Dogs have been sitting in seventh or eighth place for seven straight weeks and will be keen to jump into the mix for a higher spot that would avoid a wildcard final. Winning the most daunting road trip in the game against the Dockers would certainly help.
GAME SHAPER
Joel Freijah has had an up and down year after a breakout campaign last season. The 20-year-old was dropped before the Dogs' clash with the Suns last week before making the most of a late recall and bouncing back to form with 23 disposals against the Tigers to suddenly look primed for the run home.
