MATCH INFO

Round 19 v Essendon
Friday 21 July
Marvel Stadium
7.50pm AEST
Broadcast: Channel 7, Fox Footy, Kayo Sports
Admission: Only single seats remain. Please click here to purchase tickets.

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2022 SUMMARY

Western Bulldogs 8th 12-10 108.9%
Essendon 15th 7-15 83.2%

FUN FACTS

  • The Bulldogs have won eight of the last nine encounters against the Dons, with an average winning margin of 58 points
  • The two sides have also drawn twice in their history, the most recent occasion being 2002
  • The Bulldogs registered their second-highest score in Club history – 29.15 (189) - against Essendon in round six, 1977
  • The Dogs were the only team to defeat Essendon in the 2000 season – who went onto become premiers - breaking their 21-game winning streak in the dying minutes of the match
  • Tom Liberatore (2011), Rory Lobb (2014) and Cody Weightman (2020) all made their AFL debuts against Essendon

LAST TIME THEY MET

Western Bulldogs 16.7 (103) def. Essendon 10.11 (71)

A seven-goal third-quarter blitz helped the Western Bulldogs to their third win of the 2022 season, against Essendon in the 1000th match at Marvel Stadium. The Dogs were clinical after half-time, running out to a 50-point lead in the final term before conceding the last three goals of the game. Caleb Daniel (32 disposals, four marks, three tackles), Jack Macrae (28, five marks, five clearances), Bailey Smith (26, seven inside 50s, one goal) and Adam Treloar (22, four marks, six clearances) were impactful for the hosts, while Lachie McNeil (three), Cody Weightman (two) and Robbie McComb (two) all finished with multiple majors.

07:57

Match Highlights | Bulldogs v Bombers

The Bulldogs and Bombers clash in round seven.

TALKING POINTS

1. Playing for the EJ Whitten Cup

Friday night will mark the 29th anniversary of the EJ Whitten Cup, the trophy contested annually between the Bulldogs and Bombers.

Named in honour of Club legend Ted Whitten, the Cup has been played at alternating home games since 1995.

In recent years, the Bulldogs have improved the historical ledger to have claimed the Cup on 14 occasions, narrowly pipping Essendon’s 13 wins.

The two sides played out a draw in 2002.

00:47

Throwback | Grant's Miracle Goal

Look back at Granty's left foot snap that gave us the lead over Essendon in the dying stages of Round 21 in 2000.

2. Defensive duo raise the bat

The Bulldogs will welcome another two centurions to the 100-club this week, with Alex Keath and Ed Richards both set to play their 100thmatches.

Returning from injury a fortnight ago, Richards has picked up his game exactly where he left off – averaging 21 disposals, six marks and six intercepts for the season so far.

Keath has been important to the Dogs’ defensive stocks too, averaging 12 touches, five marks and  four spoils in 2023.

Go well, Richo and Keathy.

04:41

Richards & Keath discuss 100 Games

Ed Richards and Alex Keath sit down to chat about their journeys to 100 AFL games.

3. Eight-point game

With only percentage separating the two sides on the ladder (Bulldogs in seventh and Essendon in eighth) this game could have ramifications for each team’s finals aspirations.  

The Dogs will be keen to snap a two-game losing streak at their home ground – despite going into the clash as the away team – while the Dons’ 77-point loss to Geelong last week will likely set a fire in their bellies.

Historically speaking, the Bulldogs typically find a way to get the job done when their backs are against the wall.

Let’s hope Friday night is no different in front of plenty of the red, white and blue faithful.