When and where: Saturday 18 May, 4.35pm AEST, ENGIE Stadium (Wangal Country)
Broadcast: Fox Footy/Kayo
Head-to-head: Played 18 (won 11, lost seven)
Last time we met: Round 20 2023, WB 10.13 (73) def. by GWS 11.12 (78)
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What it means
The Bulldogs might be entering the clash off a convincing 91-point win over Richmond, but will be expecting GWS to be fired up at home given their back-to-back losses. The Dogs will also be searching for some consistency – aiming to win consecutive games for the second time this season. There’s no denying the heat in this rivalry, which often ends up being an exciting contest to watch with plenty of moments to remember.
Who to watch
Ed Richards has been building in the Bulldogs’ on-ball brigade this past month, and on Saturday night against the Tigers was prolific. Collecting 34 disposals, six marks, 10 tackles, seven clearances and 12 inside 50s, his versatility – as well as his decision-making by foot – is a key asset of his game and makes him hard to stop. It will be interesting to see whether the 24-year-old remains in the midfield against GWS, alongside the likes of Adam Treloar who also starred against Richmond (41 disposals, seven marks, nine inside 50s, one goal), or returns to his customary half-back role.
Sir Doug Nicholls Round
This weekend will play host to the first weekend of Sir Doug Nicholls Round, a two-week celebration that celebrates, recognises and pays tribute to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander who has contributed to the game and community. This year’s theme is 'Spirit Strong, Game On', which recognises the resilience and strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The theme also honours their traditions, enduring spirit and ongoing legacy in Australian Rules Football and society.
To mark the occasion, the Bulldogs will proudly wear an Indigenous guernsey designed by Tarni Jarvis, a Djab Wurrong, Kirrae Wurrong and Peak Wurrong woman living on Wadawurrung country. The clash kit will be worn against GWS this weekend, while the traditional blue kit will be worn next weekend against Sydney.
To bid on the match-worn clash kit, please click here. To purchase the traditional blue kit or any of the exclusive Indigenous-themed merchandise, please click here.
Doc’s 200th
Veteran defender Taylor Duryea is set to celebrate the double ton against GWS - a feat he once thought he’d never reach. Despite being drafted to the Hawks in 2009, it took four years for Duryea to break-through for his senior debut.
After two premierships in the brown and gold, he crossed to the Kennel in 2018 seeking a fresh start, and now 199 games later is on the eve of what he describes as his biggest achievement.
“It’s quite surreal. After a slow start for me...I thought one game would be probably out of my reach, so to be at 200 it’s probably the thing most proud of,” Duryea told media on Tuesday morning.
“I haven’t played it yet, but the 200 for me is definitely my biggest achievement...I think the longevity piece and to be able to persevere through some injury and form and whatever else, to get to 200 is very special.”
Ultimate Dogs Decider
We're only five goals away from reaching our 25,000 V/AFL goal milestone, and are giving one lucky Bulldogs fan the chance to win the ultimate Dogs Decider prize.
Correctly guess which player will be the one to notch up the 25,000th goal, and you could win a 2025 Bulldogs Gold membership, a 2024 team-signed guernsey, and a Western Bulldogs Indigenous Round merchandise pack.
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