Dogs: $1 (3rd, 3-0-0, 339 for, 247 against, 137.2%);
Ins: Josh Dolan, Arthur Jones;
Outs: Tom Liberatore (Injured), Cooper Hynes (Omitted).
Dons: $21 (17th, 0-0-3, 222 for, 359 against, 61.8%);
In: Thomas Edwars
Out: Nate Caddy (injured).
The Western Bulldogs are flying high in second place on the ladder, while Essendon is reeling from three consecutive losses and an incident-packed Round 3
Sportsbet books accurate at time of collation. Gamble responsibly
Western Bulldogs (2nd, 3W, 0L, WWW) have been clinical in 2026, including an 81-point demolition of GWS in Round 1 and a gritty six-point win over Adelaide in Round 2 before the bye round
Essendon (17th, 0W, 3L, LLL) was disappointing in the 12-point loss to North Melbourne. While their intensity improved, they were out possessed by 80 and struggled to stop the Roos' transition play
Key Players
Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli was outstanding in his side's last tight contest against Adelaide, recording 30 disposals, 12 kicks, and a goal to lead from the front
Essendon forward Peter Wright was a focal point in Round 3, finishing with 15 disposals and two goals in the loss to North Melbourne
Head-to-Head
The Bulldogs have a dominant recent record, winning 10 of their last 12 meetings. In 2025, the Bulldogs secured two massive wins by 93 and 91 points respectively
The Bulldogs' forward line of Aaron Naughton and Sam Darcy is the most difficult match-up in the league. With Darcy kicking six and Naughton seven goals against the Bombers (Round 20) last year, a similar haul is possible if Essendon cannot fix their defensive systems
TIP: Western Bulldogs by 50+
Dogs: 3rd, 3-0-0, 339 for, 247 against, 137.2%;
Dons: 17th, 0-0-3, 222 for, 359 against, 61.8%
🔴 🐶 ⚪️ 🔵 GAME DAY 🔴 ⚫️ 🛩️ 🔴
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