The Western Bulldogs will open their season seven campaign with a home match against GWS at IKON Park this Sunday.

MATCH DETAILS

Round 1 v GWS
When: Sunday 28 August
Where: IKON Park
Gates open: 11am AEST
First bounce: 12.10pm AEST
Admission: Tickets $10, free entry for AFLW members using their digital membership card. Purchase or redeem tickets here.
Membership: Sign up here
Broadcast: Fox Footy

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GETTING THERE
Parking
Due to inclement weather, the City of Melbourne have advised there will be no public parking available at Princes Park. We encourage patrons attending the game to utilise public transport. Department of Transport will be providing additional services for the game.

Tram
No. 19 Tram (City-North Coburg) runs from the city to Royal Parade Walker St / Stop 16, then three minutes walk to Ikon Park.

Train
Take the Upfield Line to Royal Park Station, then 13 minutes walk to Ikon Park.

Bus 
Route 123 Bus to Walker St / Stop 16, then three minutes walk to Ikon Park.

SEASON SIX SUMMARY

Western Bulldogs 7^th 4-5-1 95.2%
GWS Giants 9^th 4-6 74.1%

LAST MEETING

GWS 7.1 (43) def. Western Bulldogs 2.10 (22)
Round four, Season six

The Bulldogs had been out of action for over three weeks after being struck down with COVID-19 when they last met the Giants in-season, but frustratingly could have claimed the win if not for their inaccuracy. After a sluggish start, the Dogs slowly worked back into the game at Henson Park in Sydney, but couldn’t capitalise on their efforts or put any scoreboard pressure on the Giants. Eleanor Brown (19 disposals) and Kirsty Lamb (18) battled hard, while Ellie Blackburn finished with 12 disposals, eight tackles, and a goal.

THE TALKING POINTS

Fresh and free-flowing gameplan

The Bulldogs will opt for a free-flowing gameplan in season seven, as highlighted by Kirsty Lamb on SEN. The AFLW community first saw a glimpse of this in the Dogs-Giants practice match a fortnight ago – with slick ball movement and effective disposals helping the hosts slot three unanswered goals early. Reflective of the Bulldogs’ brand, sustaining this type of football will be key to sealing a win against the Giants on Sunday.

New faces in the mix

The Dogs welcomed six faces to the Kennel throughout the off-season, headlined by former Kangaroo Daisy Bateman and former Cat Millie Brown. Both had a run around in the scratch match, alongside draftees Brooke Vernon, Rylie Wilcox, Keely Coyne and Heidi Woodley who all impressed as first-time Bulldogs. Only time will tell as to whether any of them have done enough to be picked for round one. Lamb – who missed the practice match – should return to the team of 21, while Elle Bennetts will continue to be tested this week after injuring her shoulder in the preseason hit-out. The Bulldogs will release their team at 5.30pm on Saturday.

History at IKON

While crucial VU Whitten Oval resurfacing works continue as part of the wider redevelopment, the Bulldogs will spread their home matches this season across three different venues. The first of the bunch is IKON Park, and while the Dogs haven’t played there since the 2018 Grand Final, that game should inspire and bring back fond memories for the red, white and blue.