The Western Bulldogs will host the Brisbane Lions and the Adelaide Crows as their two Ballarat opponents next season.

The AFL has revealed the Club’s two Mars Stadium matches ahead this Thursday’s official release of the 2019 fixture.

The Dogs will host the Lions in Round 8 on Saturday, May 11 at 1.45pm, and the Crows in Round 23 (the league’s floating fixture, with a date and time yet to be announced).

It will be the first time Brisbane and Adelaide have travelled to Ballarat for an official AFL match, with the Bulldogs having played Port Adelaide (twice) and the Gold Coast Suns in their previous three encounters.

The Club will also play a JLT Community Series match against St Kilda at Mars Stadium on Sunday, March 10.

“We’re excited to continue our partnership with the City of Ballarat and the State Government by hosting two AFL premiership season games in Ballarat in 2019,” said Bulldogs’ CEO Ameet Bains.

“We’ve worked closely with the AFL during their fixture process to ensure our games at Mars Stadium in 2019 are scheduled to best maximise the opportunity for Bulldogs fans and the Ballarat community to enjoy the spectacle.

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“It’s pleasing that our first game on May 11 has been confirmed in the earlier time slot, and scheduling our second match in the final game of the home-and-away season will hopefully enhance the opportunity for a large attendance.

“We are also excited about the opportunity to host a pre-season JLT Community Series match at Mars Stadium in March, which will build excitement for the home-and-away season.

“Along with the success of playing AFL games in Ballarat over the last few years, we’re proud of the work we’ve done with our schools, youth leadership and men’s and women’s health programs in the region, which we’re committed to delivering again in 2019.”

The AFL has also locked in the Bulldogs’ Round 1 opponent for the 2019 season – a home fixture against the Sydney Swans at Marvel Stadium on Saturday, March 23.