The AFLW Bulldogs may have locked in their spot in the 2026 NAB AFLW Finals Series, but who they will face and just how high they will finish remains to be seen.
We’ve taken a look at who our potential opponents could be.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Currently:Â Sixth, 32 points, 131.9 per cent
Highest position:Â Third
Lowest position:Â Seventh
The Bulldogs might be heading into Friday night’s clash as the underdogs, but their track record against top eight teams isn’t to be dismissed – having beaten Gold Coast (4th), Carlton (5th) and Sydney (7th) already this season.
A win against the Cats would see them remain in the mix for top four, coming down to percentage, while a loss will likely result in an away elimination final.
If the Dogs finish third…
Most likely opponent: Geelong in an away qualifying final
To happen: Dogs win*, Brisbane win, Adelaide win*
*Percentage will play a part.
If the Dogs finish fourth…
Most likely opponent:Â North Melbourne in an away qualifying final
To happen:Â Dogs win*, Brisbane win, Adelaide win
*Percentage will play a part if Gold Coast and Carlton win.
If the Dogs finish fifth…
Possible opponents:Â Fremantle/Adelaide/Hawthorn/Port Adelaide in a home elimination final
To happen:Â Dogs win*, Carlton win*, GWS win, Fremantle win*
*Percentage will play a part if Gold Coast and Sydney win.
If the Dogs finish sixth…
Most likely opponent:Â Sydney in a home elimination final
To happen:Â Dogs win*, Gold Coast win, Sydney win
*Percentage will play a part if Geelong win, GWS win and Fremantle win.
If the Dogs finish seventh…
Possible opponents:Â Sydney/Carlton in an away elimination final
To happen: Dogs lose, Carlton win, Sydney win
*Percentage will play a part if Geelong win and Brisbane win.
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