MATCH DETAILS

When: Sunday 27 October
Where: Mars Stadium, Ballarat (Wadawurrung)
First bounce: 1.05pm AEDT
Admission: Buy tickets now
Membership: Sign up today
Broadcast: 7Mate, Fox Footy, Kayo Sports

LAST MEETING

Round 5, 2023
Western Bulldogs 6.0 (36) def. by Euro-Yroke 8.6 (54)

The Saints spoilt the Bulldogs’ homecoming last season, recording a three-goal win at the newly redeveloped Mission Whitten Oval. Alice Edmonds' first career goal – coming in game No.31 – saw the Dogs take the lead for the first time before half-time, having shaken off their slow start. But St Kilda weren't deterred, pulling clear in the third term and holding the lead until the final siren. Ellie Blackburn, De Berry, Isabelle Pritchard and Kirsty Lamb were among the Bulldogs; best in defeat.

THE LINE-UP

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY

– Gemma Bastiani, womens.afl

Euro-Yroke has slowed after a strong start to the season, having won just one game in its last six and feeling stagnant in its ball movement. The side is yet to win a disposal count this year, and only one inside 50 count (narrowly in its win over the Giants), seeing it hand far too much opportunity and control to the opposition during games. It is here that the Dogs can pounce. They have been improving around the contest as the year has worn on, and it will be a key way of putting the Saints on the back foot. Euro-Yroke's best footy comes when it's controlling the midfield, so this will be the Bulldogs' main priority, particularly with Isabelle Pritchard and Jess Fitzgerald coming off strong games last week.

The Bulldogs' attacking footy – where they opt to play their own brand, rather than focus wholly on negating the opposition - looks dangerous with speedy forwards like Heidi Woodley, Kristie-Lee Weston-Turner and Elaine Grigg. They just need to ensure they give them opportunity. The concern at the other end of the ground is Jesse Wardlaw, who will likely keep Issy Grant occupied for the duration.