Western Bulldogs firm as AFL premiership contenders, Collingwood's prospects plummet By senior ABC Sport AFL commentator Alister Nicholson Posted Yesterday at 8:23pm SunSunday 11 updated Yesterday at 11:21pm SunSunday 11 The Bulldogs have already shown this season they have the potential to win the flag. ( Print text only Four rounds into the new AFL season and three teams remain undefeated. The Western Bulldogs, Melbourne and Sydney are deservedly occupying the top rungs on the table, having embraced a proactive style of football assisted by — but not solely attributable to — the new standing the mark rule, which has led to a more attacking, free-flowing and enjoyable product.