<p>It’s a pretty simple equation for the Western Bulldogs: win every game from here, and they should make finals.</p> <p>Well, almost that simple. They’ll still need a few results to fall their way since they’re currently a game outside the top eight. But with a bunch of key matchups still to play out between other finals hopefuls, the Dogs just need to handle their business — win both their games — and they’ll give themselves every chance.</p> <p>That said, they had a serious scare last Sunday at the MCG, nearly falling victim to the classic ‘sack-the-coach bounce’ against the Demons. A game-saving mark from Sam Darcy in the dying minutes kept their season alive and the dream intact for the Sons of the West.</p> <p>Now they roll into a Sunday arvo clash at Marvel Stadium against West Coast, with a clear task: win and stay in the hunt.</p> <p>As for the Eagles, they nearly pulled off one of the season’s biggest shocks last week, pushing the high-flying Crows right to the wire. It was a gutsy showing in front of their home fans and one of their better performances of the year.</p> <p>But time is running out to avoid a grim bit of history. If they can’t find a second win, West Coast will become the first non-expansion side in the AFL era to finish with just one victory in a season — something we haven’t seen since Fitzroy in 1996 and Sydney in 1993.</p> <p>And while it seems unthinkable the Dogs would drop this game — given what’s at stake, their percentage, and the Eagles’ ongoing struggles — we've seen this movie before. Same teams, same venue, same second-last round of the season… and yep, the Eagles caused a massive upset and kicked the Dogs out of finals contention.&nbsp;</p> <p>They’ll be hoping lightning can strike twice.</p> <p>At selection, the Bulldogs will be forced into a couple of changes with both Laitham Vandermeer and Josh Dolan entering concussion protocols. Cooper Hynes and Nick Coffield impressed in the VFL and are in the frame, while father-son prospect Jordan Croft has been confirmed to make his debut.</p> <p>West Coast also have a few changes to make. Archer Reid is out for the final two rounds with toe tendon damage, and Liam Duggan will miss through suspension. The Eagles will be hoping Harry Edwards is fit to return and provide much-needed support in defence, especially against the Dogs’ tall forward line.</p> <p>For all the latest team news, expert analysis, odds, and tips — check out our full Dogs vs Eagles preview below.</p> <p><br /> &nbsp;</p> <h2>Western Bulldogs vs West Coast Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Western Bulldogs Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Lachie Bramble, Jedd Busslinger, James O’Donnell</p> <p>HB: Luke Cleary, Rory Lobb, Jason Johannisen</p> <p>C: Oskar Baker, Ed Richards, Bailey Dale</p> <p>HF: Ryley Sanders, Aaron Naughton, Matt Kennedy</p> <p>F: Rhylee West, Sam Darcy, Jordan Croft</p> <p>Foll: Tim English, Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore</p> <p>Int: Joel Freijah, Lachie McNeil, Caleb Poulter, Bailey Williams, Riley Garcia</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>West Coast Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Sandy Brock, Harry Edwards, Tom Cole</p> <p>HB: Tom McCarthy, Rhett Bazzo, Reuben Ginbey</p> <p>C: Campbell Chesser, Tim Kelly, Jack Graham</p> <p>HF: Liam Baker, Jobe Shanahan, Tyler Brockman</p> <p>F: Liam Ryan, Jack Williams, Jamie Cripps</p> <p>Foll: Matt Flynn, Brady Hough, Elijah Hewett</p> <p>Int: Ryan Maric, Tom Gross, Clay Hall, Hugh Davis, Matt Owies</p> <h2>Western Bulldogs vs West Coast Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>The Dogs have won five of the past six matches head-to-head, with the one outlier we referenced before in 2023, where the Eagles, somehow, got up to win from nowhere.&nbsp;</p> <p>Which is why we can’t declare with absolute certainty that something will happen this week. It was only last week that we speculated that the Crows could put the highest score ever on the Eagles, and that nearly blew up in all of our faces.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Dogs’ offensive weapons and tall forward line will worry the Eagles, being the second-best offence in the competition.</p> <p>We’d like to see the Eagles shock the footy world, but it might be too much of a stretch this time.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/western-bulldogs-v-west-coast-eagles-9480913">Dogs</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>How about the rare form that Aaron Naughton is in at the moment?</p> <p>24 goals from the past five games… that’s as many, if not just short of, some main key forwards have kicked for the season.</p> <p>He’ll get some favourable matchups this week against a developing Eagles defence, so we’re pencilling him in for the first one here, and another big bag!</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/western-bulldogs-v-west-coast-eagles-9480913">Aaron Naughton</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>In a dark year for the Eagles with not many shining lights, they’ve certainly found one in Tom McCarthy.&nbsp;</p> <p>It's only early, but he’s firming to have a long and successful career if his first half-dozen games at the level are anything to go off. We’re looking to him to top the charts here.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/western-bulldogs-v-west-coast-eagles-9480913">Tom McCarthy 30+ disposals&nbsp;</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Western Bulldogs vs West Coast Eagles Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Sunday, August 17th, 2025</p> <p><strong>First Bounce: </strong>4:40 PM, AEST</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> Marvel Stadium, Melbourne</p> <p><strong>How to watch:</strong> Fox Footy/ Kayo Sports</p>