The Western Bulldogs will kick off round three this Thursday night, hosting Brisbane at Marvel Stadium.
MATCH INFO
Round 3 v Brisbane
Thursday 30 March
Marvel Stadium, 7.20pm AEDT
Broadcast: Channel 7, Fox Footy, Kayo Sports
Admission: Tickets on sale here.
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2022 SUMMARY
Western Bulldogs 8th 12-10 108.9%
Brisbane 6th 15-7 119.3%
FUN FACTS
- Thursday night will mark vice-captain Jack Macrae’s 100th consecutive game - currently sitting third across the league for the longest streak of games behind Jack Crisp (190 games) and Christian Petracca (109 games)
- Macrae’s record number of disposals (47) came against Brisbane in round eight, 2018
- The last meeting between the Dogs and Lions also fell on a Thursday night, and saw a debutant (Dom Bedendo) take to the field
- Of their 43 encounters, 14 of these have been played at Docklands with the Bulldogs prevailing on nine occasions
- Oskar Baker is the only player currently on the Dogs’ list that hails from Queensland, while Caleb Daniel was born in Beaudesert
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW >> GAME DAY GUIDE
LAST TIME THEY MET
Brisbane Lions 16.12 (108) def. Western Bulldogs 9.13 (67)
The Bulldogs suffered a 41-point defeat to the Lions last season at the Gabba. Despite starting strong and controlling the game early, the hosts made the most of the home-ground advantage – kicking away with 15 goals to seven in the second half. The Dogs had their opportunities to score, but couldn’t capitalise on their forward forays – producing just nine majors from 57 inside 50s. Bailey Dale was one of the standouts, registering 32 touches, five marks and 637 metres gained in his 100th match, while Tom Liberatore (33 disposals, seven marks, eight clearances, one goal) was equally as influential. In his 200th match, Jack Macrae was solid with 33 possessions and 10 clearances.
TALKING POINTS
1. Arty's party
The Bulldogs have confirmed speedy forward Arthur Jones’ debut this Thursday night.
Taken with pick 43 in the 2021 AFL Draft, Indigenous youngster has spent the last year and a half biding his time in the VFL program, and had impressed with his preseason work this summer before being sidelined with a groin injury.
“It’s a really exciting moment for me and my family, but also for the Club,” Jones said.
“It’s a bit hard to put into words. It’s a lifelong dream.
“I’m just so grateful to the Western Bulldogs for giving me the chance to debut. Hopefully I can make the red, white and blue as proud as they can be.”
Go well, Arty.
2. Gardner on track, duo to be tested
In more positive news, key defender Ryan Gardner is on track to return to availability this week.
Gardner underwent surgery on an elbow fracture last month, but has progressed well.
Head of Sports Medicine, Chris Bell, also provided injury updates on senior duo Rory Lobb and Adam Treloar.
“We are fighting the clock to turn Rory around in time for the game this Thursday – we want to make sure that if he does play, he is at 100%,” Bell said.
“Adam had some minor hamstring tightness off the back of the round one game, and has progressed well over the last 72 hours and completed a solid training session on Saturday.
“For him to be a chance to play – he will need to prove his full fitness and ability to hit top speed.”
For more injury news, check out the VU Medical Room.
3. VFL double-header at Marvel
The Footscray Bulldogs will face Brisbane from 3.45pm in a curtain-raiser at Marvel Stadium, ahead of the two sides’ AFL match at 7.20pm.
Dogs’ top draftee Jedd Busslinger has already been confirmed to play, following a lengthy rehab stint recovering from two shoulder reconstructions.
Lachie Sullivan will continue as captain this season, as confirmed this week, heading up a five-man leadership group consisting of Dan Orgill, Ewan Macpherson, Joel Garner and Jay Rantall.
The ‘Scray went down to reigning premiers Casey by 37 points in last weekend’s opening round.
