When and where: Saturday 11 May, 7.30pm AEST, MCG
Broadcast: Channel 7/Fox Footy/Kayo
Head-to-head: Played 160 (won 76, drawn twice, lost 82) 
Last time we met: Round 21 2023, WB 19.12 (126) def. Richmond 10.11 (71)

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What it means

After a disappointing fortnight of football, the Bulldogs will have the ultimate opportunity to respond when they face the injury-ravaged Richmond. It won’t be easy at the MCG in front of a Tigers’ home crowd, but the Dogs will draw on the support of their red, white and blue family. A win would go a long way in the Bulldogs’ bouncing back from their 3-5 season start, and fill the side with plenty of confidence. 

Who to watch

The return of Rhylee West after serving his one-week suspension should add plenty of spark to the Bulldogs’ forward 50. West has been playing some of his best footy to date, averaging a career-best 13 disposals, four marks and three tackles from seven games this year. He booted two goals from 16 disposals against the Tigers late last season, and will be looking to impact at the ‘G under Saturday night lights.

Freijah comes in

The Bulldogs will blood their fourth league debutant on Saturday night, confirming Horsham teenager Joel Freijah yesterday morning. The 18-year-old put in a mountain of work across both the pre-season and VFL to ready himself for this opportunity – which he’ll take with both hands. Development coach Alex Johnson lauded his defensive efforts for the ‘Scray last weekend, claiming it was his “best game for the footy club” to date.

Prime-time proposition

After some Sunday afternoons and a few Thursday and Friday nights, the Bulldogs will finally get the opportunity to play a prime-time Saturday night in Melbourne. It doesn’t get much bigger than at the MCG either, with the Dogs surely keen to make amends for their round one performance there earlier this year.