When and where: Sunday 31 March, 1pm AEDT, Marvel Stadium (Wurundjeri)

Broadcast: Fox Footy/Kayo

Head to head: Played 60 (won 22, drawn once, lost 37)

Last time we met: Round 23, 2023, WB 12.13 (85) def. by WCE 14.8 (92)

08:24

Match Highlights | RD23 vs West Coast

Watch Match Highlights from Round 23.

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What it means

Fresh off a confidence-boosting win in Ballarat, the Bulldogs will be hungry to make it two on the trot. Playing under the roof at Marvel Stadium for the first time this season should give the Dogs an added edge, but can’t be too comfortable given the Eagles did cause an upset there late in the 2023 season. A win would hand the Bulldogs a 2-1 ledger – the first time since 2021 they will have finished their first three games with a positive win-loss ratio.

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Who to watch

All Australian ruck Tim English won a whopping 51 hit-outs against the Eagles in their last encounter – the second-highest output of his career to date – and could be a chance to post similar numbers this weekend. In the Eagles’ first two matches, opposition teams have collected 39 more hit-outs against them. If West Coast persist with giving youngster Harry Barnett exposure in the middle, English could capitalise and deliver the Dogs’ on-ballers with some silver service. 

Defensive duo sidelined

The Bulldogs will need to make at least two changes this weekend, with both Nick Coffield and Ed Richards to miss through injury. It’s yet another unfortunate setback for Coffield, who will undergo a shoulder reconstruction and be sidelined for the next 12-14 weeks – who made his long-awaited, 938-day return to AFL level in round one. Richards will be placed in the mandatory concussion protocols – also ruling him out of the Eagles encounter – with the Dogs’ match committee needing to cover both in the back-half.

01:18

Medical Room | Round 3

Chris Bell gives a medical update on Coffield, Richards and O'Donnell

Check before you travel

For those driving to the game on Sunday, please note there will be lane closures on Footscray Road, Docklands.

For those catching public transport, please note that coaches will also replace trains on sections of the Ballarat, Seymour and Shepparton lines.

Visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au/disruptions/special-events for more information and/or to plan your journey ahead of time.