1. Triple treat of inclusions
In recent weeks, the Bulldogs have welcomed back Josh Dunkley and Easton Wood from substantial layoffs.
And on Sunday, their line-up will again be bolstered by the likes of Adam Treloar, Taylor Duryea and Ed Richards.
Both Duryea (managed) and Richards (concussion) missed last week’s 49-point win over the Crows - after playing the week prior against Melbourne - while Treloar hasn’t featured at AFL level since round 10.
We can’t wait to see you back out there, Ads.
2. Milestone men
Two Bulldogs will be celebrating milestones this weekend.
At one end of the ground, you’ll see Josh Bruce in career game 150.
And at the other end, you’ll see Zaine Cordy notch up his 100th.
Since arriving at the Kennel at the end of 2019, Bruce has managed 36 outings in the red, white and blue, following 99 games with St Kilda and 14 with GWS Giants.
He currently leads the Dogs’ goalkicking tally (45), and finds himself sitting fourth in the Coleman Medal race.
Cordy will become fourth father-son draftee currently on the Bulldogs’ list to reach the 100-game milestone, joining Lachie Hunter (156 matches), Tom Liberatore (166 matches) and Mitch Wallis (157 matches).
He’ll need just 25 more games if he wants to beat his father, Brian, but the 2016 flag surely carries a bit of extra weight.
3. By the books
We don’t want to jinx it, but the recent history between the two sides is something to marvel at as a Bulldogs’ supporter.
The Dogs haven’t been defeated by the Bombers since 2014, recording an average winning margin of 54 points from their last six meetings.
Remarkably, senior coach Luke Beveridge has never lost to Essendon while at the helm, while just six of the 22 Bulldogs named this weekend were part of that last loss.
And while we’re looking at recent encounters, we couldn’t not revisit that 2019 clash – where the Bulldogs kicked 21 unanswered goals to inflict an emphatic 104-point victory.
4. Thank YOU, members
This week, the Bulldogs posted their second highest membership tally in Club history.
And despite there again being no crowds, Sunday’s member recognition round will serve yet another opportunity to give back and say thanks.
There’ll be giveaways and exclusive digital experiences, plus the chance for your message of support to be displayed on the big screen at Marvel Stadium.
We know it’s been tough, but we wouldn’t be here without each and every 46, 541 of you.
We can’t wait to hopefully see you back in the stands soon.
