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‘Downright disgrace’ as Bulldogs set for MCG home wildcard final in leg-up for rivals Collingwood
The Western Bulldogs will host Collingwood in a wildcard final at the MCG, a venue that is not their home ground, sparking criticism from commentators who call it inequitable. The AFL has confirmed the full wildcard and week-two finals schedules, with Fremantle opening the finals series against Hawthorn. Ed Richards says the Bulldogs are unfazed by the venue and the shorter break, while Aaron Naughton is expected to play despite an ankle injury.
Bulldogs Face Collingwood at MCG in Wildcard Final
The Western Bulldogs will host Collingwood in a wildcard final at the MCG on Friday, August 28, at 7.40pm AEST, a match that has reignited debate over the AFL's venue policy. The Bulldogs, who finished eighth, secured their spot with an upset win over Melbourne, while Collingwood dropped to ninth after losing to Brisbane. Despite being the home team, the Bulldogs will play at the MCG, the home ground of their opponents, rather than their usual Marvel Stadium.
Former Adelaide and Geelong forward Josh Jenkins has been vocal in his criticism, calling the situation a "downright disgrace" and "one of the most inequitable situations that happens in the game." Jenkins noted that the AFL owns Marvel Stadium and predicted that Collingwood fans will outnumber Bulldogs supporters at the MCG. He acknowledged that sending Geelong to the MCG is understandable but argued the Bulldogs' case is different.
Player agent Liam Pickering responded to Jenkins, pointing out that there will be 20,000 more people at the MCG than at Marvel Stadium, emphasizing the financial and atmospheric benefits of the larger venue.
The Bulldogs have a history of playing home finals at the MCG, including a loss to Hawthorn in an elimination final two years ago by 37 points in front of 97,828 spectators, and a loss to Adelaide in 2015. However, they have also enjoyed success there, beating Hawthorn in a 2016 semi-final and winning the grand final that year.
The debate over the venue has been fueled by the fact that the Bulldogs have played at the MCG only once this year and only twice in each of the past four seasons. Despite this, Bulldogs midfielder Ed Richards remains unfazed, saying, "I love playing at the 'G, so I'm not too fussed." Richards acknowledged that Collingwood will have an extra day's rest, having played on Friday night, but he dismissed the difference as "not crazy."
Wildcard Round Schedule Confirmed
The AFL has confirmed the full schedule for the wildcard round and the week-two finals. The Western Bulldogs will face Collingwood on Friday, August 28, at the MCG from 7.40pm AEST. Melbourne will host Carlton on Saturday, August 29, at 7.35pm AEST at the MCG. Tickets for the Bulldogs-Collingwood game go on sale from 10am on Tuesday, August 25, with competing club members from 10am-2pm, AFL Members from 12pm, and the general public from 3pm. Tickets for the Melbourne-Carlton game go on sale from 10am on Wednesday, August 26, with the same staggered times.
The week-two finals will begin with Fremantle hosting Hawthorn in a qualifying final on Thursday, September 3, at Optus Stadium from 8.10pm AEST. Sydney will host Brisbane in the other qualifying final on Saturday, September 5, at the SCG from 3.15pm AEST. Geelong will play an elimination final at the MCG on Friday, September 4, against the lowest-ranked wildcard winner, while Adelaide will host the highest-ranked wildcard winner on Saturday night. The AFL was able to avoid a clash with the NFL game at the MCG on September 11, as only one Melbourne home semi-finalist is possible.
The finals proper now uses the top-six system, previously used between 1991 and 1993. Fremantle, who beat Hawthorn earlier in the season, will secure a home preliminary final and a week off with a win. Geelong cannot face Melbourne in the first week, and Adelaide avoid Carlton, instead drawing the Demons, Bulldogs, or Magpies. If Carlton progress, they would have a six-day break before facing Geelong, while Melbourne would travel to Adelaide if they win.
Bulldogs' Injury Concerns and Return Hopes
The Bulldogs have injury concerns ahead of the wildcard final, but there is optimism about key players. Aaron Naughton, who rolled his ankle late in the win over Melbourne, was not at Monday's light session but is expected to play. Richards said, "Naughts is actually looking pretty good this morning, so hopefully he'll be able to get up as well." Naughton needs to manage swelling but is considered likely to take his place.
Ruckman Tim English, who missed the final two games of the home and away season with an MCL strain, is pushing for a surprise return. Coach Luke Beveridge initially ruled him out of the first week of finals, but English has emerged as a chance to play ahead of schedule.
Veteran midfielder Tom Liberatore, who underwent knee surgery over the weekend to resolve lingering soreness and repair damaged cartilage, is yet to secure a deal for 2027 and might have played his final game. Richards is ready for a midfield clash with Collingwood's Nick Daicos and Jordan De Goey, alongside Marcus Bontempelli.
Richards: Bulldogs Not Fazed by Challenge
Richards has downplayed the challenges of the wildcard final, including the venue and the shorter break. He told reporters that the Bulldogs are not fazed, saying, "There's been a bit of chat about that. I love playing at the 'G, so I'm not too fussed." He added that the team has been "pretty good" at the MCG this year and is focused on continuing that form.
Asked about the extra day's rest for Collingwood, Richards said, "It's not a really crazy difference, so we're not going to be thinking about it too much." He also conceded that the Bulldogs have not made the finals yet and emphasized the need to win to cement a spot.
When asked if the Bulldogs could win five games in a row to claim the premiership, Richards said, "I guess we'll find out in the coming weeks."
AFL Finals Series Launch
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon will speak at the launch of the 2026 Toyota AFL Finals Series on Monday at 12pm AEST. The 2026 Premiership Cup Ambassador and Grand Final medal presenters will be announced at the event. Past players from each wildcard team will be present, including Travis Cloke (Collingwood), Garry Lyon (Melbourne), Tom Boyd (Western Bulldogs), and Anthony Koutoufides (Carlton). The launch comes after a significant period for the AFL, including the Sydney Swans scandal and the Geelong concussion situation.
How each outlet told it
7NEWS Australia
Framing: Headline uses 'Downright disgrace' to emphasize criticism of the venue policy, leaving out that it's a wildcard final. — Critical/outraged, e.g., 'downright disgrace'.
Facts Included:
The Bulldogs are hosting a home final at the MCG against Collingwood.
The Bulldogs upset Melbourne to secure eighth spot.
Collingwood were condemned to ninth after their loss to Brisbane.
The Dogs lost to Hawthorn in an elimination final at the MCG two years ago by 37 points in front of 97,828.
They lost an elimination final to Adelaide at the MCG in 2015.
They beat Hawthorn in an MCG semi-final in 2016 and Sydney in the grand final.
They took a home game against Collingwood to the MCG in Round 2 last year and lost by six points in front of 78,027.
Quotes from Josh Jenkins calling the situation a 'downright disgrace' and inequitable.
Jenkins noted the AFL owns Marvel Stadium.
Jenkins said there will be more Collingwood fans than Bulldogs fans.
Liam Pickering responded that there will be 20,000 more people at the MCG than Marvel.
Jenkins said it's not about Collingwood but about the Dogs.
Jenkins understands the decision to send Geelong to the MCG but not the Dogs.
The Bulldogs have played at the MCG only once this year and only twice in each of the past four seasons.
The AFL is expected to confirm dates and times for wildcard finals on Sunday evening.
The league planned for a Friday night game at the MCG assuming Adelaide would host the other wildcard game.
The Bulldogs hope for Saturday night to give Naughton extra recovery time.
Xander McGuire said the Bulldogs are optimistic Naughton will play.
Framing: Headline emphasizes Tim English's possible return, but omits that he was initially ruled out and that the match is a wildcard final at the MCG. — Hopeful/optimistic, e.g., 'pushing for a shock return'.
Facts Included:
Tim English missed the final two games of the home and away season due to an MCL strain.
Luke Beveridge initially ruled English out of the first week of the finals earlier this month.
English has emerged as a chance to play against Collingwood.
Aaron Naughton is expected to take his place after injuring his ankle in Saturday's win over Melbourne.
Tom Liberatore underwent knee surgery over the weekend to resolve lingering soreness and repair damaged cartilage.
Liberatore is yet to secure a deal for 2027 and might have played his final game.
Framing: Headline is about watching the live launch, focusing on the event rather than the finals themselves. — Promotional/anticipatory, e.g., 'huge few weeks'.
Facts Included:
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon will speak at the launch of the 2026 finals series on Monday at 12pm AEST.
The 2026 Premiership Cup Ambassador and Grand Final medal presenters will be announced.
Dillon will speak ahead of the wildcard finals between the Bulldogs and Collingwood, and Melbourne and Carlton.
Past players from each wildcard team will be present: Travis Cloke, Garry Lyon, Tom Boyd, Anthony Koutoufides.
The full fixture for the second week of finals was announced.
Dillon will speak after the Sydney Swans scandal, Geelong concussion situation, and AFLW season launch.
Framing: Headline emphasizes the confirmed schedule and ticket details, leaving out any controversy. — Neutral/informative, e.g., 'historic wildcard round'.
Facts Included:
The AFL confirmed the schedule for the wildcard round.
On Friday, August 28, the Western Bulldogs will host Collingwood at the MCG from 7.40pm AEST.
Melbourne will host Carlton at the MCG on Saturday, August 29 from 7.35pm AEST.
Tickets for the Bulldogs-Collingwood game go on sale from 10am on Tuesday, August 25.
Tickets for Melbourne-Carlton go on sale from 10am on Wednesday, August 26.
Ticket sale times: 10am-2pm competing club members, 12pm AFL Members, 3pm general public.
Framing: Headline emphasizes Fremantle starting on Thursday, but omits that it's a qualifying final at Optus Stadium. — Neutral/informative, e.g., 'daunting prospect'.
Facts Included:
Fremantle will start their premiership bid with a Thursday night qualifying final against Hawthorn at Optus Stadium.
The AFL released the fixtures for the week two finals on Monday.
Fremantle beat Hawthorn earlier in the season with a comeback.
The finals proper uses the top-six system.
Geelong will play the lowest-ranked wildcard winner, avoiding Melbourne.
Sydney will host Brisbane on Saturday afternoon.
Adelaide will play the highest-ranked wildcard winner on Saturday night.
The AFL can avoid a clash with the NFL game at the MCG on September 11.
Adelaide avoid Carlton.
The Bulldogs (8th) face Collingwood (9th) on Friday, Melbourne (7th) play Carlton (10th) on Saturday.
If Carlton progress, they have a six-day break; Melbourne would travel to Adelaide if they win.
The four wildcard teams need to win five games in a row to claim the premiership.
Ed Richards said, 'I guess we'll find out in the coming weeks.'
Brisbane's AFLW match against GWS was moved to 6.35pm AEST.
Framing: Headline emphasizes Richards' lack of qualms about the MCG clash, omitting the controversy surrounding the venue. — Defiant/relaxed, e.g., 'not fazed', 'not too fussed'.
Facts Included:
Ed Richards says the Bulldogs are not fazed by playing Collingwood at the MCG off a shorter break.
The Bulldogs' usual home ground is Marvel Stadium, but they are required to play at the MCG, Collingwood's home ground.
Richards said, 'I love playing at the G, so I'm not too fussed.'
Collingwood get an extra day's rest, having played Brisbane on Friday night before the Bulldogs played Melbourne on Saturday.
Richards said the difference is not crazy and they won't think about it much.
Aaron Naughton rolled his ankle late against Melbourne, wasn't at Monday's light session, but is expected to play.
Richards said Naughton is looking pretty good and hopes he'll get up.
Tim English (knee) appears less likely but will push to play.
Richards and Marcus Bontempelli are ready for a midfield clash with Nick Daicos and Jordan De Goey.
Richards conceded he felt the Bulldogs haven't made the finals yet and wants to win to cement a final spot.
Each row is one claim, attributed to the outlet whose wording states it most clearly. Confidence rates how directly the source text states the claim — explicit and unhedged rates high; hedged, pieced-together, or internally inconsistent statements rate lower. It does not measure whether the claim is true. Status counts the distinct outlets we found asserting it — so a single-source claim can still show high confidence, and a multi-source claim can show medium. Every one of those outlets is named beside the status, so you can check the count against the list. For claims extracted before we began storing that list, the row says so: it names the outlet the claim is quoted from and states that we have not recorded which outlets backed it. Outlets wrote at different times, so a figure that evolves — a casualty count, for example — can legitimately differ between rows; check the "as of" time next to each claim's source.
Claim
Confidence
Status
ClaimFremantle will face Hawthorn in a Thursday night qualifying final on September 3, 2026 at Optus Stadium, starting at 8.10pm AEST.
ClaimTickets for the Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood wildcard final go on sale from 10am on Tuesday August 25, 2026, with competing club members from 10am-2pm, AFL Members from 12pm, and general public from 3pm.
ClaimTickets for the Melbourne vs Carlton wildcard final go on sale from 10am on Wednesday August 26, 2026, with competing club members from 10am-2pm, AFL Members from 12pm, and general public from 3pm.
ClaimThe Bulldogs lost an elimination final to Adelaide at the MCG in 2015, but beat Hawthorn in an MCG semi-final in 2016 and Sydney in the grand final.
ClaimThe Bulldogs lost to Collingwood at the MCG in Round 2 last year by six points in front of 78,027 fans, in a game taken to the MCG to celebrate the club's centenary.
ClaimJosh Jenkins called the Bulldogs being forced to play a home final at the MCG against Collingwood a 'downright disgrace' and one of the most inequitable situations in the game.
ClaimPast players Travis Cloke (Collingwood), Garry Lyon (Melbourne), Tom Boyd (Western Bulldogs) and Anthony Koutoufides (Carlton) will be present at the finals launch.
ClaimIf Carlton progress, they would have to beat the Cats off a six-day break, while Melbourne would have a six-day break and travel to Adelaide if they win.