When and where: Sunday 25 August, 12.30pm AEST, MARS Stadium
Broadcast: Fox Footy, Kayo
Head-to-head: Played 19 (won 12, lost 7)
Last time we met: Round 10 2024, WB 8.22 (70) def. GWS 6.7 (43)
All public tickets are now exhausted for Sunday's match at Mars Stadium. If you have a Ballarat Reserved Seat membership or a Ballarat GA membership, or have purchased a Reserved Seat ticket or GA ticket, you can still scan in to access the match.
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What it means
It’s pretty simple this weekend. A Dogs’ win will secure their spot in the finals, while a loss will mean their fate is in the hands of other teams. GWS is playing for a top-three finish – with the possibility of a home final if Fremantle defeat Port Adelaide – leaving them with just as much to play for.
Who to watch
If there’s one player to lift and inspire his teammates throughout matches, it’s Marcus Bontempelli. Expect the captain to be fit and firing against the Giants, stepping up in key moments when the time is right. Bontempelli has put together an impressive home-and-away campaign, averaging 26.3 disposals, 4.1 marks, 5.5 tackles and 6.2 clearances, and will be keen to help his side return to September action.
Bevo further ingrained in Club history
Luke Beveridge will coach his 229th game this weekend, becoming the longest-serving coach in Club history. Eclipsing the previous milestone held by Ted Whitten Snr, who coached 228 games between 1957 - 1971, Beveridge’s record speaks for itself. One premiership, two Grand Final appearances (Club record), 12 finals (Club record) and a winning percentage of 56.58%. Hopefully he can add another win on Sunday and qualify for what would be his seventh finals series as head coach.
Truck 150
The Bulldogs are set to celebrate another milestone on Sunday, with Bailey Williams in line to play his 150th career match. The 26-year-old from South Australia has not missed a match this season, averaging 18.8 disposals and 5.7 marks (ranked elite). Williams has been a solid contributor across the wing and half-back this season, and will be looking to impact once again come Sunday.
