MATCH INFO

Round 13 v Port Adelaide
Friday 9 June
Marvel Stadium
7.50pm AEST
Broadcast: Channel 7, Fox Footy, Kayo Sports
Admission: Tickets on sale here.

Nothing is stronger than when our pack comes together. Become a Western Bulldogs member today! 

2022 SUMMARY

Western Bulldogs 8th 12-10 108.9%
Port Adelaide 11th 10-12 110.3% 

FUN FACTS

  • This marks the first time this season the Bulldogs will face a side they have already met in 2023 (GWS, Richmond, Hawthorn and Geelong are the other teams they will meet twice)
  • The last time the Bulldogs hosted Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium was in round 23, 2021 – except due to COVID restrictions this match was played in front of no crowd
  • Following Friday’s match, Luke Beveridge will have coached the most games against Ken Hinkley (13)
  • Across his career, Marcus Bontempelli has registered the equal-most clearances against the Power (80)
  • Cody Weightman polled the most coaches’ votes (8) for the Bulldogs against Port in round five

LAST TIME THEY MET

Western Bulldogs 8.8 (56) def. by Port Adelaide 10.10 (70)

The Bulldogs were overrun by Port Adelaide in Gather Round earlier this season, conceding the last four goals of the match in slippery conditions to suffer a 14-point loss. With four lead changes in the second half, the Dogs took a narrow advantage into the final term but struggled to limit the hosts’ influence late. Cody Weightman was effective with four goals from 11 disposals, while Marcus Bontempelli (23 disposals, seven tackles, 12 clearances) and Tim English (28 hit-outs, 23 disposals, six marks) impressed. Tom Liberatore was also impactful in his 200th match with 26 touches and four clearances. 

08:17

Match Highlights | RD5 vs Port Adelaide

The Power and Bulldogs clash in round five

TALKING POINTS

1. Snapping the streak

The Bulldogs will have the opportunity to snap not one or two, but three streaks if they can defeat Port Adelaide on Friday night.

The most obvious one will see them put an end to their two-game losing streak, and return to the winners list with a much-needed triumph.

In doing so, the Bulldogs would end Port’s record nine-game winning streak – while also inflicting their first loss at Marvel since round 22, 2019. 

While banking the four points is the most important outcome, hopefully the added bit incentive can lead the Dogs to victory. 

2. Covering for Ed

As coach Luke Beveridge alluded to in the post-round 12 press conference, covering for rebounding defender Ed Richards will be a challenge.

While there isn’t exactly a like-for-like replacement, Hayden Crozier or Luke Cleary play the most similar role, and put together strong VFL performances at the weekend.

Laith Vandermeer and new recruit Caleb Poulter have also been playing across half-back for Footscray in recent weeks, while Alex Keath and Josh Bruce are also available as key defenders.

For development coach Travis Varcoe’s recap on how each of the senior-listed Bulldogs fared at state-league, click here.

3. Filling the stands for 140 years

Friday night’s clash will mark the first time Victorian Bulldog fans and members have the opportunity to watch their side do battle with Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium since round 19, 2015.

And what better reason to get down than to celebrate the Club’s 140-year anniversary?

The Bulldogs will wear 140-year branded guernseys for the clash, which will be auctioned off post-game.

Limited edition 140-year posters will also be handed out around the ground, with the Footscray Yarraville Band playing on the concourse pre-game as an ode to the days at Whitten Oval.