When and where: Sunday 17 March, 1pm AEDT, MCG (Wurundjeri)
Broadcast: Fox Footy/Kayo
Head to head: Played 173 (won 80, drawn 1, lost 92)

Last time we met

Round 1 2023, WB 9.11 (65) def. by Melbourne 17.13 (115) 

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What it means

Starting the season positively will be a key focus for the Bulldogs, who have not won their opening match since the 2021 season. Standing in their way however is a Melbourne side that will be keen to make amends for their performance against the Swans last Thursday, and avoid starting their season 0-2.

Who to watch

After 152 games in the red and blue, James Harmes will add some white and run out for his first game as a Bulldog against his former club. The 28-year-old has played a variety of positions over the pre-season, particularly impressing with four goals as a mid/half-forward in the Mooloolaba match simulation.

New faces

Joining Harmes in the Bulldogs’ line-up for the very first time is Nick Coffield and Lachie Bramble (club debuts), and also league debutants Ryley Sanders and Harvey Gallagher. 948 days would have passed between AFL games for childhood Bulldogs fan Coffield, while Bramble is set to add to his 30-game tally. Sanders has earned high praise both inside and outside the four walls for his professionalism in his debut pre-season, while Gallagher gets his chance after an interrupted 2023.

Bulldogs Tipping

Bulldogs Tipping is back in 2024, and it’s not too late to sign up! Earn bragging rights over your family, friends or even colleagues by correctly tipping games, with a number of exciting Bulldogs prizes up for grabs too.

Register today at tipping.westernbulldogs.com.au and get your tips in now before round one.

Check Before You Travel

Certain roads heading towards the MCG will be closed this Sunday for the 2024 Herald Sun / Transurban Run for the Kids. Please plan accordingly and allow ample time to get to the game. Click here for more information.

A number of public transport services will also be disrupted this weekend, in particular the Belgrave, Pakenham, Sandringham, Seymour/Shepparton and Gippsland train lines. For further details click here.

The Western Bulldogs have suffered a 45-point loss to Melbourne in round one of the 2024 AFL season.

The Dogs started strong through their three talls in Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Aaron Naughton and Rory Lobb, but the hosts found another level late in the game, storming home 16.13 (109) to 9.10 (64). 

Fielding three club debutants and two AFL debutants, the new-look Bulldogs were competitive for three quarters, but just couldn't stop the Dees’ run in the final term.

Tom Liberatore was impressive in defeat, recording 32 disposals, nine clearances and seven inside 50s, as was Adam Treloar (31 disposals, four marks, four clearances), Jason Johannisen (26 disposals, eight marks) and Marcus Bontempelli (25 disposals, four tackles, six clearances, one goal).

Liam Jones and Ed Richards were also solid in defence, while Ugle-Hagan finished with a pair of goals. 

Caleb Daniel was activated as the tactical sub just before the end of the third quarter, replacing first-gamer Ryley Sanders.

The Bulldogs will look to bounce back next week when they host the Gold Coast Suns at Mars Stadium in Ballarat.

MELBOURNE                  4.4    8.5   10.8    16.13 (109) 
WESTERN BULLDOGS    4.3     6.5    7.7     9.10  (64) 

GOALS 
Melbourne: Chandler 3, Van Rooyen 3, Brown 2, Neal-Bullen 2, Pickett 2, Viney, Petracca, Billings, Salem 
Western Bulldogs: Ugle-Hagan 2, Naughton, Lobb, Gallagher, Bontempelli, Weightman, Bramble, West 

BEST 
Melbourne: Gawn, Oliver, Petracca, May, Billings 
Western Bulldogs: Bontempelli, Liberatore, Treloar, English, Johannisen 

INJURIES 
Melbourne: None 
Western Bulldogs: None 

SUBSTITUTES 
Melbourne: Taj Woewodin (replaced Caleb Windsor in the fourth quarter) 
Western Bulldogs: Caleb Daniel (replaced Ryley Sanders in the third quarter)