When and where: Thursday 23 May, 7.30pm AEST, Marvel Stadium (Wurundjeri)
Broadcast: Channel 7, Fox Footy/Kayo
Head-to-head: Played 166 (won 84, drawn once, lost 81) 
Last time we met: Round 18 2023, WB 11.10 (76) def. by Sydney 11.12 (78)

08:51

Match Highlights | RD18 v Sydney

The Swans and Bulldogs clash in round 18

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What it means

Following back-to-back wins against Richmond and GWS, the Bulldogs are set up with the perfect opportunity to make it three straight – a streak they have struggled to hit consistently in recent times.

Since the end of the 2021 season, the Dogs have only won more than three consecutive games twice - a five-game streak from Round 6–10 last year, and three games across Round 9-11 in 2022.

A win this Thursday night would fill the team with plenty of confidence, ahead of a three-week run at Marvel Stadium to come against last year’s Grand Finalists (Collingwood, Brisbane) and Fremantle before the bye.

12:18

Luke Beveridge | 'Looking forward to the challenge'

Bevo speaks to the media ahead of our Thursday Night clash against Sydney

Who to watch

Bulldogs stalwart Liam Jones is in red hot form this season, setting a leading example for his fellow defenders. Sitting third across the competition for intercept marks (35), he is also averaging career-best disposals (12.2) and marks (6.3). Jones, a Kija man, will wear boots painted by his cousin Kamilya Lowana White tomorrow night, inspired by his journey to fatherhood.

01:59

Jones' Indigenous Round Boots

Liam and his cousin Kamilya Lowana White, sit down to discuss the story behind his Indigenous Round boots.

‘Spirit Strong, Game On’

The Bulldogs will launch the second week of Sir Doug Nicholls Round this Thursday night, celebrating, recognising and paying tribute to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who have 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.  To purchase the traditional blue kit or any of the exclusive Indigenous-themed merchandise, please click here.

A special performance presented by Melbourne Theatre Company

The Western Bulldogs and Melbourne Theatre Company are proud to present an excerpt from 37, a play by Trawlwoolway Pakana playwright Nathan Maynard, as part of the pre-game entertainment.  

Members and fans are asked to be in their seats by 7pm to witness this special performance celebrating Marngrook—the traditional Aboriginal game that inspired AFL—which will take place in the centre of Marvel Stadium, Wurundjeri. 

Find out more here.

Check before you travel

Avoid public transport and road disruptions this Thursday night by checking before you travel.

From 9pm, the Footscray Road airport-bound entry ramp to the CityLink will be closed, while eastbound Lower Plenty Road between Greensborough Road and Borlase Street will be reduced to a single lane from 7pm – 5am.

Buses replace trains on sections of the Pakenham, Cranbourne, Frankston, Stony Point and Gippsland lines.

Buses will also replace Route 78 trams between North Richmond and Balaclava, and Route 58 trams between Toorak and Stop 119 Wells Street.

To plan your journey ahead of time, visit Victoria's Big Build website for more information.