Where and when: Marvel Stadium, Sunday, August 17, 4.40pm (2.40pm AWST)

TV: Live on 7 and 7plus in WA, nationally on Fox Sports and Kayo (see broadcast guide here)

Last time we met: Western Bulldogs 16.10 (106) defeated West Coast to 3.12 (30) at Marvel Stadium, round three, 2024

In their last meeting West Coast fell to the Western Bulldogs by 76 points at Marvel Stadium. The Eagles were restricted to just one goal after quarter-time as the Dogs’ midfield brigade, led by Adam Treloar and Tom Liberatore, took control. Jeremy McGovern was a standout in defence with 11 marks, while Tim Kelly and Elliot Yeo battled hard through the middle. Jamie Cripps, Jake Waterman and Jack Williams kicked the Eagles’ goals, but scoring opportunities were hard to come by as the Bulldogs produced a dominant second quarter and never looked back.

What it means for the Eagles: Sunday’s clash with the Western Bulldogs presents a valuable opportunity to finish the season on a high. With just two games remaining in their 2025 campaign, the Eagles will be looking to build on the competitive spirit and intensity shown against ladder-leaders Adelaide last week. A strong performance at Marvel Stadium would not only continue that momentum but also reinforce the team’s growth and resilience, and give their supporters plenty to be excited about heading into 2026.

The stat: The Western Bulldogs are the only team West Coast has a winning record against at Marvel Stadium.

The match-up: Elijah Hewett v Marcus Bontempelli

The potential battle between Elijah Hewett and Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli shapes as a key contest on Sunday. Bontempelli, a dynamic midfielder and proven game-changer, thrives on winning clearances and driving the ball forward with his elite skill and vision. Hewett, known for his competitiveness and ability to win contested possessions, will be tasked with limiting Bontempelli’s influence through the middle while providing run and rebound for the Eagles. If Hewett can restrict the Bulldogs star’s impact, it could play a crucial role in slowing down their midfield engine and giving West Coast a platform to attack.

It’s a big week for: Jacob Newton

It’s a big week for Jacob Newton as he prepares to make his AFL debut this Sunday. The 19-year-old mid-season draftee has impressed in his first months at the club, bringing pace, power and tenacity to the WAFL side. Selected with pick No.9 in the 2025 Mid-Season Rookie Draft, Newton has quickly adapted to life at West Coast after relocating from South Australia, crediting the club and housemate Tom McCarthy for helping him settle in. With his parents in town to witness the milestone, Newton is set to take the next step in his AFL journey, ready to test his contested ball-winning ability and left-foot kicking at the elite level.

Big call: Jobe Shanahan will kick four goals against the Bulldogs, topping his efforts last week against the Crows.

Milestone: Liam Baker 150 games.

The Western Bulldogs made light work of West Coast on Sunday afternoon, defeating the 18th placed Eagles by 94 points at Marvel Stadium.

Coming off a fighting effort against ladder leaders Adelaide, the Eagles couldn't replicate the performance and were punished on the scoreboard by the clinical Dogs. 

The Bulldogs had 26 scoring shots from 51 inside 50s, compared to West Coast's 12 from 40 entries, feeding their potent big men.

Sam Darcy and Aaron Naughton kicked three goals apiece as they continue to build on their impressive season together, as did Rhylee West, whose hard work up forward helped secure the big 19.12 (126) to 4.8 (32) win in front of a crowd of 21,207.

The win makes it four in a row for the Bulldogs and keeps their finals hopes alive with one round remaining in the home and away season.

The victory moves the Bulldogs to eighth place on the ladder, and they now need to defeat Fremantle next week to cement their place in this year's finals.

The Bulldogs talls were joined by debutant Jordan Croft who impressed in his first game, kicking two goals and taking three big contested marks. The 201cm forward is the son of Matthew Croft who played 186 games for the club, predominantly in defence.

Midfielders Marcus Bontempelli (31 possessions, 10 clearances, 573m gained) and Ed Richards (25 disposals, seven score involvements) stood out as did winger Sam Davidson, who had an excellent return in his first game since round 19 to finish with 15 disposals and a career-high three goals.

Statistically the Eagles were competitive in clearances, with just two less than the Dogs at the final siren, but West Coast was unable to convert these into goals, the team's inaccuracy costing them a more flattering scoreline.

Tom McCarthy, who joined the Eagles in the Mid-Season Rookie Draft, performed well again in his ninth match to finish with 25 disposals, making it the seventh time in his short career that he's registered more than 20 disposals in a game.

Another bright spark for the Eagles was 19-year-old Jobe Shanahan who provided a strong presence up forward taking six marks, but his inaccuracy cost him, recording just three behinds.

Fellow 2024 draftee Hamish Davis had his best game so far with 18 disposals and four tackles.

Heart-and-soul defender Reuben Ginbey gave his all, as usual, while Campbell Chesser finished with a career-high 22 disposals. 

Stand-in skipper Liam Baker tried hard all day, finishing with 24 disposals from half-back. 

The Eagles have a quick turnaround for their final game of a difficult season against Sydney at Optus Stadium on Saturday night. 

WESTERN BULLDOGS   4.5    11.7   15.7   19.12 (126)
WEST COAST                0.1    2.5     3.8     4.8 (32)

GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Darcy 3, Davidson 3, Naughton 3, West 3, Bontempelli 2, Croft 2, Richards 2, Freijah
West Coast: Cripps, Flynn, Long, Owies

BEST
Western Bulldogs: Bontempelli, Richards, Dale, Davidson, West
West Coast: Ginbey, McCarthy, Baker, Graham

INJURIES
Western Bulldogs: Lachie McNeil (corked hip)
West Coast: Nil

SUBSTITUTES
Western Bulldogs: Ryley Sanders (replaced Lachie McNeil in the third quarter)
West Coast: Jacob Newton (replaced Tyler Brockman in the third quarter)

Crowd: 21,207 at Marvel Stadium