When and where: Sunday 17 March, 1pm AEDT, MCG (Wurundjeri)
Broadcast: Fox Footy/Kayo
Head to head: Played 173 (won 80, drawn 1, lost 92)

Last time we met

Round 1 2023, WB 9.11 (65) def. by Melbourne 17.13 (115) 

08:06

Match Highlights | RD1 vs Melbourne

The Demons and Bulldogs clash in round one

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What it means

Starting the season positively will be a key focus for the Bulldogs, who have not won their opening match since the 2021 season. Standing in their way however is a Melbourne side that will be keen to make amends for their performance against the Swans last Thursday, and avoid starting their season 0-2.

Who to watch

After 152 games in the red and blue, James Harmes will add some white and run out for his first game as a Bulldog against his former club. The 28-year-old has played a variety of positions over the pre-season, particularly impressing with four goals as a mid/half-forward in the Mooloolaba match simulation.

New faces

Joining Harmes in the Bulldogs’ line-up for the very first time is Nick Coffield and Lachie Bramble (club debuts), and also league debutants Ryley Sanders and Harvey Gallagher. 948 days would have passed between AFL games for childhood Bulldogs fan Coffield, while Bramble is set to add to his 30-game tally. Sanders has earned high praise both inside and outside the four walls for his professionalism in his debut pre-season, while Gallagher gets his chance after an interrupted 2023.

02:07

Sanders & Gallagher discuss Debut news

Harvey Gallagher and Ryley Sanders discuss how they feel after news of their debut.

Bulldogs Tipping

Bulldogs Tipping is back in 2024, and it’s not too late to sign up! Earn bragging rights over your family, friends or even colleagues by correctly tipping games, with a number of exciting Bulldogs prizes up for grabs too.

Register today at tipping.westernbulldogs.com.au and get your tips in now before round one.

Check Before You Travel

Certain roads heading towards the MCG will be closed this Sunday for the 2024 Herald Sun / Transurban Run for the Kids. Please plan accordingly and allow ample time to get to the game. Click here for more information.

A number of public transport services will also be disrupted this weekend, in particular the Belgrave, Pakenham, Sandringham, Seymour/Shepparton and Gippsland train lines. For further details click here.