The Western Bulldogs will kick off their 100-year celebrations in 2025 with a special pre-season fixture against Essendon on Saturday 15 February at Mission Whitten Oval.

Beginning with the AFL side at 2pm and followed by a VFL selection at 5pm, the two sides will clash in a full pre-season hit-out, the first major event in the season-long celebration of Footscray Football Club’s entry into the Victorian Football League (VFL) in 1925.

Essendon played a significant role in Footscray’s entry to the league, with the teams facing off in the ‘Championship of Victoria’ game in 1924, Footscray as VFA champions and Essendon as VFL champions. Footscray’s emphatic win helped ensure that the red, white and blue gained admission to the VFL the following season.  

With demand expected to be high, Bulldogs members will receive free priority access, so signing up as a member is the only way to guarantee access to the historic clash and the chance to see the AFL team in action at its spiritual home venue. Further ticketing information will be released in the new year, with Corporate Hospitality options to also be made available.

Bulldogs CEO Ameet Bains said he was thrilled to host the celebration at Mission Whitten Oval to begin acknowledging such a significant milestone for the Club.

“Hosting a celebratory pre-season fixture at Mission Whitten Oval against Essendon is the perfect way for our fans and members to re-connect with the Club to begin 2025,” Bains said. 

“As an entire Club, we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate our 100-year anniversary, with this match being the first of many special events to take place across the year.

“Not only does this game provide a fitting start for the recognition of our 100-year anniversary, but it’s a terrific platform to begin our preparations for Round 1 against North Melbourne.”

The match will be streamed live on Kayo.  

Tickets for the AFL Community Series against Hawthorn will go on sale in February, with further information to be communicated in late January.

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2025 AFL pre-season fixture

Western Bulldogs v Essendon
Saturday, February 15, 2.00pm AEDT
Mission Whitten Oval
Broadcast: Kayo