The 2025 AFL season rolls on with an intriguing matchup in Round 6 between the Western Bulldogs and St Kilda. This clash, set for Sunday, April 20, 2025, at 7:20 PM AEST, is shaping up to be an exciting contest as both teams aim to stake their claim in the top eight. With a rich history of fierce competition between these two clubs, this is a match that promises plenty of drama and high-quality football.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Western Bulldogs vs. St Kilda matchup, including team form, key players, predictions, and betting odds. Let’s dive right into what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Match Details
- Date: Sunday, April 20, 2025
- Time: 7:20 PM AEST
- Venue: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
- Broadcast: Fox Footy, Channel 7, Kayo Sports
Team Overview
Western Bulldogs
The Western Bulldogs are a club that prides itself on its strong, team-oriented football. Known for their fast-paced, attacking style of play, the Bulldogs have a well-rounded list capable of matching it with the best teams in the competition. While their forward line and midfield are strong, the Bulldogs will be keen to rectify some inconsistencies in their game as they push for a spot in the finals come the end of the season.
Key Players:
- Marcus Bontempelli: The Bulldog captain and star midfielder, Marcus Bontempelli, is one of the AFL’s elite players. With his superb ball-reading skills and contested ball-winning ability, Bontempelli will be central to the Bulldogs’ chances in this match. His ability to influence a game both offensively and defensively will be crucial.
- Aaron Naughton: A key figure in the forward line, Aaron Naughton is a towering presence who can dominate in the air and hit the scoreboard regularly. Naughton’s marking ability and athleticism will be key in challenging St Kilda’s defense.
- Jack Macrae: As one of the best ball-winners in the AFL, Jack Macrae will be vital to the Bulldogs’ efforts to win the midfield battle. His hard-running and ability to link up play will help drive the team forward.
St Kilda
St Kilda has been a team in transition over the past few seasons, with a mix of experienced campaigners and young stars coming together to form a competitive unit. The Saints have shown that they are capable of challenging the AFL’s top teams, and with their aggressive style of play, they’ll be looking to take it to the Western Bulldogs in this encounter. St Kilda’s pressure around the contest and forward-line depth are key strengths, but consistency remains their biggest challenge.
Key Players:
- Jack Steele: As the St Kilda captain and one of the AFL’s premier midfielders, Jack Steele is the heartbeat of the Saints. Known for his tenacity and ability to win contested ball, Steele will be instrumental in the middle of the ground as the Saints look to take control of the contest.
- Max King: In attack, Max King is a key target for St Kilda. His height and marking ability make him a dangerous weapon, and King will be looking to exploit any weaknesses in the Western Bulldogs’ defense.
- Brad Crouch: A seasoned campaigner, Brad Crouch will play a pivotal role in St Kilda’s midfield. His ball-winning ability and defensive work will be crucial as the Saints look to keep the Bulldogs at bay.
Head-to-Head Record
Historically, the head-to-head between the Western Bulldogs vs. St Kilda has been a closely contested one. Both teams have had their fair share of victories, with some memorable encounters over the years. However, in recent seasons, the Bulldogs have generally had the upper hand, especially with their potent forward line and strong midfield.
Previous Matchups:
- Round 6, 2024: Western Bulldogs defeated St Kilda by 28 points in a high-scoring affair.
- Round 10, 2023: St Kilda claimed a narrow victory, winning by just 6 points in a tense and tightly contested match.
- Round 19, 2023: Western Bulldogs secured a dominant 42-point win, showing their superior ball movement and scoring efficiency.
Match Preview
Midfield Battle
The midfield will be the key battleground in this matchup, as both teams boast strong, hard-working midfielders. Marcus Bontempelli will have his work cut out for him in the middle, as he will be up against Jack Steele, one of the most powerful contested ball-winners in the league. The winner of this midfield battle will likely dictate the flow of the game, as both teams rely on their midfielders to drive the ball forward and create scoring opportunities.
The Bulldogs’ midfield depth is impressive, with the likes of Jack Macrae, Tom Liberatore, and Bailey Smith providing plenty of support to Bontempelli. St Kilda, however, isn’t short of quality in the midfield, with Brad Crouch, Sebastian Ross, and Jade Gresham capable of breaking free from stoppages and launching attacking moves.
Forward Line
Both teams have dynamic forward lines, but the Western Bulldogs have the edge in terms of depth and consistency. With Aaron Naughton, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, and Cody Weightman all capable of hitting the scoreboard, the Bulldogs will look to move the ball quickly and create plenty of scoring opportunities.
For St Kilda, Max King is the focal point in attack. The Saints will rely heavily on King’s marking ability to create scoring chances. If King can get on top of Western Bulldogs’ defenders, St Kilda will be in with a chance to steal a win. However, the Bulldogs’ backline, featuring players like Alex Keath and Ryan Gardner, is strong and will look to limit the impact of King and the other Saints forwards.
Defensive Units
Both teams have capable defensive units, but it’s the Western Bulldogs’ defense that tends to have the upper hand. Alex Keath, Ryan Gardner, and Bailey Williams are excellent at intercepting the ball and rebounding from defense. They’ll need to be at their best to stop Max King and prevent St Kilda from scoring freely.
St Kilda’s defense, led by Dougal Howard and Callum Wilkie, is strong but can sometimes be susceptible to quick ball movement. The Saints will need to stay disciplined and prevent the Bulldogs from exploiting any gaps in their defense.
Predictions and Odds
Betting Odds:
- Western Bulldogs: $1.40
- St Kilda: $2.85
Prediction:
The Western Bulldogs are the clear favorites for this clash, given their home-ground advantage and strong team balance. Their midfield depth and potent forward line make them a difficult team to beat. The Saints, however, are a resilient side and can cause an upset if they can control the contested ball and utilize Max King effectively.
Expect a tight contest early on, but Western Bulldogs should eventually prevail due to their superior ball movement and attacking options. Western Bulldogs by 15-20 points is the most likely outcome.
Where to Watch
- Fox Footy will broadcast the match live for fans across Australia.
- Channel 7 offers free-to-air coverage for those watching on TV.
- Kayo Sports will provide live streaming for fans looking to watch the game online.
The Western Bulldogs vs. St Kilda match in Round 6 of the 2025 AFL season is set to be a thrilling contest. With both teams boasting a strong midfield and dynamic forwards, this game promises plenty of excitement. While Western Bulldogs are the favorites, St Kilda will be keen to make an impact and prove they can mix it with the best. Expect an action-packed affair with the Bulldogs eventually getting the job done.Be sure to tune in on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at 7:20 PM AEST to catch all the action live.
