January 28: Round 4 v GWS, Henson Park

GWS 7.1 (43) def. WB 2.10 (22)

After a fortnight off due to Health and Safety Protocols - and 20 days since their opening round game - the AFLW Bulldogs returned to the action against GWS in New South Wales. Despite a spirited performance full of effort, the rusty Dogs were ultimately undone by inaccuracy. Eleanor Brown stood tall in defence with 19 disposals and five marks, while Rocky Cranston slotted her first goal in the red, white and blue.

February 1: Additional match v Fremantle, VU Whitten Oval

WB 2.7 (19) def. by Fremantle 3.7 (25)

Just four days after defeat to GWS, the Bulldogs hosted Fremantle in a mid-week replacement match. Falling six points short of registering their first win of the season, the Dogs managed to stay close and match their opposition, until what ended up being the match-winning goal delivered by Ebony Antonio. Midfield bulls Ellie Blackburn and Kirsty Lamb were at their best, collecting 18 disposals and 13 disposals respectively.

February 6: Round 5 v Richmond, VU Whitten Oval

WB 4.6 (30) def. Richmond 1.7 (13)

The Bulldogs were finally rewarded for their efforts, breaking through for their first win of the 2022 season in the rescheduled Pride Game. Kicking away in the second half, it was a gutsy display by the home side, and perfect birthday present for coach Nathan Burke. Kirsty Lamb continued her run of form with 27 touches, while the skipper again led by example with 19 disposals and a goal. Bonnie Toogood was strong in the air.

February 13: Round 6 v Adelaide, Norwood Oval

Adelaide 7.6 (48) def. by WB 8.1 (49)

Tasked with one of the biggest challenges in AFLW at the time, the Bulldogs made the trip to Norwood Oval to take on then ladder-leaders and previously undefeated Crows. Holding on by a golden point, the stellar performance was even more impressive given the Bulldogs were two players down at quarter-time. The win was quickly dubbed one of the Club’s best triumphs of all time.

February 18: Round 7 v Geelong, VU Whitten Oval

WB 3.10 (28) def. Geelong 2.4 (16)

The Bulldogs continued their winning ways with a narrow 12-point victory over a determined Geelong outfit under Friday night lights. Elisabeth Georgostathis produced a breakout game, registering 23 disposals, six tackles, two marks and one goal, which also saw her claim a NAB AFLW Rising Star nomination for the round. Bonnie Toogood contributed with another two goals, while Eleanor Brown was impactful with 17 touches and two clearances.

February 22: Additional match v Gold Coast, Metricon Stadium

Gold Coast 6.5 (41) draw with WB 6.5 (41)

Almost creating history, the Bulldogs produced a spirited fightback in their second mid-week replacement fixture. Trailing by 24 points at the final change against the Suns, the Bulldogs kicked four goals in 10 minutes to record a dramatic draw in humid conditions. Elisabeth Georgostathis put in another strong performance with 19 disposals and six tackles, while Nell Morris-Dalton and Britney Gutknecht contributed with two goals each. 

February 27: Round 8 v Collingwood, Victoria Park

Collingwood 10.6 (66) def. WB 6.5 (41)

Playing their seventh game in 30 days, fatigue started to catch-up to the Bulldogs in their Indigenous Round clash against Collingwood. Despite a promising start from the visitors, the Pies were too strong – putting a slight dent in the Bulldogs’ finals aspirations. Kirsty Lamb was prevalent again with 21 touches and a goal, while Ellie Blackburn battled away with 19 touches and two goals. Deanna Berry also made a successful return from an ACL injury.