The Western Bulldogs have taken home the chocolates with a comfortable win over St Kilda on Easter Sunday evening.

Despite conceding four of the first five goals of the game, the hosts went onto kick seven straight which ultimately set up the 18.19 (127) to 8.8 (56) victory.

It means the Bulldogs retain the Barker-Whitten Challenge Plate.

08:12

AFL R6 | Match Highlights

The Bulldogs and Saints clash in round six of the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

After a sluggish start, the Dogs burst out of the pack in the second quarter, slotting five in a row while holding the Saints to just three behinds.

They didn't stop there however; with Ryley Sanders (career-high 32 disposals), Ed Richards and Jason Johannisen all contributing in the third. 

Johannisen's goal on the run marked his first since Round 20, 2023.

Captain Marcus Bontempelli was stellar in his return, collecting 30 disposals and eight clearances to go with two goals.

Aaron Naughton and Rhylee West got to work up forward with three majors each in the absence of Sam Darcy (knee), who was subbed out late in the first quarter. 

Darcy will go for scans tomorrow to reveal the extent of his injury. 

UPDATE
Sam Darcy cleared of ACL rupture

The win moves the Bulldogs into the eight with a 3-3 ledger, ahead of their next meeting with GWS at Manuka Oval on Saturday 26 April. 

ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS

  • 06:28
    exclusive
    exclusive

    Bevo's Brief | Round 6

    Luke Beveridge reflects on the theme of Round 6 following the win, and shares some insight into Round 7 against GWS.

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    Video
  • 01:05

    Libba's Chasedown | The Players react

    The boys react to Libba's epic chasedown of Brad Hill.

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    Video
  • 01:05

    Marcus Bontempelli | "A really even performance"

    Marcus Bontempelli speaks with Erin Phillips following the round six victory, thanks to Channel Seven.

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  • 03:06
    Exclusive
    Exclusive

    Coaches' Brief | Round 6

    Midfield Coach Brendon Lade discusses the 71-point victory over St Kilda in Round 6.

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  • 10:37

    Luke Beveridge | Post Match (R6)

    Luke Beveridge speaks to the media after the 71-point victory over St Kilda.

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  • 03:33

    Ryley Sanders | "Was probably a bit disappointed with my first couple of games"

    Ryley Sanders reflects on the round six victory over St Kilda following his 32 disposal and 1 goal performance.

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  • 02:17

    Aaron Naughton | "We really dominated territory"

    Aaron Naughton discusses the Easter Sunday win over the Saints.

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  • 02:39

    AFL R6 | Bont returns in top gear

    Marcus Bontempelli wastes no time making an impression in his comeback to footy, collecting 30 disposals and slotting two goals in a commanding performance.

    AFL
    Video
  • 08:12

    AFL R6 | Match Highlights

    The Bulldogs and Saints clash in round six of the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

    AFL
    Video
  • 00:42

    AFL R6 | Kennedy’s clever party trick catches all by surprise

    Matthew Kennedy kicks an opportunistic soccer goal following a great smother from a teammate.

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    Video
  • 00:36

    AFL R6 | Is Dog in hot water for tackle on Higgins?

    Lachie Bramble gets pinged for a dangerous tackle on Jack Higgins in the final term.

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  • 00:50

    AFL R6 | Libba's inspirational tackle lights up Marvel Stadium

    Tom Liberatore receives a standing ovation from the Bulldogs faithful after an incredible tackle on the wing.

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  • 00:48

    AFL R6 | Johannisen rewarded on risky play

    Jason Johannisen capitalised on the Saints' turnover by slotting this attention-grabbing goal

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  • 00:45

    AFL R6 | Naughton's nifty pair as Bulldogs hit purple patch

    Aaron Naughton leads the Dogs during their second-quarter surge with two crucial goals.

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  • 00:45

    AFL R6 | Bont drills stunner in return game

    Marcus Bontempelli shows he is fit and firing with this thrilling long-range goal during the second term

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  • 01:12

    AFL R6 | Worrying scenes as Darcy hurts knee in sickening landing

    The Bulldogs are dealt a crushing blow in the first term as star forward Sam Darcy is forced out of the game with a suspected knee injury

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  • 10:48

    Luke Beveridge | "We've got to be ready for it"

    Luke Beveridge gives an update ahead of our Easter Sunday match against St Kilda.

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  • 02:56

    Throwback | Grant collects 25 and 5 in Semi Final victory

    Chris Grant finished with 25 disposals and 5 goals in an upset victory over St Kilda in the 1992 Semi Final.

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WESTERN BULLDOGS   3.5     8.8    13.13    18.19 (127)
ST KILDA                      4.1     4.4     6.8      8.8 (56)

GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Naughton 3, West 3, Bontempelli 2, Freijah 2, Kennedy 2, Sanders, Johannisen, Richards, Liberatore, McNeil, Williams
St Kilda: Owens 3, Higgins 3, Sinclair, Wilson

BEST
Western Bulldogs: Bontempelli, Naughton, West, Kennedy, Liberatore, Sanders
St Kilda: Owens, Higgins, Wilkie, Windhager, Sinclair

INJURIES
Western Bulldogs: Darcy (knee)
St Kilda: Nil

LATE CHANGES
Western Bulldogs: Nil 
St Kilda: Angus Hastie, replaced in the selected side by Zak Jones

SUBSTITUTES
Western Bulldogs: Cooper Hynes (replaced Sam Darcy in the first quarter)
St Kilda: Zak Jones (replaced Liam Henry at half-time)

Crowd: 35,511 at Marvel Stadium