Western Bulldogs round 18 clash moved from Ballarat to Marvel Stadium

After being sledged by a former player about playing a game in front of less than 5000 people, the Western Bulldogs have moved a second match away from Ballarat.

The Western Bulldogs are adamant they remain committed to Ballarat despite moving a round 18 fixture to Marvel Stadium in the wake of criticism about playing at a “construction site” that earnt a sledge form former player Bailey Smith.

Less than 5000 people were able to attend the round 8 thrashing of Port Adelaide at Mars Stadium, which is being redeveloped and didn’t go unnoticed by Smith.

After playing a leading role in Geelong’s thrilling MCG win over Collingwood, in front of more than 80,000, Smith told Fox Footy that “you don’t get that at Ballarat”, a comment that earnt a day-after retort from his former Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli.

Marcus Bontempelli bites back on @sunriseon7 after Bailey Smith’s backhander about the Dogs playing in Ballarat.

“It’s nice to know we’re still on Bailey’s mind. There’s probably a few less people in Ballarat to flip the bird to.”

Get the popcorn ready for Round 11 🍿@7AFLpic.twitter.com/x4heTx9e7J

— Andrew McCormack (@_AMcCormack7) May 4, 2025

But with the round 18 clash against fellow finals aspirants Adelaide set to draw a bumper crowd, the Bulldogs asked for the game to the moved to Marvel Stadium

“While it has been a difficult decision to shift venues for our round 18 clash against the Adelaide Crows in Ballarat, all parties including the AFL, state government and club partners (Visit Victoria, City of Ballarat, Mars Wrigley and Marvel Stadium) have worked collaboratively to arrive at this outcome,” Western Bulldogs chief executive Ameet Bains said.

“Importantly, the club remains extremely excited and committed to the current redevelopment of Mars Stadium, with AFL and AFLW games at Mars Stadium remaining a crucial part of the club’s all-year round presence and involvement in the Ballarat region.

“The club’s regular day-to-day support of the Ballarat region has become a vital cornerstone in all we do, and we look forward to our AFLW home game later this year and future AFL games at Mars Stadium for years to come.

James O’Donnell fetches the ball from over the fence at Mars Stadium, where half the ground is being redeveloped. Picture: Michael Klein

“The club is incredibly appreciative of the understanding from all members and fans and looks forward to welcoming the red, white and blue army to another game at Marvel Stadium later this year.”

The Adelaide match will take place on Saturday, July 12, with the first bounce at 1.20pm, with Marvel Stadium to host three games across the round.

The full fixture for rounds 16-24 is set to be announced on Thursday.

Originally published as Western Bulldogs round 18 clash moved from Ballarat to Marvel Stadium