THE WESTERN Bulldogs will need to break their Gather Round hoodoo if they are to give Zak Butters a win against his former club, while North Melbourne will also look to break its drought next April.

As revealed on Monday, the Bulldogs will take on the Port Adelaide on the night of Sunday, April 11 in the showcase game of Gather Round in 2027.

But the round, first played in 2023, has been a difficult one for the Bulldogs historically.

The Bulldogs are one of four teams with an 0-4 record in Gather Round, alongside the Kangaroos, West Coast and Richmond.

Luke Beveridge's side has traditionally had tough fixtures in Adelaide, with its losses coming against Port, Geelong, Brisbane and Hawthorn.

With Butters coming up against his former club after his off-season move, the Dogs will be hoping for a breakthrough win.

The Kangaroos will also be eyeing a first Gather Round win when they meet Essendon at Norwood Oval on the same Sunday.

While the Roos are 0-4, the Bombers have enjoyed a good Gather Round record despite their recent struggles, going 3-1 across the four editions, including an upset win over Melbourne in 2026.

And there is set to be a first Gather Round win for the Tigers or Eagles, who will face off at Norwood on Saturday, April 10.

Only three clubs are unbeaten in Gather Round, with Brisbane, Greater Western Sydney and Geelong holding perfect 4-0 records.

The Lions' will be put to the test in next year's opening game against Adelaide, the Giants will take on Gold Coast at Barossa Park and the Cats will meet St Kilda as Rowan Marshall faces his former club.

Gather Round ladder