Tensions are rising in the lead up to one of the season’s most anticipated clashes, with the Bombers and the Bulldogs staging an online Twitter war before Saturday night’s blockbuster game.

The sledging between the two sides has begun in a war of words via Twitter - Essendon's own star midfielder Jake Melksham has also been in on the act tweeting: “Looking forward to Saturday night and a big Bomber crowd! @Essendon_FC running with #lostdogs.”

Bomber fans have also been vocal in their twitter support, coming out in full force against the Dogs:
  • @MandsGlossop: It’s all out war! The mighty Bombers will have #lostdogs yelping all the way back to Whitten Oval!
  • @Nickjol: Completely expecting the #lostdogs to put in another #paw performance against the mighty @Essendon_FC on the weekend
  • @KadyLio: I feel really bad. There’s going to be 22 dogs put to sleep this weekend at Etihad Stadium. #lostdogs
  • @AimeeRachael: #lostdogs – shabby looking with a tail between its legs (Reward: 7th on the ladder)
  • @tessabrook: One letter seperates dons and dogs, but there’s a world of difference this weekend #lostdogs won’t singing their song
  • @KatieSunshine: I’ll be there @Essendon_FC to watch the #lostdogs leave, tails between their legs
  • @JimmyBoyLee: Bulldogs have lost their bite, Bombers have gained altitude and are ready to pounce #lostdogs
Significantly, the #lostdogs hashtag has generated 273, 011 impressions already, reaching an audience of 49,099 followers. #lostdogs was a trending topic in Melbourne over the past 24 hours.

Click here to follow all the action on Twitter today.

Essendon v Western Bulldogs
Saturday 13 August
Etihad Stadium, 7.10pm