Round 24
Melbourne v Western BulldogsÂ
Saturday 22 August, 4:15pm AEST
MCG • Wurundjeri
Broadcast: Kayo/Fox Footy (check your local broadcast guide)
LAST TIME WE MET
Round 11, 2026
Western Bulldogs 14.9 (93) def. Melbourne 13.12 (90)
Joel Freijah’s goal in the dying minutes sealed a narrow three-point win over the Demons in a thriller at Marvel Stadium earlier this year.
Ed Richards (30 disposals, three goals) and Marcus Bontempelli (29 disposals, two goals) dominated in the midfield, as the Bulldogs held off a comeback.
Lachy Bramble’s match-saving mark late steadied the game in the final moments.
Ryley Sanders finished with 31 touches, while Rhylee West, Aaron Naughton and Arty Jones (two each) kicked multiple goals.
THE LINE-UP
Check back on Thursday at 6:20pm for the final team!
WHAT IT MEANS
The Western Bulldogs (12-1-9) are locked into a wildcard spot but the draw with Carlton leaves them with plenty to play for as they aim to avoid a potential interstate trip in their first final. The Dogs could climb as high as eighth with a win over the Demons while hoping that the Magpies lose, though their own defeat combined with a Blues victory would see Luke Beveridge's side drop as low as 10th place.
GAME SHAPER
Ed Richards has put together an impactful campaign and will again be important ahead of the Wildcard Finals. Without skipper Marcus Bontempelli against Carlton, Richards was a standout in the draw, collecting 31 disposals, six clearances and two goals. Already proven to be an integral part of the side, he is showing no signs of slowing down going into the squad's clash with Melbourne.
