The Western Bulldogs have sensationally booked their place in the 2018 AFLW Grand Final after a thrilling two-point victory over Melbourne at VU Whitten Oval.
A Brooke Lochland goal with 90 seconds to play snatched the win for the Dogs, who secured top spot on the ladder and face either Brisbane or Adelaide in the season decider, at Ikon Park on Saturday, March 24.
The lead changed three times in a frenetic and manically-played final term, with both teams fighting right to the final siren with their seasons on the line.
Lochland’s match-winning goal was her 12th of the season, and it was timed to perfection.
She made space in a congested forward half and snapped the ball over her right shoulder to send 7593 fans into raptures.
The Dogs were kicking with the aid of a stiff breeze in the final quarter, but were only able to hold off a spirited and determined Demons team.
Players from both teams attacked the ball with incredible ferocity for the four quarters, in what finished as a bruising battle with a combined total of 115 tackles.
Bulldogs’ small forward Jenna Bruton led all comers with 10 tackles (from an individual season-high 18 disposals) in a brilliant performance, and it was her assist which led to the winning goal
Midfielder Emma Kearney was inspirational again, collecting 22 possessions and kicking a crucial goal in the second quarter.
Lauren Spark and Libby Birch were influential in defence, and Monique Conti continued her outstanding debut season.
The Bulldogs failed to score in the two quarters they attacked the Barkly Street end, but booted three goals in the second term to take a seven-point lead into the main break.
The Demons kicked 1.6 in the third quarter as the Dogs defended grimly, before the madness of the final moments saw the home side claw home – just.
Match details
Western Bulldogs 0.0 3.2 3.2 5.3.33
Melbourne 1.1 2.1 3.7 4.7.31
GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Kearney, Brennan, Berry, Conti, Lochland
Melbourne: Cranston, Paxman, Smith, Hore
BEST
Western Bulldogs: Kearney, Bruton, Blackburn, Spark, Conti, Birch
Melbourne: Paxman, Smith, L Pearce, Downie, O'Dea, Jakobsson
