Towns along the Western Highway in the Wimmera and Grampians regions are expecting an influx of red, white and blue this week as Western Bulldogs supporters make their way to Adelaide to take on the Crows.

With the second elimination final on Saturday night at Adelaide Oval, thousands of Bulldogs fans will drive from Victoria to Adelaide, and local businesses – particularly hospitality and accommodation – are set to benefit.

Horsham, in particular, where Bulldogs star Joel Freijah was raised, is rolling out the welcome mat.

Joel’s dad Gabi said he would be driving to Adelaide on Saturday to watch his son play and encouraged fellow Bulldogs supporters to stop in the Freijah’s home town.

“I’d encourage all the Bulldog supporters as they drive from Melbourne or Victoria across the South Australian border into Adelaide to stop over in Horsham and support the local community, the restaurants, cafes, motels and other establishments – that would be great if they could,” he said.

Mr Freijah said he went to the AFL Wildcard round on Friday night, where the Bulldogs defeated Collingwood by three points.

“The whole family went last weekend. It was a great experience and opportunity to be part of,” he said.

“Joel played finals in his first year against Hawthorn at the MCG. That was another really massive crowd and terrific opportunity for him, and exposure to finals and the experience that brings, so he has been part of it before, but we’re very excited again for this weekend coming up.”

Horsham Rural City Council is also encouraging people to stop, rest and explore the city, with travellers able to visit the Framed in Footy: AFL Photography by Michael Willson exhibition at Horsham Regional Art Gallery, until October 4. 

Cr Dean O’Loughlin, a Western Bulldogs fan, said Horsham was the perfect place for Bulldogs fans to stop.

“It’s no secret I’m a one-eyed Bulldogs supporter, and I’ll be cheering on Horsham’s own Joel Freijah. It’s fantastic to see a local football player representing the Western Bulldogs and giving our community another reason to tune in,” he said.

“We have a great business district with plenty of pubs, cafes and shops for travellers to enjoy, and I hope local businesses will be rolling out the red, white and blue carpet for Bulldogs supporters and all visitors this weekend.”

Sporting finals feature across the region this month, with Horsham City Oval hosting the district league preliminary final on Saturday, and Stawell and Dimboola hosting Wimmera league semi-finals over the weekend.

The entire September 2, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!