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Western Bulldogs vs GWS Giants Round 1 Tips – Bulldogs to bite with big win against Giants

Adam Cusworth

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Last updated: Wed 11 Mar 2026 07:09

Adam Cusworth 11 Mar 2026

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Western Bulldogs favored after a strong finish in pre-season and a win against Brisbane.
GWS Giants aim to overcome injuries with talented midfield, but face Bulldogs' offensive challenge.
Expect a high-scoring game with Bulldogs having historical advantage.

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GWS Giants vs Western Bulldogs Marvel Stadium

Sam Darcy booted five goals the last time these two sides met (Getty Images)

The Western Bulldogs will make another early statement with a big win over GWS in AFL Round 1.

While the Bulldogs narrowly missed finals in 2025, they boasted one of the competition’s most potent attacking systems, and early fine tuning this season suggests they will be one of the teams to contend for the premiership.

Their midfield depth and polish was on display in their five-point win on the road against the reigning premiers, Brisbane, last weekend.

The Giants are attempting to build on a finals appearance last season and have the midfield class to challenge through players such as their new recruit, Clayton Oliver, who continues to produce elite numbers around the contest, but the Giants’ injury list has placed pressure on their overall depth.

They were able to overcome their depleted stocks last weekend with a classy 27-point win over the Hawks but the Bulldogs midfield group is a much more challenging beast to deal with here.

Look for Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore and Tim English to give Luke Beveridge’s side enormous strength around stoppages, and when they win the clearance battle the Bulldogs’ their forward line will becomes extremely difficult to contain. Aaron Naughton and Sam Darcy booted five goals apiece the last time these two sides played, with the Giants defence overwhelmed with the Bulldogs quality ball movement.

Given the Bulldogs’ ability to produce scoring bursts should ultimately see them take control in what looms as a high-scoring contest.

The Western Bulldogs have won the past four against the Giants by an average of 46 points.
Tom Liberatore has averaged 28 disposals in his past five matches against the Giants
Clayton Oliver has averaged just under 30 disposals in his past five matches against the Bulldogs
The Bulldogs ranked top for goals per game in 2025, GWS were fourth.

Head to Head

The Western Bulldogs destroyed GWS the last time the two sides met, claiming the Round 21 encoutner at Marvel Stadium by 88 points. Aaron Naughton and Sam Darcy both booted five goals, while Marcus Bontempelli and Tom Liberatore had over 25 disposals.

The Bulldogs have won their past four matches against the Giants with those coming at an average margin of 46 points. The Bulldogs have won the past three between the two sides at Marvel.

Western Bulldogs Form Analysis

The Bulldogs opened their 2026 season with a narrow five-point win over Brisbane in a high-scoring contest (111-106) at the Gabba. The win over last year’s premiers highlighted the strength of their midfield group as well as their potency in attack with multiple scoring options.

Tom Liberatore was influential around the contest with 28 disposals, while Ed Richards and Matt Kennedy both had 30. Marcus Bontempelli booted three majors, one of five players that kicked multiple goals.

Looking back to 2025, the Bulldogs finished 9th with a 14-9 record and narrowly missed finals despite ranking first in the AFL for goals per game. Their pre-season produced mixed results, losing a match simulation clash with Sydney before responding with an impressive 18.9 (117) to 11.7 (73) Community Series win over Hawthorn. In that game Tim English dominated the ruck with 33 hitouts while Ed Richards and Jordan Croft were influential in generating scoring opportunities.

Western Bulldogs Team News

Arthur Jones will miss with concussion, with Adam Treloar a chance to return from a calf injury. Ryley Sanders is a chance to come back from concussion.

GWS Giants Form Analysis

GWS began the 2026 season with a strong 27-point win over Hawthorn in Opening Round, controlling the contest for much of the match. The Giants built their lead through dominant midfield work and sustained inside-50 pressure before holding off the Hawks’ late challenge. Clayton Oliver starred through the middle with 27 disposals and nine clearances while also kicking a goal, highlighting the impact he can have around stoppages.

The Giants were also well served in attack with Jake Stringer producing a major performance, kicking five goals to capitalise on the midfield’s territorial dominance. Their ability to convert scoring opportunities proved decisive as they maintained scoreboard pressure throughout the game.

In 2025, GWS finished 7th with a 13-10 record before being eliminated in the first week of finals. Their game style continues to revolve around contested midfield strength and aggressive ball movement, but injuries to several key players will test their depth during the early rounds of the season.

GWS Giants Team News

No injuries to come out of he Hawthorn match but the Giants were hit hard by injuries during the pre-season. Tom Green will miss the entire season with an ACL injury while Sam Taylor, Josh Kelly, Aaron Cadman and Brent Daniels will be missing. Toby Bedford and Leek Aller are edging closer to a return from their respective injuries.

Verdict

Western Bulldogs v Greater Western Sydney Giants

Bulldogs to win big in high scoring contest, Liberatore and Oliver amongst disposals for either side

Western Bulldogs

Handicap -20.5

@9/10 - 1 Unit

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Clayton Oliver

To Have 25+ disposals

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Tom Liberatore

To Have 25+ disposals

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Over 195.5

Total Points

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One of Australia's top tipsters, Adam provides tips for horse racing every day of the week as well as AFL previews. He is one of the top ranked experts on the Great Tip Off each month and has featured on Blackbook, Punters, Racingbase and many more.