The Western Bulldogs have kicked off their AFLW premiership defence with a thrilling one-point win over Adelaide at Norwood Oval.
In a low-scoring affair played in searing conditions, the Dogs held on to score their first ever win over the Crows in the women’s competition.
The win was ultimately conjured from two minutes of brilliance from co-captain Katie Brennan, who booted back to-back goals in the dying stages of the second quarter to swing the momentum in the Bulldogs’ favour.
Either side of that match-defining period, defender Lauren Spark marshalled the defence in an outstanding performance which included 11 marks - the most ever recorded in an AFLW game - to go with 14 disposals.
She was ably assisted by the experienced Hannah Scott (14 possessions), while Ellie Blackburn led from the front with 18 touches and six tackles.
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“It was tough. Adelaide are a great outfit, and we definitely rate them very high,” Blackburn said after the game.
“Their defence, their pressure, the way they go about it - they’re a top-notch team.
“They’re the only team we haven’t beaten. We wanted to get one up on them, and we did.
“To get this win, it really sets us up.”
Adelaide dominated for large parts of the contest, scoring one goal from 12 scoring shots and winning the clearance count 25-9.
Despite that, the Dogs dominated the last quarter without impacting on the scoreboard, locking the ball inside their half.
The Crows most effective foray forward in the final stanza almost ended in them snatching victory, but Jenna McCormick’s shot narrowly missed with 35 seconds remaining.
The Bulldogs return home to VU Whitten Oval next week, when they unfurl their premiership flag before taking on AFLW newcomers Geelong on Saturday, February 9.
ADELAIDE CROWS 1.1 1.7 1.10 1.11 (17)
WESTERN BULLDOGS 0.2 2.3 2.4 2.6 (18)
GOALS
Adelaide: Scheer
Western Bulldogs: Brennan 2
BEST
Adelaide: Marinoff, Phillips, Rajcic, Hatchard, Varnhagen
Western Bulldogs: Spark, Blackburn, Scott, Brennan, Birch, Lamb
Crowd: 7830 at Norwood Oval
