MATCH INFO

Round 21 v Richmond
Friday 4 August
Marvel Stadium
7.50pm AEST
Broadcast: Channel 7, Fox Footy, Kayo Sports
Admission: Please click here to purchase tickets.

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2022 SUMMARY

Western Bulldogs 8th 12-10 108.9%
Richmond 7th 13-8-1 121.6%

FUN FACTS

  • The Bulldogs have won 6 of their last 10 matches against Richmond, and their last three matches against Richmond at Marvel Stadium – their last loss at Docklands coming in Round 13, 2013
  • The Dogs have also won 30 of their last 50 matches against the Tigers - the best form against any current AFL club
  • 42 players in V/AFL history played for both the Bulldogs and Richmond, the latest being former player Sam Lloyd
  • The Bulldogs last faced Richmond wearing their Diamond Dogs guernsey in Round 7, 1996 at the MCG
  • Aaron Naughton needs only four more marks inside 50 to reach 250 in his career, the 3rd most recorded of any Bulldog in club history

LAST TIME THEY MET

Richmond 12.12 (84) def. by Western Bulldogs 12.17 (89)

The Bulldogs clung on for a stirring five-point victory over Richmond in round four earlier this season, securing back-to-back wins with a second-half fightback at the MCG. The Bulldogs led by 29 points early in the second term before Richmond rallied with a run of seven consecutive goals to lead by 14 points at the main break, only for Luke Beveridge's side to get the game back on their terms in slippery conditions. Bailey Dale was outstanding off half-back with 30 disposals for a game-high 625m gained, while skipper Marcus Bontempelli led from the front with 25 touches including 17 contested possessions and 12 tackles. Aaron Naughton booted three goals, while Tom Liberatore was busy early too with two majors. 

08:30

Match Highlights | RD4 vs Richmond

The Tigers and Bulldogs clash in round four

TALKING POINTS

1. Retro Round returns

The Dogs-Tigers clash will mark the return of Retro Round, with the team to reprise the ‘Diamond Dog’ guernsey design this Friday night.

Last worn as the Club’s away guernsey in the 1995 and 1996 seasons, the iconic design received the people’s vote late last year.

A number of fan favourites donned the same design throughout those years, including Chris Grant, Rohan Smith and Brad Johnson to name a few.

The 2023 guernsey can be purchased via the Bulldogs Shop, along with woollen long-sleeve jumpers, scarves, caps, beanies and more as part of this year’s retro merchandise range.

00:34

Diamond Dog returns

The Diamond Dog guernsey will return for our Retro Round clash with Richmond in Round 21.

2. Down two defenders

The Bulldogs will be forced into at least two changes this week, needing to replace Josh Bruce (ACL) and Alex Keath (concussion).

As confirmed in Monday’s medical report, Ed Richards has returned to availability following his late withdrawal last weekend (illness), while Liam Jones (forearm) will be tested at main training.

A reshuffling of magnets could also see opportunities for versatile tall Buku Khamis, hard-running winger Oskar Baker or swingman James O’Donnell.

Only time will tell.

01:30

Victoria University Medical Room | Round 21

Thanks to VU, Chris Bell gives a medical update on Bruce, Keath and Jones.

3. Win and we’re in

Friday night stands as a must-win clash for the Dogs, given ladder positioning and the log-jam of teams racing for a top-eight finish.

The Bulldogs currently sit in eighth position but are only half-a-game clear of ninth-placed reigning premiers Geelong, meaning a win should all but secure at least another week inside the top eight.

There’s no denying the upcoming match will present a challenge though – given Richmond also require a win to keep their slim finals hopes alive. 

Pleasingly, the Dogs seem to find a way to dig deep in these higher-stake clashes – only needing to look as far back as their 41-point win in round 19 over Essendon.