When and where: Friday 2 August, 7.15pm AEST, Marvel Stadium 
Broadcast: Channel 7, Fox Footy, Kayo
Head-to-head: Played 174 (won 8, drawn one, lost 93)
Last time we met: Round 1 2024, FFC 9.10 (64) def. by Melbourne 16.13 (109)

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What it means

The Bulldogs are in a purple patch of form at the moment, knocking off Carlton, Geelong and Sydney in successive weeks – finding themselves in the top eight for the first time since Round 6. The Dees are no easy feat however, falling two points short to GWS last weekend in difficult conditions. A win on Friday night could see the Dogs sit – albeit temporarily – in the top four ahead of Saturday’s games.

Who to watch

He’s arguably flown a bit under the radar this season, but Lachy Bramble is enjoying quite the campaign in his red, white and blue debut. Bramble was everywhere against the Swans, picking up 23 disposals, three marks, 511 metres gained and four inside 50s, and in game 50 on Friday will be keen to back that up.

Sons of the ‘Scray

In line with the Club’s Retro Round, the Bulldogs will revert back to the Footscray Football Club name this week. The change pays homage to the club’s first premiership team – which won the 1954 flag as Footscray, defeating Melbourne by 51 points – while commemorating the 70^th anniversary of the premiership. The team will wind back the clock with a retro-inspired guernsey, featuring collars, a 1954 premiership cup icon, and 1954 team tribute, while the Bulldogs Shop will stock an exclusive Retro Round range consisting of a rugby top, beanie and cap.

Treloar brings up game 250

Star midfielder Adam Treloar will celebrate his 250^th career match on Friday night, following 79 games at GWS and 94 games at Collingwood. There’s no denying the impact Treloar is having in the red, white and blue this season – averaging 32.3 disposals, 4.8 tackles and 5.8 clearances in his 13^th season at the top level - and will be keen to continue trending in this direction.

Duo celebrate 50 games each

Lachy Bramble and Lachie McNeil will also each bring up their 50^th games on Friday night. Bramble’s milestone comes after 30 games at Hawthorn, while McNeil reaches the half-century after four seasons on the list.

Fight On. Forever in Footscray.

With the redevelopment of Mission Whitten Oval almost complete, we have laid the foundations for sustained future success and now, are calling on our members and fans to help us bridge the funding gap. A day where a donation to the club of any amount will be matched and doubled for 24 hours to complement your generosity.

As a Club and a community, it’s time to realise our full potential together. Donate now and help us to Fight On. Forever in Footscray. For generations to come.

Check before you travel

Check before you travel to avoid public transport and road disruptions this Friday night. Buses/coaches replace trains on sections of the Cranbourne, Upfield, Geelong and Warrnambool lines. Visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au/disruptions/special-events to plan your journey ahead of time.

Marcus Bontempelli has propelled Footscray into the top four, starring in the side's 51-point win over Melbourne on Friday evening.

The Bulldogs were in control from the off, and never ceded in the 15.20 (110) to 9.5 (59) victory under the Marvel Stadium roof.

Bontempelli was simply stunning for the Dogs, recording 33 disposals, two goals, and 16 score involvements, a performance for which Melbourne had no answer. Meanwhile Cody Weightman (12 disposals, two goals) was a constant danger, and Adam Treloar (30 disposals, two goals) impressed in his 250th career game.

For large periods of the game, it was Gawn or bust for Melbourne. His relentless work in the ruck, and then contesting in the air across the ground, was at times the only thing going the Demons' way.

Unfortunately, not enough of his teammates were able to come to the party.

The Bulldogs simply dominated the midfield battle, winning it at the contest and then following up with devastating spread. Their strength was reflected in the disposal count of 369-315.

They broke Melbourne's attempts to tackle with ease, leaving their opponents in their wake as they drove forward. It kept Melbourne's defence under plenty of pressure, often caught in an outnumber because of the speed with which the Dogs were attacking.

Melbourne's backline was further strained with a rib injury to Steven May causing him to be subbed out at half-time.

The door remained open for the Dees longer than it should have, however, given the Bulldogs' poor conversion in front of goal. Jamarra Ugle-Hagan kicked two goals from eight scores, but nevertheless, he was still a serious threat inside 50, leaping beautifully at the footy.

The Bulldogs will next meet Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Sunday 11 August.

FOOTSCRAY     4.7    6.13    11.17   15.20 (110)
MELBOURNE                  1.1     5.1       7.3       9.5 (59)

GOALS
Footscray: Weightman 2, Treloar 2, Ugle-Hagan 2, Bontempelli 2, Naughton 2, Williams, Poulter, Richards, Darcy, English
Melbourne: Fritsch 2, Sparrow 2, Pickett 2, Gawn, Rivers, Woewodin

BEST 
Footscray: Bontempelli, Treloar, Liberatore, Weightman, Ugle-Hagan, Dale
Melbourne: Gawn, Van Rooyen, Neal Bullen, Rivers

INJURIES 
Footscray: N/A
Melbourne: May (ribs)

SUBSTITUTES 
Footscray: Caleb Daniel (replaced Tom Liberatore at three-quarter time)
Melbourne: Daniel Turner (replaced Steven May at half time)

Crowd: 33,000 at Marvel Stadium