The Western Bulldogs are facing an uphill battle in 2025 to establish themselves as a credible contender in the AFL. Their recent defeat to Brisbane at the Gabba, where they lost 12.14 (86) to 12.4 (76), highlighted their struggles against top-nine teams. Despite a spirited effort in the final quarter that brought them to within four points late in the game, they ultimately failed to clinch the victory. This loss marks their eighth defeat in nine contests against fellow finals hopefuls this season, reinforcing the perception that they are reliant on beating weaker teams.
Melbourne legend Garry Lyon expressed concerns over the Bulldogs’ capacity to compete with the league’s elite, doubting their narrative of being brave yet unpolished. Lyon stated, “the stark, harsh reality is they’re not up to the best teams in the competition,” suggesting that their performances have yet to meet the expectations required for a successful campaign.
Brisbane, although dominant for large stretches, had difficulty converting their control into points, especially in the third quarter where they recorded 24 inside 50s but scored only three goals and seven behinds. They did, however, manage to weather a late surge from the Bulldogs and secure a well-deserved win.
The standout performers for Brisbane included Will Ashcroft, who achieved 26 disposals and scored three goals, alongside his brother Levi, who contributed with two goals. For the Bulldogs, Rhylee West shone with four goals, while Bailey Dale led all players with 33 disposals.
The Bulldogs find themselves in a competitive race for a finals spot, needing to secure four wins from their remaining five matches, including crucial victories against GWS and Fremantle. Their path to the finals will also require triumphs over Essendon, Melbourne, and West Coast.
On the other hand, Brisbane is eyeing a home qualifying final but faces a challenging schedule ahead, including matchups against Gold Coast, Collingwood, Sydney, Fremantle, and Hawthorn. As they approach the season’s end, both teams will need to find their best form to achieve their respective goals.