The Western Bulldogs will kick off their 2023 campaign against Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday night. Here's all you need to know.

MATCH INFO

Round 1 v Melbourne

Saturday 18 March

MCG, 7.25pm AEDT

Broadcast: Channel 7, Fox Footy, Kayo Sports

Admission: Tickets on sale here.

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01:00

Unleash in 2023

Head to membership.westernbulldogs.com.au

2022 SUMMARY

Western Bulldogs 8th 12-10 108.9%

Melbourne 2nd 16-6 130.5%

 

FUN FACTS

  • Oskar Baker will make his Dogs’ debut against his former club
  • The two sides have only drawn once across 172 meetings (Round 5, 1929)
  • The Bulldogs have played seven opening round clashes at the MCG, four of those against Melbourne
  • Jamarra Ugle-Hagan earned a Rising Star nomination in the most recent encounter (Round 19, 2022)
  • The Dogs’ average score against Melbourne is 87 points
02:33

Oskar Baker | 'Ready to unleash into a new season'

Oskar Baker sits down to discuss his journey to the dogs

LAST TIME THEY MET

Western Bulldogs 17.8 (110) def. Melbourne 15.10 (100)

The Bulldogs produced a thrilling 10-point win over Melbourne at Marvel Stadium in Round 19 last year. Led largely by Jamarra Ugle-Hagan’s coming-of-age performance, which included five goals and the match-sealer, the Dogs’ never-say-die attitude was on full display. After Riley Garcia gave his side the lead with just over seven minutes to play, there was plenty of opportunity for Melbourne to equalise, but it was the Bulldogs who willed themselves over the line. Bailey Smith (28, five tackles) Bailey Dale (27, five rebound 50s) and Marcus Bontempelli (26, nine tackles, one goal) were among the leading disposal-getters in what was otherwise a well-rounded team effort.

08:02

Match Highlights | Bulldogs v Demons

Watch all the highlights from the win against Melbourne in round 19

TALKING POINTS

1. Two new faces, one familiar

The Bulldogs will add over 300 games of senior experience to their side on Saturday night, with the inclusions of off-season recruits Rory Lobb, Oskar Baker and Liam Jones.

While it will mark club debuts for Lobb and Baker, it will be a homecoming of sorts for Jones – who spent the early years of his AFL career in the red, white and blue before moving to Carlton.

If the three can impact as they did in the practice match a fortnight ago, Bulldogs’ fans should have plenty of reason to celebrate this season.

2. Land of the giants

Much has already been spoken about the Dogs’ tall forward threats, but on Saturday night they’ll be unleashed for good.

Rory Lobb, Aaron Naughton, Sam Darcy, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan. A sight for sore eyes.

The quartet combined for 10 goals in the pre-season hit-out, and with contributions from Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore and Adam Treloar a chance too, the Bulldogs’ avenues to goal are looking pretty good.

3. History at the ‘G

The ‘G, the home of footy, the hallowed turf. Whatever you might call it, there’s no denying the significance of the MCG in relation to Australian Rules football.

On Saturday night, the venue will celebrate its own milestone – its 3000th V/AFL match - and the Bulldogs are invited.

If recent meetings between the Dogs and Dees are anything to go by, we’ll be in for a fiery one.