Round 4 – Western Bulldogs v Essendon: Bruised Bulldogs roll on as Dons’ woes deepen

 

Round 4
Western Bulldogs v Essendon
Sunday, 5 April 2026, 7:20pm
Marvel Stadium

 

The Western Bulldogs have secured a fourth straight win to start the season on Sunday night, and despite not piling on the scoreboard domination everyone expected, Luke Beveridge’s side is marching on to enjoy the sights from the AFL’s summit following the completion of round four.

 

The Dogs opening quarter blitz would ultimately have the game, signed, sealed and delivered, as they ran out winners 14.15 (99) to 9.11 (65), extending the Bombers losing streak to a club equaling 17 straight losses.

 

Ultimately all football games have a deciding factor, and again, it was the brilliance of Marcus Bontempelli (35 disposals and a goal), who set his team up for victory, all the while securing another three Brownlow votes, you would think anyway.

 

Bontempelli’s numbers are a Stateline every fan has become accustomed too, however on a night where the Marvel Stadium roof was open, and players struggled grasping the dewy ball, ‘Bont’, as we know him, shows his class in many ways. His clean at center bounce, his hands are lightning quick, and his kicking is effortless, composed and pinpoint. He kicked the opener for the night, setting up many more, and went from contest to contest all evening in the absence of his ensemble.

 

Those missing members, Tom Liberatore, was joined in the stands by Ed Richards who was a late out with knee soreness, and will ultimately have to shuffle over a few more seats to allow for ruck man Tim English who suffered an MCL strain and livewire forward Arthur Jones who fell victim to another hamstring strain following his blistering three first half goals, in what was promising to be a breakout performance.

 

The Dogs midfield were not to be denied, as Ryley Sanders and Joel Freijah stepped up in honoring their opportunity for midfield minutes, as Matt Kennedy sent another gentle reminder to his former side Carlton why he is a starting on baller, producing another stellar performance for the red, white and blue.

 

The Dogs won all the key stoppage numbers for the night, and with the potency they threat in attack, it was only ending one way for the bombers defense, who would be relieved after the Dogs sent many wayward attempts in the second half.

 

It was three of the Dogs seven first term goals which were produced from their defensive 50 that proved the damage had been done early, with speed on the ball and run from behind. Despite not always being clean, they showed their class in another brutal 20 minutes of football.

 

The first half domination from the Bulldogs was ultimately put to a stop by Brad Scotts men, who were of resolute as a team. Structure behind the ball, and a possessive style of play allowed the Dons to control the football from their back half, led by youngster Archie Roberts (37 disposals) who enjoyed the brand of football Scott had them playing in a sour night for their football club.

 

The Dogs were held goalless in the third quarter as the Dons put four majors to the scoreboard, as Jade Gresham found three of his own. In the easter spirit, the chocolates were shared in the last quarter with four goals to each side, as Sam Darcy and Aaron Naughton added to their season tallies with some goals late as the Dogs cruised their way through the second half, as another four points were headed back to Barkly Street.

 

The Marvel Stadium hierarchy will come under fire for the decision for leaving the roof open, as the ground seemed visibly dewy and players finding it difficult to grapple the footy, on what rather seemed like a dry night.

 

Both sides will pack their bags for the now annual Gather Round in Adelaide, as Essendon take on an in-form Melbourne Demons, whilst the Dogs will be without a host of stars as they prepare for their Saturday night blockbuster at Adelaide Oval against the Hawks, in what promises to be an enticing matchup.

 

 

WESTERN BULLDOGS             7.2    10.7    10.14     14.15 (99)
ESSENDON                                  1.3      1.7       5.9        9.11 (65)

 

GOALS 
Western Bulldogs: Jones 3, Naughton 3, Darcy 3, Bontempelli, Bramble, Williams, Kennedy, Dolan
Essendon: Gresham 3, Edwards 2, May 2, Wright, Caldwell

 

BEST
Western Bulldogs: Bontempelli, Lobb, Sanders, Kennedy, Bramble, Naughton
Essendon: Roberts, Prior, Edwards, Durham, May

 

INJURIES 
Western Bulldogs: English (right knee), Jones (hamstring)
Essendon: Nil

 

LATE CHANGES
Western Bulldogs: Ed Richards (knee soreness), replaced in selected side by Lachie McNeil
Essendon: Nil

 

Crowd: 38,786 at Marvel Stadium

More from Kristian Cavallo can be read Here.

 

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