When and where: Friday 12 April, 7.40pm AEST, Marvel Stadium (Wurundjeri)
Broadcast: Channel 7/Fox Footy/Kayo
Head-to-head: Played 166 (won 69, drawn twice, lost 95)
Last time we met: Round 19, 2023, WB 13.12 (90) def. Essendon 7.7 (49)
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What it means
Both teams will be keen to rectify their Gather Round losses and find some winning momentum this Friday night. In positive signs, the Bulldogs have won nine of the last 10 over Essendon – and will be looking to keep the EJ Whitten Cup in their possession. The two sides are shared occupants of Marvel Stadium, but could see an added home-crowd advantage if it is filled with red, white and blue fans and members. A win would go a long way in helping the Bulldogs solidify a spot in the top eight too, with matches against St Kilda and Fremantle – currently sitting either side of the Dogs on the ladder - to come this month.
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Who to watch
Buku Khamis has been a shining light in the Bulldogs’ back-six so far this season. If his team-high 10 intercepts, six marks and two rebounds against the Cats was enough to keep his spot, his agility could help quell Essendon goal-sneaks Jade Gresham, Jake Stringer or Kyle Langford come Friday night. Khamis was recalled to face the Bombers late last year – playing as a forward – but has arguably all but cemented his future as a defender after averaging 6.25 intercepts and 5.75 marks from his first four games this year.
50 up for Marra
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is set to reach the 50-game milestone this Friday night. The 22-year-old has enjoyed some standout moments across his first 49 games in the red, white and blue, and will be hoping to hit similar heights tomorrow. From 23 outings at Marvel, Ugle-Hagan has kicked 41 goals – his equal-career best hauls all under the Docklands roof. There’s no doubt he’ll be another to watch.
EJ Whitten Cup
Tomorrow’s match will mark the 30th anniversary of the EJ Whitten Cup, named in honour of Club legend Ted Whitten. The Cup has been contested in the first encounters between the two sides each season since 1995, with the Dogs holding a narrow advantage (15 wins to 13) over the Bombers. Ted Whitten Jnr will present the silverware to the winning captain post-game, so we’re hoping it again goes home with Marcus Bontempelli.
