Western Bulldogs’ Finals Dreams Dwindle After Loss to Fremantle

Melbourne, Australia – september⁤ 1, ‌2024 – The Western Bulldogs’ aspirations for a 2024 AFL finals appearance are hanging by a thread following⁤ a⁣ decisive ‌16-point defeat at the hands ‍of the Fremantle Dockers on ‍Sunday. ​The result effectively seals their fate, requiring a highly improbable outcome in another match ​to keep their season alive.

Match Recap: Dockers Surge Past Bulldogs

The match, played‌ at Marvel Stadium,‌ began promisingly‍ for the Bulldogs, who⁤ established a‍ 16-point lead early in the contest. Though, Fremantle responded with a dominant seven-goal second quarter, ⁤shifting the momentum and ultimately securing ‍a 16-point⁤ victory. This win marks Fremantle’s ⁣first finals berth sence ⁤2022.

Luke Beveridge’s Bulldogs ‌have struggled against top-eight opposition this year, winning only two of‍ ten such⁢ matches. Their hopes now rest on Essendon, ⁤currently dealing ‌with a meaningful injury toll, upsetting the Gold Coast Suns on Wednesday night.

Barring a major upset,⁣ the‌ Bulldogs are ‌projected to finish ninth for ⁣the second time in three seasons, despite a respectable win-loss ‌record of fourteen games in⁣ 2024.