The Western Bulldogs have broken a streak lasting three seasons by defeating the Giants at IKON Park on Sunday afternoon.
It marked the first time since 2020 that the Dogs have started an AFLW season with a win, and their first opening-round victory as the home team since 2018.
“I don’t think we’ve won an opening round (as hosts) since the second season, so to get a win to start off with does our team a world of confidence,” Ellie Blackburn told Fox Footy post-match.
“We build off that confidence –to start the season extremely well is something we’re really proud of, and hope to continue throughout the remainder of the season.”
Blackburn led by example in the seven-point win, registering 21 disposals, seven clearances, four marks and seven tackles to go with 388 metres gained.
Her efforts didn’t go unnoticed either, receiving praise from coach Nathan Burke who said the three-time All Australian is still getting better.
“Ellie was amazing – she didn’t come off once in that last quarter,” Burke revealed in his post-match press conference.
“To play the way that she did and run the way that she did – I just left it in her hands. I told her she could swap forward and have a rest or stay in the middle and come off when you need to, but she’s just a warrior.
“She’s a skipper that just wants to carry this team forward.
“She’s such a superstar now, but the ball use and outcome from her efforts will just keep going up and up and up and up.
“She works so hard, and because she does that will only get better and better.”
The Bulldogs will have a six-day break before meeting expansion side Port Adelaide at Alberton Oval on Saturday afternoon.
