AFL 2023 round 6 LIVE updates: Bad blood boils early for Lobb in Dockers, Dogs clash at Optus Stadium

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Bontempelli gets the Dogs’ first

Marcus Bontempelli took a strong contested mark right near goal and the captain slotted it straight through the big sticks to get his side’s first major of the evening.

Jack Macrae of the Western Bulldogs.Credit: Getty

It was quickly followed by a goal from Anthony Scott. A good reward for effort after more than three quarters of the game has been played in the Bulldogs’ forward half so far this term.

Could this be the spark for some Bulldog momentum?

Dogs squandering early opportunities

The Western Bulldogs have now registered six straight behinds, including from some very gettable set shots.

This is while Fremantle have kicked two straight. The second of those from ex-Hawk Jaeger O’Meara.

The Dogs have had 10 inside 50s and no majors to show for it. On the other side of the park, the Dockers have two goals from their two inside 50s.

Sean Darcy opens Freo’s account

After two behinds from the Western Bulldogs forwards (Ugle-Hagan and Weightman), Fremantle has gotten the first goal of the game off the boot of Sean Darcy.

The opening five minutes have mostly been played in the Dogs forward half, but the Dockers made the most of their first entry.

We’re off!

The opening game of round six has gotten underway at Optus Stadium!

Both Fremantle and the Western Bulldogs need the win to really kick their seasons into gear.

Hopefully, this is result in a high-pressured arm wrestle.

Rory Lobb tussle before the game even begins!

The Fremantle players have gone straight to Rory Lobb with an early tussle even before the first centre bounce.

Fremantle v Western BulldogsCredit: Getty

A lot of pushing and shoving in the skirmish with many players involved could be reflective of a very tense game.

Anzac Day tribute at Optus Stadium

An Anzac Day tribute has gotten underway ahead of the game.

Players, umpires, fans and staff will honour Australian servicemen and women with a minute of silence and ceremony.

Blues ruck De Koning to miss Saints clash

By Andrew Wu

Carlton have left rising star Tom de Koning out of the team for the first time this season but welcomed back Mitch McGovern for the Blues’ clash with St Kilda.

Carlton’s Tom De KoningCredit: Getty

As the Saints confirmed the returns of skipper Jack Steele and star forward Tim Membrey, the injury-hit Blues have turned to debutant Alex Cincotta to fill the big void left by Adam Saad.

The Blues say De Koning, coming off a 10-day break, is being managed and has not been dropped, though as one of the four listed emergencies could still play as the sub on Sunday at Marvel Stadium.

There is much intrigue whether De Koning, in his sixth season, will remain at IKON Park, with several clubs showing an interest in the ruckman, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

What reception is Rory Lobb in for tonight?

Earlier this week, Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge urged former-Docker Rory Lobb to embrace the inevitable boos when the key forward confronts his former club.

Lobb’s messy exit from Fremantle at the end of last season means he will likely be enemy No.1 at Optus Stadium tonight.

Rory Lobb warming up.Credit: Getty

The 30-year-old has endured a tough start to his time at the Bulldogs, booting just three goals in four appearances.

Freo fans are tipped to give Lobb a frosty reception, but Beveridge doesn’t think the 207-centimetre spearhead will be put off his game.

“Rory’s expecting it, and we’ll help him deal with it and we’ll help him play as well as he can,” Beveridge told reporters.

“I don’t think the booing of Rory Lobb tomorrow night is going to be an issue.

“It’s definitely topical when it comes to other players at different times, but we just need to welcome it and (welcome) the hostile environment we’re going to walk into tomorrow night.”

Notably last week, Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley took issue at people booing 19-year-old recruit Jason Horne-Francis.