The AFL presents its latest marquee time slot - Easter Sunday night footy!
And with it comes a brilliant match-up between two sides who are knocking on the door of being a finals contender in the Western Bulldogs and St Kilda.
Both sides head into this game after the disappointment of Gather Round. The Dogs, after leading by 39 points, were overwhelmed by the reigning premiers as Brisbane ran them down in the second half. The Saints were handed a reality check at the hands of the Giants.
It leads us to a big game under the roof at Marvel with two teams looking to gain the upper hand and maintain their grip on the top eight.
The Dogs are set to be bolstered by the return of their skipper and talisman Marcus Bontempelli, a welcome inclusion after missing the opening five weeks with injury.
For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Bulldogs vs. Saints predictions and preview below.
Western Bulldogs vs St. Kilda Predicted Teams
Western Bulldogs Predicted Team
B: Buku Khamis, Liam Jones, Lachlan Bramble
HB: Jason Johannisen, Rory Lobb, Bailey Dale
C: Oskar Baker, Tom Liberatore, Sam Davidson
HF: Joel Freijah, Aaron Naughton, Ryley Sanders
F: Rhylee West, Sam Darcy, Matt Kennedy
Foll: Tim English, Marcus Bontempelli, Ed Richards
Int: Luke Cleary, James O’Donnell, Bailey Williams, Lachie McNeil, Josh Dolan
St. Kilda Predicted Team
B: Ryan Byrnes, Callum Wilkie, Liam Stocker
HB: Tobie Travaglia, Jimmy Webster, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera
C: Mason Wood, Jack Steele, Marcus Windhager
HF: Bradley Hill, Mitch Owens, Jack Higgins
F: Lance Collard, Cooper Sharman, Darcy Wilson
Foll: Rowan Marshall, Jack Macrae, Hugo Garcia
Int: Anthony Caminiti, Max Hall, Zak Jones, Angus Hastie, Jimmy Webster
Western Bulldogs vs St. Kilda Prediction & Betting Tips
Head-to-Head Prediction
This one is firmly in the “bloody hard to tip” category.
Both these sides have split the difference recently and have had better-than-expected starts to the season despite last week's collective disappointments. They will both no doubt appreciate being back at their home ground at Marvel.
The Dogs have won their last seven games under the lid, while the Saints' record has also been strong recently, having only dropped one of their past nine games there.
The Dogs did a lot right last week at Norwood before they became the latest side to be overrun by Brisbane.
Luckily for them, they should get a pretty important piece back in their captain, Marcus Bontempelli, from a calf injury for his first game of the season this week.
Saints star Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera is proving to be a problem for opposition coaches as he keeps developing new weapons in his game.
Such is his rise, the 22-year-old is winning more ball than ever before—27.5 disposals—and is ranked No. 1 among general defenders for intercept possessions at 7.3 per game.
In the middle of the ground, the Saints have a slight edge over the Dogs, ranking sixth in clearances compared to the Dogs' 10th.
While the Bont is back, I still expect Tom Liberatore to cop the tag from Windhager to try to maintain that upper hand.
It might come down to how well Wilkie can control Sam Darcy, who just continues to do some of the most incredible things a young player can do.
It goes against recent history between these two, but I think the Dogs will win a close one.
Betting tip: Western Bulldogs
First Goal Prediction
Despite kicking two goals, Jack Higgins was largely sight unseen last week against the Giants, as defender Connor Idun severely limited his impact.
Back at Marvel, he'll look to continue his impressive start to the season and hit the board early.
Betting tip: Jack Higgins
Most Disposals Prediction
He’s been one of the most prolific ball winners all year so far, but I can smell a big Jack Macrae revenge game here. I’m expecting him to go large.
Betting tip: Jack Macrae (35+ disposals)
Western Bulldogs vs St Kilda Match Details
Date: Sunday, April 20, 2025.
First Bounce: 7:20pm AEST.
Location: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne.
How to watch: Channel 7, Fox Footy/Kayo Sports.