The final round of the 2024 AFL season is upon us, and for the Western Bulldogs, it's a do-or-die encounter against their fierce rivals, the Greater Western Sydney Giants. A win in Ballarat would guarantee the Bulldogs a spot in the finals, while a loss could see them fall out of the top eight, leaving their fate in the hands of other teams.
The Giants, meanwhile, are vying for a top-two finish, which would secure them a home qualifying final. Their recent form has been nothing short of stellar, with seven consecutive wins propelling them back into premiership contention.
The stakes are high for both teams, and the rivalry between these two sides adds an extra layer of intensity to the contest. Their last encounter in Round 10 saw the Bulldogs triumph in a wet affair at Engie Stadium by 27 points.
Key Players to Watch
For the Bulldogs, all eyes will be on captain Marcus Bontempelli, who has been instrumental in their success this season. His leadership and ability to impact the game in various ways will be crucial for the Bulldogs to secure a victory.
The Giants will be looking to their star forward Jesse Hogan, who has been on fire in recent weeks, kicking 31 goals in the last seven games. He'll be a major threat for the Bulldogs' defense, and the pressure will be on Liam Jones to try and contain him.
The midfield battle will also be a key factor in determining the outcome of the match. The Giants' potent midfield, led by Tom Green, Josh Kelly, and former Bulldog Callan Ward, will be looking to gain the upper hand over the Dogs' star-studded midfield, featuring Bontempelli, Adam Treloar, and Tom Liberatore.
The Giants' Plan to Quell the Dogs' Attack
GWS coach Adam Kingsley has a plan in place to try and stifle the Bulldogs' potent attack. He hinted at a possible tagging role for Toby Bedford, who could be assigned to the dangerous Treloar or Bontempelli.
Kingsley acknowledged the Bulldogs' strengths, praising their stoppage game, attack, and defense. He's also looking to avenge their previous loss to the Bulldogs this season, emphasizing the importance of this match for their season aspirations.
A History of Rivalry
This rivalry dates back to the 2016 Preliminary Final, where the Bulldogs emerged victorious in a thrilling encounter. Since then, the two teams have met several times, with high-scoring and intense matches becoming the norm.
This weekend's clash at MARS Stadium promises to be another epic encounter, with both teams desperate for a win to solidify their position in the AFL landscape. The Bulldogs will be looking to build on their recent momentum, while the Giants will be aiming to continue their winning streak and prove their credentials as a genuine premiership contender.
A Milestone to Celebrate
This match will also mark a significant milestone for Bailey Williams, who is set to play his 150th career game. The 26-year-old has been a consistent performer for the Bulldogs this season and will be looking to make a memorable contribution on this special occasion.
Bulldogs’ Focus on the Task at Hand
Despite the pressure and the importance of the game, the Bulldogs are focused on the task at hand. Bailey Dale, a key defender for the Bulldogs, emphasized the need to focus on their own performance and not rely on other results.
He highlighted the Giants' impressive form, particularly their star forward Jesse Hogan and their potent midfield. Dale acknowledged the challenge ahead, but expressed confidence that the Bulldogs can go out there and play their best football.
The final round of the AFL season is always a dramatic affair, and this clash between the Western Bulldogs and GWS Giants is sure to be no exception. With so much at stake for both teams, it promises to be an exciting and tense encounter that will determine the fate of these two teams' season aspirations.
Looking Forward
This match will be a crucial test for both teams, and the outcome will have a significant impact on their season prospects. The Bulldogs will be hoping to secure a finals spot, while the Giants will be looking to solidify their position as a top-two contender.
With a history of rivalry and a lot at stake, this match is a must-watch for all AFL fans. The action kicks off at 12.30pm AEST on Sunday, 25 August, at MARS Stadium in Ballarat.
