When: Saturday 26 April
Where: Manuka Oval, Canberra (Ngunnawal/Ngambri) 
First bounce: 7:35pm AEST
Broadcast: Fox Footy, Kayo Sports

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LAST MEETING

Round 24, 2024, Mars Stadium
Western Bulldogs 14.14 (98) def. 9.7 (61)

Ed Richards (29 disposals, 556 metres gained) ignited the Bulldogs from half-back in a dominant team display at Mars Stadium, as they overran the Giants to secure a finals berth in style. Bailey Dale (27 disposals, 569 metres gained) provided pinpoint delivery all day, while Adam Treloar (24 disposals, six clearances) and Tom Liberatore (24 disposals, nine clearances and a goal) were crucial in the midfield battle.

Marcus Bontempelli (22 disposals, seven tackles and a goal) led with trademark composure, as Cody Weightman, Sam Darcy and Richards each hit the scoreboard. Tim English made a standout return with 18 hitouts, controlling the ruck and setting up first possession. The Bulldogs’ ball movement was clean, their pressure relentless, and their statement emphatic, in what was a finals-deciding match.

THE LINE-UP

Ins: Jedd Busslinger, Laith Vandermeer, James Harmes
Outs: Sam Darcy (knee), Lachie McNeil (hamstring), Liam Jones (omitted)
New: Jedd Busslinger (debut)

WHO TO WATCH

Aaron Naughton will run out for his 150th career game this weekend, and with Sam Darcy sidelined, the spotlight shifts to Naughton as the Bulldogs’ key target inside 50. Known for his contested marking and forward presence, the high-flying forward will be central to the Dogs’ structure.

In last week’s win, Naughton slotted three goals from 12 disposals and took seven strong marks, proving that he doesn’t need a high output to have high impact. And, with two goals, 10 disposals and six kicks against GWS last year, the Dogs will look to Naughton to lead the line and spark scoreboard pressure early. This milestone outing is a chance for Naughton to stamp his authority and deliver in a game that could spark the Bulldogs’ momentum.

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY

• Martin Pegan, afl.com.au

Greater Western Sydney (4-2) missed an opportunity to cement its place among the frontrunners as it failed to chase down Adelaide in a low-scoring contest last week. The Giants should get a boost from meeting their old rivals back on their home deck in Canberra for the first time this season and at a venue where they are rebuilding a fortress after winning on their past four visits.

Western Bulldogs (3-3) could hardly have been more impressive as they brushed aside St Kilda for a percentage-boosting victory last week. The Dogs are still to show that they can play with consistency as they chase back-to-back wins for the first time this year, though should be bolstered by taking on their old foes the Giants who they have beaten in seven of their past eight matches.