Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Western Bulldogs India AFL match plans have moved into focus, with the club keen to lead a future Australian Football League fixture for premiership points in India.

The push is being driven by Western Bulldogs chief executive Ameet Bains, as the club looks to build stronger links with South Asian supporters in Australia and abroad.

The idea follows another major Australian Football League off-field story, Paul Curtis Suspension Stands as Jy Simpkin Criticises AFL Review System, as clubs continue to shape wider league conversations. Fans can follow official updates through the Australian Football League website.

Bulldogs Want First India Fixture

CODE Sports reporter Jon Ralph said the Western Bulldogs are highly interested in becoming the first club to play in India for premiership points.

“The Dogs have thrust their hand very high — they are adamant that they would love to be the first team to play in India for premiership points,” Ralph reported on Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle.

“Ameet Bains, the club CEO, is red-hot on it. He’s not only open to exploring what a game might look like, but there are a million people who were born in India who now live in Australia. He wants his team to be the number one team that you are to support if you are from an Indian background.”

Ralph also said Australian Football League chief executive Andrew Dillon urged clubs to better connect with multicultural Australia.

India Seen as Growth Market

The Australian Football League has previously taken premiership matches to Wellington, New Zealand, and Shanghai, China.

India is seen as a possible next step because of its cricket culture, oval venues and huge population, estimated at just under 1.48 billion.

Midweek Tackle panellist Corbin Middlemas backed the idea, saying India offers a strong case for an Australian rules football fixture.

“I’m with you Jon, I’m an expansionist. I feel like it would be a great move for the game. You think about the population there — one billion people,” Middlemas added.

For the Western Bulldogs, the plan also fits years of work building Indian and multicultural support.