Smith Faces His Past in High-Stakes Geelong vs Bulldogs Clash
Alright, let’s talk about one of the most anticipated matches of this AFL season – Geelong versus the Western Bulldogs. And no, it’s not just another round of footy. This one's personal. Tonight’s clash at GMHBA Stadium carries a unique buzz because Bailey Smith, now wearing the blue and white hoops of Geelong, is going head-to-head with his old mob for the very first time.
Geelong’s season so far? A bit of a rollercoaster. They’re sitting at 6-4, battling it out in the mid-table, hungry to lock in a finals spot. And with a few key outs – Dangerfield and Bowes both sidelined with hamstring issues – they’ve had to shuffle things around. Tom Stewart’s return gives them a big lift, and Rhys Stanley is back in the ruck. Youngster Ted Clohesy also comes into the mix, even getting named as the sub.
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On the other side, the Bulldogs are bringing serious momentum. They’re also 6-4 but are fresh off a statement win over Essendon, where they absolutely steamrolled the Bombers. The Dogs have kept it simple with just one change – Oskar Baker steps in for the injured Arty Jones.
And if you thought this was just about line-ups and stats, think again. There's been some spicy build-up between Smith and Bulldogs skipper Marcus Bontempelli. It started back in round eight with a bit of cheeky back-and-forth in the media, and it’s only fanned the flames heading into this one. A bit of theatre, as Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge called it. That edge, that tension – it makes tonight's game feel like more than just four points on the line.
And let’s not forget – this match is also part of the Sir Doug Nicholls Round, a time the league pauses to celebrate and honour the contributions of First Nations peoples to the game. It adds another layer of significance to what’s already a huge night.
Oh, and a quick nod to Geelong veteran Mitch Duncan – he’s notched up 300 games. Massive achievement. One club, two flags, and now into the history books. The perfect setting for a milestone game, under lights, in front of a packed Kardinia Park.
So yeah, this isn’t just Geelong vs Western Bulldogs. It’s Bailey Smith’s past meeting his present. It’s pride, performance, and a hint of drama all rolled into one. Let’s see who steps up when it matters most.
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