The Bulldogs are set to unveil a new loud theme song entrance for Caesar, AC/DC's Hail Caesar, as he steps back out on the turf at the Docklands stadium in his home game lap on Sunday afternoon. This is a big return for Caesar in his first AFL game day more than 18 months.

Ballarat fans will get their chance to be part of the Ross Creek-based Caesar's new arrival in a fortnight's time when he parades before crowds in the Bulldogs' return to Mars Stadium.

Caesar will also be leading the charge for the annual Ballarat Bull-Doggie-Do next week for all the city's pet bulldogs to mingle before the first Ballarat AFL home game of the season.

Caesar's owner Tanya Templeton said the festivities made for a much-needed comeback for her boy. Ms Templeton said the four-year-old was noticeable sad to be away from the football for so long, and not really understanding why.

He had been anointed the Bulldogs' real-life mascot at four months old, growing into club duties. In lockdowns, Caesar struggled to understand why not many people would pat or cheer him.

"He got very depressed last year because he had been so used to going everywhere. You could see the change in him, he was turning naughty. We had to take him to Bunnings and dog parks just so he could get his fix of people and pats," Ms Templeton said.

"We went down to the girls games in AFLW this year. He was so happy to be back with the (costumed) mascots. He was rolling around the grass with them...He really missed that social side of the game."

Caesar will be bringing some friends to the annual Bull-Doggie-Do to celebrate all things Bulldog.

The event, hosted by City of Ballarat and Western Bulldogs, will once again feature a best-dressed competition and doggie photo booth at Bridge Mall Farmers Market on Saturday morning.

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Sibling hackers Daniel and Emily McLean set the Bull-Doggie-Do in motion four years ago after discovering the large proportion of bulldog pets in town from trawling through City of Ballarat data.

And so, the 'Do became the place for all Ballarat bulldogs to be ahead of the first AFL games at Mars each year.

As it stands, Western Bulldogs fans will be able to enjoy a 75 per cent capacity crowd at Mars Stadium for a clash against Brisbane Lions on April 10. This will equate to about 8,200 fans.

The Bulldogs will return for a second AFL match against Adelaide on July 24.

Western Bulldogs chief Ameet Bains told The Courier easing restrictions were great news ahead of the club's return to Ballarat, particularly after the disappointment of not being able to play on Mars last season.

Bulldogs owners are encouraged to pre-register, free on eventbrite, for the Bull-Doggie-Do to receive a gift pack. Bull-Doggie-Do is at Bridge Mall Farmers Marker on April 3, 10.30am to noon.

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