Written by Rhea Alison, Sports reporter, covering international sports since 2020

The Western Bulldogs head into Sunday’s AFL clash against Essendon at Marvel Stadium on April 6, 2026, with a perfect 3-0 record, but coach Luke Beveridge has warned his players against complacency as the struggling Bombers search for their first win of the season, making this matchup more unpredictable than the ladder suggests.

Bulldogs Wary Despite Strong Start

The Bulldogs have opened their campaign with convincing wins over Brisbane, GWS, and Adelaide, showing sharp ball movement and strong midfield control. Their fast starts and pressure around stoppages have been noticeable, often silencing opposition crowds early.

However, Beveridge made it clear his side cannot relax.

"We're being spruiked a little bit at the moment just purely because of our ladder position. There's a vulnerability in that," Beveridge said.

Essendon Playing With Nothing to Lose

Essendon, sitting at 0-3 and on a 16-game losing streak, come into the match under heavy scrutiny. Despite that, Beveridge believes that pressure can make them unpredictable.

"When you're down at the lower end of the ladder... it can be all bets are off."

The Bombers showed brief flashes in recent games, with bursts of attacking play that hinted at improvement, even if results have not followed.

Team News and Key Changes

The Bulldogs will miss Tom Liberatore due to a hamstring injury, while Adam Treloar could return after a strong VFL performance. Essendon will be without Nate Caddy following a concussion.

Match Outlook and Smart Tip

This game may look one-sided, but expect Essendon to come out with intensity early. If the Bulldogs match that hunger, they should still have too much class.

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For official updates, visit the AFL website.